One of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Highland Park dates back to the 18th century. This is interesting when you consider that the first legal distillery was licensed in 1824. Golden in color, this scotch has hints of smoke and sherry, a medium body and very complex flavor of honey and wood . Its finish is long and dry. Sure to satisfy, Highland Park has long been considered the best all around whisky in the world.

English sheperds have long described a restorative nip of whisky as a little sheep dip, so it should come as no surprise when this lightly heathered, warm, grassy scotch has you feeling better with every drop. I like it before dinner with a few ice cubes, but that's just me. Cheers!

An absolute explosion of flavors devour your senses in this dram. Leafy bonfire smoke and delicate sea salt dominate the nose, but quickly cede to the excitement of sweet tar, iodine and sultry brine flavors. For fans of Islay whiskies, this rare bottling offers an exceptional treat. Try it as an aperitif; you wouldn't want any other flavors to come between you and this special malt.

Hard to say, but easy to drink, Bunnahabhain (boon-uh-hob-in) offers a wonderful introduction to the island whiskies. Less peaty than most monsterous Islays, you'll instead discover a nose of fresh wood smoke and sweet sea air. The flavors make for a very special aperitif; chock full of tangy botanicals, fresh heather and a gentle kiss of peat.

The quintessential Speyside dram. Whisky has been produced on this site since the 1700's and Macallan does a good job of upholding that long tradition in fine style. Aged in sherry casks Macallan 12 year is not for the faint of heart. Big, bold, full- bodied with plenty of sweet oak notes, this is possibly the best after-dinner whisky on the list.

A small country lane stands between the Bruichladdich distillery and the sea. That slight distance, the sherry cask ageing and hillside spring water combine to take a bit of the edge off this Islay malt. Discover the wonderful aromas of honey and heather floating above a framework of maltiness and iron. Subtler and more refined than its big, peaty cousins, you'll find this a splendid before-dinner whisky.

(p.s.- correct or not, we say brew-ick-lad-ick).

A classic Lowland malt, Rosebank initially suggests dry grass and flowery flavors on the nose, but adds the complexity of dried fruits and light vanilla on the palate. When this distillery was shut down in 1993 we promised to do our best to ensure no other distillery would suffer the same fate. For our part we're drinking as much whisky as possible and encouraging you to do the same. A wonderful aperitif whisky, cheers.

There's a saying: "Whisky when I'm well, whisky when I'm ill and may god save me from the malady whisky can't cure." Well, this northernmost whisky has been rumored to raise the dead with its warm, restorative powers. Heady woodsmoke aromas mingle with deep maltiness to create a rich after-dinner malt that will have you back on your feet-or flat on your back-in no time.

Located on the coast of Mull, Ledaig is known for its very peaty style. This bottling is extremely elegant and long on the palate, with a strong peaty nose adding a graceful touch to this delicious whisky. This is a style of Scotch many distilleries are moving away from. Such a shame, for it makes a damn good drink!

From the north shore of the island, Caol Ila, pronounced Cull-eela, literally means "the sound of Islay". As far as I can tell, that sound would be "mmmmm". This is a light colored, peaty whisky. Plenty of sweet seaweed and light botanicals set the stage for a fine performance from the trio of spice, heather and pepper. Though light enough to pair with foods I might start the night with one just to make sure it wasn't all gone by dessert.

Royal Brackla lies at the home of the Thane of Cawdor and produces whisky as deep, complex and emotional as the famous, fictional version of the real man. A surprising nose tempts with tropical fruits on top of sherry and vanilla notes. The palate, however, is warm, full-bodied and silky. The sherry cask ageing contributes greatly to the elegance of this very special malt.