1 | Spirits | Scotland | Page 4

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.

"Off-dry malted barley and light toffee smells greet the olfactory sense along with flowery fragrances of heather, rose petal and pine. Entry features sweet grain and candied apricot tastes; the midpalate is mellow, malty, fruity (white raisins, apricots) and sophisticated. Ends on a buttery note. Remains the Speyside benchmark." 90-95 pts.

"Medium amber color. Floral aromas of toffee, peppery spice, and lightly smoky peat. A round entry leads to a dryish full-bodied palate with heather, iodine, toffee, and spice flavors. Finishes with a long peat and toffee fade. Excellent complexity and depth of flavor. Superb!"

"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."

"Rich amber color. Warm caramel on toast aromas with a nice layer of chocolate nuts and leather follow through to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with rich caramelized nut, chocolate covered cherry, and brown spice accents. Finishes with a sensual, and vivacious fade with an notes of clay-like earth and hay. A well styled sipper."

"First nosing exposes dry scents of walnuts, grass and dark toffee. Entry is malty and vanilla—extract bittersweet; midpalate is silky, creamy, Sherry sweet, pruny and black raisin-like. Ends on a dark chocolate note that’s chewy, medium-sweet and satisfying." Best Buy. 90-95 pts.

"Smells of smoky, burnt nectarine, apricot and buttery scents that are toasty, nutty and heavenly. Entry is chewy, viscous, concentrated and intensely honeyed; the midpalate is waxy, mildly spicy, jammy, nutty and utterly decadent. Finishes with panache and grace." Best Buy. 96-100 pts.

"Nose: Pungent, smoke-accented, rounded. Body: Full, slightly syrupy. Palate: Smoky, malty-sweet, with sourness and a very big pepperiness developing. Finish: Very peppery, huge, long."

"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."