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Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey
Distiller Score 91
On first sniff, you’d swear you were getting notes of brine and peat, but wow, this is something quite different. Those expecting overwhelming mesquite on the palate will be pleasantly surprised by its subtle integration and almost gentle mouthfeel. The finish is assertive and long. This is a must try for peaty Scotch lovers looking for something quite different, yet equally satisfying.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Balcones Brimstone
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is full of grilled peaches with a brown sugar, chipotle glaze. The palate continues with strong smoke, bacon and more spice. The long finish is salty and full of pipe smoke.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Distiller Score 89
Eventually, the initial nose of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of tobacco gives way to toffee, chocolate orange and leather on the tongue. The front of tongue burn and medium/long finish are accentuated by the thick and coating mouth-feel. The complexity of this bourbon lives up to not only its packaging but is a fitting tribute to a true bourbon purist. It's perfect as a gift or an addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Lost Spirits Leviathan I Single Malt
Distiller Score 94
Right off the bat, this whisky packs a wallop! Chocolate and rich black earth are the first aromas out of the gate, followed quickly by tanned leather book-covers and a slightly gamey note. Upon sipping this monster of a dram, the bitter chocolate and roasted game notes co-mingle, almost reminiscent of grilled meat with a mole sauce. Spicy chili pepper and a malty sweetness complete the ensemble. The finish is of medium length and the sweet malt is tamed by a bitter chocolate note. Wow. A challenging dram, not for the faint of heart, but well worth seeking out!
Reviewed by Matthew Sheinberg
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Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Distiller Score 90
The nose is full of cherries, pear, and chocolate along with some oak and toffee. The palate finds even more oak, darker fruits, and an additional hint of chocolate. The long, easy finish comes back to the cherries, sugars, and oak.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Coy Hill High Proof (2021 Special Release)
Distiller Score 96
The whiskey has a maple syrup/medium coffee color appearance. Moving on the nose (be gentle as it is high proof), you'll get some dill and other fresh green herbs along with tons of oak. Then as you taste (which at this proof is surprisingly not too difficult to do), you'll find cherry notes come through as well as the flavor of s'mores -- particularly the charred marshmallows. Adding a bit of water you'll get some cornbread with maple syrup come through as well as the classic Jack banana bread note. As for the spice level, it is seen throughout the whiskey, but isn't rough around the edges. A hearty whiskey with enough going on in the glass to keep you entertained.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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High West Double Rye
Distiller Score 89
The aroma is full of anise, mint, and clove. These notes continue along with a bit of leather and juniper. Finish on the whiskey is complex and lengthy with cinnamon and oak flavors as the lingering flavors.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Westland Peat Week 2014 Single Cask #283
Distiller Score 91
With warehouses a short distance from the Puget Sound, it is no surprise to find a gentle sea breeze in this whisky. This is 122 proof so without water there is only a moderate peat aroma, and the whisky has a nice balance of fruits and malt. If you want to compare it to a Scotch whisky, perhaps you'd best think of a peated Highland whisky. With a small dose of water, however, the peat aroma intensifies and becomes a bit grassier.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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10th Street Distiller's Cut Peated Single Malt
Distiller Score 84
An extinguished fireplace appears on the nose, along with a lurking fruity sweetness with berries and cotton candy. The palate is viscous, with earthy, fresh dug up soil, peat, s'mores in the fire, and apricots. The finish has a bitter tinge with barrel char and peanut shells, as well as astringent oak, black pepper, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Noah's Mill Bourbon
Distiller Score 93
Nose is robust with dark fruits, maple grass and leather. Palate is very creamy, rich and viscous with deep thanksgiving spices (think hazelnut and cinnamon). The finish is medium to long, with vanilla, more oak and slight pepper.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12 Year
Distiller Score 89
Aromas of cinnamon, baking spices, apples, and syrup. The palate shows pitted fruits, citrus rind, dried herbs, and maple candy. Quick/moderate finish with burnt sugars, egg custard, and vanilla beans. Almost a creme brûlée, but stops just short.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Booker's Bourbon
Distiller Score 88
This bourbon is not for the weak. A very complex and intense nose that runs from oak, leather, caramel and hints of fruits continues on the tongue with a very pleasant burn that gives way to more leather, oak, vanilla, and spice. Ridiculously long finish opens up hints of cherry along with more oak and leather.
Reviewed by Rob Morton