#1 Caol Ila 25 Year Old (2018 Edition)

$399.99

The latest edition of Caol Ila’s annual 25 Year Old release is a joy to behold. Every year the distillery releases a version of this whisky and every year is seems to get better and better. This release brings sherbet lemons, smooth toffee and a range of citrus fruits together with just a whiff of smoke to top it off. It’s Caol Ila whisky at its best and one that every fan of Islay whisky will want to get their hands on.

#2 Ardbeg Grooves (Ardbeg Day Exclusive)

$329.99

The Ardbeg Grooves pushes the boundaries of how ‘out there’ a whisky bottle can look – “Peat and Love” is the motto behind this hippy looking bottle, but inside is the same supreme quality liquid that we have come to expect from one of Islay’s best distilleries. Smoked spices, a soft grassiness and their signature whack of peat smoke are just a few of the things on offer here. It’s a well-rounded and warming whisky that’s a great choice for fans of the distillery or Islay whisky in general.

Due to this whisky’s popularity, and as it was only available to attendees of this year’s Ardbeg Day, supplies of this expression are very limited.

#3 Bruichladdich Octomore 09.3 Dialogos 133PPM

$379.99

This new release from the Bruichladdich distillery is the latest member of their super-heavily peated Octomore range. 52 tonnes of Islay barley were malted to make this single farm limited whisky. The incredibly high PPM levels mean you should expect a lot, and we mean a lot, of peaty notes in this dram, but that isn’t all that’s on offer. Matured in predominantly second-fill casks, the whisky also exhibits delicate woody notes and hints of citrus that help to cut through the large doses of peat. It’s a surprisingly intricate and complex whisky that every fan of smoky whisky will revel in.

#4 Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish (Fèis Ìle 2018)

$379.99

This incredible Laphroaig was only available to buy at this years Feis Ile, the famous Islay whisky and music festival. The intense and smoky whisky was finished in Fino Sherry casks, giving it unmistakable hints of rich dark fruits, chocolate raisins and a slight nuttiness to go along with the signature Laphroaig smokiness. It’s a dram that takes you on a journey to Islay and back and pleases your senses from the nose to the finish. One that’s perfect for a cold evening in front of the fire.

As this was a limited exclusive, supplies are running low, so grab yours while you can.

#5 Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old XOP (Douglas Laing)

$679.99

This exquisite Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old is one of the latest releases in Douglas Laing’s “Xtra Old Particular” (XOP) series. Known as a lighter, earthier Islay whisky, Bunnahabhain is the distillery for those that aren’t huge fans of heavily peated drams. This particular expression was matured in a single refill butt, making it rich, deep and fruity. It’s complex, well-balanced and very moreish.

Bottled in August 2018, this dram is already soaring in popularity and with only 271 bottles produced, it’s worth getting your hands on before they’re all gone.

#6 Kilchoman 100% Islay

$167.99

The Kilchoman Distillery is Islay’s newest and the first to be built on the island in 124 years. Whisky production began at the distillery in 2005 and they have since released several hugely popular editions of their 100% Islay single malt. This particular bottle is the eighth edition and, in our humble opinion, it’s the best yet.

As the name suggests, the whisky was made entirely with ingredients sourced on Islay, a feat that’s not easy to achieve. Before bottling, 23 ex-Bourbon barrels were vatted with seven ex-Sherry butts and the results are a tasty and honest Islay dram.

#7 Caol Ila 14 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice

$203.99

This 2018 release Caol Ila 14 Year Old is one of the latest and best releases in Gordon & MacPhail’s hugely successful Connoisseurs Choice range. Distilled in 2003 on Islay, the whisky was then matured in a refill American Hogshead barrel for 14 years before being bottled at cask strength in July (2018).

All of the characteristics you would expect from a top quality Caol Ila are on display here, with toasted barely, subtle saltiness and a range of herbs combining with flavours imparted by the cask, such as honeyed sweets, caramel doused pear and refreshing summer melon. It’s an incredibly well balanced dram that is smooth and delicious from your first sip right down to your last.

#8 Caol Ila 35 Year Old Special Release

$1,154.99

This Caol Ila 35 Year Old really needs no words – the whisky and the bottle are simply stunning. The liquid is an incredible golden/amber colour that screams quality and the notes in this bottle are quick to back that up. Matured in rejuvenated refill American Oak hogshead and European Oak Sherry butts, it brings so much to the table.

Sweet and subtle at first, the whisky begins to open up on the palate with black pepper, ground allspice and sticky toffee coming to the fore. A little more pepper comes on the finish before fading to make way for the hints of smoke that are synonymous with Caol Ila whisky.

To say that this is a ‘Special Release’ is an understatement, this is the best Caol Ila release this year and quite possibly the best in a decade. Guaranteed to be the star of even the most impressive drinks cabinet.