A moonlit glint of sleek steel flashes, a stunning presence in the sweet calmness of the night. Swiftly the katana, a sword crafted with complexity and precision, pierces the depths of darkness, revealing the bold mysteries of the midnight hour. Wielded with astonishing skill, it shines as a symbol of elegance and craftsmanship. Mortlach is famed for its sweet yet savoury taste, defiantly rare among Speyside malts. Moved by this contrasting spark of umami, their Malt Master drew inspiration from the flavours of Japan, and finished part of this stunning expression in ex-Kanosuke Japanese Whisky casks. To add balance to the sweetness, ex-Pinot Noir casks were used to finish the remaining part of the whisky, in a combination of the utmost precision. A striking golden gleam introduces sweet, alluring aromas of ripe melon and pear. On the palate, drily spiced savoury flavours cut through a scintillating sweetness. These contrasting notes entwine, to create a brilliant umami-rich depth of taste that lingers in the long, enticing and spicy finish. The result is a sweet-savoury intensity as deep and complex as the mark of the mighty katana.

This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. The distillery resides in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. Another building was added in 1981, called Hakushu Higashi. Rather fittingly, it boasts a fresh and foresty flavour profile.

As Dr Bill, Glenmorangie's freethinking Director of Whisky Creation, enjoyed a cup of his favourite Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, the notion of Signet first came to him. At once his mind filled with spiralling mocha flavours that he could not forget. It would take him years to bring this unprecedented whisky to life. But in its tiramisu tones and melting chocolate, you can taste his most delicious imaginings. Signet begins with Glenmorangie's precious chocolate malt spirit, made just once a year in their giraffe-high stills. Its espresso-like intensity fills the Distillery with aromas more familiar in an Italian coffee bar. Over the years, they temper its power with rare and treasured casks. Bourbon for creaminess. Sherry for sweetness. The spice of virgin charred oak. All balanced by some of the oldest whisky they own. The result? A velvet explosion of flavour. Bursts of bitter mocha, sizzling spice and waves of dark chocolate, mellowed by smooth butterscotch. Whisky, as you have never tasted it before.

For our third experiment, Malt Master Brian Kinsman travelled to Canada to meet a renowned winemaker in Niagara. There he learned how the grapes had to be picked by moonlight at -10C to produce the intensely sweet Icewine. Upon his return to the Glenfiddich Distillery Brian started experimenting with several French oak Icewine casks from the Canadian winery, filling them with different Glenfiddich aged malts for up to six months. Only the rarer whiskies, those aged for 21 years, could cope with the extra Icewine intensity. The taste is a perfect combination of both pioneering liquids, the heightened candied sweets and oakiness of Glenfiddich are complemented by mouth-watering tropical fruit notes and a luscious sweetness from the unique Icewine cask finish. First released in October 2017, the long-awaited second batch is now available.

The Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan's first and oldest malt distillery. With a range of options from Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve to 12, 18, and 25 years old, all of these prized whiskies contain carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak.

Carefully distilled spirits are combined with an extract of cacao beans from Africa and vanilla from Madagascar to compose this traditional sweet-chocolate liqueur. De Kuyper Crème de Cacao is intense and sweet in a Chocolate Martini.

Rare Cask's rich mahogany-red whisky showcases two of The Macallan's greatest and most defining strengths - sherry seasoned oak casks and natural colour.

Two oaks, creating the perfect harmony within one exceptional single malt whisky. Macallan Double Cask whiskies are aged in two types of oak, in specially selected hand-crafted casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry. American oak imparts delicate flavours of vanilla, citrus and butterscotch. European oak delivers the unmistakable subtle spice of The Macallan. Once matured, two exceptional whiskies unite to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

Johnnie Walker King George V was created to celebrate the Royal Warrant given in 1934 to the Walker family to mark the exceptional qualities of their whiskies. The King George has more restraint and sophistication courtesy of the Port Ellen Distillery component that is powerful, slow and resonant. It initially shows a profound smoky aroma followed by sweet, fresh fruit (apples, pears, bananas) malt characteristics; developing into rich dried fruit and spicy complexity, raisins, figs and cinnamon. Taste is powerful, complex, rich yet smooth. A mouth warming and lingering rich peaty finish.

Chivas 25 is a rare and exclusive blend of the finest Scotch whiskies, which have all been aged for a minimum of 25 years. The legendary Chivas 25 was the worlds first luxury whisky, launched in 1909 to America's high society in New York. Enticingly fruity with a luxuriously long finish, it's easy to see why Chivas 25 made a comeback.

Hearts Collection is a very rare and limited collection of three 100% pot-still single marque rums that have been hand-selected from Appleton Estate's legendary inventory by Appleton Estate Master Blender, Joy Spence. For the Hearts Collection, Joy pulled ten barrels from the nearly 200,000 barrels ageing in Appleton Estate's warehouses - one of the largest and oldest collections in the world. Hearts Collection is comprised of three vintages that embody the excellence of Appleton Estate: 1994, 1995 and 1999. This limited collection was named Hearts Collection for three reasons: it was crafted in the heart of Jamaica, the pot-still uses the heart of the raw materials, and the heart is a symbol of the passion shared by both Joy and Luca.

Aged for a quarter of a century in a combination of ex-Oloroso sherry butts and ex-Bourbon barrels this mellow single malt Scotch has the distinctive flavour of Laphroaig. Bottled at cask strength it is a dram with a long and warming finish that lingers. Beautifully smooth, it is a real treat for Laphroaig purists and certainly a dram with savouring.