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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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Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye
Distiller Score 91
A hint of maraschino appears on the nose along with the touch of brown sugar and salted caramel. On the palate, this lives up to the mash-bill. Tons of black pepper and barrel spices along with tobacco and a bit of bitter coffee. There’s a nondescript fruitiness on the long tannic finish. A fine Canadian example.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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J.P. Wiser's Legacy Canadian Whisky
Distiller Score 94
J.P. Wiser would be rolling in his grave. Not because this whisky insults the name, quite the opposite in fact – he’d be rolling to bust out and try it. The whisky’s nose pulses from one note to the next where a potpourri wafts in and out like a star-studded movie full of cameos. The cast includes maple, baking spices, vanilla, rye bread, charismatic oak and the full spectrum of orchard fruits. Missing is George Clooney. All of the same notes land in the palate mingled with a sweet and peppery citric zest. Toasted oak comes through and fades into tobacco as Legacy starts rolling its long list of delicious finishing credits.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Teeling Hybrid No. 1 Edition
Distiller Score 92
Big Islay-whisky notes on the nose, which is full of peat and iodine, sea salt, anise, and an underlying creamy vanilla. On the palate, one also gets smoke, pepper, maple syrup, ginger, allspice, cinnamon toast, and vegetation. The finish is warm and long. A complex, excellent marriage of Islay and Ireland.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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
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Gooderham & Worts Four Grain Canadian Whisky
Distiller Score 93
Dr. Don Livermore masterfully layers subtlety after subtlety in this soon to be classic Canadian Whisky. Poised spices are discreet but big enough to direct vanilla, dusty straw and crisp dry grains from over acting. This is before even taking sip. The flavors blend with a sturdy wood framework seamlessly held together without nails. Freshly baked bread and cereals lead into a complex finish that lights up the mouth with just a shade of tannins. The gusto flavors extracted from each grain is woven so tight that pulling them apart would produce a thesaurus of words worthy of Webster.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Mars Iwai Tradition
Distiller Score 89
Here we have a full meal from the whisky’s kitchen. Fumes of briny peat, malt, and robust smoke emanate from its double doors. The palate serves up smoked meats, crushed almonds and peppercorns, along with a generous helping of creamy malt. You’ll want to chew on this for a bit.
Reviewed by Sam Davies
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Pike Creek Canadian Whisky Finished in Port Wine Barrels
Distiller Score 88
The port wood influence is strong and pleasant on the nose, suggesting raisins and ripe red fruits. Though lightweight on the palate, it is not light on flavors as blood orange, ginger, and mild baking spices make their presence known. Due to the modest ABV, this whisky has just enough heat to let the port flavors and wood tannins merge to a balanced finish.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Crown Royal Reserve
Distiller Score 89
Aromas of white peach, apple juice and grapes seems like this will taste too sweet and punch-like. Thankfully, the whisky takes a turn to nicely integrated dark grains, slight char, and cinnamon. The texture is soft and supple, but not oily. The finish is pleasant and balanced.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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J.P. Wiser's Alumni Whisky Series Larry Robinson
Distiller Score 91
Robinson’s stylish game is on full display in this impressive whisky. It is a refined monster with a complex nose that darts between berries, dark plums and oak smoke dressed with herbal and wild floral tones. This sophisticated nose is seasoned with spice on the palate with a range of oak flavors that lands like a figure skater. The rich spicy finish sends anything in its path into the boards.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Collingwood Town Collection Double Barrel
Distiller Score 92
The imaginative nose is rich with floral honey, roses, ripe cherry, chocolate-mint and off-the-charts wood. It’s a chocolate cherry bolt on the palate with some intricate sour spice characters. These are balanced with oak and rye spices zapping this whisky into a perfect storm of flavors. The wood sets up a long tangy finish.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Alberta Premium Dark Horse
Distiller Score 89
There is a pleasant savoriness coupled with sweetness that is quite enjoyable, like beef jerky dusted with brown sugar. Leather, vanilla, banana, and a bit of bitter dark chocolate are notes on the palate after the initial touch of sugar on the tongue. The rye is present on the mid-palate and comes back around on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno