New for 2018, but not scheduled for release in Australia is this new JW expression, inspired by the iconic Black Label. It’s No.7 in the experimental series, and set exclusively for Travel Retail. The 12-year-old blend is described as “a smooth-sipping dark whisky with notes of vanilla and smoke, raisins and a warming finish of dark chocolate”. Composed of whiskies from Blair Athol, Cardhu and Strathmill distilleries, among others and finished in former Sherry casks for up to nine months, it was a collaborative effort between whisky maker, Aimée Gibson and Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge.

With previous bottlings including wine and rum cask finishes, and even an Espresso Roast expression, Blenders’ Batch whiskies are the result of over a hundred ongoing experiments. At this price you can afford to buy one to collect and another to drink – perfect on its own or mixed with ginger ale.