46% ABV
Matured in ex-bourbon casks
Nose: Tropical notes of ripe mango and honeyed melon. Touch of banana and whipped cream. A base of warm spice and sandalwood.
Palate: Smooth with a heavy nutty element. Sweet barley sugar, malt and butterscotch. Complemented by tropical fruits. Continued undertone of spice and warmth.
Finish: Medium to long. Balance of sweet fruit and savoury spice.
Rating: 7.9/10
Amrut brings an exotic twist to single malt with the warm humid climate bringing unique characteristics to the ageing of this whisky.
The nutty element on the palate can come across quite strong to some but this release provides a unique insight into the environmental impact on whisky ageing.
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45% ABV
Nose: Notes from the toasted American oak barrels give rise to citrus peel, maple syrup, leather and spice.
Palate: Sweet and spiced honey, buttered toast, nuts and a touch of red fruit.
Finish: Medium finish with final tones of leather and oak.
Rating: 8.1/10
A top quality and easily accessible American Bourbon coming in at around the £35 price point. Crafted by the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky
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43% ABV
Nose: Butterscotch, vanilla and toasted oak. Thick double cream, honey and a hint of smoke.
Palate: A round sense of spice, heat and bitterness. A thick luxurious mouth feel.
Finish: Oak, spice and toasted rye to give a medium finish.
Rating: 7.9/10
At about the £35 per bottle price point it is an easy drinking, consistent and accessible Bourbon that won't decimate your wallet. A fine choice.
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40.5% ABV
Floor malted, 100% Danish rye and barley
Matured in heavily charred virgin oak barrels and first fill Port barriques.
Nose: A bouquet of floral notes, paired with a hit of ripe summer fruits reminiscent of the Port casks. A savoury flavour note from the rye underlines the dominant sweetness.
Palate: Velvety smooth where the sweetness of the barley sugars and Port flavours marry with the savoury undertones of the rye perfectly.
Finish: Long with lasting tones of red berry sweetness.
Rating: 9.4/10
Absolutely stunning. A must try for those seeking a unique and flavourful whisky. The combination of the sweet and savoury flavour profiles from the mixed mash-bill and Port casks is risky to say the least but this has been done with near perfection.
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47.4% ABV
Matured in a combination of Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks. The youngest component being at least 21 years old but some could be slightly older!
Nose: A light nose with notes of herbaceous heater and grass. Hints of fresh orchard fruits, fresh green apples and pears. Develops into subtle warm spice, ginger and notes of coffee bean and chocolate.
Palate: Notes of vanilla, oak, dried fruits and rich butterscotch and toffee.
Finish: Medium finish. Smooth with toffee and cream. Continued hints of dried spiced fruits.
Rating: 9.6/10
At a near £200 price point this blended release from Fragrant Drops delivers a complex yet refined and balanced experience. The long age statement delivers depth of flavour from the extended cask maturation while the blend has balanced these notes perfectly with the spirit character.
48% ABV
A blend of American Oak ex-Bourbon, and ex-Shochu casks
Nose: An aroma that begins with sweet notes of orchard fruits of ripe pear and juicy peach, mingling with creamy vanilla and soft caramel. Hints of floral honey and a touch of freshly baked shortbread, adding layers of complexity. There’s an undertone of toasted oak and a faint whiff of sea breeze that reflects its coastal origins.
Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with an initial burst of honeyed sweetness that evolves into flavours of citrus orange, ripe apples, and a hint of tropical fruits. The influence of the casks comes through with notes of toasted coconut and a creamy, buttery texture. A gentle spiciness, with hints of white pepper and ginger, adds balance and intrigue, making each sip an evolving experience.
Finish: The finish is long, warm, and slightly drying, with lingering notes of sweet malt, gentle oak, and a final whisper of citrus zest.
Rating 9.4/10
A beautifully balanced expression that captures the essence of its coastal Japanese origins—perfect for those who appreciate a complex, evolving dram.
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45% ABV
This blend from Nikka was re-released in 2016 as carries a blend of single malts from a number of years.
Nose: Full bodied and smooth. Mellow and elegant hints of pear and orchard fruit. Citrus, spice and complex floral notes.
Palate: Well balanced combination of fresh orchard fruits, barley sugar and light syrup. A hint of nuts on the mid palate developing into rich cocoa and coffee bean.
Finish: Long and smooth with rich chocolate. Hint of salinity balances with fresh fruit sweetness.
Rating: 7.9/10
A well balanced blend from Nikka. East drinking but complex enough to provide interest.
Aesthetically, I am not a fan of the screw top bottle, it gives the product a cheap feel when at ~£75-80 it doesn't carry that price tag.
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51.4% ABV
Blended Japanese Whisky
No Age Statement
Nose: Spicy and peppery, oak, vanilla and citrus notes. Barley sugar and a subtle hint of smoke.
Palate: Barley sugar, spice, light peat smoke and bitter citrus rind.
Finish: Medium and balanced between sweet, smoke and bitter notes
Rating: 8.1/10
A good blended Japanese whisky. A little expensive per ml compared to other options. A pleasant dram and one which will appeal to whisky beginners. Those with a more experienced palate may look elsewhere. Although it has earned World Whisky Awards in both 2007 and 2010.
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46% ABV
Matured in American Bourbon and ex-Burgundy casks
Non Age Statement
Nose: Dark chocolate fudge with cinnamon and pepper spices, followed by lush fruit – green apples, mango and banana.
Palate: Rich & complex. A creamy texture with notes of vanilla, oak and cinnamon, and a hint of nutty toffee.
Finish: A medium finish with creamy vanilla.
Rating: 7.9/10
An interesting variation on their signature release. The burgundy casks do add an element of fruity richness.
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