2 | Spirits | Single Malt | Page 2

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.

"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."

"First whiffs pick up scents of fresh pineapple, cedar, and paraffin; later sniffings detect subtle notes of baked pear and sweet oak. Palate entry features a firm, moderately oily, and velvety texture; by midpalate, integrated flavors of ripe peach, pear drops and bran delight the taste buds. Finish is extended, semisweet and coconut-like. Replaces the 12-year-old French Oak Finish. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"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."

"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.

"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."

"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!"

"Emits delicate, mildly spicy and grapy fragrances at first; additional time fails to open up any more aromatics. Entry is peppery, spicy, astringent and tangy; midpalate is moderately sweet, grapy, ripe and honeyed towards the finish." 85-89 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."