90 The Whisky Advocate

Coffee, chocolate, and Ovaltine, oh my! Dessert-tinged notes make for an inviting nose, which is eventually brightened by chocolate-raspberry truffles and ripe cherries. These luscious flavors follow through to the palate, deepening to mocha latte, chocolate torte, Black Forest cake, and raspberry coulis. Chocolate milk and berry fruit make for a fine finish

94 Malt Advocate

This new single barrel expression of Knob Creek tastes very similar to the original “small batch” Knob Creek (when brought down to the same alcohol level). If anything, it’s slightly drier, more elegant, not as heavy on the palate, and more sophisticated — but I am reaching here. The similarity is a good thing, because I really enjoy the original expression. Keeping in mind that no two barrels are exactly alike, your decision to purchase the single barrel might just come down to whether you want to pay a little more for a higher strength version, and whether knowing that it might taste a little different than the standard small batch bottling excites you. This is a stylish, big, broad-shouldered bourbon with a thick, sweet foundation (nutty toffee, pot still rum, maple syrup) peppered with spice (cinnamon, but also vanilla and evergreen) and dried fruit. Dry, warming, resinous finish. (Incidentally, I would rate the small batch within a point or two, and the tasting notes would be very similar.)

95+ International Whisky Competition - International Whisky Competition

TOP 15 Whiskies of 2021... #1. Ardbeg Uigeadail - 95.9 Pts

95 Malt Advocate

Ardbeg Uigeadail, 54.2% With the Ardbeg 17 year old off the market, its nice to see a new Ardbeg in the line-up. Uigeadail costs about the same as the Ardbeg 17 did but, with Uigeadail, you re getting a much more interesting whisky. Uigeadail consists of a marriage of younger whisky (from 1990 and 1993) with much older whisky matured in sherry casks. The marriage works exceptionally well, with the younger whiskies providing the classic Ardbeg intensity many of us have come to expect, while the older whiskies contribute depth, maturity, and complexity. And bottling the whisky at cask-strength without chill-filtration ensures that none of the flavors are stripped out. This is an incredibly complex Islay whisky, with its bonfire smoke, brine, and peppered olive notes balanced by a taming sweetness of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee. Interwoven notes of candied fruit and sugared almonds round out the palate. Incredibly long finish.

4+ The Whiskey Wash

Sometimes all you want is a smooth sipper with enough character to bring you back, dram after dram. And for the price, this single malt is a perfect addition to most anyone’s liquor cabinet. Aberfeldy leans heavily into the Highland flavor palate with a less smokey nature and more fruit and spice. It does this in a balanced approach and with enough body to stand on its own in a field of tasty contenders.

90 Wine Enthusiast

Billed as the world’s first white añejo, it indeed has an unusual clear appearance, hence the name “claro.” Created to celebrate Don Julio’s 70th anniversary, this limited edition bottling, aged for 18 months, has powerful charred oak, honey and vanilla notes, and a banana-like finish. — K.N. (5/1/2013)

91 The Whisky Advocate

The new Original, changed from 10 to 12 years old, stands tall with fresh ripe orange and peach fruitiness on the nose, then honey, vanilla cream, wood spice, and exotic flora notes. The palate revolves around lemon, vanilla, apricot, peach, and orange, plus cinnamon and banana bread. The ripeness of the fruit and the creaminess stand out above the floral and vanilla elements of the old 10 year old.

98 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Rich red fruit aromas define the nose - full of ripe plum, raspberry and redcurrant. Raisin, cinnamon and dark chocolate too. The palate reveals a fresh, herbal quality and toasty cereal flavours. Superb complexity of flavour and harmony throughout!