Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder’s Series) Review

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder’s Series) is a cask strength rye distilled by a brand that’s done it right from the beginning. Before their distillery was built, Smooth Ambler sourced whiskey from IN and KY and they didn’t hide it. They knew they were finding good stock and bringing it to market and that […]

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Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder's Series) Review

Smooth Ambler, James E Pepper and High West are some of the best examples of how to honestly source whiskey, build a brand and then build a distillery. They’re the ones people should be looking at as examples, but unfortunately, it seems far too many brands are taking a page from Templeton’s book instead. And that’s a duplicitous book to be avoided at all costs.

Now, I’m gonna step down from my soapbox, pour another glass of this Smooth Ambler Founder’s Rye and get to drinkin’!

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder’s Series) – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Style: Rye (Straight)
Region: West Virginia, USA
Distiller: Smooth Ambler

Mash Bill: 88% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 61.8%

Batch: 1

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye Price: $55*

White background tasting shot with the Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder's Series) bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it. — “The distinct West Virginia mild climate and infusion method makes for a unique Rye flavor.” – Smooth Ambler

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength RyeTasting Notes

EYE
Ruddy oak

NOSE
Oak, dried dark fruit, herbally-dilly-rye spice, hazelnuts, citrus, cocoa and a touch bready.

Rich, darkly fruity, oaky, spicy… this is an excellent rye!

PALATE
Oaky, dilly, herbally, darkly fruity, cocoa, coppery, crackers and dried blueberries, baking spice and bready.

Heavy and rich with layers of spice, this is a true rye drinker’s rye!

FINISH
Long -> Oak, dilly, herbally spice, and leathery cocoa.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Perfect, full round, heavy

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder’s Series) – Overall Thoughts and Score

So close to a 5/5. I’m looking for a bit more oaky depth, a bit more complexity and yes, I’m nitpicking. But, those nit-picky details are what push a 4.5 to a 5. And this one comes so damn close you could think of it as a 4.75 if you really want to.

Rich, warm, and heavy, this Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder’s Series) is a serious rye. So deep and serious that I didn’t want to make a cocktail with it… but I did and it was one of the best Perfect Manhattans I’ve had in a long time. If you’re a fan of rye you need to hunt this down.

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder's Series) Label

SCORE: 4.5/5 (very good, highly recommended ~ A- | 90-93)

*Disclosure: The bottle for this rye review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye (Founder's Series) Review $55

Overall

4.5

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6 Cask Strength Whiskies to Try Now

Ranging in style and age, these high proof whiskies scored favorably in the Summer 2022 Buying Guide.

The post 6 Cask Strength Whiskies to Try Now appeared first on Whisky Advocate.

Your natural impulse come summertime may be to grab a low-proof whisky and you wouldn’t be alone. The typically low ABV of blended scotch in particular makes for great summertime sipping, approachable on its own, or in a cold, refreshing cocktail like the Penicillin. If you are imbibing in the summer sun, it is always wise to pace yourself, and low ABV whiskies will help you do just that.

But there is something appealing about a cask strength pour in the summer months as well—letting the heat in your glass match the heat outside. High-proof whiskies can handle a nice large ice cube, as the whisky slowly dilutes and flavors begin to change. If you are the type to grab something high proof no matter the season, these cask strength whiskies all scored between 88 and 92 points in our Summer 2022 Buying Guide. Some underwent inventive cask finishes, while others are age stated single barrels. They all pack a serious punch though, ranging from 55.4% to 65.41% ABV.

Embrace the Summer Heat With These High Proof Whiskies

MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 year old Cask Strength (Batch 1)
92 points, 55.4%, $100

No half measures from the Islay whisky components on this one. Toffee, brownies, vanilla essence, and chocolate-dipped orange slices infused with aromas of heathery peat smoke and antiseptic bandages, plus plum, pencil shavings, and cinnamon. Dark chocolate, baked orange, and damsons followed by a peak of clove, pepper, and gentle smoke, backed by ginger loaf, sticky toffee pudding, and licorice. Could be the best hundred bucks you’ll ever spend. (600 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick

Lucky Seven 6 year old The Proprietor Single Barrel
91 points, 60.4%, $85

Nutty and spiced on the nose, with salted peanuts, apple cider, tart pears, and lemon juice. Water brings out caramel-covered pralines, peanut-butter crackers, and Apple Jacks. The palate is fiery, with more cider notes and baking spice. Water makes it more palatable but less dynamic; flavors turning to wax and wood. A big flash of spice highlights the finish along with lemon zest. Brace for heat or add water sparingly.—Ted Simmons

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition
91 points, 59.2%, $150

Made from a special selection of barrels chosen by master blender Victoria Eady Butler. The nose is fruity and sweet with candy apples, raspberry danish, and iced lemon pound cake. Water brings out dried leaves and chocolate brownies. There’s more sweetness on the palate in the form of raspberry lemonade as well as a subtle tartness. Those qualities carry over to the finish. Well-made, with tasty concentrated flavors throughout.—Ted Simmons

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Cask Strength Hickory Syrup Barrel Finished
90 points, 60%, $90

The nose up front conveys a certain austerity, like dusty antique furniture, with notes of grape Kool-Aid, honey cake, and vanilla icing emerging over time. With water, Golden Grahams and citronella candles emerge. The palate is honeyed and hot, with honey-roasted peanuts overtop a chewy and viscous texture. The finish shows great length and viscosity; a lip-smacking finale. There’s a lot of wood and heat here, but a warming honeyed sweetness as well. (240 bottles)—Ted Simmons

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Barrel Strength
89 points, 57.6%, $70

An ode to dessert, this is a deluge of decadent flavors: pie crust, apple pie, baked apples, cinnamon sugar, and banana bread waft up from the glass, all joined by the faintest hint of pickle juice. Such indulgence carries on to the palate, where there’s French toast dusted with powdered sugar, balanced by a nice kick of cinnamon spice. The finish, led by pickles and pumpernickel, sizzles at first, but subsides sweetly into softer flavors. (66,000 bottles)—Julia Higgins

Barrell 16 year old Grey Label Seagrass
88 points, 65.41%, $250

Several countries play a role in this whisky, which is distilled in Canada, finished in a mix of Martinique rum, madeira, and apricot brandy casks, and bottled in Kentucky after aging in both Canada and the U.S. It’s pale in color, with a mild fruity aroma. It’s spicy and a bit hot on the palate, with an herbaceous bitterness and a rooty character that is overly earthy, with a persistent tangy citrus note.—David Savona

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NEW RELEASE: Barrell Craft Spirits “Batch 033”, 116.6 Proof Cask Strength

PRESS RELEASE: Copy Provided by BARRELL CRAFT SPIRITS Distilled and aged in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana Selection of 5, 6, 7, and 9-year-old barrels 116.6 proof cask strength bottling Aged in American white oak barrels MSRP $90 BUY HERE ONLINE Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 is a marriage of high-rye barrels and high-corn barrels ranging in […]

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PRESS RELEASE: Copy Provided by BARRELL CRAFT SPIRITS

Distilled and aged in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana
Selection of 5, 6, 7, and 9-year-old barrels
116.6 proof cask strength bottling
Aged in American white oak barrels
MSRP $90
BUY HERE ONLINE

Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 is a marriage of high-rye barrels and high-corn barrels ranging in age from 5 to 9 years old. The high-rye barrels were chosen for their distinct stone fruit, black pepper, and nutmeg notes. The high-corn barrels were chosen for their rich butterscotch, coffee, and citrus notes. Two sets of barrels mingled together for two months, then the balance was adjusted for the most optimal combination.

NOSE

Pear, lemon meringue, and shoofly pie set the stage for a bourbon deftly balanced between freshness and maturity. A bouquet
of jasmine, nasturtium, and dandelion speak to a youthful exuberance, while peppermint and gentian root depict an oak barrel
just creeping in. A gentle savory character expands into edamame, macadamia nut, and mesquite smoke.

PALATE

Champagne, applesauce, and candied grapefruit peel show ample maturity without an excessive oak. The baking spice character
is dialed up slightly, exhibiting cocoa powder, allspice, star anise, and juniper.

FINISH

A burst of heat rides a wave of minerals across the palate that include limestone, beach sand, and salt-water taffy. Geranium,
elderflower, and chamomile reinforce the nose’s bouquet. The finish fades to the slightly bitter prickle of returning gentian root and lime
peel, wiping the palate clean.

WITH A SPLASH OF WATER

The palate grows much more viscous; it’s rich and sweet with vanilla buttercream. The savory notes intensify,
with pickled caper, fried mushroom and hush puppies leading the way. The fruity notes expand dramatically to include nectarine, honeydew melon, passionfruit, and coconut cream.

Barrell Craft Spirits, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is an independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength sourced whiskey and rum, recognized for its blending expertise. They design, produce, and launch Spirits with a focus on what people want now and not what has been successful in the past.

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Badachro Introduces Pair Of Single Malts

Highland-based Badachro Distillery has introduced a pair of limited edition single malt whiskies – a Madeira cask and Ruby Port finish – to their Bad na h-Achlaise series. The Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise Madeira Cask single malt is said to contain notes of bitter chocolate, red cherries and strawberry sherbet. The Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise […]

Highland-based Badachro Distillery has introduced a pair of limited edition single malt whiskies – a Madeira cask and Ruby Port finish – to their Bad na h-Achlaise series.

The Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise Madeira Cask single malt is said to contain notes of bitter chocolate, red cherries and strawberry sherbet.

The Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise Ruby Port Finish Cask Strength is bottled at 57.9% alcohol by volume [115.8 proof] and is said to contain heavy notes of fruit.

Only 1,900 bottles of Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise Madeira Cask expression are being made available for $70 per bottle – but that is a boon compared to the scant 30 bottles being made available of Badachro Bad na h-Achlaise Ruby Port Finish Cask Strength for $175 per bottle – both from the official Badachro site [badachrodistillery.com].

The GlenAllachie Introduces 30-Year-Old Single Malt

Speyside distillery The GlenAllachie has released the second batch of their a 30-year-old cask strength single malt Scotch which was first launched last year. The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky was matured in both Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks along with a pair of charred and toasted American virgin […]

Speyside distillery The GlenAllachie has released the second batch of their a 30-year-old cask strength single malt Scotch which was first launched last year.

The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky was matured in both Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks along with a pair of charred and toasted American virgin oak casks, bottled at 50.8% alcohol by volume [101.6 proof] and is said to contain notes of coconut, coffee, date and orange.

Only 2,000 bottles of The GlenAllachie 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Batch 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky are being made available for $755 per bottle.

Review / Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 10

This whisky is the latest in the annual cask strength series from the east Highland distillery of Glendronach. The Cask Strength Batch 10 has been delayed by the Covid pandemic and was created by Dr. Rachel Barrie, the Master Blender for Glendronach. The new no age statement release is constructed using whiskies of differing ages that have been maturing in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels. These have been hand-selected and married together by Barrie. The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 10 is bottled at 58.6% ABV and will be available in limited numbers in selected markets worldwide. A bottle will retail for £77/ $105 US.

The Glendronach distillery was founded in 1826 by James Allardice and is located in the Aberdeenshire countryside, close to the town of Huntly. The majority of the present buildings date from 1850 when the distillery was rebuilt following a devastating fire. It was the last in Scotland to use stills directly fired by coal - this practice only finished in 2005. The distillery is known for its use of high quality ex-sherry casks and is currently owned by Brown-Forman, who took control in 2016. The annual production has recently increased to around two million litres.

Our tasting notes

The colour is deep golden amber and the nose is big, bold and expressive from the beginning. Caramel and dark dried fruits (think of currants, raisins and sultanas) rise first and are followed by aromas of toffee, fruit cake and toasted nuts. There is a delicious background earthy and spicy quality also. It is very enticing.

On the palate this whisky is equally as big and bold. Initially, expressive dried fruit notes hit the taste buds with the raisin and sultana coming through strongly. These are accentuated by further notes of candied orange peel and a hint of prune. The hefty caramel note from the nose is never far away and wraps around everything. A hint of sugary toffee and Christmas fruit cake simmer away underneath. The earthy baking spices from the cake-like element begin to build towards the end - think of cinnamon, all-spice, mace and a grind of pepper. The combination is wonderful. Late hints of gingerbread, cocoa and those toasted nuts (especially hazelnut and walnut) add even further depth.

The finish is long and flavoursome. The high ABV drags the bolder notes along. The sweeter and dried fruit characteristics fade first and this leaves the nutty and spicy notes to fight amongst themselves. This makes the whisky drier and a little hot. A late pleasant oaky element also comes through.

What's the verdict?

We have long been fans of this Cask Strength series from Glendronach. They really are one of the best exponents of sherry cask maturation. Batch 10 is superbly well balanced for such a high strength whisky. The high ABV carries the aromas and flavours through very well and leaves a powerful impression.

A few drops of water softens the whisky down well and it becomes more fudgey and toffee-like. The power and boldness is lost a little, with the woody and spicy notes deadened. A lovely whisky overall and a definite if you like your big sherry bombs.

Writers’ Tears Offers 2022 Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey distillery Walsh Whiskey has released the 2022 edition – the 12th edition overall – of their cask strength Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey. Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2022 is a blend of aged single pot still and single malt whiskies, both distilled three times, aged in American oak bourbon barrels, bottled at 54.6% alcohol […]

Irish whiskey distillery Walsh Whiskey has released the 2022 edition – the 12th edition overall – of their cask strength Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey.

Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2022 is a blend of aged single pot still and single malt whiskies, both distilled three times, aged in American oak bourbon barrels, bottled at 54.6% alcohol by volume [109.2 proof] and is said to contain notes of cinnamon, fennel. honey, pear and toffee.

Only 7,920 bottles – 2,100 of which are being sent to the USA – of Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2022 are being made available for $150 per bottle.

6 Diverse Cask Strength Whiskies to Try Now

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Regardless of style, cask strength bottlings are prized by whisky drinkers for the forceful flavor from the high proof. In some cases, distillers offer whisky drinkers a chance to experience a core expression straight from the barrel, like our 2017 Whisky of the Year, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Rather than add water at the time of bottling to bring the proof down, the distiller empowers the drinker to add water or ice as they see fit, or not at all, finding the ABV that best suits their palate. Sometimes, these whiskies even offer better values than their lower-proof counterparts.

Those who choose to add water to these heavy-strength whiskies may find new flavors and complexities emerge as the proof changes. These six whiskies from the Winter 2021 Buying Guide span five different styles— single pot still, single malt scotch, straight bourbon, wheat whiskey, and American single malt—proving that there is more choice than ever when it comes to cask strength.

High Proof Whiskies From the Winter Buying Guide

Redbreast 12 year old Cask Strength Irish Single Pot Still (Batch B1/21)
94 points, 56.3%, $84

Golden sultana, fragrant spice, dried orange slices, star anise, baked apricot, and hints of flaked chocolate bar. Spices leap from a butterscotch and red berry base, vociferously showing clove, star anise, and ginger root, which part to welcome flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla pod, oak, and juicy nectarine. The cask strength is rarely less than spectacular, but this batch is singularly distinctive.—Jonny McCormick

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch
93 points, 60%, $90

Sweet scents of Boston cream pie, citrus, and fresh forest, growing more fragrant as the liquid rests in the glass. On the palate, the citrus sweetens to baked orange tart and lemon meringue pie, with underpinnings of chocolate malt, raisins, and pepper spice. The mouthfeel is creamy and concentrated, and the finish is like a rich, full, spiced chocolate dessert. Water enhances things, bringing out more spice and chocolate.—David Fleming

Booker’s 2021-02 “Tagalong Batch” Kentucky Straight Bourbon
93 points, 63.95%, $90

The fifth edition of distiller Freddie Noe’s signature annual release. This is a weighty one, in classic Booker’s fashion—rich, full, and powerful, loaded with chocolate, cocoa powder, candied orange slices, dark chocolate, melted caramel, and cinnamon spice. Water quells the flavor riot, softening to notes of vanilla and vanilla malt, chocolate candy bar, and leather. The finish is spicy, with more chocolate and orange. There’s nothing shy about this tasty sipper.—David Fleming

Parker’s Heritage Collection 11 year old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
90 points, 61%, $140

Fresh-baked cinnamon-raisin bread and generous baking spice on the nose, plus hints of coffee and chocolate babka. Pleasant and inviting, with lots of warmth and flavor. The palate is filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, bitter coffee, dark chocolate, and savory spice. Water brings out the spicy heat of jalapeño pepper. Smooth and flavorful on the finish, with cooked orchard fruits and melted caramel. A big one for sure, but enjoyable.—David Fleming

Still Austin Limited Release Cask Strength American Single Malt
90 points, 59%, $60

Sweet scents of candied apple and caramel on the nose. The palate offers cinnamon Red Hots, bananas, cherry, allspice, and toasted oak. It’s hot but well knit, with emerging notes of candied nuts, buttered popcorn, and black pepper. Creamier with water and still flavor-packed, with emerging country fair notes of hay and cotton candy. A long finish brings melted caramel, candied cherries, and spice, against savory hints of cigar ash and barrel char.—David Fleming

