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Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey
Distiller Score 91
On first sniff, you’d swear you were getting notes of brine and peat, but wow, this is something quite different. Those expecting overwhelming mesquite on the palate will be pleasantly surprised by its subtle integration and almost gentle mouthfeel. The finish is assertive and long. This is a must try for peaty Scotch lovers looking for something quite different, yet equally satisfying.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Lagavulin 16 Year
Distiller Score 92
Vegetarians need not be alarmed. Despite the meaty, brisket-y aroma to this whisky, cows were not harmed in its production. Peat smoke is integrated throughout the dram and that lavish mouthful of whisky that you are experiencing leads to the discovery of seaweed, fruit, and tobacco. Hedonists, this one's for you.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Lagavulin Offerman Edition Charred Oak Cask
Distiller Score 85
Unsurprisingly, the aroma brings on the smoke, both from the mossy peat and from the charred oak and would say the levels there are about the same. That said, it's not the most smoky whisky out there. There's also a bit of a fresh beer note coming through as well as red fruit and smoked vanilla. On the palate, the whisky is moderately sweet and rich before the charred barrel flavors come crashing back. More nosings bring out some smoky bacon and grilled peaches. Overall, would drink if given the opportunity, but wouldn't seek it out.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Highland Park Valkyrie
Distiller Score 87
A feast of a nose! Strawberry cheesecake, nutmeg, dried fruits, vanilla cream, chocolate and sweet spices compliment Highland Park's signature salty/smoky notes. The palate is well balanced with smoky hints, oak, spices, orchard fruits and gentle citrusy notes. The dark chocolate comes back towards the end for a last yummy kick.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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Nikka Whisky From the Barrel
Distiller Score 92
The nose is very complex and tends to drift. Cedar cigar-box and exotic woods are ribboned with smoke and peat accents. A sherry influence is layered into the blend and if you wait long enough, soy sauce, celery and other umami components are part of the drift. This whisky dances across all taste buds with cloves, cinnamon and orange zest seasoned by salt spray. A walnut like bitterness accompanies the extended finish. A very rich blend.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Caol Ila Distillers Edition
Distiller Score 90
The folks at Diageo chose correctly the type of wine to finish a peated, oily whisky. Honey and smoke are first to catch your attention with the focus turning to malt and summer ripe peaches. The peat smoke is a constant. The richness of the whisky isn't cloying and as you finish the sip, you will notice a dry, spice filled conclusion.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2020 Port & Wine Casks
Distiller Score 93
Fact: the best pieces of movie popcorn are the half-popped, slightly burnt kernels at the bottom of the bucket, and that is exactly what this whisky initially smells and tastes like. Perhaps a flask of Port or PX sherry was brought along, because the buttery, charred popcorn takes on a brambly/berry compote flavor, with a hint of cherry cough lozenge, roasted almonds, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, and a waft of drying sea weed. Fans of Laphroaig will appreciate that the typical phroaig-iness is very much present, just with some fun new flavor profiles to savor, and a pleasingly long finish with only a slight burn despite the proof.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Distiller Score 87
The additional wood contact certainly gives this young whisky an edge. Peat smoke isn't concentrated, despite what you might think. The oiliness is quite pronounced despite the sweet flavors of vanilla cream. This finishes dry and almost scratches your throat on the way down. Upon exhalation, the peat smoke is what remains.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 1)
Distiller Score 94
Drinking this whisky neat is not necessarily a bad or difficult thing to do, but adding water really does create dimension and complexity to the dram. Sea spray, kippers, peat smoke, and leather come about on the nose and continue on to the taste. There is a soft roundness to the whisky as it sits in your mouth and is moderately oily. Peat and sweet malt intertwine and linger on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Highland Park 15 Year
Distiller Score 86
The peated smoke seems to be more intense in the 15 year old bottling particularly on the nose. It's got a sweet midsection with apple and spice and everything nice. On the finish, you find salted peanut brittle and smoke.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Coy Hill High Proof (2021 Special Release)
Distiller Score 96
The whiskey has a maple syrup/medium coffee color appearance. Moving on the nose (be gentle as it is high proof), you'll get some dill and other fresh green herbs along with tons of oak. Then as you taste (which at this proof is surprisingly not too difficult to do), you'll find cherry notes come through as well as the flavor of s'mores -- particularly the charred marshmallows. Adding a bit of water you'll get some cornbread with maple syrup come through as well as the classic Jack banana bread note. As for the spice level, it is seen throughout the whiskey, but isn't rough around the edges. A hearty whiskey with enough going on in the glass to keep you entertained.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno