2 | Spirits | Ireland, $100 and up

"Wonderful aromas of smoked trout, lead pencil, ink, dried fruit, beeswax, toasted Brazil nut and parchment. Entry is satiny, potent yet grainy sweet, and honeyed; at the fabulous midpalate the flavors include sweet grain, paraffin, salted butter, dry breakfast cereal, toffee, honey and a trace of Sherry. Finish is sublimely elegant and sophisticated." 96-100 pts.

"Brilliant amber color. Rich aromas of buttery caramelized nuts, dried pineapple and orange, cocoa, star anise, and sandalwood. A supple, satiny entry leads to a rich, fruity full body of multilayered dried tropical fruit and apricots, lavish brown spice, buttery praline, tobacco, and cigar box flavors with evolve and delight throughout the long, sumptuous finish. A massive, decadent, and hedonistic Irish whiskey."

"Aromas of succulent, dried fruit, oaky vanillin, marzipan, candied almond and buttercream chocolates—an altogether enticing and mature bouquet. Thankfully, not a plump, warm and fuzzy Sherry-a-thon in the taste stage; the crisp spirit keeps the taste buds engaged as the flavor shifts to the moderately candied side of the ledger. Finishes refreshing, agile and clean." 90-95 pts.