Author: Whisky Advocate

Ten Highest Scoring Whiskies From the Summer 2022 Buying Guide

High marks for Amrut, Midleton, Penderyn, McCarthy’s and more represent the very best from the Summer 22 issue.

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The Summer 2022 issue of Whisky Advocate is all about transporting you to the whisky destination of your dreams. Our cover story provides 10 great escapes for whisky lovers from the mountains of Utah to the Scottish countryside, each pairing gorgeous scenery with vacation-worthy whisky and cocktails. Elsewhere in the issue, we take you to historic St Andrews for a round of golf; to Colorado, where distillers are harnessing the Rocky Mountain water and elevation to produce a new class of craft spirits; and to California’s wine country, where innovation and a commitment to terrior have created a whisky destination unto itself.

Of course, a great whisky can transport you as well, and we have over 100 new reviews in the Summer 2022 Buying Guide. Compass Box Vellichor, for example, is meant to evoke the feeling of nostalgia one gets from reading an old book, and, at 94 points, it was named one of the issue’s most collectible whiskies. That whisky isn’t included in this list of high scorers, but you’ll find great tasting blends from Ireland and Scotland; single malts from India, Wales, and the U.S., and whiskies ranging in age from 6 to 47 years old, with quite a few in between.

TOP SCORES FROM WHISKY ADVOCATE’S Summer 2022 ISSUE

The Last Drop 20 year old Blended Malt
96 points, 60%, $5,700
The nose is perfumed and ethereal, with flower blooms, light honey, vanilla, unpeeled clemen- tine, nectarine, and the first pour of oolong tea. Golden, sweet, and juicy on the palate, with golden sultana, vanilla essence, apricot, firm peach, and robust spices, becoming slightly jammy. Blending malts from Hanyu Distillery distilled 1980–2000 with other Japanese malt whiskies, this is a contender for standout Japanese whisky of the decade. (177 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Midleton Silent Distillery Chapter 3 47 year old
95 points, 55.7%, $46,000
The nose is beautifully honeyed, with crisp spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander seed, supplanted by grated chocolate, seasoned oak, and peppercorn. Thick and unctuous, with honey, citrus, and clove-led spices, the velvety palate glides toward flavors of fruity dark chocolate. Spices are a constant throughout, the final flavors darting between black currant, oak, ginger loaf, and milk chocolate. This proves to be much more than just history in a bottle.—Jonny McCormick

Amrut Greedy Angels 12 year old Chairman’s Reserve
94 points, 60%, $2,000
Aromas of concentrated bramble, plum, sweet baked tarts, and aromatic spices, this bourbon cask-finished version pulls off decadence and effortless balance with aplomb. Sipped neat, it tastes like what you would imagine it feels like to bite into the color indigo. Given all the intensity and power, water helps to unlock notes of milk chocolate, latte, purple fruit skins, plum flesh, Brazil nut, and bitter plain chocolate. Rather special. (36 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Valentine Distilling Co. 15 year old Mayor Pingree “Black Label”
93 points, 57%, $160
Upon first smell, rich milk chocolate fills the nose, alongside peanuts, peanut brittle, and raspberry jam. The palate balances bright red fruit alongside darker, deeper flavors—think dark-chocolate raspberry squares, chocolate- covered Bing cherries, and dark-roast coffee. There are richer flavors here, too, with butterscotch and an oaky component emerg- ing at the back end. A long-lasting finish that highlights more wood influence, some cocoa, and espresso luxuriously ties up this satisfying sipper. (684 bottles)—Julia Higgins

World Whiskey Society Japanese Mizunara Shochu Finished
93 points, 60%, $80
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. (20,000 bottles)—Ted Simmons

Bushmills 29 year old The Rare Casks 002 Pedro Ximénez Cask Finished
92 points, 53%, $750
After 17 years in the PX cask, the influence on flavor is irrefutable. Dates, figs, dried vine fruit, mixed peel, and rich sherry notes on the nose followed by black cherry, prune juice, licorice, and baking spices. A surprisingly sweet palate begins with cherry chocolate and raspberry backed by peppercorn and clove, with a syrupy mid-palate of stewed rhubarb and plum and a greater oak presence as the sweetness fades. (500 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

