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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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Edradour Straight From The Cask Port Wood Finish 12 Year
Distiller Score 95
At cask strength it is slow to open but rounds out beautifully after about 10 minutes. Take time to savor the quality and richness of this distillation. A robust aroma of marzipan and baked dark fruits leads to a rich and oily palate with a touch of cocoa and coffee. The fruity finish is lengthy with just a touch of pepper.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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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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BenRiach 20 Year
Distiller Score 92
There is a noticeable char smoke, but more so from a smoked charcuterie, a sweet smoke. The whisky starts off creamy and vanilla sweet on the palate and then becomes slightly bitter with nut shells, cinnamon, and bitter chocolate.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Auchentoshan Blood Oak
Distiller Score 89
Like a wave of syrupy Luxardo cherries, Blood Oak's scent drips with luxury. Red stone fruit wrapped in rose petals and citrus zest prep the tongue for a creamy honeyed warmth. Blood oranges and ginger, cream and vanilla, nutmeg and tobacco--all present. This isn't your typical Auchentoshan offering; it's something sexier and more dangerous. Try adding a touch of water for more pepper or leave it as is to enjoy the fruit and spice.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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Compass Box Delilah's XXV
Distiller Score 89
The nose is creamy, with vanilla frosting, butter, and dark brown sugar, along with stewed fruits, and syrupy apricots and plums. The palate has an oily mouthfeel, showcasing more of those sherried fruits, along with black pepper, leather, and pinewood. The finish starts with a sugary, fruity flourish, which fades quickly, hitting a brief sharp note of spearmint, and finally leaving with lingering black pepper and dry oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Springbank Rum Wood Finish 16 Year
Distiller Score 91
A sniff brings lots of vanilla, honey, and tropical fruits like papaya and a bit of coconut. The taste is an exquisite balance of rum and whisky characteristics. This is a rich and sweet whisky with cocoa, apricots, and more papaya; the palate also shows bitter dark chocolate, oak, and salted caramel. A few drops of water really brings the fruit forward, accompanied by a floral burst and more salt.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Glenmorangie Duthac
Distiller Score 91
The aroma is big and bold with a nose dominated by pear, toffee, candied nuts, and baking spices--very much a dessert dram. The palate follows suit with milk chocolate, nuts, cloves, and butterscotch. The finish brings raisins, leather, and orange peel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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
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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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Dalmore 15 Year
Distiller Score 86
The wine finish really brings a whole other dimension to the taste. There's a cherry wood aroma along with dried fruits like dates and dried berries. The taste goes even deeper with the fruit and spice and brings a sense of mulled wine. There is a bright acidity throughout the dram which helps to not make the whisky fall flat.
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