John Barr Reserve, 40%

A fantastic value that delivers big on flavor; the nose melds malty sweetness with honeysuckle, candied orange, baked pineapple, and a whiff of leather and smoke. The palate is light, with peppery notes balanced by sugar cookie, maple syrup, apricot, and spearmint gum. The finish is long-lasting and doesn’t reinvent the wheel—black pepper spice is joined by delicate menthol and punchy stone fruit.