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Sullivans Cove Double Cask
Distiller Score 88
This expression is probably the easiest drinking of the three expressions. Ripe orange zest and vanilla in the nose and fore palate lend to an interesting spiciness similar to candied ginger. The mid-palate lends more to the French port cask and becomes zestfully sweet in a hazelnut and bitter chocolate finish.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength
Distiller Score 88
Very sweet and somewhat forceful on the nose, this whisky is chock full of vanilla, Ceylon cinnamon, and creamy tropical fruit. The palate is deeply layered, with flavors both exotic and familiar: mango lassi, wintergreen, candied pineapple, licorice root and sweet toffee cookie. Adding water tames the heat somewhat, but also mutes some of the flamboyant tropical flavors and brings out a more conventional cereal background note.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Hibiki 17 Year
Distiller Score 92
On the nose: honey, brown sugar, caramel, juicy pear and flowers. The taste is surprising and complex. Somehow light and rich, very warm with herbal notes, cocoa, and hazelnut. There is also an earthy, salty character, like a blue cheese or a Highland single malt. A bit of water brings out some chocolate. Finish is exceptionally warm and soothing.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Sullivans Cove American Oak Bourbon Cask
Distiller Score 89
Knowing that it uses new American Oak casks and that the whisky tasted for review was aged exactly 13 years to the day, you might expect that this whisky would be a little more full-bodied. It has a pretty high vanilla character all the way through, with Asian pear and Gala apples reigning throughout the first sip. Soon after, the character develops and takes an almost 180 degree turn to Tellicherry black peppercorns with the whisky finishing on the slightly smoky side.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Distiller Score 85
A perfect introduction to Japanese whisky: a rather light body but still a whole bouquet of delicious flavours. This Nikka expression boasts an elegant fruitiness, some nutty/sherried notes and a soft smokiness in the background. Definitely one of the best "value for money" Japanese whiskies on the market today.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Barrell Seagrass
Distiller Score 93
Apricot jam and peach preserves lead off on the nose, along with spearmint, anise, and rye spice. The palate is big, and multi-layered as you might expect, with notes of dark chocolate and cacao, raspberries and Jolly Ranchers, and thyme, followed by molasses, maple syrup, and Seville oranges. The finish offers vanilla, pecan pie, cinnamon, and cloves, with dried fruits and a lengthy, warming flourish of heat.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Mackmyra Moment Bärnsten
Distiller Score 90
A gourmet expression with plenty of dark berries, toffee and red wine influence. The mouth is without surprise--incredibly sweet and if you have no idea of what cloudberry was, you then find out! A wonderful fruity bouquet for drammers with a sweet tooth.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Nikka Yoichi 15 Year
Distiller Score 96
White fleshed fruits and maple syrup pay a visit along with a fair amount of peat smoke. A lovely richness coats the inside of your mouth while you detect some sherry notes on your palate. Almonds and gentle dark baking spices along with caramel apples put the finishing touches on the whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Yamazaki 12 Year
Distiller Score 91
Did someone say "breakfast"? Buttered toast and cereal with a dollop of honey and vanilla are found here. There's also some orange notes playing along in the background with the faintest hint of dried cranberries. A subtle smokiness can be found on the finish — not so much in an earthy peaty sense, but more like a just lit incense candle.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Gooderham & Worts Three Grain Little Trinity 17 Year
Distiller Score 94
Master Blender Dr. Don Livermore must moonlight as a tightrope walker to fill this bottle with so much poise and balance. This dazzling sipper has a touch of malty rye bread, warm rye spices, vanilla, dried fruit and dusty oak that shift to the palate giving the flavors of all food groups. A honeyed nuttiness pins down the rye spices through the finish. A very complex blend that doesn’t require a safety net.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Nikka Miyagikyo 10 Year
Distiller Score 89
Classic Miyagikyo nose. Lemon and grapefruit, lavender, pine, and a captivating freshness. The palate grows softer with white chocolate covered fruit and candy, as a wisp of campfire smoke comes forth. The finish is clean and long, with touches of oak and earth.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Yamazaki Puncheon 2013
Distiller Score 87
The American oak brings sweetness, with aromas of thick honey and creamy vanilla. Gentle fruit notes of banana and peach hide beneath. On the palate, pineapple and coconut join the aforementioned fruit as the smooth honey and vanilla sweetness remains everpresent. The medium finish is, as expected, sweet and fruity.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis