1 | Scotland | Page 3

"The nosing finds dry grainy notes with background scents of dried flowers and parchment, and deeper fragrances of light toffee, almond paste and yellow fruit. Entry is oily, buttery and semisweet; the whisky dazzles at midpalate with layered flavors of brown butter, cooking oil, barley malt and oatmeal cookie underpinned by the single malt foundation. Concludes smoky, satiny and ultra-sophisticated." 90-95 pts.

"Toffeed nuts, peat, spice, and creamy vanilla aromas. a round supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of honeyed toast, golden raisins, anise and other brown spices. Finishes with a sweet caramel and nut toast fade with a streak of iodine and peat."

"Nose: Intense and spirity to begin. Delicious sweet sherry burst follows, plateaus with undertones of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup with just a hint of smoky heather throughout. Taste: Sweet and sugary start with an oaky edge. Develops in the mouth with a bite of citrus and dark chocolate. Long lingering dry aftertaste with warming alcohol finish which keeps the mouth alive for several seconds afterwards."

"Opening aroma is intensely grainy and cracker-like, with background notes of flowers and pine; aeration brings out the grain spirit in uncomplicated scents of pine, flax and beeswax. Entry is pleasantly sweet like caramel (but not too sweet); the midpalate adds sweet flavors of honey, pipe tobacco and tar. Ends nicely sweet and grainy." Best Buy. 85-89 pts.

This soft, bright, easy-going whisky is back in the U.S. market after being absent for several years. Very fragrant, with vibrant fruit (nectarine, plum, guava, pineapple, clementine), honeyed vanilla, and subtle macadamia. Fairly light (a pre-dinner or leisurely afternoon malt, perhaps?) but evenly balanced. A gentle introduction to single malts for the blended scotch drinker.

"Aromas of marshmallow, cotton candy and toffee. The palate entry features a dry, malty and slightly honeyed profile; at midpalate the honey intensifies, making the flavor almost bittersweet but long in the throat. Finishes drier and malty." 90-95 pts.

"Pale golden yellow color. Honeyed toast, spice, and caramelized nut aromas follow through of a soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with a tongue warming white pepper and wet stone fade."

"..Toffee, rum, brown sugar. The rum flavour is defintiely there without being overwhelming. Some good oak flavours are present as well..A lot of different flavours come through and compliment each other very nicely.."

"Nose: Hint of sherry, albeit light and dry. Some buttery maltiness. A faint hint of peat when water is added. Body: Light, soft. Palate: Sweetish, slowly developing a faint hint of island dryness and saltiness. Finish: A little malt and some saltiness."

"Deep golden amber color. Honeyed nuts, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and peat aromas are intriguing. A supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body exotic dried fruit, melted chocolate, caramel, candied ginger, and pink peppercorns. Finishes with a spicy sweet fade with roasted grain and wet slate accents. A gutsy and peppery single malt to experiment with in cocktails."