92 The Whisky Advocate

Licorice, eucalyptus, and banana pudding mingle on the nose, with dying campfire and a whisper of salt air providing structure. Despite the low proof, the whisky has depth, with herbal, fruity, and toasted flavors expertly balanced. An elegant sip, the palate shows off apricot, cherry, and peaches, all surrounded by briny ocean air. The finish is soft and sweet, with bananas, hot chocolate, and a final gust of ocean breeze.

95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Straw yellow color. Grassy, green, hoppy, herbal, candied aromas and flavors of dark cocoa mole sauce, lime, citrus, vanilla, roasted pineapple, and cotton candy with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, nuanced, medium-length finish that exhibits overtones of sweetened italian peppers on an italian beef sandwich, grassy tones, and cucumber skins. A sweet, savory, and peppery stunner of a Reposado Tequila that hits all the right notes.

94 Wine Enthusiast

Pineapple and coconut aromas lead into a silky palate that echoes those tropical notes. Distinct salinity carries through to the mellow finish framed by ginger and a puff of smoke. A margarita with a salted rim would nicely accent the saline hint. — Kara Newman

91 The Whisky Advocate

This release from Barrell’s annual series rings in the new year with flash and panache. The nose is resplendent with lemon candies, spiced apple cider, baking brioche, and tropical fruit punch. The palate is spicier, with cinnamon and cloves, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and candied ginger. Overall, this whiskey is bright and its aromas and flavors are loud and clear. The finish has good length and is gentle for the proof, with cherry, chocolate, and cinnamon fading slowly.

96-100 Wine Enthusiast

The first nosing passes find scents of fresh flowers, jasmine, honeysuckle, and cardamom; further aeration stimulates deeper, more herbal notes including anise, grains of paradise, and cinnamon. At the palate entry, the off-dry juniper presence is clearly evident; at midpalate the taste profile turns creamy, rich, and flowery once again. Ends up off-dry, high on juniper essence, and elegant.

94 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Clear. Delicate aromas of cucumber, rose, honeyed citrus and floral juniper with a satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with a long, elegant and smooth finish. A sensationally flavorful and seamless gin. (tasted on Jul-27-2011)

97 Wine Enthusiast

Within the distinctive pear-shaped bottle, this Cognac-based golden liqueur bursts with fresh-cut pear from start to finish, layered gently with almond pastry and white pepper sparks. Just stunning. — Kara Newman

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.

90 The Whisky Advocate

Fresh, vibrant. Appetizingly briny, with notes of seaweed, fishnets, lemongrass, smoke, and damp peat. A bed of light toffee provides contrast and balance. It finishes with a knockout punch: powerfully peppery and salty. This whisky remains a beautifully dynamic and bold whisky.

94 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Gold color. Aromas of buttered rye crisps, spiced toffee, candied nuts, and saffron gelato with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, layered, very long aniseed, vanilla cream, nutmeg, dill, and cola finish. Powerful flavors and palate-pleasing spice notes are sure to satisfy most any American whiskey lover.