1 | Spirits | $50 to $100 | Page 4

"The smashing bouquet features delightful notes of toasted wheat bread, oatmeal, black raisins, trail mix, roasted chestnuts, bacon fat, sweet butter, ruby Port and prunes. Entry is peppery, moderately sweet and smoky; midpalate features succulent tastes of dark chocolate-covered cherries and strawberries, honey and smoked nuts. Finishes elegantly and clean, with deft traces of smoke and cocoa." 96-100 pts.

"The initial whiffs find layers of honey, flowers and light toffee; air contact stimulates aromas of pine needle, caramel, nougat, marzipan, chocolate orange and stewed apple. The palate entry is totally dry then turns bittersweet and pork rind-like; at midpalate tastes of burnt apple crisp, orange zest, fudge and candied nuts appear. Finishes as grandly and stately as it began." 90-95 pts.

"Brilliant old gold color. Caramel, vanilla, five spice marinated olive, and chocolate covered orange peel aromas. A rich, slightly tannic entry leads to an off-dry full body of rich ginger, exotic spice, toffee, and roasted nut, dried heather, and sherry notes. Finishes with a long, vibrant Bananas Foster, mineral and spice fade. A rich, powerful and eminently satisfying malt with flavor to spare."

"A delicate armoa, with faint traces of oak wood, and slightly peppery. Light aromas of clove and cinnamon. The palate is characterized by honey-flavored note and a slight hint of licorice. Overall, this VSOP is smooth, harmonious, and subtle."

"Medium golden color with a touch of orange. Delicate aromas of mild creamy vanilla, roasted nuts, and chocolate. A very smooth and even entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with sweet toffee, oaky spice, star anise, and oloroso Sherry notes. Finishes with a tasty fade of sweet chocolate and nuts. Very even, balanced, and delicious."

"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."

"Amber color. Cocoa, roasted nuts, and a touch of ash on the nose. A soft entry leads to a dryish medium body of honeyed multigrain toast, cocoa-dusted figs, and brown spices. Finishes with a lingering peppery honey, wet grain, and ashy mineral fade. nice layers of flavor and complexity make for thought-provoking sipping."

"A delicate, non-woody bouquet with notes of fennel, pickle brine, cucumber, green pepper, and escarole. The palate entry is medium-dry, and peppery; at midpalate tastes of semisweet oak, agave sugars and herbs are added. Ends up more dry than sweet and keenly earthy/vegetal as the oak element vanishes." 85-89 pts.