Heaven Hill 12 Years offers the classic appeal of well-aged American bourbon: generous, rounded, and confidently flavourful. At 46%, it has enough strength to carry its sweetness and oak structure without feeling heavy. It opens the competition with warmth, depth, and familiar bourbon charm.

Tasting notes
Nose: Coconut, artificial strawberry sweets, leather.
Palate: Almonds, dark chocolate, pineapple.
Finish: Kiwi fruit, Pina colada, little drying.

How to taste it
Neat (without water): Taste this first to set the benchmark for sweetness and oak. Neat, it should show its full bourbon character clearly, with artificial strawberry sweets, coconut, and fruits in good balance. Give it a moment in the glass before sipping so the sweeter aromas can open up.

With water: A few drops of water may soften the sweet fruits and bring out more honeyed grain and vanilla. Add water carefully to keep the bourbon’s structure intact.

This Glentauchers shows the elegant side of mature Speyside whisky, with the sort of polish that comes from long ageing and careful cask selection. At 21 years old and bottled at 54.1%, it should offer depth, lift, and complexity in equal measure. It brings refinement to the competition and represents Scotland with poise.

Tasting notes
Nose: Fiery ginger sweets, candied lemon peel, golden syrup and Granny Smith apples. Distant barley fields in autumn, dandelions, cotton candy at the funfair and old-fashioned Irn Bru.

Palate: There’s an instant spicy hit of ground ginger and turmeric, quickly mellowing into almond croissants, cream soda and cinder toffee. With water, some white-chocolate-covered Belgian waffles.

Finish: Cereals: warm porridge and toast with marmalade. Turning slightly earthy towards the end, but still with a spring in its step.

How to taste it
Neat (without water): Taste this second to move from bourbon sweetness into a more delicate Speyside profile. Neat, it should show fruit, malt, and oak in a very balanced way, with the higher strength supporting the structure. Take small sips and let the finish develop gradually.

With water: A small amount of water may open the fruit and spice notes while softening the alcohol. It can also make the whisky feel even smoother and more expressive. Because it is already well matured, start with just a little water and adjust slowly.

Shizuoka Pot Still W is a modern Japanese whisky with a bold and distinctive profile, shaped by the distillery’s innovative approach and the strength of 55.5%. Using 100% imported barley, it likely leans toward a clean yet powerful style, with crisp grain character and a more assertive edge than many classic Japanese whiskies. It is the wildcard in the lineup, bringing precision and intensity.

Tasting notes
Nose: Honey, toast, and a mild peat aroma later.

Palate: Malt, biscuit, caramel and smoked nuts.

Finish: Malty sweetness and gentle peat lingers on the palate for a long time.

How to taste it
Neat (without water): Taste this third so its higher strength and sharper profile can stand out after the softer Speyside. Neat, it should show strong grain character, nuts, and a more serious oak presence. Let it breathe briefly before tasting to avoid overwhelming the subtler notes.

With water: Water can help soften the alcohol and reveal more citrus, malt, and sweetness. It may also make the texture feel smoother and bring out extra detail in the finish. Add water carefully, as this whisky should still retain tension and focus.

This BOX Swedish oak expression brings a distinctive local identity to the final round of the June World Cup. Maturation in Swedish oak often adds a firm, spicy, and aromatic character, giving the whisky a style that feels both Nordic and original. It is a strong finisher, with plenty of individuality and a clear sense of place.

Tasting notes
Nose: Soft and delicate. The bourbon casks dominate the nose at first; vanilla, coconut milk, pine wood and tropical fruit top notes. Soft spiciness; pepper, ginger, nutmeg, and even hints of carnation

Palate: Full bodied and rich mouthfeel. Peppery and fizzy. A wave of sweet oak. Mint, caramel and toasted oak. Pine wood

Finish: Medium long finish. Very sweet. Marshmallows, floral honey, ginger, and sweet licorice. A touch of green tea with a generous helping of white sugar. Honey melon and rich caramel sauce right at the end

How to taste it
Neat (without water): Taste this last to finish with something robust and characterful. Neat, it should show the full effect of Swedish oak, with spice and wood taking a leading role. Give it time in the glass so the fruit and malt can rise above the oak.

With water: A little water may help soften the wood spice and reveal more fruit sweetness. It can also make the finish feel less dry and more rounded. Because Swedish oak can be quite expressive, use water sparingly and taste the change in small steps.