Every month, we share the bottle we’re enjoying most and the reasons behind our picks.
From smooth whiskies to refreshing wines, gins, or beers, see what’s in their glasses and maybe find your next favourite too. Explore this month’s picks →
Our Bottles of the Month
APRIL 2026
Ben's
Rich. Coastal. Effortlessly smooth.
This month Ben’s gone for a classic from Islay — the Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old from Bunnahabhain Distillery.
Unpeated and beautifully balanced, this is Islay from a different angle. Expect dried fruits, toasted nuts and vanilla, with a gentle coastal influence running through it. There’s depth here without the smoke, smooth, rounded and incredibly easy to enjoy.
A proper everyday dram that still delivers plenty of character.
📍 Islay single malt
⏳ 12 years old
🔥 46.3% ABV
🥃 Unpeated | Non-chill filtered
A timeless bottle and an easy pick for Ben this month
Lewis'
Balanced. Coastal. Quietly complex.
This month Lewis has gone for a classic — the Kilkerran 12 Year Old from Glengyle Distillery.
A beautifully balanced Campbeltown dram, bringing together light peat smoke, citrus brightness and a gentle maritime salinity. There’s a lovely oily texture here, with notes of lemon zest, vanilla, malt sweetness and a soft smokiness that lingers just enough.
It’s not overpowering, just incredibly well put together. The kind of whisky you keep going back to.
📍 Campbeltown single malt
⏳ 12 years old
🔥 46% ABV
🥃 Lightly peated | Non-chill filtered
A proper all-rounder and an easy choice for Lewis thismonth.
MARCH 2026
Ben's
The The GlenAllachie 2014 Sìnteis Series Chinquapin & Pedro Ximénez Cask Matured from The The Glenallachie Distillery.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled at cask strength, this dram delivers layer upon layer of flavour. The combination of Chinquapin oak and Pedro Ximénez casks brings rich notes of dark fruits, baking spices and chocolate, with that signature GlenAllachie depth running all the way through the finish.
Powerful yet beautifully balanced, a whisky that rewards slow sipping and a little patience in the glass.
🪵 Chinquapin & Pedro Ximénez cask matured
🔥 Cask strength – 57.8% ABV
📅 Distilled 2014 | Bottled 2025
🥃 Non-chill filtered | Natural colour
A big, bold Speyside dram and an easy pick for Ben’s March favourite.
Lewis'
SMWS Cask 19.108 Muddled Menthol 14 Year Old from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
A wonderfully expressive dram with an intricate fruity structure balanced by distinctive menthol characteristics. Bright fruit notes sit alongside that cooling edge, creating a whisky that feels both vibrant and deeply layered the kind that keeps evolving in the glass.
Bottled at cask strength (approx. 55% ABV), this 14-year-old single cask delivers intensity without losing balance, offering a long, refreshing finish that really sets it apart.
🥃 14 years old
🔥 Cask strength 51.2% ABV
🪵 Single cask release
🍏 Fruity, fresh, menthol-led
Distinctive, complex and memorable a standout pick from Lewis this month.
FEBRUARY 2026
Ben's
The Glenturret Distillery 7 Year Old Peated Smoke, and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Earthy peat straight out the gate, followed by wood smoke, charred oak, and toasted malt, with a subtle sweetness keeping everything in check. There’s depth here for a young whisky, confident, punchy, and incredibly drinkable.
It’s not about finesse or frills. This is a dram for cold evenings, good conversation, and anyone who likes their whisky with a bit of grit.
🪵 Peated Highland malt
🔥 Big smoke, balanced sweetness
⏳ 7 years old
A proper no-nonsense bottle and an easy February favourite for Ben.
Lewis'
Burgundy Yeast. Beyond Burgundy From Hollyrood Distillery and part of their Noir Series, this release leans into flavour exploration and lets the yeast do the talking.
Sweet and savoury in balance. Digestive biscuits with raspberry jam, followed by pomegranate-filled brandy snaps, rounded off with soft oak and a warming finish. It opens up beautifully with time, layered, expressive, and quietly complex.
📍 East Lothian pot still malt
🧪 Pinnacle M & Maurivin B yeast
🪵 Ex-bourbon & Burgundy barrique
🔥 47.4% ABV
A modern Scotch that rewards curiosity and a very easy choice for Lewis’ February favourite.
JANURARY 2026
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.
DECEMBER 2025
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.
NOVEMBER 2025
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
OCTOBER 2025
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?