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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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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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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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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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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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Balvenie Portwood 21 Year
Distiller Score 93
Dried red fruits, floral heather, nuts, and wood spices are some of what you'll pick up on tasting. What really catches your eye, though (or rather, your mouth) is the sensuality of this whisky. Not just in a sweet, smoldering sensuality, but in the way the whisky feels in your mouth; and as it eases down your throat. Make sure to share with a loved (or liked) one.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenfarclas 25 Year
Distiller Score 91
Fairly intense notes of dried fruits, macadamia nuts, vanilla, and wood spices are found on the nose. The whisky is full, moderately sweet, and has a touch of tobacco and mint on the palate. The woody influence comes into play a bit more than younger expressions creating a drier mouthfeel on the finish. There aren't any real surprises here, just a solid (albeit not uber complex) whisky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenlivet 25 Year
Distiller Score 92
The nose is quite aromatic with candied orange, vanilla, and wood spices. Sweetness takes over the palate with caramel, more vanilla, and sweet malt cereal. The sherry influence comes through on the finish with dried fruit and almonds.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenmorangie Signet
Distiller Score 93
Freshly zested orange peels, dark malt, and winter spices take over your senses on the nose. The whisky is sweet and chocolatey and continues on the sweet side with dried fruits. The finish ends dry and not cloying. Skip the espresso; this is the whisky you want at the end of your meal.
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
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Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 9
Distiller Score 90
Upfront, the nose is elegant with a complex bouquet of oak, delicate spice, concentrated dark fruit and cooked citrus. The palate is rich and deep in its flavors, with big oak, dark and nutty fruits, baker’s cocoa, and just a touch of Highland honey sweetness. This whisky finishes with a lingering opulence that speaks of well aged Spanish sherry and the tannic and spicy notes of charred American oak.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin