Review #005 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, ex-madeira maturation Tasted after: Kilchoman UK Small Batch No. 3 Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Smoke, oranges, caramel, some lemon zest. Palate: 35/40 Smokey, briny, tart tangerines, spicy cloves, and a hint of crisp green apple. Finish: 36/40 Long and complex, goes from walnut nuttiness to dark baking cocoa to salty. There’s a small ethanol burn throughout that helps those flavors pop but ends very smooth. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: Remarkably balanced offering both spicy and smooth with so many flavors all complementing one another. My favorite bottle of the night, very grateful to my generous brother who gifted this to me. Price: gift Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.