McCarthy’s 6 year old (Batch MC6-21-01)
92 points, 50%, $100
With a smoky nose reminiscent of a campfire, this velvety whiskey opens up in the glass and presents like a sumptuous barbecue, complete with charcoal smoke and long-cooked meats. It’s extremely flavorful, a 6 year old Oregon single malt from a distiller whose main release is a 3 year old. It is lively and fun, chewy, spicy, and smoky with a touch of mint; water brings in some sweetness that only makes it better.—David Savona

Penderyn Icons of Wales No. 7 Rhiannon
92 points, 46%, $95
This smooth after-dinner dram has a nose that promises black currant mousse, red cherry, malt loaf, bread-and-butter pudding, and marzipan fruits, with just a frisson of baking spices. Executing a fine balance between fruitiness and spice, the palate negotiates a rollercoaster of red berries, fig, clove, cinna- mon, black coffee, dark toffee, and milk chocolate, sliding to a halt with pepper-dusted chocolate-dipped berries. (3,000 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Royal Salute Kingdom Edition 26 year old Scottish Oak Cask Finish
92 points, 40%, $380
Master blender Sandy Hyslop expertly handles the coltish behavior of the heavy-char virgin Scottish oak casks to serve up the first in this new collection for Royal Salute. Aromas of
toffee, baked fruits, cinnamon, chocolate, dried orange peel, Brazil nut, and a whiff of woodsmoke. It’s a rich, decadent drinking experience with flavors of dark chocolate, apricot jam, ginger-nut biscuits, oak, spices, and a wisp of smoke.—Jonny McCormick

Bimber Oloroso Finish USA Edition
92 points, 58.2%, $165
The nose is nutty, with marzipan, crystalized sugar, floral notes, dry spices, fallen leaves, malt, potpourri, and fresh oak. It’s thick, syrupy, and sweet on the palate, with straw- berry, golden syrup, baked apricot, almond, clove, pepper, and flambéed banana, with buttery toffee and Quaker oats developing later. This whisky is all about the mouthfeel, with the oloroso finish adding sherry-kissed finesse to an otherwise impressive distillery character. (342 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

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Keep Your Whisky Drinks Chilled All Summer Long With These Canteens

Take your Manhattan, Gold Rush, or other chilled whisky cocktail on the go all season long.

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When heading out to a place suitable for whisky, taking some along in an insulated canteen can be a handy idea—particularly during the warmer months. We’ve selected five of the best such canteens for keeping your neat pour or cocktail at just the right temperature. Check out our picks—all light, sturdy, and stylish—for sharing a dram or cocktail away from home.

Keith Titanium Ti3060 Mess Kit—$159
Lightweight and durable, this canteen is made from grade 1 titanium, comes with a carrying pouch, and is dishwasher safe.

BrüMate Fifth 25 oz.—$35
This glass-free vessel is triple-insulated, making it ideal for keeping your favorite whisky cocktail chilled while hanging out by the pool.

Corkcicle Origins 25 oz.—$40
Count on a chilled drink for up to 25 hours or a warm cocktail for up to 12 hours. Stainless steel interior, hand-wash only.

Yeti 26 oz. Rambler with Chug Cap—$40
The two-part cap includes a removable handle and a controlled-flow spout making it perfect for sharing a dram on the go.

S’well 25 oz. Teakwood—$45
The vacuum-insulated stainless-steel interior allows for use with hot or cold cocktails or a means to transport a tipple.

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Filey Bay Puts Yorkshire, England on the Whisky Map

We reviewed the Flagship single malt, STR Finish, and Fino Single Cask in the Summer 2022 issue Buying Guide.

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Yorkshire is one of the most popular locations in the UK to visit, due to its people, scenery, culture, and historic landmarks. The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery opened in 2016—the county’s first whisky distillery—and the team prides itself on grain-to-bottle distilling using only barley grown on the family farm at Hunmanby. Their stillhouse is equipped with two large Forsyths copper pot stills and a four-plate copper column, and the distillery has excelled at producing a wide variety of flavors and finishes since it started bottling its whiskies. Imported by ImpEx Beverages and widely distributed, it joins ImpEx’s roster of distilleries that were under the wing of the late Dr. Jim Swan in their early days, including Penderyn and Milk & Honey.

Filey Bay Fino Single Cask, STR Finish, and Flagship Reviewed

Filey Bay Fino Single Cask (No. 674)
93 points, 61%, $110
An intense wave of exotic spices and concentrated fruits: red apple, vanilla essence, citrus peel, dried fruits, golden sultana, and Thai curry spices. Impeccably balanced and composed, it has a thick chewy texture of dense fruitiness that you could scoop out with a spoon, displaying flavors of red apple, sweet tropical fruits, muscovado sugar, citrus peel, and a robust spiciness. Trust me, this is a phenomenal single cask whisky. (300 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Filey Bay STR Finish
90 points, 48%, $80
The late Dr. Jim Swan favored the shaved, toasted, and re-charred red wine cask, and here it imparts an explosion of pan-roasted spices and peppercorns accompanied by aromas of blueberry, strawberry jam, and rowan jelly. The palate gets a little hot, with flavors of licorice, ginger-nut biscuits, pepper, and clove adding to the red apple and rowan notes. Rather than neat pours, this makes pretty special Highballs. (468 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Filey Bay Flagship
89 points, 46%, $70
Single malt made in Yorkshire from 100% homegrown barley, the nose offers a combination of butter toffee, vanilla, ripe barley, banana peel, toasted oak, and dry wood spices, with fresh fruit and herbal notes as it opens up. Displaying pleasing first-fill bourbon cask characteristics, it begins with vanilla, honey, apple, and orange flavors before taking it up a gear with toffee, hints of chocolate, clove, and ginger. (768 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

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Alfred Giraud Is Making Rare and Remarkable French Whisky

Two expressions, Intrigue and Voyage, scored 92 points when tasted for our Summer 2022 issue.

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In the frenetic world of French whiskies, Alfred Giraud is quietly pushing the boundaries. The Giraud family has been making and aging cognac for generations, and is now putting that expertise into premium French whisky. For Voyage, cellar master Gaetan Mariolle began to experiment with French robinia casks, a wood that has occasionally been used for wine, but not for spirits. He had to be extremely careful to avoid the tannins becoming too intense, but once he was satisfied, the stock was blended with sweeter sauternes cask-matured single malt. Next, they undertook their first finishing experiment, mellowing the blend in XO cognac casks of limousin oak for 6 months. Suffice to say, Voyage is scarce, with only four or five barrels a year. Rarer still is Intrigue, a new triple malt aged in their signature very old cognac casks, with a small influence of new American oak and some new French oak from the family’s forestry operations in limousin. The blend was then divided into a sauvignon blanc cask and an undisclosed “magic” cask, which previously contained a 65 year old product so unique that they decided to keep it a secret to prevent imitation. Subsequently, this is a unique and unrepeatable whisky, sold exclusively through the Alfred Giraud U.S. website.

Alfred Giraud Intrigue and Voyage Reviewed

Alfred Giraud Intrigue
92 points, 51.7%, $463
Small batch experimental whisky with an invigorating nose of apple, Seckel pear, vanilla, primrose, lemon zest, spring blos- soms, and fresh linen. It’s a sweet and vinous affair, with lemon curd, lime marmalade, vanilla sugar, grapefruit, pear, cognac notes, and black pepper, with creamed coconut rounding out a sweet, mouth-saturating finish of lemon and vanilla that persists for an eternity. (150 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Alfred Giraud Voyage
92 points, 48%, $185
An exploratory blend of two single malts matured in sauternes and French robinia casks and finished in cognac casks. Delight- ful, fresh, and lilting with orchard fruits, floral notes, gooseberry fool, chantilly cream, sliced grape, crisp barley, and fresh apple peel, balanced with light oak and a sprinkle of spice. Flavors of black currant, honey, russet apple, and pepper before it succumbs to the cognac’s influence. Preferred this one with water. (405 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

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Summer 2022 Best Values: Hard Truth, Old Parr, Ransom

An Indiana rye, 12 year old blended scotch, and Oregon blended whiskey all earned high marks at affordable prices.

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In each issue of Whisky Advocate, the editors select three great value bottles: whiskies with solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability. For the Summer 2022 issue, an Indiana rye, 12 year old blended scotch, and Oregon blended whiskey all ranked as Best Values.

Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2022 issue.

