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Arran The Devil's Punch Bowl Chapter III The Fiendish Finale
Distiller Score 95
High-toned and mineral on the nose with ginger, fresh peach and citrus, and an unusual clay-like minerality. Spicy and warming on the palate with big notes of vanilla and cinnamon, candied apple and pear, white pepper and a waxy, oxidative, almost rancio quality. Balanced and harmonious at 53.4% abv, a little water helps the whole thing unwind and show additional layers of complexity
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve (2009 Release)
Distiller Score 85
The nose offers up big sweet fruit aromas of black plums, honeydew melons and nutty banana bread with underlying spicy notes of clove, nutmeg, warm cinnamon, and fennel fronds. On the palate, this mildly sweet whiskey displays notable woody characteristics, ripe red berries, caramelized bananas, and a decadent fudgy dark chocolate. This is followed by an exquisitely long finish bouncing back from grain to fruit and spice.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Elijah Craig 21 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 87
The 21 year is “slow to warm up” but as it does, you will enjoy smells of slightly burnt orange, dark dried fruits, dark salted caramel and of earthy leather and dusty woody chips. The palate speaks of a nuttiness that is reminiscent of toasted almonds and candied walnuts, toffee and dark caramel, and rich baking spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and clove from time in barrel with a round spicy white pepper to balance with the sweet baking spice. The finish is anything but abrupt; you’ll enjoy a rich finish of baking spice, vanilla caramel, and subtle dried fruits. This is a whiskey that should neither be rushed nor neglected, it is truly a choose your own adventure whiskey. Although it may be great in a simple classic cocktail, do its makers a favor and enjoy it eye to eye; it lends itself best to being enjoyed neat, with just a touch of water, or over a large ice cube.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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William Larue Weller Bourbon (Fall 2013)
Distiller Score 96
A nose full of caramel, molasses and maple sugar candy gives way to the palate of seeded fruit on toast with butter and cinnamon sugar. The finish is long and complex, with light tobacco, leather and more cinnamon sugar.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Aberfeldy 21 Year
Distiller Score 90
Toasted malt and honey covered fruit take over on the nose. The sherry influence shines through on the nose and palate with dried fruits. Heathery and herbal notes are found as well. This 21 year is a bit more spicy and robust than the 12 year and has a small dose of char smoke at the end. This is a rich, luscious whisky with a long finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
Distiller Score 93
In classic Irish fashion, this whiskey introduces itself with floral notes on the nose, but where aromas of Jameson and Redbreast might be described as chamber music, Legacy’s is sheer symphony —a richer rendition of the bouquet we expect from an Irish whiskey. Within that bouquet are tones of cinnamon, vanilla and dense oak, but with a sip, a dazzling complexity of mandarin orange, barley spice, honeyed heather and toasted grain unfurl, leaving a roasty finish lingering in its wake. This is truly a composition only a master could create.
Reviewed by Liza Weisstuch
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Oban 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
On the nose this single malt delivers bright citrus zest, light raw honey, and orange marmalade, with a crisp kiss of sea-spray brininess. Upon first sip, rich spicy oak, warm spiced cider, salted caramel, and golden delicious apples, are mingled with hints of the nearby sea with just a touch of seaweed. The finish is long and oily with warm honey-drizzled fruit notes that elude to its long wait in barrels.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Auchentoshan 21 Year
Distiller Score 90
There is a rich milk chocolate note coupled with vanilla that is immediately apparent. Holiday spices are present, but don't bully their way to be noticed. Creamy and full, the aroma follows through on the palate with a side order of dried apricots and ginger.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year
Distiller Score 94
Pedro Ximenez sherry tastes much like if you were to take raisins and make wine from them. That influence really comes through in the finish here, but is done with a deft hand. The chocolate fruit and nut candy bar profile is nicely balanced with the barrels spices and alcohol proof allowing the whisky to be a pleasure and not what I'd call a sticky situation.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Macallan 25 Year Sherry Oak Cask
Distiller Score 91
Despite the age, the nose is quite fresh with just cut apples and oranges. Dark leather, maple syrup, and crushed nuts take over on the palate with wood spices and dried fruit following closely behind. The whisky stays with you for the long haul and is fairly chewy and raisined.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Redbreast 21 Year
Distiller Score 96
The more you nose and taste this whiskey, the more aromas and tastes you find. For starters, honey, ripe pears, hay, and breakfast cereal are revealed. The tasting profile is even more layered with juicy summer peaches, fresh barley, and wood spices. It is rich and chewy and finishes with a spice-filled aftertaste. Try to resist consuming the whiskey quickly; it is best enjoyed slow and steady.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood Finish
Distiller Score 90
There's a very complex nose to this one, a swirl of crème brûlée, peppery spice, chocolate, and cherries all floating on top a whiff of salty sea air. In the mouth, it's a thick, well-balanced combination of oaky spice, red fruit, raisins, sea salt, and caramel. It's a warm, lingering finish full of dark fruit, oak, and cream.
Reviewed by Keith Allison