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Wemyss Malts Kiln Embers
Distiller Score 92
A definite treat for the peat freaks around here with - quite obviously - strong peat smoke on the nose, also some slight citrusy notes. The palate is on the malty, spicy and peaty side of the malt. Yummy sugary peat aromas stays for quite a while.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Johnnie Walker Double Black
Distiller Score 85
Johnnie Walker has clearly turned the smoke knob to 11. Coal. Tar. Campfire. This might sound a bit intimidating, but if you chose to continue this journey, you'll find a nougat and honey center as well. But that nougat and honey center is wrapped in a cloak of charred smoke.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire
Distiller Score 87
This blend plays up to its name quite well with an enjoyable mix of peat smoke and spice from start to finish. The aromas are lead by a waft of (almost Mediterranean) baking spices and backed up by toasted nut and chili flake notes. The palate is immediately coating and brings a layered mix of caramelized sugar, dried apricot and lean peat smoke. The chili flake note returns for a nice accent at the end.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Ledaig 10 Year
Distiller Score 90
There is a pleasant sweet bacon smoke on the nose along with some peanut brittle. The whisky is full and soft on the palate with a nice bit of bite. The smoke is more akin to roasting coals rather than wood and finishes with some baking spices
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Rock Oyster Cask Strength Batch #1
Distiller Score 86
The peaty storm was expected, but the smoky aromas aren't overpowering the citrusy, fruity and spicy notes on the nose. There's also something deliciously salty in the background. The palate is rich with a full array of aromas delivering drift wood, grapefruit, lemon zest, vegetal notes, and yummy vanilla. The smoke fades gently and the whisky ends with a citrusy finish.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Compass Box Great King St Glasgow Blend
Distiller Score 88
The most pronounced aroma is peat smoke, much like soot you'd find in a chimney. Hidden underneath all of that are sweet, malty notes. As you taste, there's a sweet middle that hits your tongue with a mixed fruit salad of mandarin, apples, and cherry. As you exhale, you feel as if you've just exhaled a puff of smoke. Overall, the peat and fruit seem to be arm-wrestling and the outcome keeps changing as to which one is going over the top.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Té Bheag Connoisseurs' Blended Whisky
Distiller Score 89
A spirit-forward nose breaks into coastal-heavy sea spray with iodine and a splash of rubber cement. A floating peatiness brings the whisky loads of cozy warmth. Mild vanilla and lavender help to distract from the day at the beach. Raisins, apple and candied nuts fire up the mouth for the smoke show that drives the palate into a long hot and spicy finish.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Laphroaig QA Cask
Distiller Score 89
The nose is quite gentle; peat is the primary note with strong undertones of toasted oak and brine. On the palate, there's more peat and smoke with dry leather and iodine. A flash of fruit - mostly raisin and apple - cuts through the heaviness. The finish lingers and fades gently. Light and easy drinking.
Reviewed by Tim Knittel
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Kilkerran 12 Year
Distiller Score 92
Wow, where to begin? This has the bouquet of a feast. Bold smoked meat, butter cookies, grilled fruits, and milk chocolate. Smoke is noticeable throughout the palate. Herbaceous peat plays a smaller role but enough to give this an earthy dimension. Sweet vanilla malt and rich fruit are what tie everything together. The layered texture is great for something so packed with character. Add water to tame the smoke and embellish the fruit of this 12 year old savant.
Reviewed by Sam Davies
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Aerstone Land Cask 10 Year
Distiller Score 93
Aerstone Land Cask smells and tastes like new sneakers. But there's plenty more going on here. The nose also has cut grass and marzipan, while the taste is syrupy and rich. Carrot cake and rubber. It's extremely unusual. It's also superb.
Reviewed by Felipe Schrieberg
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Highland Park 10 Year
Distiller Score 87
This fun whisky gives you a glimpse of what Highland Park was up to before its classic teen years. The new make’s peaty influence smacks with citrus fruit peel at their peak with a touch of the sea. In the mouth, smoke and grapefruit zest is still king but sweet honey, agave, and vanilla are at hand. The consistent smoke and citrus guide the unhurried finish. This is a respectable Highland Park prequel to the complex timeless classics.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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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