9 Christopher Null - DRINKHACKER.COM

Score - 9 out of 10.... Like El Mayor’s sherry-aged XA expression, this tequila leads not with sweetness and fruit but with peppery agave, green and a little leathery, with some floral elements — more dried than fresh — in attendance. A bit toasty with light oak notes as it develops, with winey fruit notes emerging on the nose with a bit of time. That said, these elements never dominate. The palate does a good job of combining elements of agave-forwardness with more exotic overtones. Melting chocolate, raisin, and plenty of sultry vanilla show off a modest Port-driven character, with a pinch of red pepper and some cinnamon spicing things up. Port and well-aged tequila turn out to be solid bedfellows, though somehow I was hoping for more. After 3 1/2 years in Port casks, I was expecting a juicier, fruit-laden experience, but nonetheless this bottling doesn’t disappoint despite its more savory, reserved composition. As long as you’re not looking for a Port bomb, fans of well-aged tequila shouldn’t be disappointed.

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

An earthy, spicy aroma includes dry scents of black pepper, moss and mushrooms. The palate entry is keenly spicy and sharply sweet, while the midpalate boasts a strong spirit presence with a touch of honey or sugar cane. The aftertaste is sweet and hefty, -P.P.

93 Blues-Reviews - Bluelifestyle.com

Lush, smooth and silky with vanilla, sweet, mellow flavors; creamy and bright with finesse and lovely style; long and balanced

92 The Whisky Advocate

Tropical fruit aromas spill from the glass: baked pineapple, strawberry-banana smoothie, orange peel, raisins, then a hint of sawdust. The palate is a decadent dessert spread, with rum-soaked fruitcake joined by chocolate truffles, raspberry coulis, cocoa powder, Nutella, and chocolate jellies. A touch of vanilla and strawberry milk on the lengthy finish; sure to further please chocolate lovers with rich chocolate frosting and chocolate mousse. Tropical fruit aromas spill from the glass: baked pineapple, strawberry-banana smoothie, orange peel, raisins, then a hint of sawdust. The palate is a decadent dessert spread, with rum-soaked fruitcake joined by chocolate

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

Sweet, mild, clean fragrance of lemon, juniper and licorice. This is a complex gin; more flavors can be detected with each sip: cinnamon spice, astringent pine needles, a touch of lime zest and, finally, a big licorice finish comes singing through. Slightly oily feel. Great for a gimlet or martini with a lemon twist.

91 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of orchard fruit and white cherries, ginger, strawberry and lemon zest, and orange blossom honey with a satiny, crisp, dry medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish with suggestions of baked apple, ginger and lemon zest, cherry blossoms, and candied black pepper. Beautiful nose that draws you in with layers of floral and fruity flavors despite the slightly elevated ABV; dare to say this is designed to make a killer High Ball?

3+ The Whiskey Wash

Suntory Toki’s popularity as an introductory Japanese whisky for international consumers makes a ton of sense. The low proof makes the crisp, well integrated flavors very accessible. The analogy to Johnny Walker is almost too obvious (though of course the range of expressions within this blend is not so wide). This pour is not quite on the same level as your favorite single malts, but that’s not what this is about. Its role is to be accessible both on the market and to the palate. 3.5 STARS ------- A decent sipper, this bottle is likely deliberately designed to make an excellent highball. I tried out a very simple iteration with lemon-flavored seltzer with a lemon twist and found it an incredibly refreshing porch beverage during the recent heatwave. Next time I’ll be adding ginger. Those of you with better imaginations and cocktail chops than me will enjoy this blend’s broadly compatible flavor profile.

93 Malt Advocate

Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in a port pipe. This is veteran master distiller Lincoln Henderson’s newest creation, and it’s a beauty. Richly textured, silky, and well-rounded, with ripe berried fruits, candied tangerine, light toffee, maple syrup, and creamy vanilla, sprinkled with spice (cinnamon, hint of mint). Smooth, silky finish, and dangerously drinkable! The port pipe notes dovetail perfectly. Lovely just the way it is, but it’s begging for a cigar. My only gripe: why not 45 or 50% ABV? But I’m splitting hairs. I really enjoy this stuff!