93 The Whisky Advocate

Super fruity up front with notes of mixed berries and raspberry sorbet. Water brings out lemon wafers, vanilla frosting, and raspberry danish on the nose. The palate is likewise fruity, with added notes of caramel and Red Hots. Sticky buns and grape jelly emerge with water, of which this can take plenty. The finish has more spicy cinnamon. A well-rounded bourbon with intricate flavor and enough proof to withstand water or ice.

91 Wine Enthusiast

An unexpectedly wonderful pairing with a sweet chocolate or a sticky caramel dessert, Campfire blends straight rye whiskey, straight Bourbon and blended Scotch. Altogether, it’s big and smoky, with lots of iodine, but doesn’t completely overwhelm, settling into a pleasing mix of toffee and peat. Gift a bottle to a Scotch lover to introduce the joys of American whiskeys. — K.N. (7/1/2013)

96 Wine Enthusiast

This Cognac has a deep amber hue and bold allspice and caramel aromas. The palate opens with concentrated caramel and toffee, winding into a deep, warming finish dusted with espresso, black pepper and clove.

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 Malt Advocate

Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in a port pipe. This is veteran master distiller Lincoln Henderson’s newest creation, and it’s a beauty. Richly textured, silky, and well-rounded, with ripe berried fruits, candied tangerine, light toffee, maple syrup, and creamy vanilla, sprinkled with spice (cinnamon, hint of mint). Smooth, silky finish, and dangerously drinkable! The port pipe notes dovetail perfectly. Lovely just the way it is, but it’s begging for a cigar. My only gripe: why not 45 or 50% ABV? But I’m splitting hairs. I really enjoy this stuff!