Welcome to the Whisky Barrel Cafe

Join us as we explore the vast and fascinating world of whisky. We might not have decades of tasting experience, but we make up for it with genuine curiosity, open minds, and a passion for great drams. We’re proudly independent and unafraid to form our own opinions and share them honestly, without being swayed by big-name reviews.

Come along for the journey as we discover new whiskies, deepen our knowledge, and do our best to put flavour into words.

Explore Whiskies

Latest Additions to Our Collection

Discover our newest whisky reviews and tasting notes

Highland Park 12

Highland Park

Sweet, Honey, Pepper, Melon

Highland Park 12 Year Old is a well balanced and approachable introduction to the Highland Park's core range. Distilled in Orkney, one of Scotland’s most remote whisky producing regions. The wild, rugged nature of Orkney contrasts with the whisky’s easy-drinking, everyday appeal. It may not be an award-winner, but it remains a reliable and enjoyable dram. The nose offers a hint of briny, green vegetation, while the palate delivers subtle layers of sweet soft fruits and creamy smoothness. Perfect for an evening when you simply want a good whisky without overthinking it.

Ardnamurchan AD

Ardnamurchan

Salt, Almonds, Pear, Caramel

Ardnamurchan’s AD is their Core Release, meaning it’s a key part of their core range and a great introduction to the distillery’s signature style. This whisky offers fantastic value and serves as an excellent representation of what Ardnamurchan is all about. Made from a 50-50 mix of peated and unpeated spirit, it delivers a beautifully balanced dram. On the nose, it’s dry and coastal, with hints of salt, citrus fruits, and peat smoke. The palate is wonderfully sweet, bringing rich caramel and creamy vanilla, all wrapped in a smooth, lightly smoky finish. A superb whisky at a reasonable price—definitely worth exploring.

Ledaig 10

Tobermory

Cream, Vanilla, Mild Peat, Pepper, Cloves, Aniseed

An island whisky from the Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull. A tasty sweet dram with a touch of peat. On the nose it's a classic island whisky with hints of brine and some light peat smoke. If you keep going you'll get the sweeter aromas of pear and melon. The initial taste is lovely and sweet with flavours of cream and vanilla. The peat is there but by no means the main player. There's a lovely warmth to the after taste, with the sweetness hanging around and joined by warming spices and pepper. A whisky from a well established distillery that doesn't disappoint. One worth a trying if you've been drinking whisky for a while and fancy something a bit more challenging.

Meet Our Whisky Enthusiasts

The passionate people behind our tasting notes and reviews

Tom

Favorite Whisky: Oban 14

One of the newest to whisky but very enthusiastic. Tom's been drinking whisky for 4 years and has been totally swept up in it. He enjoys all types of whiskies but loves the complexity that whiskies bring

Giles

Favorite Whisky: Isle of Raasay Single Malt

Giles' whisky journey started with the Glenfiddichs in his misspent twenties and grew into a love of the variety that whisky brings, from sherry sweetness to bonfire smoke.

Tim

Favorite Whisky: Ardbeg 10

Introduced to whisky by fellow contributor Giles, started out after enjoying a rusty nail cocktail. Then quickly got into single malts, appreciating the variety and complexity of flavours. After years of whisky being his favourite drink, going as far to have a specially selected one, behind the bar at his wedding as the "Grooms Choice". Tim then introduced his other fellow contributor Tom to the pleasures of a good dram of whisky, bringing him into the fold.