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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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Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt
Distiller Score 84
Aromas of mixed berry jam and baking spices such as clove and allspice to begin with followed by more fruit and spice. The palate gets a brief reprieve on these notes on the mid-palate with vanilla, wet tobacco, and honey, but then reverts back to finish with more spices and berries. Must love Port!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength
Distiller Score 88
While extremely light on the palate, the flavors are very deep and complex. The grapey-ness of the wine influence really comes through, mixed with the cereal notes of the malted barley and the vanilla from the oak itself. The finish reminds a bit of a root-beer-flavored Life Saver candy, which makes it a fun sip. A drop of water makes the hot finish a bit more creamy.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013
Distiller Score 94
The stellar influence of sherry gives way to raisins, plums, figs, dates, and Maraschino cherries all dipped in dark, bitter chocolate. The aforementioned notes only intensify on the palate, now joined by cinnamon and pepper. The finish is long, as a battle between sweet, bitter, and sour notes ensues.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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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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Johnett Swiss Single Malt Whisky
Distiller Score 83
If ever you have tried their fruit liqueurs before, you cannot help but think of Mirabelle and pear eaux-de-vie when you smell this whisky. On the palate, the fruitiness is still the main impression, along with soft barley flavors. The use of small column-still is key in the style which is very smooth, creamy, and sweet, though there is a dry, woody touch on the finish. This would be perfect after dinner with your dessert or for breakfast with pancakes.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year
Distiller Score 87
There is a quiet nature about this whisky. Afternoon tea time comes to mind with vanilla sweet cakes and honeyed tea. The cereal notes are mild yet pleasant with the finish dry and wood spice filled.
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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Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt
Distiller Score 77
Can you hear Steve Perry singing, "Oh Sherry?" If you are a sherry lover, this is the whisky for you. Kavalan Sherry Cask is deeply aromatic and floral and has sherry written all over it. With the tropical climate and angel's share taking five times that of Scotland, aging whisky is a bit tricky here. The finish is perhaps a bit too chewy and tannic.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak Single Malt
Distiller Score 86
Initially, you will experience barrel notes such as menthol, coconut, and vanilla. The palate continues with these flavors and adds toasted cereal to the mix. The whisky is tangy and finishes relatively smooth with wood spices relatively mild.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Navazos-Palazzi Palo Cortado Cask Grain Whisky (July 2014)
Distiller Score 87
The salted walnut aroma from the sherry influence is immediately apparent on the nose. On the palate, a creamy caramel sweetness wafts in with more salty nut flavors, pineapple, mango and sweet spice. It's a sweet style of whisky, but with just enough weight and spicy grip to keep it elegant and satisfying.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster