4 | Spirits | Ireland, $20 to $50

"The bouquet features charred paper smells of toasted walnuts, roasted chestnuts, paraffin, cardboard, parchment, dry grain and herbs. Entry is grainy sweet and moderately oily; the midpalate stage is loaded with grainy breakfast cereal flavors and, at times, even comes off like oatmeal. Ends well on an oily, satiny note." 85-89 pts.

"The bouquet features charred paper smells of toasted walnuts, roasted chestnuts, paraffin, cardboard, parchment, dry grain and herbs. Entry is grainy sweet and moderately oily; the midpalate stage is loaded with grainy breakfast cereal flavors and, at times, even comes off like oatmeal. Ends well on an oily, satiny note." 85-89 pts.

"Chocolate-covered crushed hazelnuts and almonds aromas with a deft touch of mint and coconut. A rich, satiny entry leads to a plush, moderately sweet medium-full body of toasted coconut, delicate marzipan, mint leaf, and creamy nougat flavors. Finishes effortlessly with roasted walnuts and a breath of whisky. Remarkable texture and smoothness. A classic cream liqueur."

"Brilliant burnish amber color. Aromas of honey, chocolate drizzled dried orange peels, wildflowers, and nutty whisky follow through on a gentle entry to a moderately sweet and viscous medium-full body with buckwheat pancake, rye cracker, and peppery spice accents. Finishes with a nice malty breath of whisky and mossy wet stone minerality. A supple, generous, and pleasurable after dinner treat." Gold Medal.

"Old gold color. Dried peach, golden raisin, fig, praline, and spicy cocoa aromas. A soft, silky entry leads to a dryish medium body of creamy vanilla, maple on porridge, and dried fruit flavors. Finishes with a smooth, delicately spicy, melted toffee fade. A fine sipper. Best Buy."

"Delightful bouquet of butterscotch, hazelnut, old cigarette ashes, spices, fennel and honey. Entry is intensely herbal and semisweet; the midpalate is medicinal, a touch smoky, herbal and honeyed. Finishes with a notable honey taste and an end taste reminiscent of Drambuie. I like this flavored whiskey." 90-95 pts.

"Deep amber color. Butter roasted nut, cocoa powder and toast aromas follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of with lovely notes of dark toffee and brown spices. Finishes with a lingering, chocolate malt, peppery spice, and wet stone fade. Very nice, delicate and flavorful."

"Lovely scents of sweet grains, sugared breakfast cereal and pine make for pleasing sniffing. Entry is nimble, gently sweet, almost piney and honeyed; the midpalate stage carries on with style and smoothness, as the taste profile remains steadfast and mildly sweet. Finishes with a honey thrust that’s exhilarating and delightful." 85-89 pts.

"The bouquet aromas include barley malt, asparagus, hollandaise, dry breakfast cereal, white peppercorns and salt. Entry is soft, citrusy-orangy, moderately baked and toasty; an almond nougat taste enters at midpalate and nicely offsets the dry maltiness and vegetal flavors. Shows solid presence and a hint of heather in the finish." 85-89 pts.

"The early stage aroma is fresh, malty, yeasty/beery and honey-like; further aeration stimulates intriguing notes of nougat, milk chocolate and oaky vanilla. Palate entry offers pleasantly fruity/grainy tastes that are off-dry. Ends up semisweet, candied and even a tad sherried." 85-89 pts.