You're Supposed to be Surprised by a Whisky Advent Calendar  That's the point of an advent calendar, right?  But, did you sneak down in the morning to open your gifts before everyone woke up? Are you Bart Simpson? Well, if you can’t wait, you can see the 25 whiskies below.  But don’t say we didn’t warn you. Spoiler Alert for Secret Spirit's 2rd Edition Advent Calendar   1999 Tomintoul 15yo - A. D. Rattray Craigmills (Glenglassaugh) Sauterne - Malt Whisky Company 1996 Glentauchers & Benriach 19yo - Samaroli Velvet Fig - Wemyss Malts 2006 Caol Ila 9yo ..read more

You're Supposed to be Surprised by a Whisky Advent Calendar  That's the point of an advent calendar, right?  But, did you sneak down in the morning to open your gifts before everyone woke up? Are you Bart Simpson? Well, if you can’t wait, you can see the 25 whiskies below.  But don’t say we didn’t warn you. Spoiler Alert for Secret Spirit's 5th Edition Advent Calendar   Single Cask Nation MacDuff 14 Year Old Wemyss Malts Treacle Chest Blended Malt Lost Distillery Company Auchnagie Classic Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Secret Spirits Glen Moray 9 Year Old Sing ..read more

One of my favourite bottlers is Chapter 7 Whisky. I've been working with their founder, Selim Evin, since the very start of TopWhiskies.com. So I was glad to sit down with him, share a dram, and learn more about his journey into whisky. Thanks for joining us, Selim. How did you get into whisky? My first distillery visit was an amazing experience. I was 16, and my grandfather took me on a trip across Scotland, visiting many distilleries over ten days. That trip left quite a mark on me and a real appreciation for whisky and its rich heritage. It was the spark that led me to become an ..read more

Whisky is a passion for many people. And, to paraphrase the adage, if you can spend your days pursuing a passion, it'll never feel like you're really working, perse. One job I'm sometimes asked about is that of being a whisky brand ambassador. It's a role that's increased in prominence over the past couple of days.  Whisky brand ambassadors have that passion for whisky. They're typically also 'people people', who enjoy meeting others. They're generally comfortable with public speaking, and happy to travel - whether domestically or internationally. But what exactly does a whisky brand amba ..read more

Should you add ice to whisky over summer 2023? It’s one of the most controversial questions of our age: ice in your whisky; nuclear disarmament; jam or cream on top of your scone. It is serious business. The issue divides families and ruins a night out. Or, more specifically, has ruined many days out. Under the summer sun, even aficionados can be tempted to add ice to their whisky.  Some people always add ice to whisky; they say it gives the whisky a smoother, cleaner taste. Others believe it is an abomination. So, should we give ice lovers the cold shoulder? Or do the purists need ..read more

Never before has the choice of bourbon been so incredible. In 2023, there are countless releases to tantalize your taste buds and plenty of cost-effective options that won't break the bank. From small-batch specialities to classic labels, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bourbons under $100 around this year. Whether you're an experienced connoisseur or just discovering the joys of whiskey flavours, our top picks offer complex flavour profiles that can elevate any gathering or provide an enjoyable nightcap. Let's take a look at all these amazing bottles! The Best Bourbons Under $100 ..read more

When it comes to choosing between vodka and whiskey, you may be perplexed by the seemingly endless array of choices. But fear not! We have all the info you need about these two classic liquors so that you can make an informed decision. From exploring the differences in their origins, characteristics, and production processes to talking about distinct flavour profiles and ideal drinking occasions - we cover it all in this definitive guide on vodka vs whiskey!  Overview of Vodka and Whiskey - their similarities and differences  Vodka and whiskey are two of the most popular alcoholic be ..read more

Welcome to our guide on the top 10 best specialist whisky bars and pubs in the UK! Whether you're a whisky enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, these venues offer an exceptional array of rare and exquisite whiskies. From Scotland to London and beyond, our curated list will take you on a journey through the finest whisky establishments in the United Kingdom. So, without further ado, let's explore the best places to enjoy a dram or two. Here are my top 10 best whisky bars in the UK, for 2023, in alphabetical order. Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown Where: Kilkerran Road, Campbeltown, Ar ..read more

Hello, I am Charles Edge, and I love the world of spirits! I have grown up, learnt and specialised in it. It is a fabulously complex world of constantly moving and changing tastes, experimentation, and endless creativity. I spent my informative years in spirits working for Louis Dreyfus in Paris in the 90’s. It was here I learnt the secrets behind the production, supply and marketing the world over of every spirit imaginable and how to trade in it. However, in 1999 I sought to practice what I had learnt by setting up my own business. After a few years I realised, although not a company househo ..read more

Single malt scotch whisky is made of three main ingredients: malted barley, water, and yeast. These natural ingredients have been used in much the same ways for hundreds of years. And, where we're talking specifically about what single malt scotch whisky is made of, it has to be these three specific ingredients. You can't use, for example, grains other than malted barley. Beyond these three main ingredients, there are three further factors at play. They don't meet the traditional definition of an 'ingredient', but they are key to developing a whisky's flavour. These are: oak casks, time, and p ..read more