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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Knappogue Castle 14 Year Twin Wood
Distiller Score 89
The aroma of the whiskey is full of dark honey and toasted cereal with the palate moving towards orchard fruits, vanilla, and coconut. The wood spices are relatively mild as the fruit from the sherry seems to saturate it. The whiskey is rich and has a satisfying finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Greenore Single Grain 8 Year
Distiller Score 88
The nose is fairly fragrant with sweet corn, but also includes freshly sliced green apples, coconut, and gentle wood spices. The vanilla picks up a bit more on the palate which starts off silky, but finishes on the oily side. There is a nice tangy quality to the dram that has you salivating for another sip.
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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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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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