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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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Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 90
The nose is full of cherries, pear, and chocolate along with some oak and toffee. The palate finds even more oak, darker fruits, and an additional hint of chocolate. The long, easy finish comes back to the cherries, sugars, and oak.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Rock Hill Farms Bourbon
Distiller Score 91
This whiskey greets you with a complex nose of dusty oak, wet saddle leather, dried figs, sweet Werther’s candies and a bouquet of baking spices. At first sip, soft dark chocolate, tobacco and a bit of toasted oak are followed shortly by poached pears, salted caramel and the spicy bite of rye. This whiskey finishes with as much complexity as it has expressed all along. You will enjoy mint, salty toasted walnuts, vanilla creme and a big baking spice and rye-biting tail. This whiskey is one to enjoy amongst great friends with plenty of time to savor.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon
Distiller Score 94
The nose on this bourbon is soft and mildly sweet, with vanilla, oak, toasted almond, freshly baked pound cake and a hint of orange blossom. On the palate, it is obvious that this is a high-corn bourbon, as an initial wave of sweetness and grain notes appears immediately, giving way to cinnamon, oak and hints of dried plum and chocolate. The mouthfeel is perfectly balanced at 86 proof, being neither too unctuous nor watery. A long satisfying finish with fresh mint, orange peel, milk chocolate and toasted almonds ends things nicely.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12 Year
Distiller Score 89
Aromas of cinnamon, baking spices, apples, and syrup. The palate shows pitted fruits, citrus rind, dried herbs, and maple candy. Quick/moderate finish with burnt sugars, egg custard, and vanilla beans. Almost a creme brûlée, but stops just short.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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High West Bourye (2015 Release)
Distiller Score 89
The spirit opens with spiced honey and caramel followed by whiffs of vanilla bean. Baked pear commands the glass on tasting; imagine the fruit drizzled with creamy toffee/butterscotch and dusted with white pepper for a lilting accent. The moderately long finish offers up oak and toasty spice that the incautious might be tempted to call curry-like, a quality, real or imagined, that helps make for a mean Perfect Manhattan.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Peach Street Colorado Straight Bourbon
Distiller Score 83
As you bring this whiskey up to your face you smell big vanilla, and bold oak character with notable cinnamon and baking spice. Delicate undertones of Baker’s chocolate and baked red delicious apples follow. With your first sip, you taste rich vanilla, cinnamon and corn, with a hint of bright citrus peel. The flavors are rounded out with cooked apple, lingering baking spice and delicate toasted oak characteristics. The finish is short although the flavors of vanilla and cinnamon do linger.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Angel's Envy Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks
Distiller Score 85
Nose is heavy vanilla and baking spice but you can most certainly smell the rye. Tastes almost like cinnamon toast crunch. Loads of baking spice and a nice sweet dried, dark fruit finish. A very unique rye.
Reviewed by Eric Abert
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St. George Single Malt Lot 14
Distiller Score 93
On the nose, you’ll find heavy cocoa, ripe mango, Gala apple, almonds and Nutella. The palate reveals a load of bready grain and honeysuckle under a prominent cocoa flavor. Overall, the whiskey is a lot of fun; it begins mildly, ripens to a viscous, malty crescendo that explodes in the middle, and then dries out for a lengthy finish. For extra credit, pair with a light lager for an interesting combination of light and bold flavors.
Reviewed by Michael J. Neff
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Maker's Mark Cask Strength
Distiller Score 90
The nose is very grassy with hints of eucalyptus, tobacco, banana and hay. The heat comes on the palate much stronger than on the nose. Bright citrus brightens the char characteristics with orange zest and is followed by apricot. The finish is medium short with salinity holding up the last hints of vanilla and honeysuckle.
Reviewed by Dennis Gobis
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Hirsch Small Batch Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distiller Score 87
The first whiff carried a lot of alcohol and promises a fiery, and perhaps a rough-around-the-edges bourbon. After that initial assault, caramel corn, honey, oak, vanilla, and spice emerge. The palate boasts a lot of oak and warm spice, and is just a little rough, but in an enjoyable way. Lots of corn, vanilla, and cinnamon are in there as well. The finish is short but pleasant, with a little spicy orange zest joining the chorus.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Distiller Score 89
Eventually, the initial nose of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of tobacco gives way to toffee, chocolate orange and leather on the tongue. The front of tongue burn and medium/long finish are accentuated by the thick and coating mouth-feel. The complexity of this bourbon lives up to not only its packaging but is a fitting tribute to a true bourbon purist. It's perfect as a gift or an addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Rob Morton