Ardbeg is a whisky distillery located on the island of Islay, Scotland. Founded in 1815, it is renowned for producing one of the world's most peaty and smoky single malt whiskies. Ardbeg is renowned for its unique distillation process, which contributes to its distinctive taste.
The distillery has gone through good times and bad, being closed several times before being bought by the Glenmorangie group in 1997. Since then, it has enjoyed a resurgence, and has been named "Distillery of the Year" on several occasions by various spirits industry organizations.
Ardbeg whiskies are often described as having notes of peat, smoke, vanilla, chocolate and fruit. Their products vary in age and complexity, from young, lively whiskies to older, more complex expressions. Popular bottles include Ardbeg 10 Year Old, Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.
The Ardbeg brand has a dedicated cult of fans known as the Ardbeg Committee, with over 100,000 members worldwide.
The Dalmore is a renowned Scotch whisky distillery located in Alness, Scotland. It was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, an entrepreneur who made his fortune trading with the Far East. Since 1891, it has been under the management of the Mackenzie family.
The Dalmore is known for its high-quality single malt whiskies, which are often aged in a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry and port. The Dalmore's unique maturation process gives its whisky deep, complex flavors, with notes of fruit, spice, dark chocolate and orange.
A distinctive feature of The Dalmore brand is the royal stag emblem, which appears on every bottle. This emblem refers to a legend according to which an ancestor of the Mackenzie family saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a rampaging stag.
Among The Dalmore's most famous bottles are the Dalmore 12 Year Old, the Dalmore 15 Year Old and the highly prized Dalmore 50 Year Old. The Dalmore is also known for its limited editions and collector's whiskies, some of which command very high prices.
Nikka Whisky is a highly appreciated Japanese whisky brand, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru. Taketsuru is recognized as one of the fathers of Japanese whisky, having studied whisky distillation in Scotland in the early 20th century.
Nikka has two main distilleries in Japan: the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido and the Miyagikyo distillery in Sendai. The Yoichi distillery uses coal-fired stills to produce a more robust, complex whisky, while the Miyagikyo distillery uses steam-fired stills to produce a smoother, more delicate whisky.
Nikka produces a range of whiskies, including single malts, blends and grain whiskies. Nikka whiskies are renowned for their high quality and finesse, combining traditional whisky craftsmanship with a unique Japanese sensibility. Flavors can vary, but often include notes of fruit, flowers, honey, spices and oak.
Nikka's most popular whiskies include Nikka From The Barrel, a high-proof blended whisky, Nikka Coffey Grain, made from corn, and Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt, a tribute to Masataka Taketsuru.
Hinotori is a Japanese whisky brand that embodies the elegance and tradition of Japanese distillation, combining ancestral know-how with modern innovation. This whisky is distinguished by its subtle aromas and refined complexity, offering a unique tasting experience.
The brand recently launched a special edition in collaboration with the famous animated robot Goldorak, a cultural icon of the 70s. This exclusive "Hinotori x Goldorak" bottle features a bold design that celebrates the spirit of strength and determination embodied by Goldorak, while reflecting the authenticity and excellence of Hinotori whisky.
This marriage of tradition and pop culture makes this special edition particularly appealing to whisky lovers and collectors of rare items.
The Macallan is a Scotch malt whisky distillery located in Craigellachie, Speyside, Scotland. Founded in 1824, the distillery was one of the first in Scotland to be legally licensed to distill whisky.
The Macallan is renowned for producing high-quality malt whiskies, aged mainly in Spanish and American oak casks that have previously contained sherry or bourbon. This aging method gives Macallan whiskies their rich natural color and distinctive flavor, with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, chocolate and spice.
The brand is renowned for its range of aged and ultra-premium whiskies, some of which are among the most expensive in the world. Popular expressions include The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak, The Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak, and the extraordinarily luxurious range, The Macallan Fine & Rare, which features bottles dating back to 1926.
The Macallan also has a reputation as a leader in innovation and design, with its elegant bottles and state-of-the-art visitor center, which has become a major tourist destination in the Speyside region.