Star Hill Farm, 2026

This wheat whisky takes a minute to open up in the glass but when it does, it is a consummate expression of this style. Bags of dried fruit like figs and cherries are immediate on the nose, followed by rich, nutty sweetness as well as an earthy coffee note, like a creamy latte. The palate is mouth-coating, and spices immediately start to warm up the experience, while deep leather complements those brighter, fruitier notes. The finish is perhaps the most surprising – this is where the blend takes on a more evolved character, with brighter orchard fruits like pear and cooked apples, the continuation of those heady spices, and the bitterness of cacao nibs take this whisky to another level. Transformative stuff, indeed.