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Wemyss Malts Kiln Embers
Distiller Score 92
A definite treat for the peat freaks around here with - quite obviously - strong peat smoke on the nose, also some slight citrusy notes. The palate is on the malty, spicy and peaty side of the malt. Yummy sugary peat aromas stays for quite a while.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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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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Wemyss Peat Chimney 12 Year
Distiller Score 83
Deliciously sweet and smoky with ginger, herbal honey and fresh cut grass on the nose. While the peat smoke dominates on the mouth, there are some pleasant underlying notes of lemon, wood, roasted nuts and hot spices.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire
Distiller Score 87
This blend plays up to its name quite well with an enjoyable mix of peat smoke and spice from start to finish. The aromas are lead by a waft of (almost Mediterranean) baking spices and backed up by toasted nut and chili flake notes. The palate is immediately coating and brings a layered mix of caramelized sugar, dried apricot and lean peat smoke. The chili flake note returns for a nice accent at the end.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Rock Oyster Cask Strength Batch #1
Distiller Score 86
The peaty storm was expected, but the smoky aromas aren't overpowering the citrusy, fruity and spicy notes on the nose. There's also something deliciously salty in the background. The palate is rich with a full array of aromas delivering drift wood, grapefruit, lemon zest, vegetal notes, and yummy vanilla. The smoke fades gently and the whisky ends with a citrusy finish.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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Port Askaig 8 Year
Distiller Score 83
Zesty lemon, smoke, and iodine notes come say "hello" at first sniff, followed by buttery vanilla and cut grass. The palate is surprisingly sweet with caramel paste, honey-glazed barbecued bacon slices, lemongrass and charcoal. The finish is a bit spicier. The perfect companion for a BBQ evening with some friends.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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Connemara Original Peated Single Malt
Distiller Score 83
Up front aromas of peat smoke speak of a tradition that has long since faltered, but this whiskey is anything but one-dimensional. Behind the peat are delicate floral and honey notes, backed by sweet tones of malted barley and charred oak. One sip reveals the complexity of this whiskey with rich notes of cocoa, smoked honey and toasted barley with distinct highlights of bright peat smoke. The finish lingers with layers of smoke, sea salt and heather honey.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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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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Tomintoul Peaty Tang
Distiller Score 80
There is pronounced aroma of camphor along with recently fallen leaves. Some iodine and peat smoke are present of course, but the notes of the malted cereal are fairly muted. There is an oily character to the whisky with the finish bringing more smoke.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno