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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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Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 88
A light, sweet nose with caramel, tobacco, tropical fruit, and apple greets you on the nose. For a high-rye bourbon, the rye spice certainly doesn't exert itself, leaving the palate to lush, rich caramel, mocha, mango, toasted oak, and orange. The rye spice sneaks in at the end but doesn't draw much attention. The finish delivers dried apricots, oak, and caramel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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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Glenlivet 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
Ever heard of Apple Brown Betty? Well, that's what this smells and tastes like. To enlighten, Apple Brown Betty is a baked dessert consisting of, you guessed it, apples! It also has bread, butter, and brown sugar all layered around the apples and when it is baked, the bread gets nice and toasty. In fact, why don't you serve this (or pie, or crisp) with a glass of this whisky and thank us later!
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
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Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish
Distiller Score 87
The Burgundy wine lends this whisky a nose of ripe red fruit, chocolate, and spice with a faint whiff of alcohol. Cream, toasted wood, and strawberries are there as well. The taste is big and rich, full of crème brûlée, baked apples, orange peel, red fruit, and nutmeg. A slight spiciness and dry oak assert themselves on a long, warm finish.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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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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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The Glenrothes 1995
Distiller Score 91
For those that like their whiskies on the sweet side, step right up. This is a creamy and rich whisky with notes of almond covered toffee. Ripe apple fruits covered with cinnamon syrup and hints of orange zest round out the flavor profile.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Glenrothes 1998
Distiller Score 89
This whisky has lots of juicy pear fruits topped with homemade vanilla whipped cream. Throw some coconut shavings on top and we have a winner!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Macallan Amber 1824 Series
Distiller Score 86
Bring the glass close to your nose and you will get a lot of flavours. Rich, this is a whisky displaying notes of orange, vanilla, dry fruits, chocolate, Brazil nuts and so on. Quite nice! The palate is offering the same profile, plus cinnamon among other spices. This is a whisky that is very fruity, smooth and easy to drink. Although you could expect more from the nose, it plays well neat or for cocktails.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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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