NYAK VSOP Cognac
Brilliant amber/blood orange color. The nose is seductive, offering waves of ripe orchard fruits with supporting notes of sweet oak, honey, vanilla, and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering an opulent, ripe pear, apple, and apricot driven core with waves of buttery toffee, and vibrant candied ginger notes. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with generous fruit and spice flavors foiled by bright acidity and exotic pepper accents. $52.99 – 4.5 Stars
IZO Bacanora Silver
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the seductive scents of sweet mesquite smoke with waves of fresh tarragon, baked apples, mineral, and citrus zest and hints of green pepper. The palate confirms the nose delivering rich baked agave flavors with supporting notes of jalapeño, citrus, anise, and sea salt with white peppercorn accents rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a silky texture and ideal balance thanks to bright citrus and ample spice notes. $80 – 4.5 Stars
Stone Castle Raki
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is alluring offering a beautiful perfume of wild flowers with ripe stone fruits supported by mineral, earthy spices, and a pleasing salinity. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush fruit-forward core with generous citrus accents and sweet tarragon notes rising on the finish. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with vibrant acidity perfectly framing the ultra-ripe fruit core. $19.99 – 4 Stars
Laird's Old Fashioned (RTD)
Brilliant, bronze to amber color. The nose is filled with the scents of fresh orange peel supported by baked apples with accents of bitters, and more orange notes with hints of sweet cherry. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a decadent, fruit-driven core with waves of brown spice, Brandy, and orange essence. A bold and authentic cocktail with complex flavors and great length. Pour over ice and strain and serve on fresh ice with an orange slice or peel. This lovely RTD proves that Laird's Applejack is the ideal spirit for the classic Old Fashioned. $14.99 – 4.5 Stars
Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye (RTD)
Brilliant, golden amber color. The aromatics are quite beautiful featuring ginger and honey with supporting notes of spring flowers, orange peel, allspice, and hints of clove and tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a fruit-driven core with bitter orange, honey, brown baking spices, and sweet Rye accents. Full-bodied with ideal balance and great length. $38 – 4.5 Stars
Up or Over Fords Gin Classic Dry Martini (RTD)
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very subtle with scents of spring flowers, citrus zest, and fresh herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous but crisp juniper-led core with citrus zest, pine cone, and faint earth accents that linger on the dry finish. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance on a silky mid-palate leading to a crisp finish. Served over up after chilling over ice as recommended. A lemon twist garnish is a great addition but so is a quality green olive. A damn fine martini. $14.99 – 4.5 Stars
Up or Over Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Sour (RTD)
Cloudy, copper/gold redolent of Whiskey touched lemonade. The nose is very pleasing with sweet citrus in the lead followed by vibrant Whiskey notes offering scents of caramel, oak, and brown baking spices. The palate flips the aromatics with Whiskey now in the lead delivering bright caramel, vanilla, and sweet/tart citrus accents. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced while being ultra-refreshing — it disappears from the glass. Served over ice as recommended. A lemon garnish is a positive reinforcement to the citrus in the cocktail and lifts the experience. $14.99 – 3.5 Stars
Ballotin Original Chocolate Flavored Whiskey
Brilliant, medium mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of milk chocolate truffles with hints of chocolate cream, vanilla and hints of brown baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich, milk chocolate-focused core with supporting notes of dark caramel, vanilla soaked oak, and sweet Whiskey. Medium to full-bodied with a viscous palate feel that elongates the sweet chocolate flavors. $25 – 4 Stars
Clonakilty Distillery Single Batch Double Oak Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, pale golden straw color. The nose is delicate while very complex offering layered scents of toasted cereal, fresh hay, and ripe orchard fruits with accents of spring flowers and earth. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich caramel toasted grain core with supporting notes of candied ginger, roasted nuts, five spice, and freshly cracker black pepper. Full-bodied and generous while elegant with ideal balance thanks to bright acidity and profound spice notes. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars
Grace O'Malley Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose greets with luxurious scents of caramel, vanilla fudge, and Bourbon barrel with accents of orange peel, allspice, and roasted nuts. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, caramel malt core with supporting notes of baking spices, honey, and sweet toffee. Medium to full-bodied with a silky, lush core that expands on the palate foiled by crisp acidity and pepper notes. $36.99 – 4 Stars
