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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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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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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 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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Nikka Yoichi 15 Year
Distiller Score 96
White fleshed fruits and maple syrup pay a visit along with a fair amount of peat smoke. A lovely richness coats the inside of your mouth while you detect some sherry notes on your palate. Almonds and gentle dark baking spices along with caramel apples put the finishing touches on the whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Lagavulin Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 96
This whisky is rich and chewy loaded with cooked fruits. The iodine and smoke waltz in on the finish. Hay, chocolate, and tobacco are found upon more contemplation. The peat smoke is less intense on the palate than the standard 16 year Lagavulin as the beauty of the wine appears to have tamed the beast of a whisky.
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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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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George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2019)
Distiller Score 98
Lots of oak shows up on the nose along with char smoke and carnival candy--think popcorn, funnel cakes, and caramel-covered red apples. Moving on to the taste, it is less sweet than the nose may suggest displaying a savoriness that makes you just want to dive in. Water isn't necessary here, but if you do prefer it, just add a touch. The finish lasts for days so you can take your time with this one. Top pick in the BTAC for 2019, despite its lower than usual proof.
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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Caol Ila Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 90
The folks at Diageo chose correctly the type of wine to finish a peated, oily whisky. Honey and smoke are first to catch your attention with the focus turning to malt and summer ripe peaches. The peat smoke is a constant. The richness of the whisky isn't cloying and as you finish the sip, you will notice a dry, spice filled conclusion.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno