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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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Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Distiller Score 85
A perfect introduction to Japanese whisky: a rather light body but still a whole bouquet of delicious flavours. This Nikka expression boasts an elegant fruitiness, some nutty/sherried notes and a soft smokiness in the background. Definitely one of the best "value for money" Japanese whiskies on the market today.
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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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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Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
Distiller Score 86
This whisky is fairly dry on the nose, with hints of leather and barn wood, as well as subtle almond notes. What makes this whisky so accessible are its pleasing flavors — chocolate and caramel burst on the tongue before fading into more tropical notes of mango, citrus and boysenberry — and satisfying finish. The whisky exits the tongue quickly after drying the palate with hints of cedar.
Reviewed by Derek Gamlin
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Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Distiller Score 91
This is not "Japanese Bourbon" or even "Japanese Corn Whiskey." This is quite something...else. There is no age statement, but the benchmark for this whisky is 8-12 years. The profile is carnival candy filled, and while it is slick, it is not sticky sweet on your palate. Some vanilla and cinnamon are added to the flavors found along with honey wine and peaches.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Adnams Single Malt No. 1
Distiller Score 87
A yummy bomb bringing back to life childhood memories of candy floss (cotton candy), Christmas fruit pudding and marshmallows. Yes, this nose feels just like a sunny afternoon on Coney Island. And the palate doesn't disappoint, with plenty of caramel and pastry aromas with more grown-up hints of hot spices and pepper. A killer!
Reviewed by Anne-Sophie Bigot
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Hibiki 12 Year
Distiller Score 89
Naturally, as part of the whisky is aged in seasoned plum wine casks, the whisky is laced with bright fruit. Additionaly, floral aromas are detected along with pastry dough and vanilla. This is a thoughtfully integrated whisky and though we typically wouldn't dream of telling you how to enjoy your whisky, with this one, please do yourself a favor and drink it neat or with a modicum of water.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ninety 20 Year Whisky
Distiller Score 90
Picture an orchard filled with trees covered in fruit and blossoms. Now drench them in spiced chocolate. This would infuriate a farmer but it makes one hell of a whisky nose. The sweet fruitiness dries off in the mouth in a masterful stroke of complex composed flavors with creamy corn oil, vanilla, and a blend of oak spices. Pipe tobacco and a hit of peppered corn fade forever.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Kavalan Classic Single Malt
Distiller Score 86
Sweet herbs and green tea are found on the nose initially which then turn into sweet cereal. The tasting profile discloses more of a sherry profile with nuts and dried fruit. The finish isn't particularly long, but there is a peppery, smoky quality at the back end wrapping up the whisky nicely.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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J.P. Wiser's Last Barrels
Distiller Score 95
Subtlety stacked on top of subtlety like the blender had blended his flavors in a Zen Garden. This whisky blooms with an umbrella of perfumed spices, pristine timber, big caramel, and a shade of exotic pizzazz. Symmetry builds in the mouth with all the flavors of a fresh fruit market, lush black-cherry ice cream, and lumber. Trademark rye spices lead into a fulfilling long finish.
Reviewed by Blair Phillips
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Penderyn Madeira
Distiller Score 85
The texture of the whisky is quite velvety and elegant. Juicy black fruits and vanilla make the line up as do honey and baking spices. Perhaps due to the slightly higher proof, the finish is snappy, but up to par.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno