92 Wine Enthusiast

Though this new offering meets the technical criteria for rye (a mash bill of at least 51% rye), the sweet, caramelly flavors suggest a high-rye Bourbon—which makes sense considering that Knob Creek is best known for its Bourbon. Expect bold almond, oak, brown butter and pecan pie flavors. The drying baking-spice finish is more characteristic of rye, and has less bite than might be expected of a 100-proof spirit. — (9/1/2013) —

92 The Whisky Advocate

Creamy and rich on the nose, with vanilla bean, tiramisu, and milk chocolate, melding with orange peel, lemon, and fresh rye notes. Deep red fruit and lots of spice on the palate, with chocolate and pepper, then softening into milk chocolate, plum tart, and caramel apples. Rich fruit notes, baked fruit tart, coffee, chocolate, and spice on the finish. Balanced fruit cup sweetness, spice, and chocolate overall.

93 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of singed cinnamon, tonka bean, caramel, and brown sugar with a velvety, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, amusing, medium-long finish that shows accents of fine chocolates, rose tea, graphite, slivered almonds, and spice cake. A fantastically textured whiskey with velvety appeal.

94 VinePair - VinePair

This is the second single malt release produced at Mars’ Tsunuki distillery, which was constructed in 2016. While a relatively youthful whiskey, it isn’t overpowered by peated character, nor the influence from the bourbon and sherry casks in which it aged. Prepare for an attractive mix of rose petals, apples, golden honey, and lightly scorched earth.

89 The Whisky Advocate

The distillery’s second U.S. bottling spotlights peat, though this is Kyushu, not Islay. A pure and clinical nosing experience, with honey, cantaloupe, peach, and green apple, a delightful puff of peat smoke, and scents of barley, creamed coconut, raffia baskets, and peppercorn. Better with water, it’s creamy and well-balanced, with apple, bitter orange, lime, and peppery smoke, ending with sweet citrus, malt, and cocoa powder.

4 WHISKEY RICHARD - NOMUNICATION

Score: B. Nose: Initially there’s a whiff of peat, but give it a couple minutes and you realize it’s actually quite unpeaty for a peated whisky. Instead we get plenty of sweet Bourbon cask notes and fruitiness and honey. Think pears, apples, and maybe a plum or two. Palate: On the tongue it’s smooth as butter. The cask is dominating this one for now; the malt hasn’t had a chance to shine through the sweet vanilla. Otherwise quite nicely balanced and I’m glad they didn’t go smoke-bombing us. Finish: Here’s where we can feel more of that boldness that Tsunuki is supposed to become famous for. A twinge of bitter oak initially, but some nice smoke closes things out.

93 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Clear. Sweet floral juniper, lemon custard pastry and and pink peppercorn aromas follow through on a very soft, silky entry to a glycerous medium-full body where pronounced piney juniper notes emerge with great depth and intensity. Finishes with a long, warm pepper, river stone, and creamy meringue accented fade. A stylish, smooth, nouveau gin with a lovely arc of flavor. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

97 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Super clean and crisp with almost no flavor or aroma and also almost no alcohol burn, this is impressive distillation. A benchmark example for the category.

90 The Whisky Advocate

A world blend combining malt and grain whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Canada, and the U.S., this is a busy, multilayered whisky. The nose has grilled orange, floral notes, fruity hard candy, rose water, fresh-baked bread, an almost yeasty note, wood spice, pastry, and firework smoke. Juicy orange flavors, with smoke, chocolate, cinnamon, peppercorn, and maltiness, then hazelnut, caramel, and ground almond to finish.

92 The Whisky Advocate

A soft and delicate nose offers vanilla ice cream, ripe banana, peach, and honey-sweetened breakfast cereal. The palate is gentle and smooth, but packed with flavors—more vanilla, peach, coconut flakes, lemon meringue, cherry tart, and blackberry jam—all balanced by peppery spice and fragrant oak. A long, nicely spiced finish offers balanced fruitiness, Creamsicle, and dark chocolate. Complex, balanced, deep, and well-spiced; an easy sipper. —DF

94 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Gold color. Aromas and flavors of white grape, fruit infused salted caramel, dates, and caramel and cinnamon brioche with a full body and a long finish manifesting overtones of cooked fruit wrapped in pastry dough, candied pecans, roasted plantains, and maple cookies. Tasting of brioche, brown sugar, and bananas, this Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey leaves you wanting more and thinking you can convert your bourbon drinking friends.

89 The Whisky Advocate

Diageo has introduced this new no age statement variant of Talisker single malt. The name reflects the distiller’s aspiration to enhance the maritime notes in this expression. Refill and rejuvenated casks have both contributed to its maturation. The nose is youthful but rounded, with brine, burning wood embers, vanilla, and honey. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with cranberries and black currants, while peat smoke is always present, plus black pepper. The finish lingers, with walnuts and fruity peat.