Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is nowhere near subtle leading with classic Islay smokiness and peat with loads of brown baking spice, Sherry, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and sweet peat-driven core with generous amounts of fruitcake, tropical fruits, and candied ginger. Full-bodied with a viscous, nearly oily texture that lingers on for minutes tamed by sea salt, pepper, and oak. A love letter to peat heads in the bottle. $80 – 4 Stars
Tamdhu 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, pale golden color. The nose is complex and wonderfully restrained as the Sherry cask is clearly evident without trampling on the spirit offering scents of cinnamon toast, sultanas, and orange peel with hints of citrus and wild herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a silky fruit-driven core with ripe tropical fruits joining the dried fruit, toasted malt, oak, and Sherry and Scottish tablet accents. Medium to full-bodied with lovely spice notes rising on the finish and sufficient touches of earth and embers to add balance. $70 – 4.5 Stars
Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden/copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of roasted tropical fruits with supporting notes of peach stones and black plum with accents of cigar box and butterscotch. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush, honey-soaked fruit core with accents of brown baking spices and tawny port. Full-bodied with loads of sweet fruit, red wine, and decadent spices. Aged in Bourbon casks and then finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. $89.99 – 4 Stars
Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant, pale copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of stewed tropical fruits with a generous dose of vanilla, caramel malt, and brown baking spices with charred oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, Sherry-soaked fruit core with accents of candied orange peel, clove, and cinnamon bark. Full-bodied with loads of barrel-driven spice notes and an oaky finish. Non-chill filtered, rested on Bourbon and European Sherry casks. $79.99 – 4.5 Stars
Aberfeldy 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant copper color. The nose is filled wit the scents of grass, baked pear, malt, toasted grains, and cherry with hints of leather and toffee. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit and malt-driven core with accents of honey, stone fruits, and nougat. Medium to full-bodied with a rich but vibrant texture and ideal acidity. $35.99 – 4 Stars
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, pale gold color. The nose is very attractive with scents of dried fruit, citrus zest, and apricot with hints of sea salt (although not a coastal malt), orange peel, and caramel. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a richer, sweeter malt impression with flavors of toffee, chocolate, and baking spices with a hint of anise on the finish. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with bright citrus accents taming the sweet caramel malt core. A great value. $35 – 4 Stars
Nomad Outland Blended Whisky
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is quite expressive with generous scents of toffee, fruit cake, caramel malt, and oak with accents of brown baking spices and honey. The palate reveals more Whisky notes than the nose as the aromatics are Sherry dominated while the Whisky is fighting through on the palate showing waves of grains before surrendering to the rich, silky Sherry. Medium-bodied with good balance considering the decadence of the Sherry with a pleasing silky texture. $49.99 – 4 Stars
Speyburn 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is vibrant with fresh scents of baked pear, toasted grain, caramel, orange peel, and mocha. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a fruit and toffee-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, oak and vanilla. Fill-bodied with bright fruit flavors with a generous dose of acidity and a dry, spicy finish. Matured in both American and Spanish oak casks. $59.99 – 4 Stars
Benriach The Original Ten 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. Sweet grains and baked apples dominate the nose supported by honeycomb, caramel, toasted oak, and hints of orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush core of ripe orchard fruits with flanking spice notes, malt, toffee, and hints of vanilla bean. Medium to full-bodied with a bright dose of fresh acidity and seductive fruit notes. $53.99 – 4.5 Stars
Benriach The Smoky Ten 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of ripe orchard fruits enveloped in sweet smoke with waves of honey and brown baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering baked pears and apples with lush, sweet smoke accents supported by spice, oak, and caramel. Full-bodied with ideal balance and decadent fruit and smoke flavors. $59.99 – 4.5 Stars
