-
Westland Peat Week 2020 Single Cask #3369
Distiller Score 91
Matt Hofmann at Westland has always shown great craft in marrying malt whiskey and wood, and here his streak continues. A combination of wool, brine, and wet earth fill the nose. Ginger cookie and creme brûlée come bounding forward to add an enchanting complexity. Buttered bread and ginger roll over the palate with a drier, campfire peat taking over. A delightfully rich offering to celebrate Peat Week.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
-
Manatawny Still Works 7th Anniversary Single Malt Peated (Batch 21B)
Distiller Score 87
Butterscotch mixes with cigar smoke at the front of the nose, followed by sour cherries, citrus peel, and menthol. The palate offers sourdough pretzels, with honey, dried fruits, and fresh berries, all underpinned by black pepper and ashy fireplace. A warm, lengthy finish offers plenty of peat smoke and earthy soil backed up by ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Westland Solum Edition 2
Distiller Score 89
Fireplace shows up early on the nose, along with cherrywood, black pepper, vanilla pudding, and green-herbal characteristics. On the palate, find barrel char, peat smoke side by side with fresh, wet soil, macerated berries, and dark chocolate brownies. The finish offer a simmering mesquite BBQ type smoke, along with tannic oak and sour cherries.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
Distiller Score 93
The nose will knock you off your feet. Lots of rye, barrel, heath bar and leather. The palate is ridiculously viscous, with cinnamon candies, rye, barrel, roasted vanilla bean and chocolate. The finish is long, smooth and robust with spice, roasted chestnuts and barrel.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
-
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
-
Westland Coldfoot Edition 1
Distiller Score 87
Coldfoot Ed. 1 definitely calls out for a cold night in the great outdoors. Aromas of savory stewed fruit and earthy mushrooms are densely packed together in the nose. A heavy, broth-y waft sets a dense backdrop as the spirit opens up. The palate opens with a dry crack of sage and apple followed by more heavy umami flavors. The finish is a bit tannic, like black walnut, but overall a very adventurous single malt.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
-
Westland Peat Week 2016
Distiller Score 90
Hello gorgeous! This veritable sideshow of a whisky introduces itself with a scent that is unmistakable: Brach's Strawberry Bon Bon candies. After the ripe red fruit settles the smoke beckons you to dive right in. Doing so showcases big flavor, such as meaty barbecue, grilled tropical fruits, nutty grains, and of course luxurious tobacco smoke. Step right up and have a taste.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
-
Westland Garryana 2019 Edition 41
Distiller Score 88
Westland Distillery does a great job of reflecting a certain Pacific Northwest character in their malts. Brooding notes of dark malt and wood char give way to to lighter briny/ green olive/ peppermint aromas on the nose. The palate is muscular and savory. Dark bread and black pepper linger long afterwards and bristle at the sides of the tongue.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
-
Westland Peat Week 2019
Distiller Score 89
Westland's Peat Week release strikes a marvelous balance between smoke and fruit, delivering a heavy dose of both. The peat is immediately evident on the aroma, but the palate also offers plum, caramelized sugar, sea salt, and vanilla. Smoke lingers sweetly on the palate for the finish. This one is extremely limited, but absolutely worth picking up.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
-
Frey Ranch American Single Malt Smoked Whiskey
Distiller Score 88
Wafts of fireplace smoke lead on the nose, along with cigar wrapper, baker's chocolate, and wild mint. The palate is dry and earthy, offering black pepper, oak, barrel char, sour cherries, and hay, and is easy sipping despite the proof. The lengthy finish turns up the phenolics with tire rubber and ash, and also offers vanilla extract and cedar wood shavings.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
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
-
Booker's 25th Anniversary Bourbon
Distiller Score 96
Nose is boozy, but moves onto deep dark fruit and brown sugar. Tastes like burnt apple pie. Lot's of molasses and hints of smoke. Concentrated sweetness lingers and coats your entire mouth. Deep and rich, the oak and char of the barrel really comes through. An exceptional bourbon.
Reviewed by Phil Olson