Whiskey Del Bac Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt (Fall 2021)
89 points, 55.7%, $90

Chocolaty up front, with notes of Fudgsicle, cacao nibs, and cocoa powder as well as brown paper bag, ripe banana, honey, and oats. The palate is syrupy and zings; cinnamon Red Hots, lemon candy, fruit pastry, and chile pepper give it added dimension. There is a bitter oak note that softens with water. The high proof makes this spiky and hot at times but there’s great underlying flavor.—Ted Simmons

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Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review

I love seeing products like this Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys in the market. It’s not a new idea to take whiskey from other distilleries and blend them to create something new, the whole Scotch industry is built on it, but it is fairly new in America… kinda. More like a modern resurgence […]

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Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review

Four Roses, Old Forester and other big brands all started as “rectified” whiskey blended from multiple sources till their respective distilleries were established or bought. It’s a long standing practice that pretty much died out due to prohibition and wasn’t truly re-embraced till the last 10 years. For a while, you had High West and that was about it. Now you have HW, Barrell, Lost Lantern, these folks (Wonderland) and more sprouting up regularly.

Blending is an art, but it’s an art that’s only as good as the materials used, and American Craft Whiskey definitely has some duds. One might say that it’s plagued by more duds than stars (me, I say that), but it’s all about the source. If you source well and blend well, you’ll end up with something good. Where does this Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys sit? That’s the question at hand and we’ll need to get to drinkin’ to find out.

Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Style: Blended Whiskey (Straight)
Region: Michigan, USA

Distiller: Various (Undisclosed)
Blender: Wonderland Distillery
Blend: Corn Whiskey + Wheat Whiskey + Rye Whiskey
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 4+ Years
ABV: 59.925%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $62*

Related Whiskeys:

- Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys

White background tasting shot with the Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys sample bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it. — “Wonderland has concentrated the flavor of Michigan into its Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys, for the freedom to mix, proof, blend, and live life at our own pace.” – Wonderland Distilling

Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys Tasting Notes

EYE
Caramel

NOSE
Lemony copper, herbal baking spice, vanilla taffy and a light pop of oak.

Without water I’m not getting much out of the aroma. With water I’m getting a bit more wood and dried fruit… but only just.

PALATE
Lemony metal, tannic craft wood, dried fruit, stale spice and some odd herbal notes.

Water is this whiskey’s enemy. Adding it shoots that tannic craft wood note right to the top and all I end up tasting is that woody note and the metallic lemon note.

FINISH
Med-long -> Crafty wood and metallic lemon.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Not balanced, full body, dry and tannic feel.

Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys – Overall Thoughts and Score

That tannic, crafty wood note keep growing as it goes and adding water makes it worse. This is an incredibly tannic, dry whiskey that instantly sucks all the moisture out of the mouth. It’s like a cup of tea you forgot about and left steeping for an hour… but woody and lemony and metallic.

I get the idea, I like the idea. Blending craft whiskey together to make something new and interesting, but I’m not tasting success here. Lost Lantern is doing the same thing and they’re not doing too bad at it, but it’s all about the sources. If you’re gathering crafty crap, and blending crafty crap, you’re not going to suddenly get a good whiskey. I didn’t think I’d be saying this, but I like this Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys less than the regular Wonderland Blend…

SCORE: 1.5/5 (terrible, only recommendation is to avoid – C- | 70-72)

*Disclosure: The sample for this blended whiskey review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys Label

Wonderland Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review $62

Summary

Not a successful blending of casks. Dry, tannic, metallic and harsh, this isn’t something I’d sip again.

Overall

1.5

Nose

(1)
Palate

(2)
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Spey Fumare Cask Strength Batch #2

A fire-breathing beast of a dram from Spey which manages to capture everything from the light fruity apple nature of Spey’s distillate and plenty of Bourbon cask classic flavours too. Perfect at CS or with a healthy sploosh of water, the smoke travels …

A fire-breathing beast of a dram from Spey which manages to capture everything from the light fruity apple nature of Spey's distillate and plenty of Bourbon cask classic flavours too. Perfect at CS or with a healthy sploosh of water, the smoke travels a long way. 86/100