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Alberta Springs 10 Year
Distiller Score 85
Richly sweet with fiery pepper over layers of fruit, grain and rye spices. Dusty rye with a slight sourness on the nose becomes richly sweet on the palate with vanilla and crème caramel. Green apples, red grapes, and dried fruits ride waves of hot pepper and luscious caramel. Finishes in dry grain, hints of fresh-cut lumber and mild citrus pith. Deceivingly simple to begin with, then unfolds in many layers.
Reviewed by Davin de Kergommeaux
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Reilly's Mother's Milk
Distiller Score 87
This is a very easy drinking whiskey, with smooth vanilla, red apple and rich caramel flavors. Nuances of sweet spice, brown sugar and toasted oak develop upon further sipping. A slight burn in the finish reminds us that lads like Reilly like to go out swinging!
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Early Times 354 Bourbon
Distiller Score 87
Tasting the two expressions side by side was a real treat. 354 has a lighter weight, but still tons of rich flavor. It's very peachy, with that Sugar Corn Pops cereal taste many bourbons possess, and a good hit of spice and pipe tobacco. Very pleasant and balanced. Tasted it with a novice bourbon drinker who was immediately taken with it, and more experienced ones will appreciate the mellow style for a nice change of bourbon pace.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year
Distiller Score 85
Nose is very straight forward with baking spice, honey and citrus. Palate continues along those lines adding anise and heat. Finish is simple with heat and length.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Canadian Club 100% Rye
Distiller Score 88
This is a familiar rye with textbook floral notes on the nose. Popping toasted grains swirl with oaky vanilla leading your mouth on a journey of rye spiciness and creamy caramel. Orange citrus mixed with baking spices, such as clove and hot cinnamon, hang around a long time like they’ve been charged by the Energizer Bunny. This whisky is a prodigy for cocktails but just as delicious as a sipper.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Canadian Club Chairman's Select 100% Rye
Distiller Score 88
This is a familiar rye with textbook floral notes on the nose. Popping toasted grains swirl with oaky vanilla leading your mouth on a journey of rye spiciness and creamy caramel. Orange citrus mixed with baking spices, such as clove and hot cinnamon, hang around a long time like they’ve been charged by the Energizer Bunny. This whisky is a prodigy for cocktails but just as delicious as a sipper.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Mars Iwai Tradition Wine Cask Finish
Distiller Score 89
The first whiff brings red fruit and lots of it. The nose then delivers honey, vanilla, and milk cherry chocolate. Rich decadence from the wine influence. The palate is just as exciting with ginger, port, and subtle spice joining the sweet, rich notes from the nose. Dried figs, milk chocolate, and port notes lead the medium finish. A delightful experience through and through.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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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
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Ezra Brooks 90 Proof Straight Rye
Distiller Score 87
Ezra Brooks' rye whiskey debuts into an increasingly crowded category, but its flavor profile helps to separate it from the competition. The spiciness of the rye is toned down, shifting the emphasis to sweet notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. As a straightforward whiskey to sip on the rocks, this one is likely to please. Those seeking a big, spicy rye to punch through cocktails may want to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, it's a welcome addition to the category, and priced well for casual drinking.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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J.P. Wiser's Triple Barrel Rye
Distiller Score 90
This whisky is an all-you-can-eat rye bread buffet. The all-rye nose shifts to velvety wheat and vanilla icing on the palate with rye spices still in abundance. The oily and creamy texture of the whisky makes it tough to break long enough between sips to enjoy a bracing clean finish where the rye spices get a chance to pop one last time.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey
Distiller Score 87
A lot of people see the funny packaging and drink it on a dare. Thing is, as far as this genre of corn whiskey goes, it really ain't half bad (that is, if you haven't spilled half of it while trying to pour it out of the jar.) It has a funky sweet and herbal smell, not unlike a rhum agricole - all dried fruits, sage and tarragon. On the palate it tastes a lot like rum raisin ice cream, with less of that herbal quality that was present in the aroma. The ABV isn't too high, so it doesn't finish nearly as hot as you'd expect it to. Seriously, you could do worse. Heck, it's probably great in a cocktail and no one would be the wiser.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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