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Suntory Royal
Distiller Score 94
Nose: Incense, Cocoa, Butter Cookie. Tongue: Butter Cookie, Green Apple, Bell Pepper and Banana, Roasted Almond. Notes: This whiskey is incredible, the best Japanese Blend I’ve ever tasted. Intricate, layered and long. Definite Mizunara influence.
Reviewed by Pedro Shanahan
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Michel Couvreur Overaged Malt 12 Year
Distiller Score 87
Rich, malty notes are the first impression on the nose followed by a toasted nutty aroma. The palate is less fresh and juicy but rather focuses more on dark, dried fruits. There's a moderate amount of oil along with a fairly rich body. Though it is a bit of a one-hit-wonder on the flavor profile, there's enough of a tang there to keep you interested. Warming spiced notes hit you on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Zuidam Millstone 100 Rye Whisky
Distiller Score 87
As you take your first sniff of this dark amber rye you immediately think of dry fruits of all sorts, with maybe an emphasis on dried apricot. In the mouth, the whisky is big and rich, with plenty of spices including cloves, tonka beans, cinnamon and a dash of vanilla bean. It feels full and bready, but still has enough of the fruits to make this spirit enjoyable and easy to drink.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye (2012 Release)
Distiller Score 90
Aroma is dominated by sour rye bread and has an undertone of orange-honey and green pepper. With a firm, smooth and refreshing body there is no mistaking the rye, and it is one of the best Canadian productions I have ever tasted. The lengthy finish is dominated by spiced honey. The overall impression is fruity, spicy, peppery deliciousness.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Mackmyra First Edition
Distiller Score 89
There is a fruity aroma of pears and oranges with a touch of grass. The malty quality shows up on the palate along with honey salted nuts. The finish is fairly long and has a bit of a bite.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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J.P. Wiser's Legacy Canadian Whisky
Distiller Score 94
J.P. Wiser would be rolling in his grave. Not because this whisky insults the name, quite the opposite in fact – he’d be rolling to bust out and try it. The whisky’s nose pulses from one note to the next where a potpourri wafts in and out like a star-studded movie full of cameos. The cast includes maple, baking spices, vanilla, rye bread, charismatic oak and the full spectrum of orchard fruits. Missing is George Clooney. All of the same notes land in the palate mingled with a sweet and peppery citric zest. Toasted oak comes through and fades into tobacco as Legacy starts rolling its long list of delicious finishing credits.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Crown Royal 75th Anniversary Blend
Distiller Score 90
The usual suspects appear on the nose with a vanilla and char smoke, but the whisky really shines on the palate. The dried fruit and barrel spices integrate well with the whisky brand's signature smooth finish. The rye in the whisky seems to provide depth and enhance the fruit. If you haven’t had Crown Royal in a while, seek this one out; it may surprise you.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Kavalan Distillery Select No. 1
Distiller Score 89
Honey-covered apples kick off the nose, with dried apricots and a range of tropical fruits including papaya and mango, all backed up by butterscotch. Dried fruits and walnuts show on the palate, with clover honey, bitter Baker's chocolate, and creamy toffee. More dried fruits on a short finish with flamed orange peel, oak, and spice. Big and robust despite the, for Kavalan, modest price and proof, as well as its "for cocktails" designation.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve
Distiller Score 85
Charred barrel notes, vanilla, and leather are fairly intense as you stick your nose in the glass. The whisky is less about the sweet notes as thoughts of a study filled with dark wood furniture and leather-bound books (and perhaps bottles of whisky on the shelves) came to mind while sipping the dram.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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J.P. Wiser's 18 Year
Distiller Score 86
The nose is not terribly expressive, but there’s some discernible light vanilla custard aroma along with a touch of orange peel. The palate is light and charming with more vanilla, toffee, and spice. Even though this finishes a tad hot, I can’t help but think this whisky would benefit from a higher proof bottling. The finish is long and smooth and does indeed show mature wood flavors, but is not exactly complex.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Johnett Swiss Single Malt Whisky
Distiller Score 83
If ever you have tried their fruit liqueurs before, you cannot help but think of Mirabelle and pear eaux-de-vie when you smell this whisky. On the palate, the fruitiness is still the main impression, along with soft barley flavors. The use of small column-still is key in the style which is very smooth, creamy, and sweet, though there is a dry, woody touch on the finish. This would be perfect after dinner with your dessert or for breakfast with pancakes.
Reviewed by Julien Le Doaré
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Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Cask Strength
Distiller Score 88
The whisky, naturally, is a bit muted without adding water, but opens up with the smoke, barrel spices, and a touch of cherry fruit. Cigar smoke continues on the palate, but orchard fruit and cherries are found as well. The finish is quite dry and wood spice filled with a dash of bitter dark chocolate.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno