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Compass Box No Name
Distiller Score 89
The peatiest Compass Box ever, indeed. The experience kicks off with an iodine and campfire charged nose. Bellowing, smoky peat continues on the palate. There's a slight counterbalance there in the form of dried fruits, citrus zest, spicy oak, and sour cherries, but it's peat all the way, which continues into a lengthy finish. Peat-heads only.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask Edition
Distiller Score 94
The all-American oak profile really shines through here. Sweet beef jerky and coconut flavors mixed with peat smoke hit you on the aroma. Barrel spices are present throughout, especially on the finish. Sweet malt is present, but the other flavors overpower it. Peaty and dry finish; add a few drops of water to soften the dram just a touch. This cask strength is sure to please peat heads, particularly those that are tired of seeing wine finishes.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Port Charlotte 2007 CC:01
Distiller Score 90
Port Charlotte's signature peat first shows in the nose, quickly followed by some pleasant notes of sea breeze, ripe peaches, spices, cupcake icing, melted butter and cold tobacco. The mouthfeel is complex and vibrant with orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and sweet ginger all wrapped up in a peaty/smoky cloud. An impressive depth of flavours.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 5)
Distiller Score 94
Fans of the standard Laphroaig 10 year who crave... more, will be pleased to find that's precisely what this cask strength bottling offers. Massive smoky peat aromas lead to a palate of fireplace, sweet cinnamon, iodine, smoked fish and meats, and fresh lemon rind. The finish is long and will please any lover of smoky whisky. The whisky is a pleasure to drink neat, but adding a bit of water opens things up and some dried fruit and nuts start to emerge.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Bunnahabhain 2008 Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Distiller Score 97
The aromas here bounce back and forth between meat and fleshy fruit -- beef jerky and watermelon -- but there's a buttery thickness that comes close to creme brûlée because of the smoke. The taste then blows into full English bacon, but that wonderful cream is still there, taking form through bananas and greek yogurt, with added salt and pepper seasoning. This is beautiful.
Reviewed by Felipe Schrieberg
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Lagavulin 12 Year (2016 Special Release)
Distiller Score 92
The nose is bright and fruity, with tropical fruits, green melons, bubblegum, and bananas, all in front of honey, salt, smoke, and peat. The palate then immediately shifts to dry and peaty, with smoke, salt, black pepper, and oak. A lengthy, lingering finish shows big campfire smoke, peat, and asphalt. Add water to reveal more sweetness on the palate, with toffee and caramel.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Talisker 18 Year
Distiller Score 94
Bold aromas of coffee and rich maple syrup are followed by caramelized molasses. Candied lemon and orange citrus are found on the palate along with a long, full-bodied peppery finish. After sitting in the glass for a moment, notes of allspice, fresh grated nutmeg, and clove are discovered. The empty glass has an aroma again reminiscent of roasted coffee. Perfect for an after-dinner drink or a mid-afternoon snack!
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Lagavulin Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 96
This whisky is rich and chewy loaded with cooked fruits. The iodine and smoke waltz in on the finish. Hay, chocolate, and tobacco are found upon more contemplation. The peat smoke is less intense on the palate than the standard 16 year Lagavulin as the beauty of the wine appears to have tamed the beast of a whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Lagavulin 12 Year (2012 Special Release)
Distiller Score 91
There are medicinal notes found on the nose, like bandages and chlorine. Baked apples and Cracker Jack popcorn is nestled in there as well. As you taste, the peat completely takes over everything with a little sweetness as if you smoked cotton candy. The finish is drying and bitter, and we say that as a positive note. This dram is perfect for when you've had a bad day. Pour yourself a glass of this and exhale all of your troubles away.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Octomore 06.1/167 Scottish Barley
Distiller Score 94
The bouquet has big notes of smoke and peat, tempered by a layer of sweetness, vanilla, Jordan almond and honey being most evident. On the palate, notes of apple, pear, cinnamon and lemon peel are evident through a huge smoke flavor that, surprisingly, doesn't dominate this whisky. While the smoke and peat flavors are giant, the sweetness of the fruit notes gives this whiskey great balance. The finish is long, lingering and smoky.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 12)
Distiller Score 92
Frosted Flakes, marzipan, and sugar cookies lead on the nose along with a thick cloud of pipe smoke. The peat smoke is booming on the palate, with rubber and asphalt, as well as licorice and salted caramels. The finish is a low burning seaside campfire on a damp night, with tobacco, cedar, incense, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Laphroaig PX Cask
Distiller Score 85
Of course, the signature Laphroaig peat smoke comes first but the sherry influence shows quickly with notes of dried fruits, Christmas spices, and nutmeg in the nose. Also a pleasant underlying saltiness acts as a reminder of Laphroaig's insular location. The palate is all about smoke peat as well, with aromas of star anise, spices, and roasted nuts. A dry and rather lasting finish. Overall, a typical Islay whisky with a sherried twist and a real must-taste.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot