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Compass Box Spice Tree
Distiller Score 94
A honeyed and unctuous whisky full of baking spices found in holiday desserts like orange peel, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. You don't have to put on your smoking jacket and slippers for this one, but it wouldn't hurt.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glen Moray 12 Year
Distiller Score 85
This is a sweet one. The nose is big on vanilla and honey and cereal grains--Honey Smacks, actually. The scent of fresh cut grass lingers somewhere beneath all the sweetness. On the palate, it's lighter than the nose suggests. Crisp and fruity with white chocolate, toffee. Softly malty with some floral character. Finish is short and fruity. It's a solid baseline Speyside, not overly complex, and with an ABV that is well-suited for enjoying the whisky neat. Perfectly suited for casual sipping.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Aberlour 12 Year Double Cask Matured
Distiller Score 86
This is a slow to get going whisky, but once it has an opportunity to sit in the glass for just a minute, it really opens up. The dark sherried notes come through on the nose, but also checking in for a visit are honey, orange peels, and cooked apples. Some dark chocolate and cinnamon appear and chewy oak tannins arrive fashionably late to the party.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Dewar's Scratched Cask
Distiller Score 93
The aromas from this Scotch are compelling and varied with cereal grains, milk chocolate, pear crisp, and orange peel coming to the forefront. Sea salt caramels, vanilla, and Fuji apple follow suit. The mouthfeel is mild and smooth, with more of the same qualities on the nose as on the palate with cinnamon, mint and toasted almonds coming into the mix. The finish features a big chocolate orange note that is classically Dewar's followed by more cinnamon and soft oak. This will be a very easy whisky to gift, given its smooth and unique flavor profile. A home run for the House of Dewar's.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Aberfeldy 12 Year
Distiller Score 90
Sweet aromas of caramel, toffee and beeswax are presented with the tasting profile of more of the same. Additionally, there's a slight nutty and wood spice finish which winds up on the dry side.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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GlenDronach Tawny Port Finish 15 Year
Distiller Score 90
The nose of this whisky brings to mind a lovely Sunday brunch with flaky maple-glazed pastries and red berries alongside candied citrus peels. Salted caramel is present in both aroma and flavor with rich baking spices and espresso. This is a dram you should sip slowly; it matures as it opens and gets darker and richer, revealing whispers of cocoa, black pepper, and a Cointreau-esque orange flavor.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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Compass Box Asyla
Distiller Score 90
Bright sunshine-y orange and lemon are first to greet you on the nose. A moderately full whisky, the mid-palate is sweet and finishes with gentle cinnamon and vanilla. If the weather turns chilly or if you're feeling under the weather, the whisky makes an excellent hot toddy.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Glenrothes Alba Reserve
Distiller Score 87
The aroma are unmistakably markers for the American wood aging with aromas of vanilla and coconut. Cinnamon and ginger are in attendance and there is a beeswax quality to the texture and taste of the whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Chivas Regal Mizunara
Distiller Score 85
A gentle nose of peach, banana, caramel, and vanilla comes through the influence of the Mizunara. The palate keeps moving forward with banana and fruit, now with a layer of malty sweetness joining in. Vanilla, honey, pears, and spice ensue. The medium finish lets some of the sweetness subside, allowing the fruit to shine through.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Glenfiddich Select Cask
Distiller Score 88
The nose is soft and fruity. Aromas of pears, apricots, and raisins join thick honey, sweet malt, and vanilla. The fruit and sweetness move to the palate, now joined by toasted oak, earth, and dark chocolate. A medium finish brings this smooth yet rich single malt to a delightful close.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Bruichladdich Rocks
Distiller Score 87
The red wine finishing has given this dram a pink hue. The nose is savory with a smoky, meaty quality along with bright red fruit and salt. This proceeds on the palate and has a creamy texture along with it. What remain on the finish are fruity smoke and gentle wood spices.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Auchentoshan 12 Year
Distiller Score 85
The aroma is full of tropical fruits and toasted cereal. Upon tasting, you'll get coconut, vanilla, and caramel. This isn't a P-Funkadelic, malty Scotch whisky, but rather a smooth jazz version. Soothing and mellow, this is a whisky perfect for bourbon drinkers longing to make the leap to Scotch-land.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno