1 | Spirits | Scotch, 750 ml | Page 4

"A seductive brininess and waves of oily peat-reek greet the olfactory sense. The palate entry finds a surprisingly buttery-creamy leaning along with the peat-reek; at midpalate the flavor becomes concentrated, oily, malty sweet, and only moderately peaty. Ends on a sweet malty note. Builds from stage to stage, each phase being better than the last. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"Deep golden amber color. Buttery caramel and golden raisin aromas. A soft entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium of honeyed grain and bread dough flavors with a delicate peppery slate accented fade."

The recreation of the single malt whisky that Ernest Shackleton carried with him on his Nimrod Expedition to Antarctica has finally arrived!

"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."

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.” Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’) is a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. It's non chill-filtered at high strength, which retains maximum flavour and gives more body and added depth.

"Brilliant amber color. Round and delicate aromas of caramelized pecans and hazelnuts, heathery peat and spice cake follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with buttercream, floral honey, and sea salt notes. Finishes with a long, evolving fade of spice, nuts, and earth. Excellent." Gold Medal.

"Nose: Much more assertive sherry character. Body: Full, round. Palate: more complexity and fullness of flavour, with flowering currant and Calvados-like notes. Finish: Slow at first, then oaky, sappy, and powerful."

"Opening aromas are of sea breeze, cigar smoke, oak and malted barley; air contact releases light caramel, fudge, cocoa bean, burnt candle wick and heather. Entry is the most complex of any whisky; midpalate soars on oak, spirit and grain tastes. The greatest distilled spirit of this generation. Buy whatever you can find." Best Buy. 96-100 pts.

Aberlour 16 Year Old is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and the finest ex-sherry butts. This maturation ensures the depth of character as well as the distinctive fruitiness and spiciness of Aberlour. Colour: Rich golden amber Nose: Rich, dry scented floral and sweet raisin aromas with spicy nuttiness Palate: Smooth, full, sweet floral and spicy flavours with a soft plum fruitiness and gentle oakiness Finish: Long, warm, spicy fruitiness

Similar to Laphroaig Quarter Cask, but also finished in oloroso sherry casks. Fruit and smoke: fleshy red berries, red licorice, toffee, ripe barley, coal tar, sun-baked seaweed, peat smoke, and a hint of coffee grounds. Tarry finish. I rated the Quarter Cask a 91, and I think this whisky is in the same ballpark. If you like sherry-influenced whiskies, then go for the Triple Wood. If not, then consider the Quarter Cask.