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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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Arran 10 Year
Distiller Score 79
As you bring the glass to your nose, herbal and fruity aromas will greet you with notes of dry grasses, apple, honeydew, tart white raspberries, green raisins and delicate vanilla. On the palate this whisky has a pleasant rich creamy texture and flavors of tart green apple, big biscuity malts, and dried citrus peels. The finish lingers with a slightly syrupy citrus tail and toasted malt that speaks to the purity of this youthful island single malt.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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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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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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Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt
Distiller Score 86
Wakey wakey to a sunshine-y orange marmalade with a drizzling of honey on warm toast. The mid-palate shows more malted barley than the nose with some added cinnamon sprinkled in mix. More malt and herbs show up with continued tasting such as anise and mint. The finish is of average length, but while it's around is quite dandy.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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Tullibardine Sovereign
Distiller Score 84
Lots of cereal malt, orange, vanilla, and coconut on the nose. The taste boasts white chocolate, peaches and cream, spice cake, toasted coconut, and a hint of cinnamon. It has a medium finish full of spice, vanilla cream, and orange zest.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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BenRiach Heart of Speyside
Distiller Score 84
This is a fairly straight forward whisky with sweet malt and vanilla on the nose. There is a trace of smoke, pear fruits, and a dash of salt as well. The pear continues on the palate, but is not as soft and creamy as one might expect from a Speyside malt. Wood spices draw the whisky to a close, but doesn't finish too sharply.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Auchentoshan Springwood
Distiller Score 84
A light, vanilla, honeyed and deliciously citrusy profile. The palate shows notes of chocolate and gourmet creamy vanilla. Its refreshing character makes it a perfect easy-drinking everyday dram and a go-to choice when high temperatures start showing up.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Tobermory 10 Year
Distiller Score 90
There are bright aromas of breakfast cereal topped with fresh berries, lemon curd, and a small amount of salt. The whisky tingles the gums and has a bit of dry wood tannins to chew on. The finish continues with lemon peel, cinnamon, wood spices and a touch of anise.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year
Distiller Score 85
There is an easy like Sunday morning-ness to Glenmorangie The Original. What comes to mind upon tasting is the soft and round nature to the whisky as it soothes and coats your mouth. The taste of honey and nuts is soon followed by a burst of zesty orange. As your tasting experience comes to a close, notes of vanilla and chocolate cream emerge.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno