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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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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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Glenlivet 18 Year
Distiller Score 90
Ever heard of Apple Brown Betty? Well, that's what this smells and tastes like. To enlighten, Apple Brown Betty is a baked dessert consisting of, you guessed it, apples! It also has bread, butter, and brown sugar all layered around the apples and when it is baked, the bread gets nice and toasty. In fact, why don't you serve this (or pie, or crisp) with a glass of this whisky and thank us later!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year
Distiller Score 89
Aging whisky in rum casks can be a tricky proposition as they whisky can become overly "rummed". To be successful, the rum should just enhance the whisky, not overpower it. The Balvenie have done well here. Tropical fruits, vanilla, and honey are present, but it isn't intensely molasses or funky.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year
Distiller Score 85
Once again, the fragrance coming from Glenmorangie's Extra Matured line up is so full of sticky sweet fruit that you'd think just inhaling it will cause a cavity. Fortunately, that isn't how it works exactly. Yes, the taste is much like the nose, but we are talking about 92 proof whisky. The barley hasn't been covered up entirely. Perhaps, though, this would be best as an after dinner drink as it finishes with a hint of chocolate mint, but just a wafer thin mint.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask
Distiller Score 89
The color is a medium amber color with a slight greenish hue, common in sherried whisky. Fruity aromas and a soft, creamy texture are quite inviting. More fruit, Marcona almonds, fresh orange zest, and baking spices are on the palate. The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask is quite the gateway drug for new Scotch whisky drinkers.
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