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The image of whisky -on the surface at least - may be rather staid and traditional, but producers are experimenting like never before, maturing their whiskies in different barrels and casks to achieve new flavours and styles. Don't worry if you don't know your cask-strengths from your non-chill-filtereds; it is reassuring that the overall standard of whisky these days is very high. As a general rule, Speyside whiskies are clean and pure; Highland whiskies tend to be fuller and spicier; and those from Islay peaty and smoky. Irish whiskies are softer, and bourbons sweeter. And I would urge you to give Japanese whiskies a try. They are not easy to find, but are comparable in quality to the best Scotch.