Singleton of Glen Ord 42 Year Old / The Gourmand Collection Highland Whisky

Clara Johansson — Exceptional quality, absurd price tag

7/10

Look, this is a genuinely great whisky. The complexity from four decades in oak is undeniable and the 45.8% ABV is a smart choice — enough strength to carry those deep sherry and spice notes without being harsh. But £8750 puts it firmly in collector territory. I scored it a 7 because I can't separate quality from value, and at this price I expected it to change my life.

Priya Sharma — Beautiful but hard to justify

8/10

Tried a measure at a whisky bar and sipped it neat over about an hour. The nose is stunning — think Christmas cake, polished wood, and orange peel. The palate delivers on all of it with a long, warming finish. My only gripe is value for money. There are 30-year-old Highland malts that get you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the price.