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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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Arran Cask Strength 12 Year Batch 3
Distiller Score 87
The aromas of this island single malt are rich with lots of dried tropical and dark fruits, bold clove, nutmeg, and allspice, with hints of burnt dark bread and toasted oak vanilla notes. There is a big spice, candied citrus and roasted nutty profile upon first sip with more nuanced flavors of chocolate-chip-brioche-bread-pudding, and memories of grandma’s Christmas pound cake as you settle in with this complex single malt. Subtle undertones of bitter Baker’s cocoa and unsweetened coffee linger before this whisky finishes hot and spicy. There is no doubt it is a treat to behold this whisky at the cask strength of 107.8 proof, but after spending some time nosing this beauty, don’t be shy with adding a few drops of spring water to encourage it to soften as it opens up to you.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Auchroisk 10 Year Flora & Fauna
Distiller Score 88
The nose is heavy with lemon and malt, citrus-y and waxy like someone just cleaned a wood floor. On the palate, it's very dry. There is more spice than the nose indicates, with lots of licorice, orange zest, and white pepper. There's a whiff of smoke in there as well. A splash of water brings out salted caramel, pepper, and nuttiness.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007
Distiller Score 91
With a gentle and bright nose, this whisky smells simply delicious with mouthwatering green apple, lemon zest, and grassy aromas. The flavor isn't smoky but charred, like charred lemons on a beautiful fish dish. Joining the initial zing are honey, earthy malt, and vanilla that just gets stronger. The 50% ABV burn is perfection on the finish.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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Glen Garioch 12 Year
Distiller Score 89
Using a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks for maturation, the whisky's first impressions are that of orange peel, tea, and dried fruits. There is a slight briny-ness upon tasting. The finish is very warming (perhaps due to the 48% abv), and tastes of malt and salted caramel.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Arran 14 Year (Old Label)
Distiller Score 87
The aroma is quite floral and fruity with a touch of wool detected. As you take a nip, salted peanuts come next with honey and warm cereal. The floral and fruity notes continue on the palate with sea salt and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 Year
Distiller Score 89
Aging for 16 years in a first fill bourbon barrel sure should pack a punch, and the Nàdurra certainly delivers on that front. Intense aromas of coconut, cedar, and winter spices wake up the senses. As you taste, marshmallow fluff and cinnamon come aboard. The finish is a bit brash and spicy, but you can handle that, can't you?
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Aberlour A'bunadh
Distiller Score 88
As expected, there are loads of sherry wine aromas, but banana and ginger are found as well. As this is cask strength, one should add a few drops of water for the tasting profile to expand. A closed wood spiced taste will develop into sweet berry-licious flavors in no time.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Craigellachie 13 Year
Distiller Score 88
Taking a whiff of this whisky instantly takes you to Scotland. Rich malt, apples dipped in honey, hay, and gentle wood spices fill your head as you inhale. The whisky is moderately full on your palate and continues with the orchard fruits but adds some lemon and a touch of mint. Having been bottled at 92 proof, the spiced notes are heightened and finishes on the dry side, but there's still a little sweetness left to soften the blow.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Arran Amarone Cask Finish Single Malt
Distiller Score 91
Due to the red wine aging, you'll notice a pink hue to the whisky. The nose is quite floral and full of red fruits with a pinch of salt. The palate continues on the fruit train with apricots and cherries and smidgen of bitter chocolate. If you chose to add water, please do so judiciously.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno