TradeAdam O'Connell
Adam O'Connell, drinks writer
Adam has been writing for Master of Malt for seven years now. He’s visited distilleries, wineries, and breweries across the world, reviewed a variety of whiskies, gins, rums, Tequilas, mezcals, brandies, vodkas, wines, beers, and cocktails, and contributed all kinds of words in all sorts of places, including over 650 articles to Master of Malt's award-winning online blog, and many of the handy drinks guides too. He’s even jammed with Kiefer Sutherland AND dined with Ainsley Harriott. Not at the same time.
Adam's Whisky of the Month (October 2026)
Laphroaig 15 Year Old
Scotch single malt whisky, Islay region
Laphroaig has brought back a permanent 15-year-old single malt after more than a decade away. It hasn’t tried to reinvent itself here either. Laphroaig 15 Year Old is matured entirely in American oak bourbon barrels and bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration, softening some of Laphroaig’s sharper medicinal edges while letting sweeter, fruitier notes creep through the smoke. Think less hospital corridor, more beach barbecue after popping some peaches on the grill.
"Laphroaig 15 is back. Huzzah. And the distillery has resisted the urge to add a daft cask to the equation. Just American oak letting time do its thing to the spirit we know and love. Huzzah again."
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
Bright grapefruit and orange peel lead the charge, with dried hay, vanilla fudge, charred oak, and oily barbecue smoke in support. Hints of clove and sea breeze linger underneath, with a note like a bonfire on a fishing boat throughout that keeps things very Laphroaig.
Big Islay energy straight away. Briny smoke, cracked black pepper, smoked mackerel, and earthy peat build into warming spices like cinnamon and coriander seed. Then comes a burst of peach, citrus oils, and sweet vanilla cream.
Lingering ash, sea salt, grapefruit zest, and a touch of toasted oak sweetness.
Glengoyne 21 Year Old
Scotch single malt whisky, Highland region
A fabulously sherried single malt from Glengoyne, matured predominantly in first fill European oak sherry casks for 21 long years. Its time in the cask has bestowed upon it lovely rich fruity notes with an exceptionally long finish. Impressive stuff, and great value.
"I got to try this whisky again among fine single malts from the range. I was struck by something: It’s fucking great. I don’t have anything insightful or quippy to say. Sometimes great whisky is just that."
Adam O'Connell
Whisky nerd and certified mate of Ainsley Harriott
Tasting notes
Punchy oak, potpourri, cranberries, raspberries, a little malt and figs on the nose.
Richly sherried. Everything is tangy and spiced - molasses, hot apple cider, Christmas pudding with flaming brandy and a touch of cracked black peppercorns.
Ends with oloroso and sweet malt.
