Learn and Explore

Want to learn more about wines and spirits? Browse our range of articles on everything from blending Tawny Port to fine vintage Champagne, from the geography of Burgundy to a guide to the distilleries of Scotland. These introductions will give you an insight into the history, production techniques and stylistic differences of the many thousands of different wines and spirits we stock at Hedonism Wines. If you still can't find the information you need, don't hesitate to reach out via the contact us page and we'll get back to you right away.

If you're interested in learning about a specific winery or distillery - check out our interviews page - we've sat down with some of the industries leading distillers and winemakers for discussions as part as of "Hedonism Meets..." interview series.

The Essential Guide to Independent Whisky Bottlers

Posted by Hedonism Wines

Have you ever wondered why it’s possible to find two bottles of what is ostensibly the same whisky (same distillery, same age, apparently the same liquid inside), but with different labels? This is a sign that one of those whiskies has been released not by the distillery, but by an independent bottler.

Yamazaki – a Brief History of Japan’s Oldest Distillery

Posted by Hedonism Wines

The Yamazaki Distillery is nothing less than the birthplace of Japanese whisky. It was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the architect of the Suntory brewing and distilling empire. Having previously worked as a pharmaceutical wholesaler, then a winemaker, Shinjiro switched to whisky making ambitiously believing that he could create the Japanese market for fine malt whisky. But not even he would have dared to guess at the success his company, and Yamazaki, would achieve.

A short guide to the Macallan Archival Series

Posted by Hedonism Wines

The Macallan is considered by many enthusiasts and investors to be the ultimate collectible single malt whisky. Over the years this much-loved brand has released a steady stream of limited-edition single malts that have generated huge interest, both upon release and on the secondary market.

Exploring Château d'Yquem's Exquisite Sauternes

Posted by Hedonism Wines

Located in the heart of the Sauternes appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank, Château d’Yquem is the most prestigious producer of noble sweet wines in the world. Surrounded by the châteaux of Guiraud, Rieussec, Suduiraut and Raymond Lafon, it is the only Bordeaux estate to be granted with the status of 'Premier Cru Supérieur' in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

A comprehensive guide to Springbank

Posted by Hedonism Wines

Located on the shore of Campbeltown Loch in the west of Scotland, Springbank is a true whisky icon, a beacon of staunch whisky-making tradition which, to many, singles it out as the most important distillery in Scotland.

Springbank traces its history to 1828, when Archibald Mitchell built his distillery on the site of an illicit still, making Springbank the 14th licensed distillery in Campbeltown. Today, Springbank is one of only three distilleries operating in Campbeltown and lays claim to being the oldest independent family-owned distillery in Scotland.