Suntory are the gods of the Japanese whisky scene and their Hakushu line is amongst the most popular. The Hakushi distillery is hidden in the forests near the Japanese Alps and this particular offering is aged for 12 years. An exceptional single malt, Hakushu 12 year is a light and refreshing offering with hay and mixed peels on the nose and gentle barley malt, smokiness and hazelnut coming through in the taste. Sweetness is perfectly balanced against spice.

Encapsulating the spirit of Martell and the deep, refined brilliant of a good XO, Martell XO is a leader in its cognac category. Fresh fruity notes of the eaux de vie of the Borderies work in subtle harmony with the bold, matured flavour of eaux de vie from the Grand Champagne to create the distinct flavour of Martell XO. A hint of gingerbread smoothly leads the rest of the flavours on, with further highlights of walnut, cedar and orange blossom.

Cîroc is a premium vodka which is distilled from exquisite French grapes and delivers a smoothness you won’t find in the other vodkas on the market. Refined and indulgent citrus notes come through in the nose and are followed by a mouth feel which can only be described as smooth as butter. The natural characteristics of the luxurious grapes come through and are joined by the welcome flavours of lemon zest and intense black pepper. As clean and smooth a vodka as you’ll find.

One of the most well-known distilleries in the land, this 21 year old Glenfiddich has all the flavours you want from an exceptional malt. Finished in specially selected Caribbean rum casks, rum-like notes come through in the nose alongside figs, caramel, evoking the festive period. The flavour is rich in spiced fruit depth, with ginger and lime standing out strongly. A long and dry finish is the perfect ending to a highly enjoyable drink.

Don Julio Anejo 1942 spends up to two and half year ageing, nearly enough to be classed as extra anejo. It’s stilled in a single pot still and has the wonderful spiced aromas of cinnamon, sweet agave, vanilla and interesting Turkish delight. The taste is deep with cinder toffee notes, the continual flavour of the agave and bursts of sweet, zesty citrus. Dry and nutty the finish is long with notes of smoke.

Beautifully packaged as a testament to the quality of the dram, Glenmorangie Signet is intense and deep with chocolate malty flavours. The nose of this offering is wonderfully rich, with chocolate raisins, citrus peels and old-fashioned cocktail flavours. The palate is sweet and syrupy thick with dry cinnamon, strong hits of cocoa and of course that archetypal malt which makes this Glenmorangie dram so moreish. Pleasant dry notes bring the drink to a close in refined, elegant style.

Luxurious offering from Poland. Medium bodied with faint vanila any crushed grains. The finish is of a reasonable length with butter and nutty cream notes that fade into lemon zest.

This 21 Year Old Balvenie malt is the flagship of Balvenie’s small group of Port Wood whiskies and is a refined and balanced offering. It spends time maturing in thirty year old port pipes which deliver elegance to every sip. White peach and light smoke flood the nose and are quickly followed by a delicate flavour with red fruits, raisins and vibrant floral honey. Balvenie’s 21 Year Old malt is a wonderful example of delicate flavours blended perfectly together.

One of the premium offerings from the famous Patron tequila distillery, Gran Patron Platinum uses the finest blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco. Triple distilled and then rested for a short time in oak tanks, Gran Patron Platinum is wonderfully smooth and full-bodied. The nose is full of that fresh agave teamed with citrus and fresh fruit and the flavour follows suit with the agave taking centre stage, citrus and fruit following on. Its finish is long and spiced with white pepper.

Fantastic grain Vodka that lives up to its esteemed reputation. Silky mixed citrus zest and soft wheat unfold both slowly and smoothly on the palette.The finish is dry and clean with moments of lemon and crushed wheat; has a great length too. Big thumbs up. Grey Goose always delivers. Extremely well made vodka and well worth the money.

Six different types of wooden cask are involved in the making of this exception King Alexander III offering from The Dalmore. With influences from Madiera, Marsala, Kentucky bourbon, wine, port and sherry casks, this truly is a complexly developed malt that stands out. Seville orange zest comes through on the nose, with strong vinous notes, creamy vanilla fudge and tropical fruit. A rounded palate and a refreshing taste.

Fantastic grain Vodka that lives up to its esteemed reputation. Silky mixed citrus zest and soft wheat unfold both slowly and smoothly on the palette.The finish is dry and clean with moments of lemon and crushed wheat; has a great length too. Big thumbs up. Grey Goose always delivers. Extremely well made vodka and well worth the money.

Luxurious offering from Poland. Medium bodied with faint vanila any crushed grains. The finish is of a reasonable length with butter and nutty cream notes that fade into lemon zest.

A premium cognac created in the 1979 by Maurice Fillioux, Hennessy Paradis is rich and silky smooth, with an abundance of spicy and sweet-scented aromas. Opulent to the very last sip, scents of subtle pepper, sweet spice and floral notes of honey and wild roses. Its taste profile is complex and the peppery spiciness and crystallised fruit fragrances merge into strong, deep flavours tantalising the palate and showing off exactly why Hennessy Paradis is a premium cognac.