Fall 2022 - BourbonSphere

6 Great Rye Whiskeys to Try Now

From cask finishing to single barrel releases, these rye whiskies are flavorful and perfect for fall sipping.

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Bartenders love rye whiskey for the bold and spicy flavor it lends to cocktails, but rye is just as great for sipping neat or on the rocks. Plus, unlike bourbon, rye can be made anywhere in the world—Canada has a rich history of producing rye, while distillers on the world stage are crafting some excellent expressions as well—meaning there is an ever-growing diversity to the style. In short, rye is versatile and delicious, and earlier this year, we dedicated an entire issue to it.

More recently, the Fall 2022 issue just hit newsstands this month, and features more than 130 whisky reviews in the Buying Guide, including some great tasting ryes. These six rye whiskeys all scored 90 points or more and include inventive finishes, skillful blends, and a high proof single barrel bottling.

Uncork one of these 90-point rye whiskeys

Four Gate Rye Downunder Finished in Australian Apera Sherry Casks (Batch 16)
92 points, 55.1%, $200

Earthy scents of grain and old leather against lighter fruit notes of grape and dried figs. The palate is well-balanced, with an impressive mix of fruit and spice, plus dark chocolate and caramel. The mouthfeel is jammy, creamy, rich, and extremely pleasant overall. The finish offers great length and lots of spice at the back end. The spiciness of rye meets flavorful fruit and chocolate—an excellent one. (2,168 bottles)—David Fleming

Chicken Cock Island Rooster Rum Barrel Finished
91 points , 47.5%, $200

Green apple candy, honeydew, cantaloupe, lemon jelly candies, and cooked blueberries alongside pine needles on the nose. The palate is similarly soft, with more lemon and pine flavors, rye spice, and with water, bitter chocolate and dark berries. The texture is creamy and oily, like freshly made hummus. A rich finish provides good length, plus notes of blueberry compote and chocolate cake. The finish presents itself nimbly on this bright and easy sipper. (12,000 bottles)—Ted Simmons

Frey Ranch Barrel Strength Distiller’s Reserve Single Barrel (No. 260)
91 points, 68.73%, $100

Powerful and big on the nose, with baked chocolate brownies, plum pudding, cooked prunes, and woodsmoke. Water brings out spice notes of nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla. The palate is spicy, with blackberry tart, chocolate, blueberry pie, barrel char, and more vanilla. The finish is the best part, with balanced char, lots of deep chocolate, and some dark fruit. It’s a hot one, but this is a very well-made whiskey.—David Fleming

291 M Wood Staves and Maple Syrup Barrel Finished
90 points, 63. 5%, $110

A dark brown whiskey with orange peel, black tea, new leather, and green apple candy on the nose. It is sweet and pungent, with tropical fruit emerging with water. A syrupy palate brings apple tart, vanilla pound cake, and honey and granola, with water unlocking notes of chile-dusted mango and toasted marshmallow. The finish is long, with sweetened coffee and chocolate syrup. There is a lot to unpack here, but water helps.—Ted Simmons

Alias
90 points, 45%, $30

This is like taking a trip to New England— there’s an earthy must that’s complemented beautifully by woodpile, pine trees, apple orchard, and clean air. Given the nose, the palate is somewhat surprising (but no less lovely); that earthiness lingers on, but it’s joined by lemon-poppyseed muffin and white peppercorn. A lovely round finish coaxes out some chocolate, marking a great end to a delicious ride.—Julia Higgins

Stellum Fibonacci Blend No. 1
90 points, 57.56%, $100

Plenty of cinnamon spice on the nose, sweetly balanced by vanilla bean, some fresh, green notes, and root beer float. While the palate starts off quite hot, once the Red Hots surge passes a lovely dollop of honey emerges, followed soon after by creme brûlée. Raspberry syrup adds a nice, if subdued, fruity zing. The finish cuts off fairly quickly, but it packs a fiery punch. (9,000 bottles)—Julia Higgins

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Tomintoul Celebrates Robert Fleming’s 30th Anniversary With a Series of Special Single Malts

These celebratory scotch whiskies all scored 92 points or more, though only a select few are available in the U.S.

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Master distiller Robert Fleming celebrated three decades at Tomintoul Distillery in 2020. When Angus Dundee Distillers bought Tomintoul Distillery from Whyte & Mackay in 2000, they insisted that Fleming remain as part of the deal. Fleming personally selected these long-aged whiskies to showcase the character of the gentle spirit in oloroso sherry casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, and a single bourbon barrel. While only the second and third editions were released in the States, the third-edition single cask is exclusive to the U.S. Now in his 32nd year as the custodian of Tomintoul Distillery, Fleming can take great pride in the quality of these special whiskies named in his honor.

