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High West Double Rye

February 16, 2013
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This is a massively spiced rye, and a very complex one as well. Blending 2 and 16 year old whiskies proves to be a brilliant idea here. – Rating: 90/100

Calvados Couperne VSOP

December 30, 2011

At the price of a standard blended whisky, this calvados offers a very decent value. With a rather typical and taste profile it does not have to fear its more expensive competitors. – Rating: 81/100

Bruichladdich 10 yo – The Laddie Ten

December 16, 2011
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Both nose and palate of the new Laddie flagship are so packed with flavours that it’s difficult to point out single aromas. There is a ‘coastal’ element that clearly sets it apart from the old expressions. Brilliant! – Rating: 90/100

Redbreast 12

November 8, 2010
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A very rich and creamy Irish whiskey with an abundance of sweet and fruity flavours. The low bottling strength of 40% is to blame that a place in the Top Dram list is missed. – Rating: 89/100

Laphroaig 10 yo Cask Strength

July 14, 2010
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The true essence of Islay. This uncompromising malt does not take prisoners. Extremely complex and much better than the regular 10 yo for an unbeatable price. – Rating: 91/100

Benriach 1994/2005 Heavily Peated Signatory

March 2, 2010

An amazing peated Speysider. I think it can be best described as “clean peat”. Without the maritime character of the Islay malts but with a distinctive medicinal character that comes close to that of a Laphroaig. And yet it is surprisingly smooth. What a great whisky! – Score: 90/100

Kilbeggan

December 20, 2009
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This bottle costs just €13 at our local HIT supermarket. The quality you get for this price is amazing and easily beats all other blends and single malts below €25 that I have ever tasted. – Rating: 80/100

Ardbeg 1993/2008 Cadenhead’s

November 9, 2009

This is a fantastic dram. Strong peat perfectly balanced with strong vanilla. almost no sweetness in here and only a little fruit. – Score: 93/100

Jura Heavy Peated 1999/2006

September 9, 2009

A great young peat monster that doesn’t have to hide behind its cousins from Islay. – Score: 91/100

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

August 14, 2009
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This is a powerful dram. An uncompromising young Laphroaig enhanced with strong wood notes. A little water seems to make it even stronger. Nothing for the faint of heart, but a true delight for those who can take a punch. – Score: 90/100

Glenrothes 1990 18 yo Cadenhead

July 24, 2009

Almost like the big brother of the Blair Athol Dark Sherry. They take the same direction, but due to its higher age, there is more wood influence and complexity. Just a drop can keep you busy for minutes. – Score: 92/100