Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The name ‘permashelf’ is obviously a blended word. It’s simply a contraction of the words ‘permanent’ and ‘shelf’. I’m told that it's called a portmanteau.
Whatever, the important bit is surely that ‘permanent’ part, no?
If this list was truly permanent, however, it would be done once and move on. By definition, it’s permanent. So why are we looking at an annual update these days?
Well, funny thing, but whisky is always changing. Today we find ourselves in a place where it’s changing quicker than anyone predicted, and these changes are reflected in the availability, affordability and quality of what’s being offered. Inevitably that’s very likely to affect what appears on this so-called permashelf. It’s a handy tool to help us focus - especially when we’re prone to getting carried away as passionate whisky botherers.
It’s a way of focusing on the whiskies that are so available, so affordable and - the critical bit - so loved that they are replaced quickly after - and sometimes even before - being finished. Permanent bottles; on a permanent shelf.
So why would I restrict it? Why does the shelf only hold ten bottles? Well, as surprising as it may be to us, when those who have yet to fall under the spell of the whisky flavour chase see we have dozens of full bottles, or perhaps dozens of full shelves, they think it’s a little unnecessary. To say the least. They may like whisky, but they need to cut through all the intimidating blur of complexity and get to the nitty gritty - which do you really love?
Perhaps, they may even be asking the most critical question of all - where-do-I-even-start?
And so, us focusing on ten bottles only helps force that process. It may not be easy though.
Are there rules for this permashelf?
Well yes, there are for mine, but your shelf is up to you. You can have anything you like. But let’s try something fun; make a list in advance and see if there’s overlap. Let’s see where we can find consensus. I believe it’s there, but we’ll see.
I’ve kept to official distillery bottlings, but I think when we talk about replacing a finished bottle that’ll take care of itself no need to make that a requirement. My ‘rules’ have evolved into everything being fully natural, so statements of no added colour and no chill-filtration are mandatory. I have also recently changed things and chosen to focus on single malts only and - spoiler - for this list everything is scotch. Second spoiler, the pretty and disarming Bunnahabhain 12 still doesn’t appear. I know you’ll hate me. But there’s so much choice. So much to share. I hope to see you there.
0:00 - Opening
2:26 - Wow this is a long video... why?
6:03 - Welcoming in the Lounge
17:31 - What is this 'Permashelf'
20:00 - Previous lists
29:19 - 1. Kilkerran 12yo
38:22 - 2. Springbank 10yo
44:30 - 3. Glencadam 10yo v Deanston 12yo
56:24 - 4. Ardnamurchan AD/
1:07:12 - 5. Craigellachie 13yo
1:12:36 - 6. Ardbeg 10yo v Ardnahoe
1:25:54 - 7. Speyburn 15yo v Edradour 10yo 46%
1:40:04 - 8. Benromach Cask Strength
1:44:52 - 9. Ledaig 10yo
1:48:20 - 10. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie 10yo
1:56:30 - Why no Arran 10yo?
1:57:49 - What about prices?
2:03:39 - Why no Lowlands?
2:08:59 - 2026 list in summary
2:11:39 - Quiz at the End
The name ‘permashelf’ is obviously a blended word. It’s simply a contraction of the words ‘permanent’ and ‘shelf’. I’m told that it's called a portmanteau.
Whatever, the important bit is surely that ‘permanent’ part, no?
If this list was truly permanent, however, it would be done once and move on. By definition, it’s permanent. So why are we looking at an annual update these days?
Well, funny thing, but whisky is always changing. Today we find ourselves in a place where it’s changing quicker than anyone predicted, and these changes are reflected in the availability, affordability and quality of what’s being offered. Inevitably that’s very likely to affect what appears on this so-called permashelf. It’s a handy tool to help us focus - especially when we’re prone to getting carried away as passionate whisky botherers.
It’s a way of focusing on the whiskies that are so available, so affordable and - the critical bit - so loved that they are replaced quickly after - and sometimes even before - being finished. Permanent bottles; on a permanent shelf.
So why would I restrict it? Why does the shelf only hold ten bottles? Well, as surprising as it may be to us, when those who have yet to fall under the spell of the whisky flavour chase see we have dozens of full bottles, or perhaps dozens of full shelves, they think it’s a little unnecessary. To say the least. They may like whisky, but they need to cut through all the intimidating blur of complexity and get to the nitty gritty - which do you really love?
Perhaps, they may even be asking the most critical question of all - where-do-I-even-start?
And so, us focusing on ten bottles only helps force that process. It may not be easy though.
Are there rules for this permashelf?
Well yes, there are for mine, but your shelf is up to you. You can have anything you like. But let’s try something fun; make a list in advance and see if there’s overlap. Let’s see where we can find consensus. I believe it’s there, but we’ll see.
I’ve kept to official distillery bottlings, but I think when we talk about replacing a finished bottle that’ll take care of itself no need to make that a requirement. My ‘rules’ have evolved into everything being fully natural, so statements of no added colour and no chill-filtration are mandatory. I have also recently changed things and chosen to focus on single malts only and - spoiler - for this list everything is scotch. Second spoiler, the pretty and disarming Bunnahabhain 12 still doesn’t appear. I know you’ll hate me. But there’s so much choice. So much to share. I hope to see you there.
0:00 - Opening
2:26 - Wow this is a long video... why?
6:03 - Welcoming in the Lounge
17:31 - What is this 'Permashelf'
20:00 - Previous lists
29:19 - 1. Kilkerran 12yo
38:22 - 2. Springbank 10yo
44:30 - 3. Glencadam 10yo v Deanston 12yo
56:24 - 4. Ardnamurchan AD/
1:07:12 - 5. Craigellachie 13yo
1:12:36 - 6. Ardbeg 10yo v Ardnahoe
1:25:54 - 7. Speyburn 15yo v Edradour 10yo 46%
1:40:04 - 8. Benromach Cask Strength
1:44:52 - 9. Ledaig 10yo
1:48:20 - 10. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie 10yo
1:56:30 - Why no Arran 10yo?
1:57:49 - What about prices?
2:03:39 - Why no Lowlands?
2:08:59 - 2026 list in summary
2:11:39 - Quiz at the End
