Distiller's rating of 81 seems to be such an outlier that it hammers home the truth that you can't just look at the rating, but you have to look at the reviewer as well. Some reviewers you will be more in sync with and others you will not. This is a wonderful whiskey with the bourbon sweetness underpinning the peaty scotch notes. The spice from the rye is not overwhelming - there's a harmony here and it's far smoother than I expected. I think this is an 88-92 rating - and worth buying!