HIGH SCORES, LOW PRICES: BEST VALUE WHISKIES

Hard Truth 4 year old rye
88 points, 50%, $40
Initially as classic as rye gets on the nose—dill pickle, pumpernickel, peppery spice—but this is filled out by powdered sugar and a touch of honey. The palate is spicy, but not overtly so, with Red Hots and black pepper up front, softened soon after by crème brûlée, vanilla bean, and a hint of cacao. That chocolate is stronger on the finish, but it’s overtaken by caraway and dill pickle spear in the end. (41,000 bottles)—Julia Higgins

Old Parr 12 year old blended scotch
88 points, 40%, $32
Toasted cereal, honey, almonds, rich fruit, and peat smoke on the nose, with well-integrated spices, smoked meat, and a pleasant oily sensation. Well- structured on the palate, with orange taffy, walnut, marzipan fruits, buzzing spices, bitter fruit stones, dried grapefruit, and a lick of smoke, followed by a smooth dry finish with bitter orange flavors. Built around Cragganmore, this really dazzles when poured over a large cube of ice.—Jonny McCormick

Ransom WhipperSnapper
87 points, 42%, $28
This spirit whiskey—containing less than 20% straight whiskey—is made from corn neutral spirits, rye, and barley, and opens with grainy cereal and marshmallows, light lemon and cherry candies, and fresh-cut lumber. On the palate there’s sweet corn, more lemon candies, and a woody backbone supporting the other flavors. Water brings out light chocolate and nutty notes; Reese’s peanut butter cups and lava cake take the lead. The finish is short and light, with milk chocolate and a tannic woodiness. (5,580 bottles)—Shane English

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Summer 2022 Collectibles: Compass Box, Heaven Hill, Midleton

Blends from Scotland and Ireland, and a 17 year old barrel proof bourbon from Kentucky all demonstrate collectible qualities.

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In every issue of Whisky Advocate, we identify three whiskies that are generally limited releases and show the most potential to gain value. For Summer 2022, the top choices came from Scotland, Kentucky, and Ireland.

Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2022 issue.

TOP COLLECTIBLE WHISKIES To Target

Compass Box Vellichor
94 points, 44.6%, $450
Honey, sanded oak, potpourri, charred oak, banoffee pie, dark fruits, green olive, coffee grounds, ginger, pepper, and a savory leather note: plenty for the olfactory senses to grapple with. Soft fruits, maltiness, berries, chocolate, plum, bramble, red apple, and gently supportive spices to taste, it develops a superbly thick and chewy texture with a waxy mouthfeel on the finish. I consider this among blender James Saxon’s best work to date. (3,246 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17 year old Barrel Proof Bourbon
93 points, 59.1%, $275
A bountiful nose offers aromas of buttered pancakes, fresh corn- bread, confectionery powder, vanilla-frosted lemon cake, and grape jelly, all promising great things. Smooth and well-spiced on a palate of sweet figs, fiery spice, sassafras, licorice, dark brown sugar, and mature oak. A long finish offers surprisingly fresh notes of lemon and red berry, along with lively spice. Rich and profound, a well-aged bourbon to compete with the best aged whiskies of the world.—David Fleming

Midleton Very Rare (2022)
92 points, 40%, $200
Baked pastries drizzled with honey, vanilla fudge, fresh florals, gentle wood spices, ripe peach, white pepper, and well-rounded toasted oak aromas. The sweet grain elements are particularly delightful on this year’s release, the 39th in the series. The palate is front-loaded with spicy fruits, the pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg wrapped around flavors of mandarin, banana, red apple, and melon. Disentangled, a creamy vanilla richness remains, bolstered by oak and wood spices.—Jonny McCormick

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Summer 2022 Editors’ Choice: Indri, Bushmills, Chattanooga

An Indian single malt, Irish single malt, and Tennessee bourbon finished in Islay scotch casks all scored top marks in the Summer 2022 issue.

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In each issue of Whisky Advocate, the editors select three whiskies they consider to be the most impressive, based on score, price, and availability. For Summer 2022, our Editors’ Choice selections include an Indian single malt, an Irish single malt, and a Tennessee bourbon finished in Islay scotch casks.

Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Spring 2022 issue.

