-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Black Bull 12 Year (Duncan Taylor)
Distiller Score 86
This whisky shows a nice blend of fruit and malt. Dried cherry, apples, and sea salt are found on the palate along with vanilla and just a touch of peat smoke and dried grass. The finish is full of caramel popcorn, baking spices, and more dried fruits.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Girvan No. 4 Apps Single Grain
Distiller Score 88
Sweet cereal notes and a touch of barrel spice are detected along with a dollop of vanilla. The whisky has some roundness and softness on the mid-palate, so is not as sharp and angular as you might expect from the color (which is unadulterated). It is quite a delicate whisky; if you are looking for a big, bold, bruiser of a whisky, this will not be the whisky for you. That said it is a lovely start to the evening and would be a good sipper for someone who is just dipping their toes into the whisky waters.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
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
-
Tomatin 15 Year 43% (Discontinued)
Distiller Score 86
Fresh cut apples and pears hit your nose initially followed by the classic heather notes found in Highland whiskies. Char smoke comes through on the palate creating an image of smoldering heather and moss. The finish is just a touch sweet and wood spice filled.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
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
-
Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Triple Grain American Oak
Distiller Score 86
Citrus zest and spice lead on the nose, with candied orange, and lemon Pledge. The palate is creamy with a sweet vanilla and toffee side courtesy of those three grain whiskies. Finish is spicy and starts hot, mellowing into a fruity sweetness with oak and vanilla pudding, and a touch of spearmint, with the zesty citrus and spice remaining a constant all the way through—and that characteristic should make this one a winner for classic cocktails.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Compass Box Orchard House
Distiller Score 87
Orchard House is aptly named, bringing notes of apple and pear to the fore in a delightfully fruity malt blend. The spirit also offers subtle vanilla and almond, along with whispers of elderflower and peat on the finish. Fun and complex, it's an excellent addition to the Compass Box line-up.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
-
Macallan 10 Year Sherry Oak
Distiller Score 88
On the nose this Macallan is quite interesting, with notes of raisin, cacao dark truffle, cinnamon, and pink peppercorn spices. In mouth it is mellow, smooth and gentle, but also rich and fruity. The range of fruits is wider than on the nose, with the addition of prunes and dry apricot, while the spices are now turning into gingerbread and the cacao into less dark chocolate. Always tasty, this 10YO is a classic.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
-
Old Pulteney Navigator
Distiller Score 88
The casks used play well with each other like two sailors harmonizing an old sea shanty. The bourbon casks supply the base notes of toasted cereal, toffee and sweet spice. The sherry gives it sweet melodies of honey, orange marmalade, marzipan and coconut cream. A whiff of pipe tobacco bridges it all together. Burns a little hot without water, but opens up and rounds out with a couple of drops to air it out. Oddly, though its named for nautical history, it lacks the more briny characteristics of their other expressions.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster