#Whiskybattle of #Costco white-labeled #singlemaltscotch (#KirklandSignature). Both were distilled by @alexandermurrayco and matured for final 6 months in Oloroso sherry casks at 46% ABV. Reviewed on 8/6/2018. ....…......….…........................................................................... Nose: The 18 year-old (on the left) has notes of creamy vanilla, green grapes, and raisins...with a slight hint of sulphur. Score: 88. The 20 year-old has stronger notes of vanilla (bean vs. cream), fresh pineapple, and honey. Better nose than the 18 without the sulphur. Score: 91. ....…......….…........................................................................... Palate: The 18 has notes of raisins, plums, and all the lovely dark, dried fruit. Slight alcohol burn. Score: 87. The 20 has more complexity; I can pick out notes of dried apricots, sweet caramel, honey, and brown sugar all in a smoother dram than the 18. No alcohol burn despite the same ABV of 46%. Score: 90. ....…......….…........................................................................... Finish: The 18 has a slightly sweet medium finish for a score of 86. The 20 has a nicer, lingering oaky dry finish with more flavor and depth. Score: 89. ....…......….…........................................................................... Overall Experience: It’s amazing how 2 more years in the barrel makes such a difference in every aspect (except for color, which are both tawny orange). The 18 gets a score of 87 and the 20 gets a score of 90. ....…......….…........................................................................... Value for Money: The 18 year old sells for a good value at $55 USD but the 20 year old is a more compelling value for just $3 more ($58). That’s 1 point for each $1! There’s a big difference between a 90 and an 87 in the way I rate my scotch. ....…......….…........................................................................... #whiskyreview #Speyside #scotch