STANDOUT WHISKIES FROM Summer 2022

Indri Single Malt Tr-ini The Three Wood
92 points, 46%, $55
An impressive single malt from the foothills of the Himalayas, finished in bourbon, French wine, and PX casks, which bring indulgent aromas of malt, chocolate, plum, damson, black cherry, baked orange, blackened oak, cut grass, and dry spices. The palate boasts dense vanilla, creamed coconut, pepper, baked peach, citrus peel, clove, and pepper, then chocolate ganache, hazelnut, apple, bramble, cassis, and Brazil nuts, with a mouth-coating finish of dark fruits. (5,700 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Bushmills 12 year old Irish single malt
91 points, 40%, $60
Bushmills has developed consider- able experience in marsala cask finishing, so this release marks a distinctive new addition to the spectrum of flavors of their core range. Dark, sweet, juicy aromas of plum, damson jam, clove, peppercorn, citrus, mixed peel, grilled peach, sultana, and walnut oil precede a full-bodied whiskey with flavors of date loaf, sweet fig, chocolate orange, oak tannins, black tea, walnut, sweet wine, and runny honey.—Jonny McCormick

Chattanooga Islay Scotch Cask Finished Bourbon
91 points, 47.5%, $50
Wood varnish, bubble gum, and pencil shavings on the nose give way to tea leaves, dried herbs, and white paper. Add water and smoky campfire ash emerges. More herbs on the palate with sage and oregano, as well as citrus in the form of a flamed orange disc. The finish is lip-smacking, with great length. Water unlocks a world of flavor, with clear vision and execution on display. It’s different, but deli- cious. (8,400 bottles)—Ted Simmons

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Give Back and Relax With These Charitable-Minded Whiskeys

Distillers across the country are giving back to causes they care about through the whiskies they make.

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On a snowy day in November 2020, John McKee—founder of Headframe Spirits in Butte, Montana—reached out to a group of his closest friends in craft distilling, who collectively call themselves the Good Guys. After months of isolation and social distancing, canceled events, and continuous disruptions to daily life, he missed seeing his fellow distillers, and he wanted to do something about it. So he sent a message to the group conveying exactly that, and within minutes, a conversation took hold and an idea was born. Under the name Good Deeds Spirits, the Good Guys would make a new whiskey—a blend of craft American single malts—and it would have a purpose. All proceeds would benefit the American Craft Spirits Association’s (ACSA) Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP) Foundation, a diversity and inclusion initiative.

Nine distillers, all members of the Good Guys, contributed whiskey for the project. Among them is Paul Hletko, founder and distiller of Chicago-based FEW Spirits, who’s eager to see a tangible change in the faces of the industry. “It’s really easy to say that diversity in craft distilling is important to us, but it’s a lot tougher to get out there and donate thousands of dollars of spirit,” he says. “That’s exactly what we did—we went out and put our money where our mouth is.” 

And so far, Good Deeds’ efforts are paying off: After launching its inaugural malt whiskey in October, nearly half of the 1,000 bottles were sold in the first two weeks. Good Deeds is far from the only brand whose sole purpose is to give back, as plenty of whiskeys across the U.S. are contributing to charitable causes or organizations close to home and heart. Here are several whiskeys that can make you feel good about buying as well as sipping.

Words, Deeds, and Whiskey: Six Bottlings That Do Their Part

Good Deeds Malt Whiskey—46%, $75
The inaugural release of Good Deeds Spirits is a malt whiskey whose proceeds will benefit the STEPUP Foundation, a diversity and inclusion initiative founded by the ACSA. At its core, STEPUP is an internship, and its year-long program aims to provide underserved and underrepresented individuals—people of different races, color, national origins, genders, and sexual orientations—with training, encouragement, and opportunities to join the craft spirits industry.

Get and give: Available exclusively at seelbachs.com
Learn more: stepupinternship.org

Westward Whiskey Benefit Barrel—50%, $100
This whiskey helps two organizations that fight homelessness and hunger: Oregon’s Transition Projects and California’s No Us Without You. All sales made in Oregon will go toward Transition Projects, which gives individuals the resources and tools needed to help end homelessness. All sales made outside Oregon will go toward No Us Without You, a public charity created by bar consultancy group Va’La Hospitality that provides food to the most disenfranchised hospitality workers affected by the pandemic.

Get and give: Available at Westward Whiskey’s tasting rooms and westwardwhiskey.com
Learn more: tprojects.org, nouswithouyou.la

Parker’s Heritage Collection—61%, $140
Heaven Hill takes its coveted annual release of Parker’s Heritage and directs its proceeds toward a worthy cause. The distiller contributes a portion of the sales from each bottle of Parker’s Heritage to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, in honor of its late master distiller Parker Beam, who passed away in 2017 after a lengthy battle with ALS. Since 2013, Heaven Hill has raised over $1 million for ALS research and patient care from Parker’s Heritage bottlings—15 releases to date.

Get and give: Released annually
Learn more: als.org

Castle & Key The Untold Story of Kentucky Bourbon—53.5%, $150
A collaboration between Castle & Key and the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, this whiskey benefits The Diversity in Kentucky Distilling Scholarship program, with 100% of proceeds of the 425-bottle release going to the initiative. The program, which was established at Blue Grass Community Foundation by Castle & Key, aims to support students of color who are interested in working in the Kentucky distilling industry. Each scholarship provides $5,000 and can be renewed for one additional year of study.

Get and give: castleandkey.com
Learn more: bgcf.org

Chocorua Rye—45%, $55
Made by Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile, this rye whiskey benefits the Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC), with $1 from every bottle sold going to the organization. The CLC is a volunteer-led, nonprofit land trust that owns or manages almost 1,000 acres of conservation land, and protects 3,000 additional acres through perpetual conservation covenants and easements. Under its purview, Chocorua Lake and its surrounding conservation lands have been kept clean and accessible to local residents and visitors.

Get and give: Available at the distillery; tamworthdistilling.com
Learn more: chocorualake.org

Redneck Riviera—40%, $30
Created by country musician John Rich, this blended American whiskey benefits Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization founded by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. The military foundation provides college scholarships for children and spouses of fallen or disabled soldiers. Redneck Riviera donates 10% from every sale to this cause, which awarded over $60 million in scholarships last year alone. To date, Folds of Honor has given out 35,000 scholarships since its inception in 2007.

Get and give: redneckriviera.com
Learn more: foldsofhonor.org

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Build Yourself a Barrel-Aged Home Bar

This collection of cognac, rum, tequila, gin, Cachaça, and wine will give you and your guests the full barrel-aged experience.

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Barrel aging is a crucial part of whisky making—it gives the spirit its color and adds a greater depth of flavor over time. Some styles even mandate the type of barrel or vessel used to age the whiskey. Bourbon, for example, is legally required to be placed in a new charred oak container meaning that once a barrel has been emptied, it can never be used to make bourbon again. So what happens to those barrels? They can be used to aged other types of whiskey like American single malt, or other types of spirits like gin, rum, or cognac.

Bourbon barrel aging can give these other spirits, and wine as well, an added dimension, as the oak likewise imparts color, but also flavors left behind from the whiskey. Taste that influence for yourself with these 10 bottles that offer something for whisky lovers looking to branch our into other spirits, and fans of those spirits looking to develop a taste for oak.

10 bourbon barrel-Aged spirits and wines to try now

Don Papa 10 year old Rum—43%, $70
This is Don Papa’s flagship rum—aged 7 years in bourbon barrels—but aged an additional 3 years in the same barrels that have been re-charred, resulting in a bolder spirit with cacao, roasted coffee beans, spice, tropical fruit, and toasted vanilla.

Martell Blue Swift Spirit Drink—40%, $46
With a base of VSOP cognac that’s finished for several months in bourbon barrels from Kentucky, Blue Swift has flavors of ginger, plum, and candied fruit followed by distinctive hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin—47%, $34
This fragrant and vibrant yet mellow gin is aged for a minimum of 12 months in charred new American oak barrels, which introduce caramel and vanilla without sacrificing the juniper and pepper notes.

Don Julio 1942 Tequila Añejo—40%, $140
Aged at least 2 1/2 years in bourbon barrels, this has roasted agave, vanilla, sun-ripened tropical fruits, with spiced undertones and a lingering touch of oak on the palate.

Espolòn Añejo Tequila—40%, $35
Espòlon Añejo is aged for a year—10 months in new American oak and 2 months in deeply charred Wild Turkey bourbon barrels. Vanilla and butterscotch complement the agave and earthy characteristics.

Novo Fogo Barrel-Aged Cachaça—40%, $35
This cachaça is aged 2 years in Kentucky bourbon barrels that have been taken apart, sanded, and re-toasted. Dominant flavors include banana bread, chocolate, cinnamon bark, coffee, and toasty black pepper.

Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon—14.2%, $20
Twenty percent of this cabernet is aged for 60 days in bourbon barrels, resulting in ripe tannins, toasted hazelnuts, blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla, toffee, and black cherry preserves.

Ménage à Trois Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon—14.8%, $15
Jammy blueberry and blackberry flavors, plus oak, vanilla, caramel and smoky spice characteristics are the result of aging 3 months in barrels that previously held Amador Whiskey Co. Double Barrel bourbon.

1000 Stories 2018 Zinfandel Batch #71—15.8%, $20
Aged in bourbon barrels for 3 months, this zinfandel’s subtle ripeness perfectly marries with the grilled herbs, sweet vanilla, and char flavors of the oak, with the kick of bourbon influence rounding out the finish.

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Woodford Reserve Barrel Finish—15.2%, $50
After maturing 11 months in French oak, this pinot noir is aged 4 months in freshly emptied Woodford Reserve barrels. The palate is rich and juicy with soft tannins and lush red and black berries, with balanced acidity.

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10 Highest Scoring Whiskies From the Spring 2022 Buying Guide

The Spring 2022 issue of Whisky Advocate focuses on the great versatility and rich history of rye whiskey. Inside, we go deep on rye’s roots in Pennsylvania, exploring the height of “Old” Monongahela popularized by

The post 10 Highest Scoring Whiskies From the Spring 2022 Buying Guide appeared first on Whisky Advocate.

The Spring 2022 issue of Whisky Advocate focuses on the great versatility and rich history of rye whiskey. Inside, we go deep on rye’s roots in Pennsylvania, exploring the height of “Old” Monongahela popularized by bartender-favorite Old Overholt. And if you are accustomed to deploying rye in your Manhattan, we have a crop of new cocktails worth mixing as well as a bevy of bottles made to sip on, with 47 rye recommendations ranging from $23 to $185.

Inside the Buying Guide, we review 98 whiskies, including a fair share of rye. Sample the ever-growing segment of finished whiskies with Ammunition Pinot Noir Finished (90 points) and Templeton Oloroso Sherry Finished (88 points), or stick with trusted value names like Knob Creek (92 points) and George Dickel (90 points). We also review WhistlePig Boss Hog VIII: Lapulapu’s Pacific scoring  91 points and include it among our choice of collectibles. In fact, we went in-depth on the collectibility of the entire WhistlePig Boss Hog collection in a recent edition of our auction column What’s It Worth?.

Beyond rye, there are several excellent whiskies reviewed, with these ten all scoring between 93 and 95 points. There are age statements ranging from 14 to 51 years, finishes in cognac and mizunara barrels, and peated whiskies from Scotland and Japan.

TOP SCORES FROM WHISKY ADVOCATE’S Spring 2022 ISSUE

Royal Salute The Time Series 51 year old
95 points, 45.4%, $30,000
Ruby grapefruit, wisps of smoke, dried cranberry, and oak, with the smoke building amid salted caramel, grilled peach, rose petal, and fragrant spices. With a heart of Longmorn, the blend combines Glen Keith, Strathisla, Caperdonich, Dumbarton, Schenley-era Strathclyde, and more. Complex and velvety smooth, it glides through honeyed nuts, Victoria plum, vanilla, and citrus for a dalliance with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg, finally softening to melted chocolate. Heavenly. (101 bottles; 20 for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Teeling 30 year old Vintage Reserve Collection
95 points, 46%, $2,200
If bees could make single malt, they would make this. Deeply honeyed, with caramel, vanilla essence, mango, papaya, and waxy-green leaf aromas on the nose. This nectar is indulgent, with a silky mouthfeel, while the taste buds are immersed in molten pools of honey, rich dried fruits, sugary sweet candies, melon, poached pear, vanilla, toffee, and oak spices, with a sticky sweet finish of dried fruit that’s buzzing with peppery spice. (120 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Octomore 130.8 PPM 12.1 Edition
94 points, 59.9%, $200
Aged 5 years in American oak barrels, this one starts with a rush of peat bonfire, cayenne pepper, and paprika, along with saline minerality, dried seaweed, and aging brine. The palate is rich and spiced, but also smooth and deep, with smokiness and peat lingering in the background. Powerful, and definitely helped by a few drops of water. Superb length on a finish of vanilla, with loads of spice and red fruit.—David Fleming

Lucky Seven 14 year old The Proprietor Single Barrel (No. 72)
94 points, 67.07%, $140
The nose brings forth a symphony of red fruit: cherry cobbler, cranberries, dried strawberries, and candied orange. Underneath the fruit, caramel syrup, macaroon, marshmallow, and medium-roast coffee emerge. The palate is a revelation, with hot peppery spice balanced by cinnamon swirl French toast, rich hot chocolate, dark-chocolate raspberry squares, and macchiato. Bottled at cask strength, this is a hot one, and it definitely benefits from water, which coaxes out sumptuous chocolate fudge and bold dark espresso beans.—Julia Higgins

The Singleton 39 year old
94 points, 46.2%, $2,650
Layered, complex, and pleasurable, with a deep vinous character on the nose of rose hip, dried cranberry, peppercorn, and autumn leaves, from the influence of the Chateau Lacoste Borie finishing casks. Delving deeper, it pulls out aromas of black cherry, new leather, snuffed candlewicks, and Christmas pudding, then vine fruit, almond, and baked orange. Muscovado-sprinkled apple and pear, with citrus, chocolate-dipped cherry, and bramble on the palate. Perfect drinking strength: No water, please. (1,695 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Bardstown Bourbon Company Ferrand Finished
93 points, 55%, $125
Finished in barrels from cognac maker Ferrand, to great effect. A hint of barrel char on the nose, along with burnt brown sugar, baked peaches, taffy, grenadine, toasted almonds, nougat, cooked pears, crème de cassis, and banana flan. The palate is smooth and thick, with pastry shop flavors, manuka honey, and rhubarb pie. The finish is oak laden, but rich with cooked fruit, charred oak, iced coffee, and dark chocolate.—David Fleming

Miyagikyo Peated
93 points, 48%, $275
Watch out, because Miyagikyo has moves you’ve never seen before. Smoke builds as you nose, from sweet smoke, caramel, and vanilla to bonfire smoke with savory and spicy elements, tarry ropes, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. A multi-faceted tasting experience with sweet vanilla, chocolate, malt, spice, and cocoa, then cherry, raisin, and baked citrus, with a huge chewy mouthfeel and unrelenting flavor delivery through to the finish. Send more peat to Sendai! (2,820 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Egan’s 18 year old Legacy Reserve Collection IV
93 points, 46%, $200
Blushing pinker than a Provençal rosé thanks to the Moscatel de Valencia casks, the aromas are outstanding: neroli, ruby grapefruit, persimmon, watermelon, and ground black pepper. Picture a Parisian boutique of fragrances and fine candles and you’re there. To taste, orange, grapefruit, and light toffee, then a long spicy stretch, becoming more polished, developing stone fruit characters, and ending with a grapefruit finish that still shows plenty of bite. (486 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Widow Jane 15 year old The Vaults Blend of Straight Bourbon (Batch 3)
93 points, 49.5%, $225
Cloves, baking spices, and fragrant dried herbs on the nose—very herbal overall, hints of cedar chest, touches of mature oak, and dark chocolate. The palate is chewy and creamy, with caffé latte and spiced chocolate laced with coconut shavings. There’s a milkshake-like quality to its thickness and depth, with deeper notes of baked red berries, blackberries, and cinnamon-chocolate babka. A chocolate-filled finish with custard, cinnamon, and berry tart. A loaded, generous dram. (3,000 bottles)—David Fleming

Writers’ Tears Japanese Cask Finish
93 points, 55%, $125
The nose is rich and oily with Bramley apple peels, brown butter, walnut oil, and exotic woods. Hugely satisfying mouthfeel of toffee, nut, malt, and baked sugar as pepper and clove take flight, leaving baked apple, walnut, currant, and ripening plum. This achieves perfect center ground between the sweetness, spice, and mizunara wood, and the spice combination from the 9-month finish and single pot still is divine. (1,200 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

The post 10 Highest Scoring Whiskies From the Spring 2022 Buying Guide appeared first on Whisky Advocate.