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Bowmore The Devil's Casks 10 Year
Distiller Score 90
The first thing that came to mind when taking a sniff at the whisky was sweet BBQ potato chips. As you dig a bit deeper, you'll find cinnamon candies, caramel, and dried fruits. With a just a couple of drops of water, the whisky rounds out the tightly knit texture and you will find even more sweet smoky fruit. Sweet, smoky, and salty…sign us up for a bottle!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Pure Malt
Distiller Score 92
A lovely sweet spice hits your nose that is very inviting. There's a smoky aroma, but it has more of a sweet char rather than a vegetal peat quality to it. Gentle peat comes through on the palate, but is intermixed with creamy vanilla and pear fruit. Though the finish could be longer, it is pleasurable.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year
Distiller Score 93
This 18 year old is quite different than the new Gold Label Reserve. Heather and cereal notes are more prominent here and there is less of a honeyed quality as well. It has more of an oaked factor that gives the whisky some character along with a slight brine and dried apricot. The finish is more on the dry side and there is a faint wisp of smoke that lingers.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Port Charlotte MRC:01 2010
Distiller Score 93
Lots going on aromatically including sweet smoke, beef jerky, malt, toasted barrel spices and vanilla. There are hints of red fruits around the edges which become more apparent when tasting. This dram is full of spices on the palate and the finish is on the bittersweet side. Consider adding just a touch of water to really get the full scope of the flavors, particularly the fruity ones. This is a real treat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Port Charlotte 2007 CC:01
Distiller Score 90
Port Charlotte's signature peat first shows in the nose, quickly followed by some pleasant notes of sea breeze, ripe peaches, spices, cupcake icing, melted butter and cold tobacco. The mouthfeel is complex and vibrant with orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and sweet ginger all wrapped up in a peaty/smoky cloud. An impressive depth of flavours.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Laphroaig Lore
Distiller Score 94
Roasted nuts, briny peat and vanilla greet the nose. The palate contains that telltale, medicinal, maritime campfire smoke and salty richness Laphroaig is known for, proudly holding court above all else. A couple of drops of water reveal dried dates, figs, apricot, toffee, cocoa and spiced accents of ginger, cardamom, fennel, clove, cinnamon and cedar. The flavors stay generously long on the palate, finishing with a smoky-salty, warm heat. This is a perfect cool weather whisky that begs for fireside sipping.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Laphroaig 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
If you're looking for the peat, the whole peat, and nothing but the peat, you're in for a disappointment. That element comes at you like a gentle kitten rather than a feral tomcat. Age has a way of reducing the amount of peat phenols in the whisky and that has happened here. Floral, heathery notes are found with stone fruits and a lingering syrup sweetness to finish the dram.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Talisker 18 Year
Distiller Score 94
Bold aromas of coffee and rich maple syrup are followed by caramelized molasses. Candied lemon and orange citrus are found on the palate along with a long, full-bodied peppery finish. After sitting in the glass for a moment, notes of allspice, fresh grated nutmeg, and clove are discovered. The empty glass has an aroma again reminiscent of roasted coffee. Perfect for an after-dinner drink or a mid-afternoon snack!
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2020 Port & Wine Casks
Distiller Score 93
Fact: the best pieces of movie popcorn are the half-popped, slightly burnt kernels at the bottom of the bucket, and that is exactly what this whisky initially smells and tastes like. Perhaps a flask of Port or PX sherry was brought along, because the buttery, charred popcorn takes on a brambly/berry compote flavor, with a hint of cherry cough lozenge, roasted almonds, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, and a waft of drying sea weed. Fans of Laphroaig will appreciate that the typical phroaig-iness is very much present, just with some fun new flavor profiles to savor, and a pleasingly long finish with only a slight burn despite the proof.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Port Charlotte SC:01 2012
Distiller Score 90
The aroma brings to mind lightly smoked bacon, toasted barley, grass and lemon. Adding just a splash of water brings out some herbal honey and oak. A hint of menthol present as well. The whisky feels moderately full on the palate and a little oily. There's also a touch of dark chocolate along with the sweet and mossy flavors. Overall, an herbal, peaty and dried fruit experience with citrusy honey finish. Intriguing to say the least.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11 Year
Distiller Score 90
Aromas of smoked meats greet you on the nose along with sweet malt and vanilla notes. On the palate, the whisky is moderately rich with peat smoke swirling around. Overall, mostly a savory offering with just the right amount of bittersweet and earthy flavors keep it interesting. A solid offering from Lagavulin. Serve neat. Pairing with bacon-wrapped shrimp not required, but Ron Swanson would approve.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Sazerac Rye 18 Year (Fall 2017)
Distiller Score 97
Lots of leather and dark rye spice on the nose so much that it is reminiscent of a saloon. Smells tough somehow. Apple skins and vanilla accompany the leather and rye. As to be expected these aromas translate on to the palate with the sweetness dialed down. Toasted vanilla and brown butter join in and the rye has a tangy finish. Damn good rye.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno