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93 points

Nashville Barrel Company 7 year old Single Barrel Straight, 57.5%

Demonstrating clear maturity and complexity, this is sweet right off the bat, with cocoa-dusted truffles, dark chocolate-covered cherries, crème brûlée, and gingersnap cookie on the nose. The palate is chewy, with more dessert notes like tiramisu, mocha, and candied apple in addition to tobacco leaf and, with water, dried ginger, allspice, and raisins. The finish displays savory spices, cocoa powder, espresso, peppermint stick, and blueberry jam, with excellent length.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Oban Distillers Edition (Bottled in 2019), 43%

The nose is sweet but a bit shy, needing time to fully open into rose petal, raspberry, fig jam, raisin, sweet orange, candied grapefruit peel, and green apple candy. It gives no indication of the sweeping, elegant smoke of the palate, which brings dryness to the dark and dried-fruit flavors. A touch of water helps integrate and lengthen the experience, though it finishes rather quickly, with soft ashy smoke, raspberry jam, and persistent bitter chocolate.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Dewar’s 19 year old The Champions Edition, 43%

This limited edition, released for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, is bourbon cask-finished after following Dewar’s customary double-aging process. It tees off with manuka honey, toasted English muffin, vanilla seed, toasted coconut, and baking spice aromas. It goes down the hole smoothly, with creamy flavors around a core of vanilla intensity plus cream soda, dried banana, and green fruits, gliding through honey, butterscotch sauce, and caramel.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Redbreast Dream Cask Oloroso Sherry Edition (Cask No. 400294), 51.5%

A wave of pot still spice and high alcohol carries aromas of blueberry muffin, Victoria plum, ground ginger, nutmeg, and lush sherry. In time, greater complexity develops scents of juicy raspberry, black olive, and rose and violet creams. Dense sherry-wood flavors with chocolate-covered Brazil nuts and nippy, peppery spices encircle the tip of the tongue, then it finishes with blueberry gum and flashes of candied peel.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Highland Park 12 year old Viking Honour, 43%

A whiff of peat and a maritime breeze of salt air, seashells, and beach bonfire embers, drifting into tropical notes of lime and pineapple, as well as baked apples. Sweetness on the palate, with a dash of peat atop vanilla cream, graham cracker, milk chocolate, zesty lime, and espresso beans. Water brings out fruit notes of melon, strawberries, and red apples, and the finish settles things with a back note of cocoa and a bang of winter spice. (Editors' Choice)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

The ImpEx Collection 40 year old 1980 Blend, 45.5%

Bales of aged tobacco, damp autumnal leaves, aromatic backyard bonfire smoke, barrel staves soaked in aged sherry, dried fig, prune flesh, milk chocolate, and polished antique wood grab the attention of the olfactory system. Deep wells of concentrated dark fruits give this a studied intensity, with chocolate-hazelnut ganache, date, plum, and a dry finish reminiscent of barrel char and oak tannins. Majestic, one might say. (525 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

World Whisky Society Reserve Collection 15 year old Kentucky Straight (Batch 257), 56%

Dried herbs and tobacco, and then a fragrant rush of fresh cherries, caramel, Klondike bar, orange Creamsicle, clove, sweet black licorice straps, and sweetened ice tea. The sweeter notes rule on the nose, while the palate is balanced with spice and bold with notes of orange tart, vanilla ice cream, and black pepper. More balanced sweetness on a thick finish that’s rich in flavors of coconut, baking spice, angel food cake, and vanilla frosting.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Bowmore 30 year old (2021 Release), 45.3%

bowmore 30 year old 1989 vintage bottle and box Orange peel and black tea greet the nose on this mellow, ultra-aged expression, and lead to delicate notes of raisin, strawberry coulis, and a whiff of incense and light peat. An overlay of muted spice and peat hovers above the palate, which offers orange marmalade, cooked red berries, and chocolate eclair, punctuated on the finish by an appealing cigar ash note. Dessert and a fine stogie rolled into one. (Collectible)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Shibui 15 year old Sherry Cask Matured, 43%

Double distillation in stainless steel produces a higher filling strength than single distillation, which may account for the naturally dark color and rich flavors here. From Masahiro Distillery, this carries caramelized sugars, orange oil, blackberry, allspice, ground ginger, and dried pineapple on the nose. Flavors of dark fruits, cocoa powder, chocolate, plum, cherry, blackberry, and pepper; more body and intensity than other Shibui and it gets deliciously nuttier as it dilutes.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

The ImpEx Collection 28 year old 1992 (Distilled at Cameronbridge), 51.8%

Sherry butt-matured grain whisky evoking aromas of raisins, runny caramel, crème caramel, polished oak furniture, and inky blue plums. It glides with a buttery texture; it’s disarmingly drinkable for its strength, enabling the discovery of deep pockets of dark sweetness, caramelized sugars, chocolate-flavored toffee, oak tannins, and berry notes. A long finish of cacao nibs, wood spices, peppercorn, and dark fruit. One not to miss. (425 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Amrut Aatma Port Pipe Single Cask (No. 4670), 56.5%

The color of polished horse chestnuts with the opulent aroma of mature vintage port, this concentrates the fruits around a firm spicy core, with red Twizzlers and a mischievous smirk of hot paprika. Red jelly and black grape flavors tangle with oak tannins, vanilla pod, red apple, clove, black pepper, plain chocolate, and vanilla essence. An almost local-anesthetic effect on the tongue at cask strength, so dilute liberally. (360 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Arrrrrrrdbeg!, 51.8%

arrrrrrrbeg mickey heads committee release Fully matured in rye barrels. Butterscotch, almond paste, shortbread, lemon cake, and vanilla frosting on the nose—bakery aromas integrating with notes of crushed seashells and briny peat. The palate is soft, honeyed, and sweet, offering flavors of candied orange slices, iced tea, chocolate, and sugared espresso as a more pronounced peat influence emerges. A lengthy finish, as the peat drifts into the background, leaving a delicious pot of honey, candied fruit, and dark chocolate.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Highland Park 18 year old Viking Pride (2019 Batch), 43%

Christmas warmth in a glass, its maturity showing in complex aromas of baked apple, poached pear, Christmas cake, cinnamon, gingerbread, and cloves, enlivened by a tropical note of lime and a hint of peat. More baking spices on a rich palate that offers milk chocolate, melted caramel, and strawberry jam, with water bringing out notes of candied fruit, chocolate, and more light peat. Nimble, spiced, and replete with flavors to treasure.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

92 points

Port Askaig 12 year old Bourbon Cask (Spring 2020 Edition), 45.8%

port askaig 12 year old spring 2020 edition scotch Tropical notes of lemon and lime on the nose, along with delicate peat. Creamy on the palate, with a blast of peat smoke integrating seamlessly with notes of vanilla, manuka honey, tropical fruit, and dried seashells. The finish offers red berries, apples, hibiscus, and more honey, along with a flavorful back note of peat char. Smooth and lightly fruited, with the peat providing a balanced backdrop for the sweeter notes in store. (510 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

91 points

Backbone Uncut Decade Down Anniversary, 55%

Distilled in Indiana from a mashbill of 74% corn, 21% rye, and 5% malted barley, the nose has notes of toasted bread, almond butter, honey-roasted peanuts, and caramel topping. The palate is creamy and sweet, with rich oak, well-integrated spice, and peanuts—densely packed flavors that compose a full and rich body. The finish boasts admirable length, with savory nuts and semi-sweet chocolate. This has delightful sweetness throughout; everything is perfectly ordered and arranged. (2,700 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

91 points

Lucky Seven The Holiday Toast Double Oak Bourbon (Batch 1), 57.5%

A lively herbal nose leads to sweeter aromas of chocolate syrup, baking spice, and toasted almonds. Loads of cherry on the palate—cherry pie, cherry muffins, and a note of raspberry tart. A long, pleasing finish shows chocolate, roasted pecans, and cooked red fruit. Smooth and balanced, with depth and lively fruit integrating with semi-sweet chocolate and oak. Whiskey lovers with a sweet tooth will adore this one, but it has plenty of appeal for all. (7,500 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

91 points

Amrut Bagheera Sherry Cask, 46%

amrut bagheera With the magnificent Mysore Palace on its label, and a nose of garam masala, overripe banana, coffee bean, hazelnut, and prune juice, this is definitely an Amrut to experience. Flavors ebb and flow through cereal notes, Agen prunes, raisins, vanilla essence, dried fruits, stewed apple, and dark autumnal fruits, all underpinned by glittering spicy base notes. It finishes with cola-flavored candy, dwindling sweetness, and encroaching leathery notes. (Editors' Choice)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)

91 points

GlenDronach 12 year old, 43%

Wet pine bough, tobacco leaf, tea, light rancio, and dark fruit aromas on the nose, as the sherry cask lets you know it’s in the game. More pronounced sherry notes on the palate—chocolate brownies, tiramisu, and a hint of candle wax. Water unlocks chocolate, baking spice, and cinnamon bread. Smooth and creamy on a finish that adds drizzled caramel and honeyed almonds. Balanced sweetness and very smooth sipping—a treat for sherried scotch fans.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2021)