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Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 84
The nose on this whiskey is round with a good amount of wood, baking spices, toasted oats, and light chewy pralines. Old Fitz BIB can be a little hot out of the gates, but as you get past the 100 proof-welcome you get some rich flavors of vanilla, clove, and toasted walnuts sprinkled on oatmeal. This whiskey could easily benefit from a touch of water, but truthfully, why reach for a BIB if you are simply going to add water? That said, with a little water, you will coax a bit more nuanced subtleties like cinnamon-coated walnuts, maple syrup and hints of mint from this delicious wheated bourbon.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Dark Horse Long Shot White Whiskey
Distiller Score 78
The whiskey itself comes in at 80 proof and is as clear as water. It has a very raw nasal character as you should expect. For a white whiskey it is very mild. The aroma has a faint resemblance of rising bread. And a slight floral character I’m going to chalk up to good Midwestern water.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Alberta Premium Canadian Rye Whisky
Distiller Score 84
The nose presents with dark rye, apple skins, milk chocolate, and wood spices. The taste profile is enjoyable, but not particularly complex. It is a solid, smooth rye whisky with a nice roundness to take the edge off. Considering the price, you'd do well to pick up a bottle if for nothing else but making yourself a damn fine Manhattan cocktail.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Speyburn Bradan Orach
Distiller Score 78
The nose is full of rich malt, lemon, and some vanilla. There is a bit of a dirty quality on the nose, but despite the unevenness of the whisky, it is a good value for its price. The finish is full of fruity and honey tastes followed by a slight bitterness.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Clontarf 1014 Blended Irish Whiskey
Distiller Score 80
The entry is light, but sweet with vanilla and corn cast as the leading actors. Grains and apple juice play secondary roles. The bourbon cask influence comes through on the palate and accentuates the mostly corn based whiskey. It is slightly slick, soft, and sweet with the spice factor held to a minimum from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Old Heaven Hill Gold Label Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 77
This whiskey boasts some serious complexity on the nose for such an affordable offering with aromas of clove-spiced orange peel, charred oak, buttered toast, and caramel corn. The flavors of butterscotch, toffee, baking spice and big oaky notes dominate the palate with hints of spearmint and dried dark fruits in the background. Old Heaven Hill has a finish that only slightly lingers with light spice notes, toasted oak, and a delicate stone fruit sweetness peach pie.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Hankey Bannister Original Blend
Distiller Score 82
The nose contains a rich and malty aroma, but proceeds on the palate more delicately. The whisky is very agreeable on the palate with a touch of almonds, vanilla, and sweet creamed corn. The wood and gingery spices come through on the finish ending pleasantly bitter.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Virgin Bourbon 7 Year 101
Distiller Score 83
On the nose: Fake maple syrup, rye and a faint hint of cigarette smoke. Palate has a back-of-mouth heat, Tennessee whiskey sweetness, vanilla and rye. The finish is quick, sweet, and with more rye on the back end.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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J.P. Wiser's Deluxe
Distiller Score 68
The nose contains aromas of lemon pith, apple skins, and straw. White sugar coats your palate along with more straw and lemon rind. The flavors seem more akin to a Cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane distillate) than a whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Concannon Irish Whiskey
Distiller Score 77
With relatively low nasal character it is easily recognizable to be an Irish whiskey. The forefront of the palate is sweet like honey, but quickly develops in the herb department with fresh sage standing out, in particular. Even not ever tasting the Concannon wine itself one can easily tell a noticeably dry and fruity finish dominated by fresh honey and dried apricots.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Seagram's VO Gold
Distiller Score 82
The creamy sweetness of corn and the dustiness of rye in a bath of pleasing, peppery spices. The middles is filled with peaches and sweet apple pie, seasoned with hints of baking spices. Finishes quickly and tightly on grapefruit pith and just a hint of oak tannin. An amped up version of the ever-popular VO.
Reviewed by Davin de Kergommeaux
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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