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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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High West Double Rye
Distiller Score 89
The aroma is full of anise, mint, and clove. These notes continue along with a bit of leather and juniper. Finish on the whiskey is complex and lengthy with cinnamon and oak flavors as the lingering flavors.
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
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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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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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Backbone Prime Blended Bourbon
Distiller Score 82
The nose knows — this fragrant blended bourbon begins by wafting a sweet combination of dark and light fruits from the glass. Apricot and maple fade into flavors of tobacco leaves and ripe blackberries, which burst onto the tongue upon first sip. The tastes of cocoa and malt then enter the scene before giving way to notes of dry tobacco and coffee flavors. Its finish is short but sweet, with satisfying notes of molasses and toffee.
Reviewed by Lucas Gamlin
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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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Knob Creek Small Batch Rye
Distiller Score 89
Nose is filled with dried herbs, rye spice, and oak. This woody note continues on the palate adding some warmth from the heat along with dried cherries and cigar tobacco. Quite the oily mouthfeel here. Finish continues with char spice and more dried fruits coming through.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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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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Booker's Bourbon
Distiller Score 88
This bourbon is not for the weak. A very complex and intense nose that runs from oak, leather, caramel and hints of fruits continues on the tongue with a very pleasant burn that gives way to more leather, oak, vanilla, and spice. Ridiculously long finish opens up hints of cherry along with more oak and leather.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Redemption Straight Rye
Distiller Score 83
On the nose you'll find heat, oak, spice, and orange. The palate reveals clove, leather, and juniper. A moderate length on the finish with a slight bitterness, alcohol bite, and rye.
Reviewed by Rob Morton