Spirits Over $100

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Soy sauce, olive brine, peat, honey, oloroso Sherry, brewer's yeast, bread dough, barley malt and cigar smoke in the bouquet. The flavor that magically includes the innate intense peatiness of Islay malts and the masterly employment of oak barrels phase defines "classy Islay.? Concludes sweetly, without sacrificing the tangy, astringent peatiness that is inherent. Gorgeous.

Enjoy reading this review of Laguvulin 16 year old written by Margarett Waterbury - TheWhiskeyWash.com

Tasting Notes:

Lagavulin 16-Year-Old is satisfying in a way that many other things are not. You might not like it, but if you enjoy whisky, it is essential for you to buy a bottle of Lagavulin 16, and drink it. It might take you the rest of your life, but it’s important.

Appearance:  A deep, dusky amber.

Nose:  Oh, geez. There’s peat, first of all, a big, pungent whack of it, laced with smoked fish and driftwood and salty rocks. But underneath that, there’s a great big ocean of sweet, caramelized malt, all baked apples and cobbler crust. Plenty of industrial character, too—soot, rubber, hot electrical equipment, and that magical, grimy petrichor of a dirty urban sidewalk after a summer’s rain.

Palate:  You know that saying “turns to ashes in your mouth?” This is like the opposite. At first, it’s like a mouthful of recently extinguished ashes—charred, powdery, astringent—but then a lush, maritime garden quickly comes into Technicolor focus. Basically, Lagavulin 16 tastes just like a real boat: varnish, diesel, salty nets, ocean spray, and the sticky lanolin-rich smell of a thick wool sweater a hardworking man has been wearing one too many days in a row. Over several minutes in the glass, ghosts of fruit emerge—orange and red cherry, mostly—but never seem to break through the low-hanging haze. That’s alright – a suggestion is enough.

When people talk about Scotch whisky, maritime imagery comes up a lot. So let’s start with a beach metaphor.

Wonderful Glenmorangie is like visiting a beach in San Diego. It’s great! It’s 85 degrees, it’s sunny, the water is warm, and everybody’s having a fantastic time. Lagavulin is like a visit to the Oregon Coast. Describe the experience objectively—it’s cold, it’s grey, it’s rainy, there’s not much to do and certainly no place to swim without a dry suit or a death wish—and some might wonder why bother going at all. To others, there’s nowhere else in the world they’d rather be.

Sunny beaches are terrific. But sometimes you need an experience with a little more grit, something that reflects the grimy, complex, trying, sometimes objectively bad experience of real life. For times like that, there’s Lagavulin. It’s peaty, medicinal, pungent, smoky, a Band-aid factory in the throes of catastrophic meltdown, and when you really need it, nothing else will do.

Producer Description 

Intense amber in color, the Clase Azul Reposado presents aromas of wood, vanilla and toffee caramel. On the palate, it is silky, rich and smooth, offering notes of cooked agave, wood and vanilla.

This limited-release whiskey is a sumptuous marriage of rye whiskeys finished in port barrels. The rye forms a beautiful base of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon while the port barrels provide notes of plum, dried fruit, and spice. Like a proper holiday plum pudding, it’s brimming with lovely mulling spices, dried fruits, and crème anglaise. Sip it slowly through the coldest night. Producer Description.

Celebrated in exclusive cocktail bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, the iconic Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila is the choice of connoisseurs around the globe. Produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and a half years, Don Julio 1942 Anejo is handcrafted in tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey.

Tasting Notes: It begins with rich caramel and chocolate on the nose that gives way to palate-coating flavors of agave, sun-ripened tropical fruits with vanilla-spiced undertones. The 1942 has a lingering finish of oak and rich vanilla.

Producer Description 

A blend of our rarest malts and most superior grains, matured to their peak, Johnnie Walker Blue Label represents our highest achievement. Blue Label recreated the flavors of the Walkers' early whiskies, in a bottle that also takes its design from the 19th century.

Every single component of the exceptional blend has been handpicked from exclusive distilleries, some of which are no longer in existence. We draw these components from extradordinary casks, usually one in every two million. As soon as they're discovered, they're set aside for Blue Label and matured until their absolute peak - however long that may take.

Expert Review

Vinous 96 Points | The nose is alive with fresh flowers and mint, along with richer aromas of dried apricot, pastry dough and a hint of rancio. The freshness carries onto the palate, where there’s great linear structure, nuttiness and attractive acidity, and the surprisingly intense grilled walnut finish. This is a lively, drinkable style of XO that offers excellent value. 

Winemaker Description

Wide spectrum of aromas of late summer fruit, combined with rich floral notes of white flowers such as jasmine. The perfect expression of Fine Champagne opulence on the palate with mature flavors of juicy plums and candied oranges, with a hint of hazelnuts and cinnamon. Velvety, rich, and lingering. 

Producer Description 

Caribbean Cask has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. To create the ideal finish, Malt Master David Stewart filled American oak casks with his own blend of select West Indian rums. When he judged the casks to be ready, the rum was replaced with the 14 year old spirit and the wood was put to work adding the final touches.

The result is an exceptional single malt whisky with the traditional smooth, honeyed character of The Balvenie, married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish. Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes. Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time. Soft and lingering.

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | After regular maturation, this Scotch is extra matured in former rum casks. The end result layers rich, mouth-coating dried apricot, honey and Sherry notes on top of Balvenie s usual caramel and light peat profile. It finishes flavorful, though with a distinct burst of alcohol warmth. 

Producer Description 

Winemaker Description

Old gold amber colours with the intense aromas of honey and spices, underscored with deep flavours of dried apricots, hazelnuts and vanilla, creating a rich yet elegant combination. Specially selected Portos are chosen for ageing in wooden casks, Gradual exposure to air, concentrates the flavours and matures the ruby colours to amber, creating the rare and delicious Sandeman Porto Tawny 30 Years Old. The ageing process intensifies the fruit creating the complex flavours characteristic of Tawny Porto, a perfect ending to any meal and an inspiration for good conversation.

Expert Reviews

Suntory Whisky's Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky. A Japanese single malt whisky, The Yamazaki 12 Year is known for its "noble" aroma. It hails from Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan, which takes its nobility status up a notch or two.

The Yamazaki 12 Year is considered the nation's premier single malt whisky, but it's safe to say that whisky fans around the globe appreciate this award-winning spirit. Since 1984, The Yamazaki Distillery has produced its Single Malt 12 Year. Its mash bill boasts 100 percent malted barley, and its cask-aged in The Yamazaki Distillery for 12 years before being bottled and arriving at your front door.

So how does it Taste? This golden whisky boasts complex aromas and superior drinkability. The nose features hints of fruit, including peach, grapefruit, pineapple and candied orange, along with spices such as clove and orange. This whisky also has notes of rich coconut and tart cranberry, while the long finish features spicy ginger and cinnamon.

This is a whisky made for savoring. Try it straight, served in a tulip glass or drink it on the rocks, poured over a whisky stone. If you're looking for something bubbly, mix it with club soda to add a hint of brightness to its mellow character and to bring out its oakiness. Or mix it one-part whisky with two parts water for a chilled-out finish to your day - Producer Description 

Producer Description 

Aromas of fruit, baked fully-ripened agave, green olive, and earth are invitingly present. Slightly brighter and a touch more rustic than the regular blanco, the accents of butter, olive, earth, black pepper, and vegetal qualities in the flavor are enhanced because it comes straight from our small copper pot still, without adding water prior to bottling.

For years, the only way to sample this was to visit our distillery in Tequila, Jalisco. Until now.

Producer Description

Produced in small, individually numbered batches, Glenfiddich 18 Year Old combines a touch of fruity sweetness from the Spanish Oloroso wood and an oakiness from the traditional American casks.

After being married in wooden tuns for at least three months, its rich, mellow flavors come together, creating an exceptionally smooth and remarkably deep single malt Scotch whisky with notes of baked apple, spice and robust oak. Each batch is unique and is of an extraordinary quality.

Remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit, spiced apple and a robust oakiness. Richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates overlaid with elegant oak notes. Warming. Rewarding. Distinguished.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 96 points | Luxe and easy-sipping. Look for enticing notes of butterscotch, baked pear, cinnamon and clove on the nose and palate, swathed in just the right amount of smokiness.

Producer Description

Dark gold. Intense and vanilla sweet. Floral, hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather and oak. The palate is initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, peppery, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices. The finish is very long, warming, dry and spicy. 

Expert Reviews

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | Finished in rum casks, the honey and orange zest aromas suggest a cocktail, not a straight pour of Scotch. These flavors are echoed on the silky palate, opening with cocoa and leather and evolving into a luscious, fudge-like finish, with hints of orange peel and cinnamon. Enjoy with a big rock of ice and a piece of orange peel, it needs no other adornment.

93 Points Whisky Advocate | Rich, sweet, and fruity with baked apples drizzled in honey, crisp white pear, honeysuckle, dried banana, vanilla fudge, and pecan pie. This works so well with the nascent Glenfiddich spirit; lime zest, vanilla, foamy meringue, honey blossom sweetness, and pepper transitioning to lime shred marmalade, soft oak, and a dry spicy finish. Vibrant, stimulating, sophisticated, and so well balanced that it never risks becoming overly sweet.

Dark gold. Intense and vanilla sweet. Floral, hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather and oak. The palate is initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, peppery, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices. The finish is very long, warming, dry and spicy. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Created by Pierre Frapin 100 years ago, Fontpinot cognac has always been a delight to demanding epicureans. As opposed to a ubiquitous passion for planning, roots of the pleasure of tasting continue to work serenely and unstoppably at Frapin. To celebrate the centenary, Cognac Frapin is publishing a limited-edition anniversary packaging. Inspired by the original version, the label brings up to date the symbols of ownership and the colors popular during the Roaring twenties. The bottle is presented in a rough wooden box inspired by the straw-lined crates used at the time.

A real treasure of Cognac Frapin, Fontpinot XO can lay claim to the Chateau appellation because it is made exclusively from grapes harvested, distilled, aged, and bottled at the Chateau Fontpinot. Distillation over lees and a long aging in dry cellars provide its distinct character.

With an average age of over 20 years, this expression has a nose of candied fruit, marzipan, and rancio. The long aging brings toffee, almond butter, and spice to the palate before a long, elegant finish.

Producer Description 

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey forms part of our Sherry Oak range, which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. A full-bodied palate of mature oak, ginger and raisin flavors is complemented by a light mahogany natural color.

It is an iconic Macallan with a robust flavor. It has aromas of dried fruits and fiery ginger, as well as sweet vanilla and warm cinnamon. The palate offers notes of raisins, cloves, orange, baking spices, and toasted oak, before developing orange zest, crystallized ginger and dried fruits that linger in the finish.

When matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, our rich, fruity and full-bodied 'new make' spirit is transformed into an iconic single malt. Once filled, the maturing spirit remains undisturbed in the same casks for 18 years and is brought together in this rich and complex single malt characterized by mature oak, ginger and raisin flavors.

The Macallan's meticulous distilling process, as well as the insistence on only the finest ingredients, ensure that every sip of The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey exhibits unparalleled depth and complexity. Enjoy!

Producer Description 

Tequila Fortaleza is a small-batch, handcrafted tequila. It is made today with the same production methods that our family used to make tequila, over one hundred and forty years ago! Fortaleza Añejo is aged for 18 months is used American Whiskey barrels. The extra time spent aging in these barrels impart deeper, richer, and warmer tones than our reposado. 

Common aromas and flavors found in our añejo are: Cooked Agave, Sweet Butter, Butterscotch, Caramel, Vanilla, Citrus, Dried Fruit, Tropical Fruit, Cinnamon, White Pepper, Cloves, Nuts, and Dry Earth. All of our tequilas are deliciously wonderful and complex, and can be enjoyed neat, or in a cocktail!

Producer Description 

EH Taylor Jr Single Barrel carries lightly toasted oak aromas, with dried figs and butterscotch. The first sip brings forward flavours of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is sufficiently long to prepare the palette for another sip. The bottle has a likeness to Colonel Taylor's original design, used over a century ago. Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered as one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry. He fought for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. 

That was nearly three decades after he purchased what is now called Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time in charge, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today, including climate-controlled ageing warehouses like Warehouse C, built by Taylor in 1885. Each barrel is hand-picked and Bottled in Bond at 100 proof to honour its namesake.

Producer Description 

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu® is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts.

Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and fresh" whisky.   Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master brender, the unique taste made in distinct.

Four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt whisky, enlivens and liberates your senses.

Producer Description 

Avion Reserva Cristalino is a multi award winning tequila, Avión is crafted with a simple philosophy; they are committed to creating a single origin tequila that embodies the best of craft processes to ensure the natural, rich, and roasted flavors of the Avión agave. Avion Reserva Cristalino is bottled at 80 Proof and made with 100% Puro De Agave. 

Avión Reserva Cristalino entices your senses with layered notes of oak, vanilla, spices, and nuttiness, complemented by the bright earthiness of our agaves.

Winemaker Description 

Milla is a liqueur made from the infusion of Camomile flowers in the grappa. The Camomile flowers are picked when fully ripened then left to steep for eleven months in the grappa. This liqueur is obtained from a traditional and easy recipe, typical in the Langhe territory, the land of Barolo and Barbaresco. 

Honey, beeswax, and floral on the nose, evoking aromas of chamomile tea and honey. Light, smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a perfect liqueur for dessert pairing.

Producer Description 

The 2024 release of George T. Stagg Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery continues the legacy of this bold, barrel-proof bourbon. Bottled at a potent 136.1 proof, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is crafted from barrels aged over 15 years and two months, honoring the robust character of its namesake and the heritage of Buffalo Trace Distillery.

First launched in 2002 in response to a demand for well-aged, full-strength whiskey, George T. Stagg remains a collector’s favorite for its powerful, complex profile. Last year’s expression took First Place across multiple categories at the 2024 International Whisky Competition, underscoring its reputation as a top-tier bourbon.

Producer Description 

The 2024 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery continues the legacy of unfiltered, barrel-proof rye whiskey. Aged over six years and bottled at a bold 127.2 proof, this release builds on the historic recipe inspired by Thomas H. Handy, the bartender credited with popularizing rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail.

Hand-bottled without dilution, it captures the raw essence of the rye, honoring traditional methods dating back over a century. Last year’s expression earned a prestigious Double Gold at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class rye.

Producer Description 

The William Larue Weller 2024 Release from the esteemed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a true collector’s bourbon, embodying the rich tradition of wheated bourbons with an uncut, unfiltered presentation. Bottled at a robust 125.8 Proof (62.9% ABV), this bourbon is aged for 12 years and 6 months, allowing it to develop a smooth, complex profile that brings out the sweetness and depth of its wheated mash bill. Known for its balance of bold flavors and refined character, the 2024 release of William Larue Weller is a remarkable addition to any serious whiskey collection.

William Larue Weller is celebrated for its full-bodied and rounded profile, showcasing flavors of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices with a smooth finish that highlights its well-aged complexity.

Producer Description 

The Beluga Gold Line is visibly distinct with its perfect shine and transparency. The Beluga Gold Line is a true discovery for connoisseurs of a strong and gentle alcohol.

Beluga Gold Line is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The spirit is distilled three times using the finest malt and pure artesian water. What sets Beluga Gold Line apart is its unique maturation process.

After distillation, the vodka is rested for 90 days, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop. It is then filtered through quartz sand and silver, achieving unparalleled purity and smoothness.

Each bottle is a work of art, hand-decorated with a wax seal, and adorned with a leather cord. Beluga Gold Line offers a taste of luxury and refinement, inviting you to savor the culmination of craftsmanship and time-honored traditions with every sip.

Producer Description 

Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso Sherry. Palate : Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with Sherry and Oak. Full bodied and creamy. Finish : Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak.

Aberlour single malt whisky is named after where it’s made. It means ‘the mouth of the chattering burn’ in Gaelic, and this wild mountain stream is part of the Aberlour story.

The sweet, pure mountain springs were believed by the Celts to whisper secrets, and the Druids prized them as having healing powers. It was here in 1879 that philanthropist James Fleming founded the distillery, and ever since, Aberlour has used these legendary waters to create its whisky.

Aberlour finds its character thanks to the sourcing of local ingredients and its double-cask maturation, which means the spirit is enriched with hand-picked, rare Oloroso Sherry butts and American oak bourbon barrels.

The spirit ages simultaneously in each type of cask, developing rich spice from the Sherry and soft vanilla from the bourbon. The two are then subtly married to craft ‘the full Sherry impact’ found in Aberlour’s Double Cask Matured Single Malt Whiskies. The legendary craft of Aberlour can only be developed over time. Never rushed. Never compromised. 

Expert Review - 1996

Ultimate Beverage Challenge  89 Points | Very Good, Strong Recommendation.

Producer Description 

Fully respect each vintage’s respective terroir and ensure its perfect expression.
No blending of domains or vintages in order to preserve the specificities,
No « reduction » that would dilute the alcoholic or aromatic strength and the nuances of the terroir by adding « petites eaux » in order to not betray the typicalities.

Each Bas-Armagnac is strictly itself, with the name of the domain of origin, its vintage and the bottling date which tells its real age as eaux-de-vie stop aging once bottle.

The color of this 1996 vintage is gold with pretty brown highlights. Nose: The nose is very fruity carried by notes of quince, fig, orange jam and verbena. Tannins on the palate that are still young but very delicate. Finale: A beautiful length in the mouth characterizes this Darroze 1996 Armagnac.

Bas-Armagnac, whose capital is Eauze, is to the west of the appellation. It runs in the Landes and the western part of the Gers. It represents 67% of the areas identified in Armagnac. In this part of the land, the soils are sandy loam, called “tawny sands”. Bas-Armagnac eaux-de-vie are delicate and very fruity.

Producer Description

Golden color with yellow tints. A beautiful nose with candied fruit (dates, prune), dried fruit (apricot, fig) and spices (vanilla, butterscotch). On the palate, the tannins are silky. The aromas of citrus (orange peel, tangerine) dominate. Beautiful length.

A unique expression of the terroir of the Grand Bas Armagnac, combining spices and woody notes.

Guy Deyres worked in the Bas Armagnac region for almost 40 years before passing on his passion for and the secrets of his craft to his son Jean-Luc, the current owner of Domaine de Rieston. Domaine Au Martin, with its sandy soils and baco grapes, is located in the ‘magical’ Grand Bas Armagnac sector and we consider ourselves lucky to exclusively present its armagnacs. We work with M Deyres senior (Domaine Au Martin) and Mr. Deyres junior (Domaine de Rieston).

Expert Reviews

Vinous 96 Points | Delamain’s youngest offering, at 20 to 25 years old, is also one of the standard-bearers of Grande Champagne (the blend was created in the 1920s and hasn’t changed). Light amber, with a delightful nose full of pear, marmalade, quince and orange blossom. The pear and quince carry onto the palate, where a distinctive membrillo-like flavor emerges — a unique note I find in a number of Delamain expressions. There’s gentle spice and warm citrus on the palate, gliding to a long, delicate finish. The definition of elegance.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Bold and butterscotchy, this easy-drinking Cognac also has dried fruit and nutty tones, plus a saline touch that's reminiscent of salted caramel. There's a spicy flourish on the relatively dry finish. Delamain notes that it is one of the only Cognac houses to exclude VS and VSOP expressions from its portfolio, 'its range starts where others end, with an X.O.

Producer Description

A blend of long-aged XO Grande Champagne Cognacs, Delamain Pale & Dry benefits from a lengthy two-year marriage period in cask after assemblage before being bottled, resulting in a beautifully smooth roundness and flavour integration on the palate.