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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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Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 92
The nose is rich and enticing, with butterscotch, caramel, and peanut brittle. That nuttiness continues onto the palate, which also offers a surprising of red fruits, including apples, orchard fruits, plums, and grapes. The finish is lengthy, and showcases chocolate syrup, Tootsie Rolls, tannic oak, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve
Distiller Score 92
A splendid nose shows notes of Yamazaki's signature berries with subtle floral notes and tropical fruits. The berriy bouquet keeps all its promises on the palate with cherries, strawberries and raspberries leading the way to dried fruits, woody aromas and a slight spiciness. A delightful finish of vanilla, custard cream and Christmas spices.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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Kinsey 7 Year Cask Strength Whiskey
Distiller Score 86
The first impression of this whiskey is rich and heady (as a cask strength should be). It reminds of your grandfather's bottle of Old Spice aftershave with a touch of sandalwood and leather. Once sipped, it fills your mouth with thick caramelized sugars, almost like Bananas Foster. The only hint that this spirit isn't cut down to proof is the tingle that sticks with you--a characteristic of Kinsey whiskeys.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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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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Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 95
This bourbon offers a surprisingly gentle and aromatic bouquet for a spirit at 55% abv. Aromas of oak, cinnamon spice, vanilla pound cake predominate, with orange peel, coconut macaroon and grain notes playing a secondary role. On the palate, this is a flavorful, multilayered whiskey, with an initial hit of alcohol burn and a strong cinnamon and oak note giving way to vanilla, almond, toasted coconut, and mint before the cinnamon and baking spice notes return. The finish is long and enjoyable, with a distinct apple pie note followed by oak, baking spices, chocolate and finally, freshly baked snickerdoodle cookies before dissipating.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 88
A light, sweet nose with caramel, tobacco, tropical fruit, and apple greets you on the nose. For a high-rye bourbon, the rye spice certainly doesn't exert itself, leaving the palate to lush, rich caramel, mocha, mango, toasted oak, and orange. The rye spice sneaks in at the end but doesn't draw much attention. The finish delivers dried apricots, oak, and caramel.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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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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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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Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish
Distiller Score 94
Nose offers a combination of vanilla and baking spices, dry oak and a red wine influence, along with light mint and herbal notes. The palate is rich, with more vanilla, dark red fruits and wine tannins, oak, clover honey, and rye spice. A moderate length finish continues on the sweet and rich sweet side, with vanilla, char, chocolate, brown sugar, and just a touch of black pepper. Delicious, and an excellent job interweaving the Madeira influence with the bourbon itself.
Reviewed by Jake Emen