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary Collection Reviewed

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 2nd Edition
93 points, 51.1%, $1,095

After a 1-year finish in a PX sherry butt, this delivers an intense nose of honey, stone fruits, vanilla cream, golden plum, orange, lime peel, white pepper, and sanded oak. The first sip brings pear, apple, citrus, and spice, then after a delay, sweet citrus and peel oils erupt with grapefruit, light toffee, honey, marzipan, gentle mint, pepper, and clove, leaving soothing cinnamon and subtle oakiness to finish. (700 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 3rd Edition
92 points, 52.7%, $1,050

Elegant classic Speyside characteristics from a single bourbon cask; a nose of light summer fruits, green apple, peach, nectarine, oak spices, vanilla sponge, orange cake, and hints of candied lemon and lime. Sweet lemon, lime marmalade, vanilla, and intense wood spice flavors deepen into creamy banana custard, toffee, and seasoned oak, with a complex finish of oak tannins and dry spices. (240 bottles; U.S. exclusive)—Jonny McCormick

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 1st Edition
92 points, 49.7%, £495

After a final decade in a Spanish oloroso sherry butt, the nose of this starts sweetly, then blossoms with rich fruits, plus vanilla, honey, spun sugar, nutmeg, dried vine fruit, mixed peel, cherry stone, and gingerbread aromas. It has flavors of plum, green apple, orange, treacle sweetness, red berry fruits, peppery spice, cooked peach, walnut, dates, and a lip-smacking finish of cinnamon, Jaffa orange, and Brazil nut.—Jonny McCormick

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Diageo’s Prima & Ultima Series Captures A Moment in the History of Single Malt Scotch

The full set is available for purchase, but U.S. scotch lovers can also obtain four of the individual bottles on their own.

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Master blender Dr. Craig Wilson had the privileged task of selecting the rare casks—the first and last of their kind—for this third release of Diageo’s Prima & Ultima series. Acquiring one of the 317 full sets will set you back £36,500/$43,400, but for the first time, four of the individual bottles from the collection will be released for sale in the U.S. on their own.

Based on the theme of “A Moment in Time,” the collection comprises eight whiskies with a combined maturation of nearly 300 years. It marks the series debut of Royal Lochnagar, and it’s the first collection to feature both Brora and Port Ellen whiskies: That hasn’t happened since the 2017 Diageo Special Releases. To mark this year’s Platinum Jubilee, the Port Ellen was bottled from the last remaining cask filled in 1980, the year Queen Elizabeth II visited Port Ellen maltings on Islay.

The 2022 Prima & Ultima Series Reviewed

Prima & Ultima Port Ellen 41 year old 1980
96 points, 59.6%, £36,500/set

The oldest Port Ellen ever released is a classic: a mind-blowing dry, salty, coastal dram. Dense peat, almost meaty; smokiness abounds, with driftwood, brine, zested lime, greengages, and new chamois leather notes. Satin smooth, with saltiness and sweet citrus, it’s peppery at full strength though it takes water well. Dilutes to honey, barley, and baked lemon notes, developing a thick creaminess before finishing with banana candy, peat smoke, and chocolate. (555 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Brora 40 year old 1981
95 points, 44.1%, £36,500/set

This last Brora release from 1981 has a nose of salty seaweed, toffee, ozone, ripe melon, canned pears, muted vanilla, beeswax candles, and well-integrated peppery smoke. Oily and mouth-drawing, with flavors of crème caramel, treacle, pepper, caramelized apple, and toffee, becoming waxy then velvety, with notes of cassis and dark chocolate. Smoke is a constant presence, while those oils lubricate the throat with dark vanilla and nutty flavors. (354 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Royal Lochnagar 40 year old 1981
94 points, 52.5%, $6,000 (or £36,500/set)

This wraps up a whisky experiment designed to curb the angels’ share. An elegant nose of fresh florals, honeysuckle, linen, fine spices, clotted cream on scones, blossom honey, soft oak, and lemon zest. The balance of sweet fruitiness and Lochnagar’s spiciness is delicious, with flavors of crème caramel, creamy banana, and a final phase of honey, vanilla custard, and white chocolate. This rocks, but gently. (1,047 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima The Singleton of Glen Ord 34 year old 1987
94 points,49.4%, $1,200 (or £36,500/set)

