-
Bunnahabhain 2008 Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Distiller Score 97
The aromas here bounce back and forth between meat and fleshy fruit -- beef jerky and watermelon -- but there's a buttery thickness that comes close to creme brûlée because of the smoke. The taste then blows into full English bacon, but that wonderful cream is still there, taking form through bananas and greek yogurt, with added salt and pepper seasoning. This is beautiful.
Reviewed by Felipe Schrieberg
-
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
-
Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask Edition
Distiller Score 94
The all-American oak profile really shines through here. Sweet beef jerky and coconut flavors mixed with peat smoke hit you on the aroma. Barrel spices are present throughout, especially on the finish. Sweet malt is present, but the other flavors overpower it. Peaty and dry finish; add a few drops of water to soften the dram just a touch. This cask strength is sure to please peat heads, particularly those that are tired of seeing wine finishes.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 5)
Distiller Score 94
Fans of the standard Laphroaig 10 year who crave... more, will be pleased to find that's precisely what this cask strength bottling offers. Massive smoky peat aromas lead to a palate of fireplace, sweet cinnamon, iodine, smoked fish and meats, and fresh lemon rind. The finish is long and will please any lover of smoky whisky. The whisky is a pleasure to drink neat, but adding a bit of water opens things up and some dried fruit and nuts start to emerge.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
-
Compass Box No Name
Distiller Score 89
The peatiest Compass Box ever, indeed. The experience kicks off with an iodine and campfire charged nose. Bellowing, smoky peat continues on the palate. There's a slight counterbalance there in the form of dried fruits, citrus zest, spicy oak, and sour cherries, but it's peat all the way, which continues into a lengthy finish. Peat-heads only.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Lagavulin 12 Year (2016 Special Release)
Distiller Score 92
The nose is bright and fruity, with tropical fruits, green melons, bubblegum, and bananas, all in front of honey, salt, smoke, and peat. The palate then immediately shifts to dry and peaty, with smoke, salt, black pepper, and oak. A lengthy, lingering finish shows big campfire smoke, peat, and asphalt. Add water to reveal more sweetness on the palate, with toffee and caramel.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
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
-
Kilchoman STR Cask Matured (2019 Edition)
Distiller Score 91
Kilchoman's signature application of peat is front and center on the nose with a welcoming waft of malty sweetness and champagne tobacco. A sturdy wood char aroma from the STR process emerges and opens the door for some exciting flavors on the palate. Red pepper, brine, and dark olive are all bundled together in a delightfully rich spirit that brings to mind antipasti flavors. A celebratory tribute to Dr. Swan from the Kilchoman team!
Reviewed by Colin Howard
-
Talisker Distillers Edition (2023 Release)
Distiller Score 89
The nose is floral, with violets and lavender, moving into saltwater taffy, and oyster shells coated in seawater. The palate offers toffee, fudge, and lemon peel, along with bitterness in the form of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and wood tannins. The finish is mineral-tinged, with ocean-sprayed rocks, and offers charred oak, earthy peat, black pepper, and dried chilies.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 12)
Distiller Score 92
Frosted Flakes, marzipan, and sugar cookies lead on the nose along with a thick cloud of pipe smoke. The peat smoke is booming on the palate, with rubber and asphalt, as well as licorice and salted caramels. The finish is a low burning seaside campfire on a damp night, with tobacco, cedar, incense, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Hakushu Heavily Peated (2013 Release)
Distiller Score 94
Nose: Rubber and Iodine, Peat and Pepper, Hay. Tongue: Peat, Ham and Pepper, Grass, Plum and Honeycomb, Cedar and Cinnamon Cream, Bell Pepper. Notes: Wow. These guys know what they’re doing. Reminding me of Bruichladdich, in the best possible way.
Reviewed by Pedro Shanahan
-
Lagavulin 12 Year (2012 Special Release)
Distiller Score 91
There are medicinal notes found on the nose, like bandages and chlorine. Baked apples and Cracker Jack popcorn is nestled in there as well. As you taste, the peat completely takes over everything with a little sweetness as if you smoked cotton candy. The finish is drying and bitter, and we say that as a positive note. This dram is perfect for when you've had a bad day. Pour yourself a glass of this and exhale all of your troubles away.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno