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WHISKEY REVIEWS

Brown spirits remain one of the hottest categories in the beverage alcohol business . Whether spelled “ whiskey ” or “ whisky ,” these products currently enjoy a growing audience , as more consumers dive into the category . But which whiskeys represent the best quality-to-price ratio ? Which are actually good deals , as the market for brown spirits continue to rise ?
For answers to those questions — and reviews of the best bottles — we again turn to the annual New York International Spirits Competition . Our sister competition uses judges who are trade professionals : retailers , bartenders , buyers , etc . They blind-taste products based on price tiers . So these reviews and ratings recognize spirits that represent both quality and value .
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL
Ardbeg Uigedall . A classic Islay Scotch bottled at 54.2 % ABV , with a lovely amber color with beautiful legs . Tobacco and oiled leather fill the nose with the underlying wave of peat smoke . It coats the tongue with a fine medley of tobacco , burnt citrus and marshmallow , encased by smoke peat as it travels down your throat for a long finish .
Balcones Mirador . An annual release that is a blend of malt whiskies in used barrels aged in the heart of Texas , where it simply gets hot . Oak and light smoke is in the nose . Leather and vanilla lay on the tongue with a light lingering tobacco and soft leather finish .
Bear Fight . Bear Fight comes from Raleigh , NC-based Next Century Distillery , which positions itself as a supplier of bulk spirits for new brands to
purchase . This American single malt shows its value in the bottle with its vanilla and oak nose . It lays properly in the mouth with light tobacco and vanilla on the edge of the tongue , and a medium finish at the end .
Bushmills Black Bush . A well-balanced Irish whiskey with light fruit and citrus medley on the nose . The time in the sherry and ex-bourbon casks is apparent with a light
sweetness and sherry presence in the mouth . The finish is soft and long , leaving a fine coating as it travels down your throat .
Doc Swinson ’ s Alter Ego Solera Aged Rye . A unique blended rye using the Solera method of aging ex-bourbon casks . Deep dark brown sugar is most prominent in the nose . The spice is there for a rye , but the rum finish brings a subtle dried fruit medley with a light tobacco finish .
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