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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Four Wood Bourbon
Distiller Score 96
The nose on this bourbon couldn't be more complex. Vanilla, caramel, red wine, freshly chopped firewood, candied citrus, the list goes on. The first sip is like taking a drag off a slightly harsh cigar, and then instantly mellows. The palate then explodes and coats the mouth with sweet citrus, well integrated wood, cool smoke, and a non-cloying sweet, lingering finish. Gorgeous, meticulously complex, yet still approachable.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Parker's Heritage Wheat Whiskey 13 Year
Distiller Score 94
Heaven Hill seems to have turned their Bernheim Wheat Whiskey up to 11 with this special release. Almost twice the age, this is the bigger and bolder older sibling with caramel, vanilla, and milk chocolate notes dominating without venturing into carnival candy land. The barrel spices are well integrated with just a slight cinnamon prickle towards the finish. Adding water expands these flavors, but isn't absolutely necessary.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenmorangie Astar
Distiller Score 89
The wood really comes through on the nose followed by pears and citrus peel. The dram is fairly smooth on your palate, but the proof intensifies the cinnamon and coffee aspect. With water, you get more of a honey sweetness and brighter fruit.
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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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish
Distiller Score 84
The nose bursts with sweet notes of lavender and cinnamon which underlie the tones of baked cherry pie in this garnet colored whiskey. Clove studded orange peel and nutmeg lead to a rich, full bodied mouthfeel and flavor. The pinot noir barrel is easily recognized by the rich spiced-berry notes in the finish.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Heaven Hill Select Stock Bourbon
Distiller Score 84
The high ABV makes itself immediately known in the nose, with a strong whiff of fiery spirit. Past that, there's orange oil, raisins, and something floral. In the mouth, it's fiery due to the high proof. Tamed by some water or left to breathe, one gets a very fruity bourbon, with apricots, banana, chocolate covered cherries, and caramel corn. Finish is hot, with some citrus bitterness. An odd bird, more ambitious than successful.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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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Teeling Silver Reserve 21 Year Single Malt
Distiller Score 93
Tropical fruits hit the senses with this whiskey, mango perhaps? Cooked banana? These notes continue on the palate with a bit of dried ginger, fresh grass, and pastry dough. Depending on your palate, this may be too fruit-forward for you, but I'd suggest trying this with a cheese plate for your dessert.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Aberlour 15 Year Select Cask Reserve
Distiller Score 85
This is a slow to get going whisky, but once it has an opportunity to sit in the glass for just a minute, it really opens up. The dark sherried notes come through on the nose, but also checking in for a visit are honey, orange peels, and cooked apples. Some dark chocolate and cinnamon appear and chewy oak tannins arrive fashionably late to the party.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Cask Finish
Distiller Score 91
The wine finish has provided for a salty and fruit filled nose with pears and baked apples. The palate is slick with sweet fruit and chewy malt and the finish is filled with cinnamon.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Knappogue Castle 16 Year Sherry Cask Finished
Distiller Score 87
The nose clues us in on the sherry barrels with nutty and raisin-y aromas with an almost rancio, rummy note as well. The fruit stays with you on the palate along with maple syrup, lemon flavored tea, and coffee grounds. The whiskey finishes dry and bitter, but has a sufficient length.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Blanton's Single Barrel Silver Edition
Distiller Score 89
Classic nose for a Blanton’s, with maybe a softer approach than the Gold and Straight From The Barrel bottlings (both only available outside the US). Aromas of tropical fruits like pineapple come through a first layer of honey. The palate is very smooth with more fruit, this time including quince and mandarins. There are enough soft spices such as cinnamon and vanilla to give structure to the whiskey and the finish is perfectly sweet and smooth.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré