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Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey
Distiller Score 91
On first sniff, you’d swear you were getting notes of brine and peat, but wow, this is something quite different. Those expecting overwhelming mesquite on the palate will be pleasantly surprised by its subtle integration and almost gentle mouthfeel. The finish is assertive and long. This is a must try for peaty Scotch lovers looking for something quite different, yet equally satisfying.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon 8 Year
Distiller Score 90
This bourbon epitomizes Thanksgiving in a bottle. Nose is full of cinnamon, caramel and clove. Oily mouth feel is the perfect compliment to the front of tongue burn with pepper, cinnamon and spiced tea coming though a little bit of oak. Finish is between a medium and long with all of those fall spices still coming through nicely.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Journeyman Distillery Silver Cross Four Grain Whiskey
Distiller Score 91
The corn and barley are most prominent on the nose, offering complex aromas. You know right away you are about to sip a fine American whiskey. The palate has a lot of heat, but there are respectable showings of dried fruits and almonds. The wheat adds a bit of levity to what might otherwise be a heavy spirit. A drop or two of water opens the spirit significantly. The Silver Cross offers complexity rarely seen in such a young craft spirit.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 90
The nose is full of cherries, pear, and chocolate along with some oak and toffee. The palate finds even more oak, darker fruits, and an additional hint of chocolate. The long, easy finish comes back to the cherries, sugars, and oak.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Temperance Trader Straight Bourbon
Distiller Score 93
Roasted cereal grains and dark caramel along with leather and a hint of cherry are found on the nose. The masculine notes continue on the palate with the soft whiskey becoming spicy and peppery on the finish with a touch of cherry cola. Rye whiskey drinkers should seek out.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Temperance Trader American Whiskey
Distiller Score 91
Not one aromatic tries to take center stage despite the many that are present. A little vanilla, butterscotch, some floral honey, delicate green herbs, and gentle wood spices are just a few that are found. The texture is soft and not too astringent. The finish is peppery, dry and a bit smoky. Most whiskeys that have been aged in used barrels are relegated to being used as only as a mixer, this is one that can be appreciated sipping neat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 91
Once the nose opens a little, the spice flows freely. It's warm with an inviting baked apple crisp with vanilla ice cream aroma. The palate finds more oats, apples, cinnamon, caramel and oak. The finish is long and spicy with the cinnamon prevailing note.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Liberty Call San Diego County 4-Grain Whiskey
Distiller Score 88
There's a floral, yeasty, and almost hoppy spiciness to this nose, along with some aromas of milky, sweet coffee, and mint tea. Everything found in the complex nose explodes on the palate and carries into the long finish, which again, is bitter and floral like a fine American IPA. This is a must-try for craft beer fans.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey
Distiller Score 90
Dark chocolate truffles lead on the nose, with toasted rye bread and dill pickles combining for a deli sandwich effect. There's also black licorice, spicy oak, and cinnamon. The palate offers cedar chips with cinnamon and cloves, chocolate malt balls, baked apples, Red Hots, and aniseed. A spicy, moderate length finish showcases spearmint, black pepper, parbaked dough and oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A120
Distiller Score 85
Larceny's approachability is it's most endearing quality, but here the Barrel Proof expression comes out kicking. The nose is fairly nervy with wheat bread notes lifted up by apple and petrichor accents. The jolt is in the palate with lean, dry whiskey delivering a combination of dense fruit cake and molasses. The proof is aggressive, but reveals a more subtle texture with some water.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon
Distiller Score 89
Notes of clove, cinnamon, maple sugar, and tea fill the nose nicely with a palate of baked apples and a holiday stuffing (bread, spices, and fruits. no giblets.). The decently long finish brings with it the barrel, along with more hearty and homey spices.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Distiller Score 89
Eventually, the initial nose of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of tobacco gives way to toffee, chocolate orange and leather on the tongue. The front of tongue burn and medium/long finish are accentuated by the thick and coating mouth-feel. The complexity of this bourbon lives up to not only its packaging but is a fitting tribute to a true bourbon purist. It's perfect as a gift or an addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Rob Morton