Whilst The Cask Connoisseur do reviews, one is always aware that it is the context in which you’re drinking whisky that affects your opinion. To be honest, we all have inbuilt bias and are influenced by our experiences. A bottle can taste great one day and leave a lot to be desired the next. Try tasting whisky completely blind, you might find you go “that’s awful” to an expression from your favourite distillery. We know, we’ve done it.
So, we know you might agree with us, or you might not. But we’re happy to hear your thoughts. After all whisky should be drunk with friends and the only way to discover whether you truly like it is to try it. We might point you in the right direction, provide reasons why you might like it, but in the end its down to you.
Below are our favourites from the past month.
Stillwater Ben Nevis 12 Year Old (53% ABV, £79.95)
Independent Bottler: House of Malt
This was our first experience with Stillwater, the independent bottling arm of House of Malt, and it didn’t disappoint. A superb oloroso sherry cask Ben Nevis, rich, bold, and full of character. Chris was reminded of a legendary Ben Nevis 25yo (distilled 1984, bottled 2010) — high praise indeed.
Verdict: An outstanding Ben Nevis. Buy it while you can.
Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2025 Release (57.4% ABV, £90)
A New Grain Recipe from Maker’s Mark
This marks the first new mash bill from Maker’s Mark in over 70 years. The whisky is smooth and rich, balancing sweet grain with subtle spice and oak. We tried it at a local whisky club and it stood out even after a peated Scotch.
Verdict: Worth trying for the history and experience. At £70 (with points) it was excellent value, at £90 it faces stiff competition — but we still bought a second bottle.
Rare Find Pulteney 17 Year Old (56.7% ABV, £107) – Gleann Mòr Spirits
White Port Cask Finish
Finished in a first-fill white port barrique, this 2025 release delivers everything you’d expect from Old Pulteney: coastal character, balance, and complexity. Chris is usually cautious with port finishes, but this one impressed.
Verdict: Superb. A cracking Pulteney worth hunting down.
Talisker 10 Year Old (45.8% ABV, ~£45)
Core Range Classic
Sometimes the best whiskies are right under our noses. Talisker 10 reminded us why it remains a staple — with a perfect balance of peat smoke, sweetness, and maritime influence.
Verdict: Still one of the best value drams in the pub or bar.
Daisi Brandy (3yo, 5yo, 7yo – £21–£28.95)
Georgian Brandy from Imereti
We were gifted these bottles and were intrigued by Georgia’s 2,000+ years of viniculture. All three delivered on aroma and flavour, with the 7yo even reminding Chris of Hennessy XO. Luke preferred the 5yo, Chris leaned towards the 7yo — but none disappointed.
Verdict: Exceptional value brandy with a unique history. See our full review on YouTube.
Wolfburn 12 Year Old (46% ABV, £70)
Oldest Release from Wolfburn
Based in Thurso, Wolfburn continues to impress. The 12yo is their oldest bottling to date and offers exactly what a Highland malt should: depth, balance, and richness.
Verdict: A must-try for Highland whisky fans. Full review on YouTube.
Wolfburn Langskip (58% ABV, £57.49)
Cask Strength Value
We debated between Langskip and the Wolfburn Cask Strength, but Langskip won us over. A bold, full-flavoured whisky that offers incredible value at under £60.
Verdict: Punches well above its price. One of the best value cask strength whiskies available. Full review on YouTube.
From independent bottlers like Stillwater to core classics like Talisker, July gave us a range of whiskies (and a brandy) that reminded us why variety is the spice of whisky life. Whether you’re stocking your home bar, looking for independent releases, or revisiting trusted favourites, there’s something here for every palate.
