Region: Speyside
Picture: Glenfarclas
One of the most underrated drams from one of the most underrated distilleries in the country. The 105 is a big, uncompromising slap of vanilla and toffee that coats the mouth with moreish flavour and will keep you coming back for more.
Be warned, at 60% abv it's dangerously drinkable - perhaps it's one best kept for an enjoyable night cap or two to avoid ending up leg drunk in your local.
As it's cask strength, try adding a little water to really open it up and explore its depth.
Region: Speyside
Picture: BenRiach
I had hoped to recommend my favourite dram from the BenRiach range, the sadly missed Aromaticus Fumosis, but instead I've gone for its more straight laced stable mate - the Curiositas.
Putting paid to the belief that the only good peated whisky comes from Islay or at the very least the islands, the Curiositas is a fiery Speyside that shows just how good peated whisky from this region can be.
Pull this one out to shock those jaded Islay fans who thing they've tried it all.
Region: Islay
Picture: Kilchoman
And speaking of Islay, it really surprises me when people (especially peatheads) tell me they haven't tried this cracking little distillery.
The Machir Bay is probably the easiest to get of their small range and there's a reason for that, and that is that it's really good, and a perfect example of what this small distillery is capable of.
Think liquid charcoal with just a little of that brine that seems to permeate the rest of the distilleries on the island.
If you are a fan of peaty whisky and you haven't tried it, it's time to ask yourself why not.
Region: Speyside
Picture: MonkeyShoulder.com
Sadly, this whisky has been marketed as a mixer or a cocktail component and it negates from the fact that it's delightfully enjoyable on its own.
A mix of three different malts (see blended malt) Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie, the Monkey Shoulder is named after a nickname given to a temporary injury some malt men occasionally suffered many years ago as a result of repeatedly bending over whilst turning the malt.
The reason I've picked it is that it's a) great value and b) just a great little dram.
It's widely available too, so you've no excuse not to at least try it.
Region: Campbelltown
Picture: Springbank
Usually for most whiskies you could use the old two people adage, you know the one that goes "There are two types of people in this world, those who like said item, and those who are wrong".
Well in the case of Springbank, this would be more suited - "There are two types of people in this world, those who like Springbank 10, and those who haven't tried it yet".
Seriously, as a distillery it's that good, and I've only chosen the 10-year-old as it's the easiest to get, though I've yet to come across a bad Springbank and that includes the excellent Longrow and Hazelburn ranges.
Rich, fruity and with a hint of brine, this is whisky the way it used to be, with complexity and an unashamedly 'pull no punches' character.
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