4 | Spirits | Scotch | Page 3

"Nose: Intense and spirity to begin. Delicious sweet sherry burst follows, plateaus with undertones of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup with just a hint of smoky heather throughout. Taste: Sweet and sugary start with an oaky edge. Develops in the mouth with a bite of citrus and dark chocolate. Long lingering dry aftertaste with warming alcohol finish which keeps the mouth alive for several seconds afterwards."

"Opening aroma is intensely grainy and cracker-like, with background notes of flowers and pine; aeration brings out the grain spirit in uncomplicated scents of pine, flax and beeswax. Entry is pleasantly sweet like caramel (but not too sweet); the midpalate adds sweet flavors of honey, pipe tobacco and tar. Ends nicely sweet and grainy." Best Buy. 85-89 pts.

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.

"Pale golden yellow color. Honeyed toast, spice, and caramelized nut aromas follow through of a soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with a tongue warming white pepper and wet stone fade."

"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."

"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."

"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!"

"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."