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Finlaggan Cask Strength Islay Single Malt
Distiller Score 85
Peat, because of course, but fairly sweet overall, with plenty of vanilla extract and a bit of smoked marzipan. Finally, a whiff of cured meat as well. The palate has a sweet arrival too (cherry syrup), followed by intense peat smoke and even a bit of iodine. Great cask strength peat bomb on a budget.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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Famous Grouse
Distiller Score 85
Whoa! This is an intensely aromatic whisky with loads of malt on your nose. This mingles along with salty sea air, chewy caramels, and orange zest. The body of the whisky is greater than your average blend. As the dram winds down, honey and citrus are the last guests at the party.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Dewar's Caribbean Smooth
Distiller Score 86
This is a fun blended Scotch from Dewar's, with finishing in rum casks bringing a little more depth to a fairly straightforward blend. It's a pleasantly sweet whisky, with notes of cereal, vanilla, orange peel, and chamomile. A rounded, butterscotch sweetness gives it weight. At 80-proof and affordably priced, it's a very sessionable Scotch.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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King Robert II 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky
Distiller Score 85
Aromas of dried dates, figs, prunes, and dried cherries mix with vanilla and buttery pastry on the nose. The palate has a similar dried fruit and icing sugar/pastry type flavor profile, with quite a bit of viscosity on the tongue and a hint of sweet spice. There is a slight acetone element in the finish, though the sweet, toasted cereal flavors could still integrate well in a cocktail or highball.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Speyburn 10 Year
Distiller Score 85
You found a bargain here! Very soft and clean, with some faint citrus and grassy notes, balanced by classic Highland toffee and caramel flavors, slight whiff of pipe tobacco that's very classic for the area. Very easy to drink. This would be a good one for cocktails too.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Dewar's French Cask Smooth
Distiller Score 89
This whisky is like two desserts in one! The nose is all spiced apple cake slathered in vanilla frosting, with hints of sandalwood. The palate is tarte tartin with flavors of baked granny smith apples, orange and lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a generous dollop of vanilla cream. There is a slight toasty, sesame-like element that pulls the flavors out of the cloying realm and carries them into a roasty, spicy, and fruity finish with more of that vanilla having the final word. It's definitely a dessert whisky, or one to sip as an aperitif with mild cheeses and pate.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster