New Holland Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
Brilliant, pale golden straw. The aromatics are very interesting and certainly barrel-driven with scents of cola and Whiskey with accents of ginger, sweet citrus, and a host of brown baking spices supported by hints of brown sugar. The palate is in somewhat agreement with the nose as the decadent Whiskey and brown spice notes give way to peppery ginger and citrus notes that become redolent of lemongrass and citronelle. Full-bodied with dense brown spirit and brown spice notes that are foiled by citrus and ginger ultimately becoming dry. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars
Hamilton Petite Shrubb Orange Liqueur
See the Full BevX Featured Review -Slightly hazy, deep, burnt orange color. The nose is assertively orange-focused with scents of both orange peel and flesh on a backdrop of sweet Rhum. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a bold orange-dominated core with vibrant spicy accents redolent of candied ginger with hints of black pepper as the Rhum Agricole flavor rises on the finish. Full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to bright acidity and spicy orange. The uses in cocktails are endless. $29.95 – 4.5 Stars
Capel Premium Pisco
Brilliant, crystal clear. Very floral with sweet tropical fruits filling the nose with accents of pepper. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet and fruity core that becomes drier on the finish with trailing grape, pepper, and sandalwood notes. Medium-bodied and a bit flabby with a viscous core and subtle citrus acid accents. $19.99 – 3 Stars
Amrut Old Port – Deluxe Rum
Deep bronze to mahogany color. The aromatics are quite fragrant and pretty with waves of butterscotch, molasses, allspice, and candied orange peel, with accents of clove and cinnamon. The palate confirms the nose on the front of the palate as it delivers rich honey and toffee notes but it soon becomes astringent with cold black tea and wood notes taking center stage. Medium-bodied with good proportions and a fresh dose of acidity are certainly positive but the tannins are a tad too high. $18.99 – 3.5 Stars
Grand Marnier Titanium Flavored Cognac
Deep, golden peach color with perfect clarity. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet, concentrated orange and tangerine with hints of baked peach, candied ginger, brown baking spices, and vanilla. On the palate the fruit notes are quite subtle with the spices taking center stage offering soft pepper notes with pithy citrus sensations. Full-bodied — despite the rich fruit notes found in the aromatics this spirit is totally dry. A full departure from the classic GM approach that seems to be built to be base of contemporary cocktails. $39.99 – 3 Stars
Speyburn 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is vibrant with fresh scents of baked pear, toasted grain, caramel, orange peel, and mocha. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a fruit and toffee-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, oak and vanilla. Fill-bodied with bright fruit flavors with a generous dose of acidity and a dry, spicy finish. Matured in both American and Spanish oak casks. $59.99 – 4 Stars
Booker's Pigskin Batch 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear with a light mahogany color. The nose reveals a wonderfully decadent caramel and fudge core with vanilla wafers, brown baking spices, and toasted oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a luscious, silky caramel-driven core with spicy oak and pepper accents that become spicier on the finish. Full-bodied, incredibly silky and generous while displaying great balance and a powerful delicacy. $89.99 – 5 Stars
Hamilton Pimento Dram Liqueur
See the Full BevX Featured Review - Beverage of the WeekHazy, golden straw color. The nose is extremely generous offering scents of freshly crushed pimento (known to most in the USA as allspice) berries with its exotic aromas triggering a wide range of memories from jerk chicken to Christmas cakes. The palate echoes the nose delivering beautiful allspice (pimento) flavors that range from fruity sweet to savory pepper with accents of clove, ginger, and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with perfect balance as the sugar is here to soften and expand the bold allspice (pimento) flavors. A must for any Tiki enthusiast or anyone looking to add something distinctive to their bar and pantry. $29.95 – 5 Stars
Rootstock Applejack 5 Years Old Apple Brandy
See the Full BevX Featured Review - Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of baked apples with assertive supporting notes of campfire, toffee, and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, apple-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, sweet caramel, oak, and candied ginger. Full-bodied with bright fruit supported by loads of spice, with silky sweet nuts and caramel. $55 – 4.5 Stars
Rootstock Apple Country Tree Vodka
See the Full BevX Featured Review -Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully alluring and decadent, being reminiscent of poached apples with accents of blanched almonds and mineral. The palate affirms the fabulous nose being pleasingly lush and silky with a mildly sweet, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of mineral and subtle citrus accents. Medium-bodied with a rich, velvet-like texture while delivering bright acidity resulting in perfect balance. $26 – 4.5 Stars
