A Selection, Not a Shelf

Step inside a distillery warehouse and the first thing you notice isn’t the sight of hundreds of casks stacked to the ceiling,  it’s the smell. Rich oak, dried fruit, warm spice, a whisper of smoke. Each cask tells a story, and not every one will become a masterpiece. At My Spirits & Wines, we take the same approach to our selection. We don’t simply stock bottles; we curate experiences. Every whisky, wine, and spirit you find on our site has been considered, tasted, discussed, and chosen with care.

In a world where it’s easy to fill a store with whatever sells fastest, we’ve made a different choice: to stand for quality, authenticity, and character,  in every glass.

Why We’re Picky

Being selective isn’t just about prestige; it’s about trust. When you see a bottle on our  virtual shelves, whether it’s a 25-year-old single malt or a limited-edition gin, you can be confident it’s there for a reason.

The drinks world is full of big marketing budgets and glossy labels, but not all that glitters is gold. We’ve all seen whiskies bottled for hype rather than heritage, or wines that lean more on branding than balance. Our job is to separate the genuine gems from the overpolished pretenders.

We believe in three guiding principles:

1. Authenticity – A spirit or wine should reflect its origin and the skill of its maker.
2. Quality – From the first sip to the last, the experience must be exceptional.
3. Value – Not always about price, but about delivering worth. A £50 bottle should taste like it’s worth £75, not £35.

Our Sourcing Process – Step by Step

Sourcing for My Spirits & Wines is both an art and a science. It’s also one of the most enjoyable parts of what we do,  but it comes with responsibility. Here’s how we decide what earns a place in our collection.

1. Visiting Producers

Whenever possible, we visit the distilleries, wineries, and producers we work with. Standing in a still house as the copper gleams, or walking a vineyard at harvest, tells us far more than any press release. We meet the makers, ask questions about their process, and listen to the philosophies that drive their craft.

2. Tasting & Evaluation

Every potential addition goes through our tasting panel,  a group of experienced palates who approach each spirit or wine with the same criteria:

• Appearance – Clear, vibrant, and inviting.
• Aroma – Complexity and character, with no off-notes.
• Palate – Balance, depth, and a flavour profile that delivers on the promise of the nose.
• Finish – Length, texture, and aftertaste that lingers for the right reasons.

We take notes, we debate, and we’re not afraid to say no, even to a pretty bottle with an impressive backstory.

3. Building Relationships

Many of the bottles we stock come from long-standing partnerships with independent bottlers, family-owned wineries, and small-batch distillers. These relationships give us access to limited releases and unique casks you won’t find in supermarkets or faceless online warehouses.

4. Avoiding the Overhyped

Not all limited editions are worth the rush. We avoid releases that rely purely on scarcity rather than substance. If a bottle carries a premium price tag, it needs to earn it in the glass.

Spotlight on Whisky

Whisky is where our passion truly runs deep, and our selection process here is especially rigorous. Scotland alone offers a staggering range of flavour profiles,  from the honeyed elegance of Speyside to the maritime smoke of Islay,  and each region brings its own character.

When assessing a whisky, we consider:

• Terroir & Origin – Does it reflect the land, water, and climate of its region?
• Cask Influence – Has the oak been used to enhance, not overpower, the spirit?
• Maturation – Age is a factor, but maturity is more important. A 10-year-old can outshine a 20-year-old if it’s been nurtured well.
• Distillery Reputation – We respect heritage but aren’t afraid to champion up-and-coming names.

For example, a recent addition to our range came from a small Highland distillery whose 12-year-old release offered layers of orchard fruit, gentle spice, and a silky finish,  all at a price point that felt like a quiet steal. That’s the kind of find we love to share.

Beyond Whisky – Other Spirits We Champion

While Scotch is a cornerstone, our shelves reflect a wider world of exceptional spirits.

• Gin – We favour producers who distil with integrity, sourcing botanicals carefully and distilling for flavour, not just trends.
• Rum – Authenticity is key; we look for rums with natural depth from proper ageing, not artificially sweetened shortcuts.
• Brandy & Cognac – Elegance, smoothness, and heritage are non-negotiable.
• Tequila & Mezcal – We support producers who respect traditional methods and sustainable agave farming.

Each category is chosen with the same care: it has to be a bottle we’d proudly pour for a guest,  or save for ourselves.

Why This Matters to Our Customers

In today’s world, buying drinks online can feel like a gamble. Stock photos, vague tasting notes, and too-good-to-be-true prices don’t always inspire confidence. That’s why we take the time to be transparent about what we sell and why.

When you buy from My Spirits & Wines, you’re not just getting a bottle,  you’re getting the assurance that it’s been hand-selected by people who care deeply about what’s inside. Our reputation rests on every shipment we send, and we wouldn’t risk that on anything less than exceptional.

An Invitation to Taste

Whether you’re hunting for your next investment whisky, a gift-worthy vintage, or simply a weekend dram, our collection exists to help you choose well,  and drink better. Browse our selection, join our newsletter for early access to rare releases, and step behind the cask with us.

Because when it comes to great spirits, the right bottle makes all the difference.

Photo by ibmoon Kim on Unsplash