Top 9 May picks

Ron El Rumbo Premium Cuban Anejo Oro Rum - 40% 70cl - One of the newest releases from Snowdonia Distillery, El Rumbo Premium Cuban Anejo Rum is an expression that benefits from the Solera aging process. Aged for three years in Cuba to then be transferred into fresh cognac casks in Wales. An aroma of classic desserts - sticky toffee pudding and vanilla fudge, this premium spirit is perfect to enjoy with a squeeze of lime and a Cuban cigar.

Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Tasting Collection - 1x70cl - Beautiful presentation box containing the Classic Laddie gift pack collection, 1 x 70cl Classic Laddie and 2x Bruichladdich dram glasses. Each batch of the Classic Laddie will, by nature, be unique and subtly different, but it is ultimately the Head Distiller who curates this assemblage of fine spirits, to showcase the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich house style.

Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Release No.003 - 50.6% 70cl - This is Batch 3 of Fettercairn's Warehouse 2 series. This edition was distilled in 2015, and filled into bourbon barrels, rum barrels and French red wine barriques, before being combined and bottled in 2022. A dram that shows tasty notes from the casks, combined with Fettercairn's tropical fruit and spiciness. 

Tomatin 14 Year Old Port Finish - 70cl 46% - This 14 year old single malt is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Port casks. The palate is soft, smooth and sweet, benefiting from its time spent in Tawny Port casks which previously held port for around 50 years. Rich but balanced aromas of red berries, sweet honey and rich toffee develop into aspects of light fruits and nuts.

Arran Quarter Cask - 56.2% 70cl - This cask strength expression was initially matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred into American Oak Quarter casks. The second maturation spent in the smaller 125 litre sized casks produces far greater contact between the whisky & oak and a faster, more intense aging process. The result is a full-bodied expression combining power and finesse full of rich vanilla sweetness and bold peppery spice.

Laphroaig 16 Year Old - 48% 70cl - Laphroaig's peaty, oily, smoky single malt, aged for 16 years in first fill bourbon casks. Originally released in 2015 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the distillery, it was so well received that they have decided to release some more. They recommend it as a summery Laphroaig, with some lovely American oak notes coming through alongside the smoke.

Marsette Peruvian Chocolate Essence - 30% 50cl - Marsette Peruvian Chocolate Essence is an enhanced spirit perfect for sipping over ice or enjoyed in cocktails. The Single Estate Peruvian Chocolate allows for a light experience of 100% cocoa with its nutty nature. Soft sweetness of vanilla and cream, powerful dark chocolate, and a long, viscous, warm finish. An absolute treat! 

Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 70cl 40% - Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon. This bourbon stands as a tribute to Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr.’s high-rye mash bill ingenuity, as well as to Booker Noe, a true innovator who sought to welcome new drinkers into whiskey. This bourbon is artfully aged to be spicy yet smooth, both rich and sweet.

Lagavulin 8 Year Old - 70cl 48% - Originally released to commemorate the distillery's 200th anniversary, this eight-year-old has now been added as a permanent addition to the core range. Big and smoky, with sweet spice that becomes apparent with a drop of water.