Scottish Lowlands

This malt is so-called because, after maturing in Bourbon casks, it spends time in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels, a process which means the whisky brings something from all three kinds of wood.

Sometimes you'll taste spice and coconut from the Bourbon. Other times, the cigar box and chocolate of the PX will dominate. And nearly always, the dried fruit and nuts of the Oloroso casks is there, giving a rich, mellow, balanced, relaxing-in-your-favourite-armchair feel to your dram.

Auchentoshan's standard malt is popular with casual whisky drinkers, because it's so approachable. Auchentoshan are the only Scottish producer to triple distill all their malts, and it gives a style which is always very smooth, although Auchentoshan is certainly richer than most Irish whiskies.

The theme of lightness and balance is evident on the nose, with gentle malty cereal notes – even grass – and a subtle tang of sweet sherry.

Scottish brewing success story, Innis & Gunn, is releasing its Original on draught for the first time. Light amber in colour, the smell transports you to the kitchen: aromas of rich honey and caramel from the brew's time spent maturing in specially chosen oak barrels dominate.

6.6%, RRP: £1.58/33cl, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco

Brewed to commemorate 250 years since the Jacobite revolution, Traquair's Jacobite Ale is rich and malty, full of spiced dried fruits, and oodles of food matching potential. 

8%