95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, marzipan, and roasted hazelnut, vanilla cream butterscotch pudding, leather and cigar box, and herbal with a fat body and a very long finish that exhibits nuances of black pepper, vanilla, caramel, and doughy. A spicy east coast Rye with a creamy vanilla backbone; a benchmark example for classic cocktails.

94 Wine Enthusiast

Complex and dry, with a shifting array of aromas and flavors. At first, this rye smelled spicy and orange-y, but later opened up to a strong caramel fragrance. In addition to heavy wood in the flavor, caramel, dark tea, and tobacco also can be detected. Light, smooth finish is velvety on the tongue. Light to medium body, with the right amount of bite. With some dilution from ice, it opens up, and becomes even more light and crisp. Seems like a good rye for Sazeracs and other cocktails.

92 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of graham cracker, spiced rice pudding, madagascar vanilla, and turbinado sugar with a round, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and an effortless, involved, very long finish displaying elements of creme brulee, bananas foster, hazelnut creme, and toasted brioche dusted with cinnamon and sugar. A luxurious, plush Rye Whiskey that delivers delicious decadence.

94 The Whisky Advocate

The nose offers ripe peaches, cherry Italian ice, pronounced but balanced oak influence, musty antique store, incense, and dry ashiness. The palate offers more baked peaches, as well as cookies-and-cream milkshake, macaroons, shortbread cookies, and peppery spice. The finish is smooth, with balanced sweetness and length, even more peaches, apricot, vanilla, and balanced spice. A unified, deep, and pleasurable dram, gentle but filled with complex flavor combinations.—DF

90 The Whisky Advocate

Made with brown rice and finished in toasted barrels. Cereal grains with freeze-dried strawberries on the nose as well as toasted herbs, blueberries, and fruity bubble gum. The palate is creamy and light, with notes of strawberry yogurt, bitter chocolate, and burnt sugar. A syrupy finish brings custard, tiramisu, and caramel flan. It is atypical in its profile and at times light bodied, but demonstrates good constriction and drinkability.

96 Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012

Chairman's Trophy Winner. Burnt orange/burnished color. Lovely, stately upfront aroma of pipe tobacco, cigar box, sausages and buttered popcorn. In the mouth, there are exciting tastes of sap and maple, as well as nougat, candy bar and roasted almond. Finishes spirity, grainy and world-class.

93 Malt Advocate

Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old, 43%. $100 Deep, mature in nature, and very complex. Notes of polished leather, maple syrup, and dark pit fruit, with suggestions of tobacco smoke, wood shavings, and unsweetened chocolate. References to fine old bourbon and ultra-matured pot-still rum provide intrigue. Proof that Japan produces some outstanding, distinctive whiskies. Nicely done!