Halloween’s over - it’s nearly Christmas!!! I know this is an unpopular opinion but I can’t wait for the start of November as it always signals the start of the run in to Christmas. Now, I'm not suggesting putting up your Christmas tree or wrapping presents just yet (and I think I might leave the Christmas playlist for another week or two) but as the nights draw in I do love to think about the best whiskies to enjoy on these long dark evenings. So below I've created what I think is a great shopping guide either for yourself or a loved one this festive season. Enjoy!

Over the last few months I’ve sampled and reviewed nearly thirty whiskies on this site in my ongoing journey to become a Whisky Centurion. The whiskies I've tried range in price from around £27 to over £70, sparking my curiosity about value for money in a bottle of whisky. Value is highly subjective—what one person sees as valuable may differ entirely from another’s perspective. Sometimes, a cheap, easy whisky suffices, even if it means compromising on quality. Other times, splurging on a more expensive bottle can be gratifying, even if the extra cost doesn't equate to a proportionate increase in value. But it made me wonder, is there a way to quantify this and will it help?…

As it stands today, in early 2024, only 15% of Scottish distilleries are independently owned. Whilst this may not sound that bad, all of those distilleries have been founded since the turn of the millennium. Nearly 70% of the Scotland’s distilleries are owned by international companies, the largest of which is Diageo - the British multinational alcoholic drinks company. in this post we’ll dig a bit more into Diageo’s background and influence on the Scottish whisky industry…

Welcome, whisky enthusiasts, to the heartland of the Scottish whisky industry—the realm of twelve-year-old whiskies. While legally, whisky must age for a minimum of three years, it's the twelve-year mark that truly embodies the pinnacle of maturity and flavour development. This age bracket represents a sweet spot where complexity meets affordability, making it a favourite among connoisseurs and novices alike…

If you've spent any time reading whisky labels or reviews, you've probably seen the term "non-chill filtered" pop up repeatedly. Some distilleries trumpet it proudly on their bottles, while others quietly chill-filter their entire range without much fanfare. But what actually is chill filtration, and does it really matter? Let's dig into it.

All of Scotland’s 142* distilleries are organised into one of five traditional whisky producing regions - Highlands, Speyside, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown. But what do these regions mean and are they useful? The regions group all of Scotlands distilleries by geography and historically meant that flavour profiles could be expected to be similar within each region due to similar processes and use of local barley. Let’s find out more…

As the holiday season unfolded from Black Friday to the arrival of the New Year, enticing offers and exclusive deals beckoned from the shelves of whisky retailers. Succumbing to the allure of discounts, I found myself acquiring more than a few coveted bottles during this festive period. Yet, this spree sparked a pondering question: Amidst the plethora of online options, where does one find the best value when purchasing whisky in the UK?

When I first started exploring whisky seriously, I struggled to put words to what I was tasting. "It's... nice?" wasn't exactly helpful tasting notes. "Sort of sweet, maybe some fruit?" was only marginally better. I knew there was complexity in the glass, but I couldn't articulate it. Sound familiar?

This is where the whisky tasting wheel comes in — a tool that's genuinely useful once you understand how to use it properly.

When you pour a dram, one of the first things you notice is the colour. That beautiful amber glow in the glass promises richness, age, quality. Or does it? The truth about whisky colour is more complicated — and more interesting — than most people realise. Let me explain.

Whisky, that amber elixir with a centuries-old legacy, has been a muse for musicians across genres, inspiring soulful ballads and foot-stomping anthems. Here at Whisky Centurion, we love whisky but we also love music so we thought we would go on a wander through the songs about our favourite golden spirit.

Embarking on the world of whisky can be an exhilarating yet perplexing experience, especially when confronted with the intricate jargon of aroma and flavor. Fear not, for in this guide, I aim to unravel the mysteries behind the 'correct' protocol for tasting whisky and decode the myriad tastes and flavours that grace this exquisite spirit…