The last Glen Ord stock of this vintage has a concentrated, layered nose of lemon bonbons, gooseberry custard, toffee, vanilla, ripe barley, honey, fruit pastilles, and gentle oak. The taste buds are smothered in the confectionary sweetness of lemon meringue pie, butterscotch, honey, creamed coconut, gingernut biscuits, and toffee apple, plus pepper and lively clove. Water adds richness and deeper citrus flavors. Stunning—like a summer’s evening you wish would never end. (1,047 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Lagavulin 28 year old 1993
93 points, 50.1%, $3,000 (or £36,500/set)

Drawn from the last 1993 casks, there are notes of chocolate-covered cherries, crystallized ginger, seasoned oak, woodsmoke, salt and pepper potato chips, and black tea on the nose. Plenty of European oak influence on the palate, with rich toffee, dried vine fruit, praline, robust smoke, pepper, and clove, though water coaxes out brighter cherry jam flavors. Spectacularly good, even if it plays many familiar old Lagavulin tunes. (642 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Talisker 37 year old 1984
93 points, 51.9%, $3,500 (or £36,500/set)

Dry smokiness, salt, pepper, dried chile flakes, seashells, flaky chocolate, and the old oak of empty bourbon barrels baking in the sun. On the palate, sweet concoctions of lemon curd, oranges, and chalky rock candy are bridged by peppery smoke to an oilier phase of nougat, almond, and seasoned oak, ending with creamy chocolate notes. Talisker has released older bottlings, but these are the last of the casks from 1984. (968 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Mannochmore 31 year old 1990
92 points, 45.1%, £36,500/set

Initially matured in refill casks, this unconventional whisky developed rich chestnut hues after nearly three decades in virgin European oak. An intriguing nose of prune juice, sultana, halva, wood spice, After Eight mints, and caramelized sugar. The palate expresses orange marmalade, chocolate-covered Brazil nuts, cocoa, oak spice, black cherry, and black currant mousse to finish: Refrain from adding water. This is exactly what you want from a series like this. (317 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Cragganmore 48 year old 1973
88 points, 44.8%, £36,500/set

Drawn from the oldest casks from the distillery’s steam-driven stills era, the beguiling nose has a honeyed intensity of vanilla cream, Quaker Oats, ripe stone fruit, mango, fresh tropical fruits, ground almond, and candied orange. The tart bitter-orange flavors are mouth-drawing, with peppercorn, walnut, and a jungle of oaky tannins. It’s very dry, with a finish of slightly tough dried fruit, falling short of Diageo’s sublime 1973 original. (351 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

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5 Great Irish Whiskeys to Try Now

Sample single pot still or some of Ireland’s inventive finishing techniques with one of these selections from the Fall 2022 Buying Guide.

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While Irish whiskey is celebrated around St. Patrick’s Day each spring, the style is worthy of recognition year-round. Single malt enthusiasts will find Irish examples aplenty, sometimes at considerably lower costs compared to their Scottish counterparts. The curious drinker will have plenty of other avenues to explore, as Irish cask-finishing is often leading the way on the innovation side. And fans of the true Irish style, single pot still, will be delighted by the growing number of expressions on the market.

These five whiskeys from the Fall 2022 Buying Guide are an excellent representation of this diverse category. Mainstays like Redbreast and the Spot range continue to deliver quality and innovation in tandem, while newcomers like Drumshanbo prove worthy of the global spotlight.

Get to Know These High-Scoring Irish Whiskeys

Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition single pot still
93 points, 50.5%, $95
The Irish-American whiskey trend works both ways. This golden dram serves up oak spices and lashings of creamy vanilla at 101 proof, with aromas of butter biscuits, sliced almond, and creamed coconut. Brown sugar, red fruits, and cherry lozenges on first sip, then cinder toffee, Milky Way, forest honey, and warm apple pie, ratcheting up lush vanilla, oakiness, and sweet concentrated fruitiness to finish. Water adds extra creaminess, if that’s possible.—Jonny McCormick

Gold Spot 9 year old single pot still
92 points, 51.4%, $120
Tumbling waves of spice on the nose, with pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and spicy oak, balanced with whole lime, kiwi, apple pie, dried raspberry, and a hint of watermelon. Smooth and easy drinking, with initial flavors of dried mango and papaya, then a surge of pepper and clove. Its finest moments lie beyond the spice peak when the delicious pot still creaminess spills over with vanilla, Brazil nut, hazelnut, cinnamon, and residual tropical fruitiness.—Jonny McCormick

