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Glenmorangie Nectar D'or 12 Year
Distiller Score 88
Much like the Sauternes wine itself, the nose and palate present lots of apricot, peach, and honey. The whisky, however, is still present with grains and wood spices like ginger and cinnamon. In addition, white grapes, coconut, and vanilla round out the sweet notes. Clearly, this would make a great after dinner dram, but don't overlook daytime drinking snacking on some charcuterie. Ain't nothing wrong with that!
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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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
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Speyburn 15 Year
Distiller Score 92
This sherry side of the whisky shows first on the nose, with stewed fruits, prunes, and citrus peel, alongside milk chocolate and cocoa powder. The palate is rich and full, offering chocolate covered cherries, and a multifaceted profile, from vinous-grapey, to jammy, to rancio. All this with the more traditional soft floral, orchard fruit, and hay Speyside characteristics as well. The finish is bold but smooth, with chocolate syrup, oak and tannic spice, and orange zest.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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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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Glenmorangie Duthac
Distiller Score 91
The aroma is big and bold with a nose dominated by pear, toffee, candied nuts, and baking spices--very much a dessert dram. The palate follows suit with milk chocolate, nuts, cloves, and butterscotch. The finish brings raisins, leather, and orange peel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Auchentoshan Blood Oak
Distiller Score 89
Like a wave of syrupy Luxardo cherries, Blood Oak's scent drips with luxury. Red stone fruit wrapped in rose petals and citrus zest prep the tongue for a creamy honeyed warmth. Blood oranges and ginger, cream and vanilla, nutmeg and tobacco--all present. This isn't your typical Auchentoshan offering; it's something sexier and more dangerous. Try adding a touch of water for more pepper or leave it as is to enjoy the fruit and spice.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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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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Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011
Distiller Score 87
Creamy vanilla custard shows early on the nose, along with lemon peel, bell pepper, and cinnamon bark. The palate showcases peaches and cream, with a range of fruits—apricots, apples, raisins—reflecting the diverse wine casks used in maturation. Flavors shift progressively spicier towards the back of the palate, with black pepper, cloves, and tannic oak. Candied orange peel, honey, and crème brûlée highlight a rich finish. Layered and complex, belying its youth.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Aberlour 16 Year Double Cask Matured
Distiller Score 90
The aromas pour forth with a rich and creamy nose of sweet juicy raisins, bold spice, mild oak and a prominent nuttiness. The mouth speaks of balance between the two finishes, first of ripe plum and a delicate nuttiness, the second of vanilla, toasted oak and delicate baking spices. This whisky draws a seductively long finish of honey, spice, vanilla and dried dark fruits, which will keep you longing for another sip.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Old Pulteney 17 Year
Distiller Score 87
A fresh and fruit-forward nose shows notes of melted butter, salted caramel and a full fresh-berries basket - it actually smells like a buzzing seaside market town on a Sunday morning. A rich and sweet palate with tons of toffee, brown sugar, honey, raisins and citrusy hints. The lingering oaky finish makes it a go-to for any occasion.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley
Distiller Score 89
From nose to finish this whisky is simply beautiful. The barley really shines through in the nose, with nutty vanilla, honey and white flowers with hints of apricot, citrus and sea breeze sneaking from the glass. Bright fruity flavors of apple and citrus are followed by sweet, round cereal malts and demerara sugar. The finish is one that slows down time with faint memories of campfires on the beach at low tide; this whisky is one to share with great company, perhaps old childhood friends.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin