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Lark Single Malt Distiller's Selection
Distiller Score 97
The aroma on the Distiller’s Edition focuses more on malt and dried herbs. A touch of barrel spices and seaweed join in on the fun and a faint hit of peat smokes wafts in the air. The peat reek increases on the palate and the fruit present is more of a citrus peel. The whisky is warming and inviting and finishes on the floral and dried fruit side.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Heartwood Convict Resurrection Single Malt
Distiller Score 92
Wood, cherry, sultanas and leather open with a hint of onions. It is heavy on the nose, almost sleeping, but can be coaxed to release honey, allspice, red-wine-vinegar, and pepper before slight chocolate-honey notes. It has an initial viscous burn in the mouth, before moving into an almost meaty territory. Cloying, it follows with rum, hay and grass, before a faint leathered tobacco and spiced vanilla. Quite salty, with a long finish of mossy sulfur and smoke.
Reviewed by Marcus Parmenter
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Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Pure Malt
Distiller Score 93
There are some incense qualities to the nose along with a nutty, sweet sherry'd aroma. A tinge of seaweed and moderate peat smoke tag along with bitter chocolate and coffee. The sweetness is displayed byway of dried fruits and sweet baking spices such as ginger and star anise. While richer than the 12 and 17 year old bottlings, the finish is quite dry.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Lark Single Malt Cask Strength
Distiller Score 95
The smoke is initially muted, but opens up given time and water. What comes across is a rich malty character and red fruit. A vanilla ice cream sundae replete with chocolate sauce and cherries hits you on the palate though the finish is dry and spice filled. Peat smoke weaves in and out and there is a tinge of mossy, medicinal vegetation.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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WhistlePig The Boss Hog Straight Rye Whiskey
Distiller Score 92
Please do try both without water and with to see how each drop of water opens up the rye. Vanilla and cherry wood, cinnamon butterscotch, spiced & charred wood, peppercorns, the flavors go on and on. The whiskey warms you from the inside and has an everlasting gobstopper of a spicy finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hibiki 21 Year (100th Anniversary Edition)
Distiller Score 95
Tendrils of smoke from sandalwood incense appear on the nose, along with crisp orchard fruits drizzled with honey, and a touch of tart cherries and rose petals. The palate is expressive, with elegant potpourri and creamy vanilla pudding, coconut sticky rice, expressed orange peel, and hints of cinnamon and cloves. The finish is luscious, lengthy and multilayered, with Mizunara oak at the forefront via tannins, softly simmering smokiness, and white pepper, along with cacao nibs and caramel.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Hakushu 25 Year
Distiller Score 95
Smoke is evident on the nose alongside the expected floral purity, accompanied by rich toffee and spiced apples. The palate is dominated by sherry and smoked oak. Rhubarb, strawberries, walnuts, and a touch of spearmint all dance atop a rich and oily canvas. Oak, smoke, and fresh herbs lead a long, lingering finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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The Essence of Suntory Whisky: Yamazaki Peated Malt
Distiller Score 89
Smoke comes through gently on the nose as if there's a fire burning in the distance. Some fruit aromas, (blackberries, cassis, and some sour citrus) lead to the palate, where the smoke builds, joined by cinnamon and cake spice. The palate remains light, allowing the peat to create a fresh earthiness, which lingers through the medium finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Canadian Rockies 35 Year
Distiller Score 93
The nose is an assertive blend of caramel, herbal dilled pickle chips, cornhusk and old oak with a mention of cleaning solvents. A high-proof spicy heat melts the whisky in your mouth, not in your hands. Sweet dried fruits and vanilla seamlessly spring a finish that will out burn the sun. If you’re sitting across from someone drinking this stunner, apply sunscreen. Their bright smile may cause sunburn.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Hakushu 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
Nose: Melon, Linen and Cinnamon. Tongue: Peat, Ink, lush Grass, Dark Chocolate, Honey. Notes: Exquisite, like a beautiful lover.
Reviewed by Pedro Shanahan
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Chichibu Whisky Matsuri 2017
Distiller Score 95
A magnificent balance is found with abundant thick honey, brown sugar, and rich winter spices on both the nose and palate. A touch of grapefruit and orange joins in on the palate, leading to a lively, playful finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Shirakawa 1958
Distiller Score 94
The nose showcases ginger chews and candied orange slices, along with honey, hay, ashy embers, and strawberry Jolly Ranchers. The palate is spicy, nuanced, and waxy, with butterscotch, cacao nibs, fruit from pears, mandarins and lemon peel, oak, and fireplace. The finish is lengthy and warming, with notes of Christmas cake redolent of dried fruits, cinnamon and cloves, faint trails of smoke, and black pepper.
Reviewed by Jake Emen