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Bowmore Tempest 10 Year
Distiller Score 89
The nose has a soft smoke profile with sweet malt and almonds. Nori seaweed sheets and orange zest are present as well. Without water, the whisky is dry and spicy. With water, there is a little honey to soften the whisky. The finish has a cigar ash profile. (This tasting note is for Batch #2)
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Glenrothes 2001
Distiller Score 89
What you get initially is sugar and spice, in particular, brown sugar and cinnamon. Vanilla and caramel come next, but the whisky is not as plush as you might imagine. Lean and spice driven, the whisky has the fruit factor come through at the back end with pear and dried red fruit. There is a nice balance to the dram which finishes quite tidy.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Auchentoshan Valinch 2012
Distiller Score 88
There are deep dark fruits on the nose with a huge malty presence. Drinking this neat will enhance the cinnamon red hots on your tongue and gums. Adding a few drops of water will calm the fire just a tad while enhancing the vanilla and sweet chocolate notes.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tomatin 15 Year 43% (Discontinued)
Distiller Score 86
Fresh cut apples and pears hit your nose initially followed by the classic heather notes found in Highland whiskies. Char smoke comes through on the palate creating an image of smoldering heather and moss. The finish is just a touch sweet and wood spice filled.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Glenrothes 1994
Distiller Score 93
This whisky seems to get a greater influence from the sherry barrels with notes of raisins covered in dark chocolate and toasted almonds. There are flashes of freshly peeled lemon zest that pop up every now and then, but especially on the finish. Despite these tastes, the whisky is not as unctuous as it sounds, but rather graceful.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 85
As Glenkinchie is a light and delicate whisky, it makes sense to pair it with an equally light and delicate wine finishing. The nutty quality of the wine helps to intensify the oaky character in the whisky. Slightly sweet with a molasses and caramel factor, the whisky concludes with more nuts covered in spices.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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BenRiach 16 Year
Distiller Score 89
There is a note of salted nuts on the nose that quickly turns sweet and fruit filled. Dried fruit, vanilla, and peanut brittle fill the palate along with a smidgen of char smoke. The whisky feels soft and plush on sitting on your tongue; of course, you won't let it sit there for very long.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Dewar's 18 Year The Vintage
Distiller Score 84
Up front this whisky is a sweet talker with bright and tart aromas of red cherries and citrus peel married with honey, heather, dry grass, and vanilla almond cookies. The palate sings a slightly different tune with early notes of malt, melodies of delicate smoke and wisps of briny sea breeze. There are subtle fruity vanilla flavors and the whisky has a delicious creamy texture. The finish lingers with a salty twinge, wafts of a distant peat fire burning, and a soft, yet dry and oaky vanilla and malty tail.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Cragganmore Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 84
The malty nature to the standard bottling pairs nicely with the fruity port wine just like chocolate and raspberries make a great duo. Cragganmore uses lightly peated malt and the fruit hasn't completely smothered it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Glengoyne 17 Year
Distiller Score 92
Toasted cereal, raisins, and honey aromas are found in the glass. The whisky is tangy and has a nutty & fruity profile with baked pears and orange peel standing out. Though the whisky is rich and chewy, it finishes on the dry side
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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