Drumshanbo Galánta single malt 2021 Release
91 points, 46%, $100
The first single malt from Connacht in 107 years is sweet, juicy, and utterly moreish. It has a bouquet of honeycomb, vanilla sponge, lemon meringue pie, amaretti cookies, marzipan, white pepper, and a spritz of lime. Honey, vanilla, custard creams, peel oils, pepper, and waves of sweet lemon ease into baked fruits, ripe apricot, and sponge fingers soaked in orange liqueur. Gentle spice and Refreshers candy on the finish. (8,400 bottles).—Jonny McCormick

Writers’ Tears Cask Strength blend Vintage Release 2022
91 points, 54.6%, $150
Despite the rolling pot still spices at its core, the aromas paint a sweet, fruity, and mellow picture. Dried mango, banana chips, ripe pear, meringue, and heather honey aromas conceal the spicy mayhem to come. Dominant spices surge through the mango and citrus peel flavors on the palate, leaving notes of fennel and cilantro in their wake. The spices carry on, beating the drum throughout the dry finish.—Jonny McCormick

Method & Madness Japanese Chestnut Finish single pot still
90 points, 48%, $95
Dry peppery spice and ample woody notes at the onset, with peppermint aromas building against a background of nuttiness, waxy leaves, and herbal notes. Licorice, orange peel, and ground pepper are overcome by a deluge of clove, bitter herbs, and woodiness, then the creamy mouthfeel erupts amid notes of menthol, clove, and unsweetened chocolate. This is the choice for the accustomed single pot still drinker who prefers Powers to Redbreast.—Jonny McCormick

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10 High Scoring Whiskies From the Fall 2022 Buying Guide

Scoring between 95 and 92 points, these whiskies represent a wide array of styles from straight bourbon to single pot still Irish whiskey.

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The Fall 2022 issue explores the many wonders Scotland has to offer, from gorgeous golf courses to great hotels, and of course, unforgettable whiskies. It should come as no surprise then, that the issue contains reviews of a number of high-scoring single malt scotches. Most notably, we highlight 15 single malts that bear a 30 year age statement, all of which scored between 90 and 96 points. Two of those whiskies, Macallan 30 year old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) and Springbank 30 year old, were named among the issue’s most collectible whiskies reviewed. At 30 years old, all of the bottles included would make for a special toast and treat.

The below list, however, provides a bit more diversity and some great deals, offering something for everyone: cask-strength bourbon, inventive single pot still finishes, peated American single malt, and more. Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut scored 92 points and will set you back just $45. We have similar deals within our Best Values selections, and always designate our favorite whiskies in each issue using the Editors’ Choice tag. Fall is known to be a busy month for whisky makers and drinkers, so scan this list, which features dependable names like Booker’s, The Irishman, Glenfiddich, and more, and dive into the full Fall 2022 Buying Guide, which has over 130 whiskies rated and reviewed, to find your next dram.

Great Whiskies From the Fall 2022 Issue

Macallan 30 year old Double Cask single malt scotch (2021 Release)
95 points, 43%, $4,250
Sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks produce a layered, complex whisky with notes of honeycomb, satsuma, vanilla, dried lavender, macadamia nut, white-fleshed apples, nectarine, and apricot juice. The qualities of the American oak make for a delightful whisky of honeyed citrus, nutty creaminess, and red apple, becoming more oily in texture, with spicy citrus peel, vanilla sponge, creamy oak, apricot, toffee, and a long, dry finish.—Jonny McCormick

Balvenie Rare Marriages 30 year old single malt scotch
94 points, 44.2%, $2,400
Needs time to open up, but the nose of this superb whisky reveals cocoa powder, heather honey, milk chocolate, dark berries, dried orange, toasted sourdough, and a growing presence of oak spices. Indulgent flavors of plum, date, dried fig, dark chocolate, and mocha, then black grape, milk chocolate, charred oak, Brazil nut, and nutmeg. The finish is mellow, with dry spices, nuts, and chocolate.—Jonny McCormick

Glenfiddich 30 year old single malt scotch
94 points, 43%, $700
Matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this is intensely fruity, with attractive oak characteristics, apple pastries, honey, malt, pressed flowers, dried fruits, fresh pear, vanilla, and polished oak. Exceptionally smooth with balletic grace on the tongue, offering flavors of honey, sweet vanilla, tangy citrus, baked apples, creamy poached pear, and gentle cask spices. Vanilla pudding, malt, and hints of coffee and clove appear on the finish.—Jonny McCormick

The Irishman Cask Strength blend 2022 Vintage Release
94 points, 54.9%, $140
Complex, intense, and full-bodied with toffee, green apple, ripening plum, aromatic spices, nutmeg, and peppercorn. The 14th consecutive release in this long-running series is one of their best-ever whiskeys, delivering delicious flavors of toffee apple, malt, chocolate, vanilla pod, and spice, yielding to concentrated fruitiness with baked orange, mango, candied pineapple, and a lengthy finish of dried and tropical fruits.—Jonny McCormick

Kilkerran 12 year old single malt scotch
93 points, 46%, $110
This delivers a highly distinctive combination of fruity, savory, and spicy aromas: damson, cherry, aromatic smoke, and pastrami, with increasing peatiness, backed up by cake mix, dried peel, pink peppercorn, nutmeg, and licorice. The mouthfeel changes gears from sweet to oily, beginning with orange peel, lime, watermelon, lemon curd, toffee, and sherbet, then pivots to peat smoke, orange fondant, red apple, ginger- bread, and peppery base notes.—Jonny McCormick

Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch 2022-01” straight bourbon
93 points, 62.15%, $90
Richly herbal on the nose, with dark fruits, subtle notes of cooked meat and barbecue, sweet pickles, hints of cinnamon, and vanilla cream. Very creamy on the palate, well-spiced, with more meaty flavors, cinnamon stick, and chocolate ball. A lot of depth of flavor here, and the texture is creamy despite the heft. A great spice bomb with an explosive finish full of more cinnamon spice, cooked fruit, and chocolate sweetness.—David Fleming

Method & Madness Japanese Cedarwood Finish single pot still
93 points, 48%, $95
Delivering a unique flavor profile, this opens with delicate, ethereal notes of sweet lychee, grapefruit, white florals, and tangerine that float atop aromatic spice, paprika heat, tree bark, antique books, and balsa wood. The flavors encompass golden syrup, caraway, and sesame bars, with pepperiness wrapped around the base of the tongue, transitioning to smooth creamy vanilla, toffee, and orange peel, with dried apricot, strong green tea, and lingering clove.—Jonny McCormick

Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut straight bourbon
92 points, 58.75%, $45
Vanilla wafers and fresh marshmallows on the nose, with bake shop notes of fresh pastry. The palate is spicy and rich, with flavors of chocolate fudge, coffee, black pepper, and cooked red fruits. Water brings out more chocolate and spice. Very well-balanced and appealing. The well-textured and smooth finish offers notes of chocolate, mellow almond, and milk chocolate. It’s a big one and ice is recommended, but the quality is there.—David Fleming

Manatawny Double Peated American single malt (Batch 24)
92 points, 47%, $75
A rustic and smoky nose delivers dried herbs, cocoa powder, salted peanuts, citrus, licorice, and wax. Where the nose draws you in, the palate keeps your attention with a beautiful creamy texture and notes of oyster brine, anise, peppercorns, candied orange, chocolate, and green olives. A lengthy finish completes the experience, with woodsmoke, mocha, and salted caramel. Somewhat irregular in profile, with undeniable balance, nuance, and intrigue. (400 bottles)—Ted Simmons

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Fall 2022 Best Values: Tullibardine, Jack Daniel’s, McConnell’s

Sherry-finished whiskies from Scotland and Ireland and a bottled in bond Tennessee 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 Fall 2022 issue, a sherry-finished single malt scotch, a bottled in bond Tennessee whiskey, and sherry-finished Irish whiskey all ranked as Best Values.

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

HIGH SCORES, LOW PRICES: BEST VALUE WHISKIES

Tullibardine 500 Sherry Cask Finish
91 points, 43%, $40
The sherry cask influence is apparent, and to great effect. The alluring nose is a symphony of raisins, Fig Newtons, quince paste, white peach, and dried pineapple. More fruit follows on the palate, which is delicate despite being heavy on fruit leather flavors. A touch of honey and a zip of lemon peel add even
more dimension. The lengthy finish is fruity, with delightful wood spice at the tail end. (7,800 bottles)—Julia Higgins

Jack Daniel’s Bonded
90 points, 50%, $35
Fruity and fresh, there’s a whole lot to parse out on the nose, starting with citrus zest, Asian pear, cantaloupe, and banana peel. A drizzle of honey is a precursor to a palate that beautifully balances sweet with spice; fruit gummies and strawberry frosting mingle with black pepper and library books. The mid-length finish delivers much of the same, with pronounced notes of fruit syrup.—Julia Higgins

