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Glenmorangie Nectar D'or 12 Year
Distiller Score 88
Much like the Sauternes wine itself, the nose and palate present lots of apricot, peach, and honey. The whisky, however, is still present with grains and wood spices like ginger and cinnamon. In addition, white grapes, coconut, and vanilla round out the sweet notes. Clearly, this would make a great after dinner dram, but don't overlook daytime drinking snacking on some charcuterie. Ain't nothing wrong with that!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 92
The nose is rich and enticing, with butterscotch, caramel, and peanut brittle. That nuttiness continues onto the palate, which also offers a surprising of red fruits, including apples, orchard fruits, plums, and grapes. The finish is lengthy, and showcases chocolate syrup, Tootsie Rolls, tannic oak, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve
Distiller Score 92
A splendid nose shows notes of Yamazaki's signature berries with subtle floral notes and tropical fruits. The berriy bouquet keeps all its promises on the palate with cherries, strawberries and raspberries leading the way to dried fruits, woody aromas and a slight spiciness. A delightful finish of vanilla, custard cream and Christmas spices.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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William Larue Weller Bourbon (Fall 2015)
Distiller Score 98
As you taste this bourbon you may be reminded of the dessert scene in "Young Frankenstein" when Igor is accused of making "yummy sounds." Vanilla, milk chocolate, almond and Bing cherries (collectively, the flavors of a tonka bean if you've ever tasted them) waft from the glass and onto the palate. Comforting, buttery shortbread, honeysuckle and the most delicate acidity of lemon oil follow. Given its considerable proof, it's hardly noticeable, perhaps distracted by its truly yummy and balanced flavors. Mmmmmmmm.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 95
This bourbon offers a surprisingly gentle and aromatic bouquet for a spirit at 55% abv. Aromas of oak, cinnamon spice, vanilla pound cake predominate, with orange peel, coconut macaroon and grain notes playing a secondary role. On the palate, this is a flavorful, multilayered whiskey, with an initial hit of alcohol burn and a strong cinnamon and oak note giving way to vanilla, almond, toasted coconut, and mint before the cinnamon and baking spice notes return. The finish is long and enjoyable, with a distinct apple pie note followed by oak, baking spices, chocolate and finally, freshly baked snickerdoodle cookies before dissipating.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Green Spot Single Pot Still
Distiller Score 93
The aroma is that of vanilla cream, toffee, and toasted cereal. The palate moves more into the fruit category with under ripe banana, red apples, and berries. As you continue to smell and taste, the whiskey opens up to show more sherried notes such as walnuts and orange peels.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C919
Distiller Score 91
One of the better examples of balancing elegance and strength within Kentucky bourbon. Aromas of a great Thanksgiving spread - sweet potatoes, sage, stewed fruit, and pepper! And very nuanced for the proof as well. The palate is coating from front to back with pepper, caramel and char. With a little water, more melon and vanilla notes emerge.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Glenmorangie Duthac
Distiller Score 91
The aroma is big and bold with a nose dominated by pear, toffee, candied nuts, and baking spices--very much a dessert dram. The palate follows suit with milk chocolate, nuts, cloves, and butterscotch. The finish brings raisins, leather, and orange peel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Aberlour 16 Year Double Cask Matured
Distiller Score 90
The aromas pour forth with a rich and creamy nose of sweet juicy raisins, bold spice, mild oak and a prominent nuttiness. The mouth speaks of balance between the two finishes, first of ripe plum and a delicate nuttiness, the second of vanilla, toasted oak and delicate baking spices. This whisky draws a seductively long finish of honey, spice, vanilla and dried dark fruits, which will keep you longing for another sip.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish
Distiller Score 89
A pronounced spicy, chocolate-y sherry character to the nose, with toasted malt, brown sugar, figs, and citrus zest. The taste is similarly big on the sherry influence, with dark stewed fruit, chocolate covered cherries, and cinnamon all underscored by Tullibardine's signature creamy texture.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Old Pulteney 17 Year
Distiller Score 87
A fresh and fruit-forward nose shows notes of melted butter, salted caramel and a full fresh-berries basket - it actually smells like a buzzing seaside market town on a Sunday morning. A rich and sweet palate with tons of toffee, brown sugar, honey, raisins and citrusy hints. The lingering oaky finish makes it a go-to for any occasion.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Distiller Score 91
This is not "Japanese Bourbon" or even "Japanese Corn Whiskey." This is quite something...else. There is no age statement, but the benchmark for this whisky is 8-12 years. The profile is carnival candy filled, and while it is slick, it is not sticky sweet on your palate. Some vanilla and cinnamon are added to the flavors found along with honey wine and peaches.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno