Ardbeg Uigeadail, 54.2% With the Ardbeg 17 year old off the market, its nice to see a new Ardbeg in the line-up. Uigeadail costs about the same as the Ardbeg 17 did but, with Uigeadail, you re getting a much more interesting whisky. Uigeadail consists of a marriage of younger whisky (from 1990 and 1993) with much older whisky matured in sherry casks. The marriage works exceptionally well, with the younger whiskies providing the classic Ardbeg intensity many of us have come to expect, while the older whiskies contribute depth, maturity, and complexity. And bottling the whisky at cask-strength without chill-filtration ensures that none of the flavors are stripped out. This is an incredibly complex Islay whisky, with its bonfire smoke, brine, and peppered olive notes balanced by a taming sweetness of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee. Interwoven notes of candied fruit and sugared almonds round out the palate. Incredibly long finish.

Bowmore 16 year old, 1989 vintage, 51.8%, No frills here, just pure, unadulterated Bowmore. This Islay whisky speaks of its location in a very pure and natural way. I find invigorating brine, seaweed, green olive, and fishnets, along with the classic Bowmore peat smoke. All these flavors are softened by gentle vanilla and honeyed malt, while background tropical fruit add complexity.

Courvoisier XO Imperial - Voted "Best Cognac in the World" at the 1994 Wine & Spirits competition. This extraordinary cognac in its famous tear-shaped bottle is an exquisite gift. XO means "Extra Old" and Courvoisier XO Imperial is judged to be the world's finest XO and is an exclusive blend of cognacs from the Grande Champagne and very old Borderies regions. Containing cognacs aged for 20 - 35 years, Courvoisier XO adequately meets the BNIC's legal requirement that it is made of cognacs that are at least 6 #189; years old. Courvoisier XO Imperial is intensely aromatic with a play of velvet sweetness and distinct ours of orange, vanilla and spice. The Courvoisier XO Imperial bottle resembles a drop of perfume, reflecting the delicate and refined spirit inside. 90 - Courvoisier XO Imperial, France, 80 Proof 750 ml (Tasted 2/1995). "Dark amber. Full-bodied. Rich, creamy. Pine, dried apricot, mocha, butterscotch. A sensation of sweetness without being sweet." - www.Tastings.com

Cragganmore (29 year old, 52.9%) Style: Speyside single malt scotch Color: Shimmering gold Aroma: Very complex, with a potpourri of spicy, herbal notes. There s a lot going on here. Nice depth too. Palate: Similar to its aroma, nicely balanced, and evolving. Lingering, spicy finish. General Comments: The standard Cragganmore 12 year old is a beautifully complex dram in its own right. This one kicks it up a notch. The extra aging (and strength) add body, fullness, and depth without dominating. A great dram. Price: ranges between $300 to $350. Limited distribution