McConnell’s 5 year old Sherry Cask Finish
90 points, 46%, $45
McConnell’s aims to restore distilling to Belfast one day, and this second release helps to support the cause. There’s red grape, cherry, black currant, red apple, fig, aniseed, fresh mint, and herbal aromas. Though the texture on the initial sip feels light, it fills out nicely as it works up impressive sherry notes, whipping up the spices and showing off raisin, bramble, black cherry, clove, and ginger spices. (12,000 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

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Fall 2022 Collectibles: Macallan, Springbank, Method & Madness

Two 30 year old single malt scotches and a 33 year old single pot still Irish whiskey stand out for their collectability.

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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 Fall 2022, the top choices came from Scotland and Ireland and were all aged for at least 30 years.

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

TOP COLLECTIBLE WHISKIES TO TARGET

Macallan 30 year old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
96 points, 43%, $4,750

Dried vine fruit, black cherry, rich sherry, candied lemon, toasted oak, and active clove spices demonstrate a sublime balance between the spice and sherry fruit from the oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. It’s oily, mouth-coating, and richly satisfying, with deep reserves of sherry character, citrus peel, honey, chocolate, seasoned oak, creamy nougat, and a lengthy finish of dried fruit and toasted oak. A consummate Speyside whisky.—Jonny McCormick

Springbank 30 year old
96 points, 46%, $2,600

Bold, aromatic, and enticing, with notes of golden pear, vanilla, crystalized honey, and characteristic salinity, followed by earthy aromas of aniseed balls, warm pancakes, snuffed church candles, and salted nuts. Thick-textured, salty, and fruity, with vanilla essence, golden fruits, apple, melon, toffee, peppercorn, clove, star anise, cacao, baked fruits, apple, and a salty smack on the lips. The exquisite finish is sweet, salty, intensely rich, and slightly tannic.—Jonny McCormick

Method & Madness 33 year old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish
94 points, 52.8%, $3,000

This really casts a spell with its aromas of baked pastry, vanilla, mizunara oak, rich toffee, dried fruits, millionaire’s shortbread, worn leather, and crisp pot still spices. It starts with soft citrus peel, grated nutmeg over frothy cappuccino, caramel, and vanilla pudding, the rich sweetness in harmony with the spices. An astonishing creaminess brings it home with notes of banana, green apple, and satsuma, with fruit pastilles on the finish.—Jonny McCormick

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Fall 2022 Editors’ Choice: Dewar’s, Blackened, Elijah Craig

A blended scotch, cask-finished rye, and barrel proof bourbon all scored top marks in the Fall 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 Fall 2022, our Editors’ Choice selections include a blended scotch, a madeira and rum cask-finished rye, and a barrel proof Kentucky bourbon.

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

STANDOUT WHISKIES FROM FALL 2022

Dewar’s 12 year old
93 points, 40%, $30
Now double-aged in first-fill bourbon casks, this is a zinger. Bright aromas of honey, caramel, dried apricot and apple slice, mixed peel, malt, roasted spices, rich vanilla, and an imprint of woodsmoke. Silky-smooth flavors of honey, warm citrus, black pepper, dark chocolate, and a lick of smoke, then vanilla, burnt toffee, black cherry, espresso, soft oak, and a finish of milk chocolate and hazelnut latte. An outstanding blend.—Jonny McCormick

Blackened Double Cask Madeira and Rum Cask Finished
92 points, 45%, $80
Grain-forward on the nose, like a grain barn, with lots of robust spice. Water softens it and brings out notes of candied grape. The clean, smooth palate is balanced with fruit, good depth, and plenty of spice. Water unlocks pleasant bitter chocolate and enhances the rye grain flavors. The finish is superbly long, with more spice, grape jelly, chocolate, and coffee ice cream. The cask finishing works superbly—a real winner.—David Fleming

Elijah Craig 12 year old Barrel Proof (B522)
92 points, 60.5%, $70
The maturity is instantly apparent, with a nose of chocolate cloaked in old oak and antique leather, but also offers red berries and aged herbs at the edges. Plenty of depth on a buttery palate of chocolate, almond, gooey caramel, vanilla ice cream, and ripe banana. On the finish, chocolate, raspberry jam, and espresso bean. This one has aged gracefully, with perfectly tempered sweetness and depth.—David Fleming

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