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Highland Park 30 Year
Distiller Score 97
It is wise to take your time with a dram of this nature. Honey dotted with salt crystals, raspberries and cream, ethereal wisps of peat smoke, these are a few images that come to mind by simply inhaling the whisky. As you taste, you'll find a lively whisky with more chocolate and barrels spices than juicy fruits with the continued haze of smoke on your palate.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Macallan 1824 Series Ruby
Distiller Score 90
Obviously the color is dark and invites one to think of red fruits. Not a bad idea since I get on the nose plenty of dry fruits like prunes and raisins, but also dark chocolate and tobacco. On the mouth, the body is actually lighter than you would expect, but also spicier, with cinnamon and almost chili pepper. Then it comes back to the dry fruits and chocolate listed above, before showing more caramel aromas, without being over sweet. This is a complex whisky that is constantly evolving and changing its profile. In a very good way.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Highland Park 21 Year
Distiller Score 94
Maple syrup with hints of tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple attack your senses. Vanilla and cherry appear after a little time in the glass. The whisky is full on your palate with a moderate amount of barrel spices, though they are rounded out and balanced with the sweet notes. The finish shows more spice, a touch of char, and slight peated smoke notes. This is a solid whisky from Highland Park.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Craigellachie 23 Year
Distiller Score 91
The nose is fairly concentrated with a rich malty aroma coupled with sulfur. "Mucho macho malty" is actually what came to mind. On the palate, the whisky shows its complex side with notes such as vanilla, lemon zest, peach, maple, and a hint of a medicinal taste. Then the spice team comes through on the finish with woody aromas and a hint of mint.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Chivas Regal 25 Year
Distiller Score 89
Chivas always delivers dried fruits initially, and this 25 year-old is no different, with raisin, dry apricots and peaches making an impression. In mouth, the body is actually lighter than the dark color would suggest. The taste starts with the same fruity approach, but with more citrus zests and fresh orange segments. Then come the sweetness, vanilla and cinnamon, plus a touch of smokiness that gives structure to the whisky. It all works very well together.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Glenfarclas 40 Year
Distiller Score 94
Dark honey, roasted cereal, dark molasses, baked pears, cinnamon, maybe some walnut; these are some of the aromas found in this whisky. Going back for more you'll find orange peel, black tea, tobacco; this is something you'll want to drink by the fireplace. The finish is slightly bitter, but is lengthy.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Springbank 21 Year
Distiller Score 93
There is a good combination of barrels spices and dried fruit on the palate. Dark chocolate joins the party on the palate along with crushed peanuts. The whiskey is fairly slick on your palate and finishes on the dry side with more wood influences like vanilla and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bunnahabhain 25 Year
Distiller Score 91
The nose is filled with sherry aromas like figs and raisins, but there are also leathery, tobacco notes displayed as well. With time in the glass, this turns to espresso and bitter chocolate. The peat smoke is playing hide and seek in the glass. Brown sugar, cereal, and barrel spices take us through the lasting dry finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Jura 21 Year
Distiller Score 88
Just bring your glass to the nose and straight away you can tell this is a generous whisky. Nothing to hide here, aromas are lively and include lemon, lemon peel and marzipan before driving us to a more marine and salty territory. In mouth, it is salty, spicy and it tastes like there is more than 44% ABV in this whisky. Nothing aggressive though, thanks to the sweet profile and hints of coffee beans. Very well made indeed, but I wish the finish would have been longer.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Oban 21 Year Cask Strength
Distiller Score 97
As this is cask strength, it strikes me a bit hot on the nose, but that quickly subsides to some lovely salt air and a bit of peppered caramel. The mouth-feel is soft but assertive, salty and crisp with a bit of cucumber. Once the vegetation subsides a very bold nuttiness ensues with rich roasted chestnuts. If the bar you are in has this, please don’t let it sit on the shelf, drink it!
Reviewed by Brock Schulte