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Glengoyne 21 Year
Distiller Score 90
The initial impressions are those of a classic sherry-cask-aged whisky, with plenty of fruits, like red dried plums in this instance, and toasted barley. As it reaches your palate, it feels very smooth and has no prickly, burning effect. The aromas are very well integrated, leaving an overall seamless experience. This Glengoyne is mostly fruity, floral and gently spicy. The finish could have been longer, but at the end of the day, this is a very successful whisky.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Glenmorangie 18 Year
Distiller Score 93
Desserts galore come to mind with this whisky. The aroma is bursting of fresh lemon hand pies with the taste profile moving towards cherry pie with a rich, buttery crust. As you continue down the dessert list, crème brûlée with its just torched sugar crust is paired with a cinnamon honey and citrus hot toddy. Even with all of these sweet, heavy descriptors, there is a zing to this whisky that keeps it fresh and alive.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Compass Box Hedonism
Distiller Score 97
Having aged in only 1st fill ex-Bourbon barrels, the whisky definitely shows aromas from the wood such as coconut cream and vanilla, but there are more layers to explore. The creaminess of the whisky is very sensual and as it sits in your mouth baking spices are revealed. The name "Hedonism" suits this whisky just fine.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Edradour Straight From The Cask Port Wood Finish 12 Year
Distiller Score 95
At cask strength it is slow to open but rounds out beautifully after about 10 minutes. Take time to savor the quality and richness of this distillation. A robust aroma of marzipan and baked dark fruits leads to a rich and oily palate with a touch of cocoa and coffee. The fruity finish is lengthy with just a touch of pepper.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Glenmorangie Duthac
Distiller Score 91
The aroma is big and bold with a nose dominated by pear, toffee, candied nuts, and baking spices--very much a dessert dram. The palate follows suit with milk chocolate, nuts, cloves, and butterscotch. The finish brings raisins, leather, and orange peel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Aberlour 16 Year Double Cask Matured
Distiller Score 90
The aromas pour forth with a rich and creamy nose of sweet juicy raisins, bold spice, mild oak and a prominent nuttiness. The mouth speaks of balance between the two finishes, first of ripe plum and a delicate nuttiness, the second of vanilla, toasted oak and delicate baking spices. This whisky draws a seductively long finish of honey, spice, vanilla and dried dark fruits, which will keep you longing for another sip.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Glenfiddich 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
If ever there was a whisky that brings to mind "liquid fruitcake", this is it. The dried candied fruits, ginger, vanilla, baking spices and toffee just screams "fruitcake" from the top of the highest mountain. In fact, if you happen to get one for the holidays, do yourself and family a favor and pour a glass or two on top of the cake for a lovely treat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Macallan Edition No. 4
Distiller Score 90
The Macallan Edition No. 4's loaded sherry heritage is revealed instantly with walnuts and prunes, citrus peels, apple slices dripping with clover honey, and a dose of rancio funk on the nose. The palate is all rich, sweet sherry upfront, followed by orange zest, spicy oak, and milk chocolate. The finish is drier, with tingly black pepper, astringent oak, and dark chocolate, and finally more citrus, sherry, and fruit in the background. One big sherry bomb all the way through.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2013 Port Wood Edition
Distiller Score 97
The whisky begins with a jammy plum nose and hints of black currant and spice reminiscent of clove infused iodine. On the palate, savory pepper and peat. At 102.6 proof, the rich flavored ethanol sticks to your lips and burns ever so good. A crescendo-like smoky cigar box finish is firm and luxurious.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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The Glenrothes 1995
Distiller Score 91
For those that like their whiskies on the sweet side, step right up. This is a creamy and rich whisky with notes of almond covered toffee. Ripe apple fruits covered with cinnamon syrup and hints of orange zest round out the flavor profile.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Aberlour 18 Year Double Cask Matured
Distiller Score 92
The sherry is prominent in the nose, but don’t be fooled, this is still whisky. Big with fruit, the nose boasts ripe peach and apricot, warm vanilla and plump raisins, followed by a luscious salted caramel and hints of red apple. Ripe juicy orange, chocolate covered raisins, peach marmalade and vanilla spice cake round out this supple whisky that finishes long and seductive with cocoa, cinnamon and orange zest. Though this would be the perfect single malt to sip by the fire, don’t overlook this as a decadent pairing with triple crème or nutty cheeses, dried fruits, and duck liver mousse.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Springbank Rum Wood Finish 16 Year
Distiller Score 91
A sniff brings lots of vanilla, honey, and tropical fruits like papaya and a bit of coconut. The taste is an exquisite balance of rum and whisky characteristics. This is a rich and sweet whisky with cocoa, apricots, and more papaya; the palate also shows bitter dark chocolate, oak, and salted caramel. A few drops of water really brings the fruit forward, accompanied by a floral burst and more salt.
Reviewed by Keith Allison