Bottles of the Month | Ben & Lewis’ Monthly Drinks Picks

Our Monthly Picks

October 2025

The GlenAllachie 17 Year Old – Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Finish (Distillery Exclusive)

The GlenAllachie Speyside 17 Years Old 58.1%

Our Verdict

For October, I’ve chosen a whisky that perfectly captures the season’s mood. Matured in an ex-solera sherry cask and bottled at a commanding 58.1% ABV, this dram is all about richness and depth. My first bottle of the month review had to be a @theglenallachie_ , I’ve long been a fan of the distillery and the craft of Master Blender Billy Walker. For me, it embodies everything I want October drams to be: bold, indulgent, and deeply comforting.

Tasting Notes

👃 Nose: Espresso, brandied honeycomb and poached pears, with spiced orange, cinnamon-coated hazelnuts and buttercream.
👅 Taste: Cocoa, raisins and heather honey, followed by caramelised sugar, mocha and maraschino cherries, with cinnamon and ginger on the 🏁.

October 2025

Lochlea Single Malt – Our Barley

Lochlea Lowlands Non Aged 46% £47

Our Verdict

For my first bottle of the month, I’m going with a recent discovery Lochlea. Having not heard much about them before, I thought I would give them a try, and I was not disappointed. A fantastic little dram that really surprised me with its depth and balance.
Matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon, sherry, and STR casks, Our Barley delivers a beautifully layered single malt that feels both fresh and full of character.

For me, Our Barley shows exactly what makes Lochlea exciting, a whisky that’s youthful yet refined, approachable yet distinctive. It’s a dram that leaves me eager to see how this distillery develops in the years ahead.

Tasting Notes

👃 Nose: Sweet, juicy fruit salad, a drizzle of honey, and sugared orange peel with soft notes of grassy malt beneath.
👅 Palate: Buttered soda bread, crushed almonds, tinned peaches with Chantilly cream. Prickles of peppery barley gently build.
🏁 Finish: A touch of maple syrup and nutty, toasted oak. Creamy layers of vanilla soften the spice.

Ben's

Tomatin Cask Strength Bourbon & Sherry Casks Expression

For January’s Bottle of the Month, Ben has chosen something bold, warming, and full of character. Tomatin Cask Strength, matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks and bottled at a powerful 57.5% ABV.

This is a whisky that really showcases Tomatin at its best: rich, full-bodied, and unapologetically flavour-forward. Despite the strength, it’s beautifully balanced, offering depth and warmth that makes it incredibly rewarding to spend time with, especially during these colder winter evenings.

Expect layers of sweet vanilla and caramel from the bourbon casks, wrapped in dried fruits, spice, and a gentle sherried richness. It’s robust without being overwhelming, and every sip reveals something new.

👃 Nose: Sweet and inviting, vanilla, honeyed malt, dried fruit, and soft spice.

👅 Palate: Rich and mouth-coating with caramel, toasted oak, dark fruit, and warming spice.

🏁 Finish: Long, bold, and deeply satisfying, with lingering sweetness and oak influence.

Region: Highland | ABV: 57.5% | Cask: Bourbon and Sherry

Definitely worth checking out more from Tomatin, there are some real gems in their range.

Lewis'

Wolfburn Cask Strength Sherry & Bourbon Casks

For his Bottle of the Month, Lewis has gone for something bold, characterful, and unmistakably northern. Wolfburn Cask Strength, matured in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks and bottled at a punchy 56.9% ABV.

This is a whisky that delivers real presence without losing its balance. Wolfburn’s coastal Highland spirit shines through, layered with richness from the casks and a natural weight that rewards a slow sip. It’s powerful, yet surprisingly refined, the kind of dram that keeps you coming back for another pour.

Sweet malt and vanilla from the bourbon casks lead the way, followed by dried fruits, gentle spice, and a savoury depth from the sherry influence. Add a drop of water and it opens up beautifully, revealing even more complexity.

👃 Nose: Rich and inviting, malt sweetness, dried fruit, soft spice, and a hint of coastal character.

👅 Palate: Full-bodied and warming with vanilla, dark fruit, toffee, gentle oak, and spice.

🏁 Finish: Long, dry, and satisfying, with lingering sweetness and subtle salinity.

Region: Highland | ABV: 57.5% | Cask: Sherry and Bourbon

A cracking example of Wolfburn at cask strength, bold, balanced, and packed with flavour. Well worth seeking out if you enjoy whiskies with depth and character.

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Ben's

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 13.86, “A Magical Mystery Tour.”

For Ben’s Christmas pick, I’m choosing something truly memorable. This 7-year-old Highland malt has been a favourite I’ve gone back to throughout the year, and it captures everything I love about a festive whisky: rich, flavour-packed, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the sort of whisky that wraps you in warmth as soon as you take that first sip.

The Society’s description says it perfectly — sweet, aromatic and satisfying, with notes of crème brûlée, butterscotch, baklava, moscatel wine and medjool dates. A Christmas dessert trolley in a glass.

👃 Nose: Sweet, aromatic, indulgent.
👅 Palate: Crème brûlée, butterscotch, baklava, and fruity richness from moscatel wine and medjool dates.
🏁 Finish: Deep, warming, festive — everything a Christmas whisky should be.

💪 Cask No: 13.86 | Region: Highland | Age: 7 Years | ABV: 58.7% | Bottler: SMWS | Style: Single Cask, Cask Strength

Make sure to check out the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, as they offer some exceptional expressions.

Lewis'

Ardbeg Ten

For December, Lewis’s Christmas pick, he’s gone with a true Islay classic: the Ardbeg Ten.

Known for its bold smoky character, this single malt is a perfect introduction for anyone looking to explore the world of peat. Lewis isn’t usually a peaty drinker, but this dram’s balance of smoke, sweetness, and seaside character makes it a great starting point for anyone curious about smoky whisky.

👃 Nose: Sea spray, tarry rope, and a gentle wisp of smoke.

👅 Palate: Rich peat, smoky malt, and sweet vanilla weaving together beautifully.

🏁 Finish: Long, warm, and satisfyingly smoky — ideal for winter nights.

💪 ABV: 46% | Region: Islay | Style: Peated Single Malt

Whether you’re a long-time Islay fan or just dipping your toe into peat, the Ardbeg Ten delivers power, balance, and festive cheer — a perfect Christmas dram.

See more at Ardbeg

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Ben's

Epic Drams Linkwood 10 Year Old (Cask #315399)

This month’s pick from Ben comes from one of Scotland’s newest independent bottlers Epic Drams, founded earlier this year by Euan, with one goal in mind: to share exceptional single cask, cask strength whiskies with fellow enthusiasts at prices that won’t break the bank.

The Linkwood Single Cask is a perfect example of what Epic Drams is all about — character, craftsmanship, and flavour.

👃 Nose: Fresh and herbaceous, with floral, grassy notes, hints of barley, and gentle oak.
👅 Palate: Soft caramel and butterscotch up front, giving way to delicate vegetal tones and that classic Linkwood bitterness.
🏁 Finish: Long, dry, and pleasantly lingering, with a subtle fruitiness that ties it all together.

💪 ABV: 57.8% | Age: 10 Years | Cask Type: Hogshead | Region: Speyside

A beautiful dram that showcases both the finesse of Linkwood and the passion behind Euan’s vision making single cask magic more accessible to us all.

See more at Epic Drams

Lewis'

Cotswolds Distillery Signature Single Malt

This month, Lewis has chosen something beautifully English — the Cotswolds Distillery Signature Single Malt. Distilled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this whisky showcases the best of English craftsmanship with big, bold flavours and a touch of elegance.

The Signature release is made using locally grown barley, floor-malted by hand and distilled slowly to capture rich, full-bodied character. Matured in a combination of premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) red wine casks, it’s a vibrant, fruit-forward dram that’s both approachable and full of depth.

👃 Nose: Honey and red fruits, with notes of malt, toasted oak, and a hint of citrus.
👅 Palate: Rich and creamy with layers of caramelised sugar, ripe berries, and gentle spice.
🏁 Finish: Long and warming, with lingering vanilla and a touch of dry oak.

💪 ABV: 46% | Cask Type: Premium First-Fill ex-Bourbon & STR Red Wine Casks | Region: England

A standout English single malt that balances tradition with innovation — and a great reminder that world-class whisky isn’t just made north of the border.

See more at Cotswold Distillery

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Ben's

The GlenAllachie 17 Year Old – Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Finish (Distillery Exclusive)

My first bottle of the month review had to be a @theglenallachie_ , I’ve long been a fan of the distillery and the craft of Master Blender Billy Walker.

For October, I’ve chosen a whisky that perfectly captures the season’s mood. Matured in an ex-solera sherry cask and bottled at a commanding 58.1% ABV, this dram is all about richness and depth.

👃 Nose: Espresso, brandied honeycomb and poached pears, with spiced orange, cinnamon-coated hazelnuts and buttercream.
👅 Taste: Cocoa, raisins and heather honey, followed by caramelised sugar, mocha and maraschino cherries, with cinnamon and ginger on the 🏁.

For me, it embodies everything I want October drams to be: bold, indulgent, and deeply comforting.

✨ What’s your favourite GlenAllachie bottle? Would it make it in your October bottle of the month?

Lewis'

Lochlea Single Malt – Our Barley

For my first bottle of the month, I’m going with a recent discovery Lochlea. Having not heard much about them before, I thought I would give them a try, and I was not disappointed. A fantastic little dram that really surprised me with its depth and balance.
Matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon, sherry, and STR casks, Our Barley delivers a beautifully layered single malt that feels both fresh and full of character.

👃 Nose: Sweet, juicy fruit salad, a drizzle of honey, and sugared orange peel with soft notes of grassy malt beneath.
👅 Palate: Buttered soda bread, crushed almonds, tinned peaches with Chantilly cream. Prickles of peppery barley gently build.
🏁 Finish: A touch of maple syrup and nutty, toasted oak. Creamy layers of vanilla soften the spice.

For me, Our Barley shows exactly what makes Lochlea exciting, a whisky that’s youthful yet refined, approachable yet distinctive. It’s a dram that leaves me eager to see how this distillery develops in the years ahead.

✨ What’s your favourite Lochlea expression so far?

Your Basket

Our Bottles of the Month

The GlenAllachie 17 Year Old – Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Finish (Distillery Exclusive)

Lochlea Single Malt – Our Barley

Ben's

Lewis'

Ben's

Lewis'

Ben's

Epic Drams Linkwood 10 Year Old (Cask #315399)

See more at Epic Drams

Lewis'

Cotswolds Distillery Signature Single Malt

See more at Cotswold Distillery

Ben's

Lewis'

Your Basket