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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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Glenlivet 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
Ever heard of Apple Brown Betty? Well, that's what this smells and tastes like. To enlighten, Apple Brown Betty is a baked dessert consisting of, you guessed it, apples! It also has bread, butter, and brown sugar all layered around the apples and when it is baked, the bread gets nice and toasty. In fact, why don't you serve this (or pie, or crisp) with a glass of this whisky and thank us later!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood Finish
Distiller Score 90
There's a very complex nose to this one, a swirl of crème brûlée, peppery spice, chocolate, and cherries all floating on top a whiff of salty sea air. In the mouth, it's a thick, well-balanced combination of oaky spice, red fruit, raisins, sea salt, and caramel. It's a warm, lingering finish full of dark fruit, oak, and cream.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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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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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Macallan Amber 1824 Series
Distiller Score 86
Bring the glass close to your nose and you will get a lot of flavours. Rich, this is a whisky displaying notes of orange, vanilla, dry fruits, chocolate, Brazil nuts and so on. Quite nice! The palate is offering the same profile, plus cinnamon among other spices. This is a whisky that is very fruity, smooth and easy to drink. Although you could expect more from the nose, it plays well neat or for cocktails.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Tullibardine 20 Year
Distiller Score 89
The nose is wonderful and brings honey and vanilla, allspice, oatmeal cookies, even something a little tropical like cocoa butter and papaya. The taste follows suit, with lots of vanilla, salted caramel, malt, orange oil, and oak. The wood threatens the other flavors but never goes overboard. The finish is medium and sweet, and full of Tullibardine's signature vanilla note as well as gingerbread and raisin.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year
Distiller Score 88
Some of the aromas detected are vanilla, orchard fruits, and toffee. Sweet without being cloying, the dried fruit notes from the sherry are present, but don't overpower the malt whisky.Chocolate and floral honey are found as well. The whisky feels lush on your palate with a creamy texture. This is a crowd-pleasing, enjoyable whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Auchroisk 10 Year Flora & Fauna
Distiller Score 88
The nose is heavy with lemon and malt, citrus-y and waxy like someone just cleaned a wood floor. On the palate, it's very dry. There is more spice than the nose indicates, with lots of licorice, orange zest, and white pepper. There's a whiff of smoke in there as well. A splash of water brings out salted caramel, pepper, and nuttiness.
Reviewed by Keith Allison