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.

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

he bouquet is lovely, balanced, properly astringent, ripe and juicy with scents of cherry stone and cherry juice. The palate entry is decadently sweet and textured with vibrant tastes of cherry compote and cherry preserves at midpalate. The finish is svelte, moderately syrupy and downright delicious. An outstanding liqueur: use it in an Aviation Cocktail. — P.P. (12/1/2007)

96 Wine Enthusiast

The quintessential London Dry bouquet features notes of cedary juniper with subtle notes of citrus and minerals. The palate entry is creamy, smooth, substantial and bracing; tastes of lemon/orange peel add a perfect touch of astringency to the velvety texture at midpalate. Finishes round and full. A distilling masterpiece and the gin category’s benchmark.

90 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Pale amber color. Aromas of toasted golden raisin nut bread drizzled with orange blossom honey follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with very good depth and sweet orange marmalade, toffee, anise, and pink peppercorn warmth on the long, mineral kissed finish. A charming flavorful whisky International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

93 The Whisky Advocate

This veteran rye never managed to ascend from the bottom shelf. Perhaps a new generation of enthusiasts couldn’t get behind the staid name, or found the price too low to believe. But having persevered for over two centuries, Old Overholt’s time has come. This new version (indicated by its red cap) eliminates chill-filtering, resulting in greater flavor and depth. Aromas of Christmas spice cake, cinnamon, apple, and toasted grain lead to a mouthful of berry fruit, with seductive allspice, cacao, and walnut notes. What’s old is new again! Number 12 in the 2020 Top 20