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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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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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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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Johnnie Walker Black Label: The Jane Walker Edition
Distiller Score 84
The Black Label is definitely known as the peated Johnnie, but what people don't discuss much are all the other goodies in the stocking. The nose displays vanilla cream, citrus zest, and nectarine and as you continue the journey, toasted malt, butterscotch, and golden raisins are there to greet you. The peat smoke present and accounted for, but is a smoldering fire at best.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Johnnie Walker Black Label
Distiller Score 84
The Black Label is definitely known as the peated Johnnie, but what people don't discuss much are all the other goodies in the stocking. The nose displays vanilla cream, citrus zest, and nectarine and as you continue the journey, toasted malt, butterscotch, and golden raisins are there to greet you. The peat smoke present and accounted for, but is a smoldering fire at best.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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TOPO Eight Oak Carolina Whiskey
Distiller Score 82
Surprise! This whiskey is not over-oaked. Careful attention was clearly paid to the aging, as the wheat shines through and is in harmony with the wood influence. The nose has a bit of brown sugar and has that familiar, slight bready bubblegum that some wheat beers show. The whiskey itself is light with a tart, pleasant acidity that, believe it or not, might just appeal to white wine drinkers. Finish is dry and fresh. A fine sipper to whet your appetite and ready your palate.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Paul John Edited Single Malt
Distiller Score 87
Islay-esque, but not Islay, Edited is reminiscent of old-style Bruichladdich. Whiffs of peat show as lightly antiseptic bandages, then the maltiness that characterizes Paul John. Wheat germ or cream of wheat porridge is lightly dusted with savory spices – like barbecue spice. Peppery heat, another hallmark of the distillery, injects piquancy into a rich, round body, while hints of fruit sugars add sweetness. The whisky finishes in a slight, pleasant, woody bitterness. Served blind you’d swear this was Scotch. Improves greatly after sitting in an open bottle for a few weeks.
Reviewed by Davin de Kergommeaux
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Ardmore Traditional Cask
Distiller Score 87
A variety of aromas hit the nose such as hay, dark chocolate, orange zest, and moss. Peat smoke is present, but plays a minor part here. The body has a slight oily quality to it and the taste is full of malt, barrel spices, and honey. The peat smoke turns up the volume on the finish and is the last to leave the party.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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Three Ships 5 Year Premium Select
Distiller Score 89
The signature peatiness on the nose is woven into the blend as one of many rounded components. But the whisky really sets sail after the first sip. Vanilla sweetness leads a robust smoky charge into a slightly sour bready note. This is a tight peated blend with heavy Bartlett pear syrup and traces of lemon in the finish. It’s this sour citrus note that completes the circle inviting another well-deserved sip.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips