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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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Auchentoshan Three Wood
Distiller Score 90
Pedro Ximenez cask aging tends to lend a sticky sweet note to whisky and this is no exception. The nose is alluring with intense aromas of dark caramel, baking spice and vanilla. The tasting continues to entice with blackberries, brown sugar, and tobacco.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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
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W.H. Harrison Governor's Reserve Bourbon
Distiller Score 84
This spirituous whiskey is slightly vegetal on the nose with dill in particular standing out. The first sip took me instantly to my grandmother’s house and her German apfelstrudel. It is fruity and sharp with a touch of grilled peaches on the finish. There isn’t much of woody character, and though its high-proof is a bit mouth-numbing, overall it is a well-made whiskey.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Green Spot Single Pot Still
Distiller Score 93
The aroma is that of vanilla cream, toffee, and toasted cereal. The palate moves more into the fruit category with under ripe banana, red apples, and berries. As you continue to smell and taste, the whiskey opens up to show more sherried notes such as walnuts and orange peels.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Glenfiddich 15 Year Solera Reserve
Distiller Score 86
The aroma is definitely in the fruity camp with chewy figs, raisins, and oranges. The taste is soft and full of honey and vanilla, but there are other tastes there as well such as leather and a scant amount of smoke.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Good Deeds American Malt Whiskey
Distiller Score 90
Chocolate-covered berries and soft cherrywood smoke lead on the nose, along with orchard fruits and toffee. The palate is rich, with Baker's chocolate and butterscotch backed up by oak and cedar wood, as well as cinnamon, allspice, and white pepper. The finish is warming and lengthy, with salted caramel, smoky phenols, black pepper, coffee beans, spearmint, and barrel char.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Dear Johnny Smoked Apple Whiskey
Distiller Score 77
At first the nose is almost like an apple cider vinegar. Once it settles, the smoke comes through and you get lovely dry pork-rub aroma. Notes of tobacco, BBQ, and candied apples come through as if you were at a county fair. The taste is right on track with the aroma: applewood chips, molasses, caramel, and--believe it or not--churros. This whiskey is weird, but worth a try.
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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St. George Single Malt Lot 20
Distiller Score 94
The nose is big and enticing, with butterscotch, cocoa powder, milk chocolate, and creamy vanilla pudding. The palate is full and rich, with toffee and fudge, as well as barrel char, candied fruit chews, and towards the back, waxy notes alongside touches of bitter coffee grounds and peanut shells. The finish lingers with Christmas spice, tannic oak, orchard fruits and Black Forest Cake.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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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