A 50% abv, this water-clear new make hasn’t spent the minimum time in oak casks, hence its name.  Of course, you could also call it The Spirit of Whisky Future.

The whisky artisans at Compass Box create some delicious blended whiskies. Their signature release, Hedonism, features luscious notes of fruitcake and pastries. Think of it as Christmas in a glass.

Distilleries that have long been closed are reimagined with an ideal blend of art, science and history. From distilleries such as Auchnagie, Gerston and Towiemore, think of these as the Spirits of Whiskies Past.

Independent Bottlers buy casks from distilleries, age and bottle them later under their own brand such as Hunter Laing, Signatory, The Single Cask and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada and more. Many of the releases do not have colouring added and are bottled at natural strength.

These are releases by distilleries that are closed; however, liquid stock is still available. Imagine having names in your glass from the likes of Rosebank, Port Ellen, Pittivaich, and Dumbarton. Consider these the spirits of Christmas Presents.

Renaud Timson resides in Ottawa, Canada and likes to refer to himself as a “whisky enjoyist”. He is a certified Whisky Ambassador, accredited by the Scottish Whisky Association and his wallet has membership cards to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada, Ontario Whisky Quarterly and The Ottawa Whisky Guild.

On the non-whisky side, he’s a dad of six adult kids: three with two legs and three with four legs. He has some whiskies that are older than his kids.

He can be reached at renaudtimson@gmail.com.