Hotel Starlino Rosé Aperitivo
Brilliant, pink/salmon color. The nose is first greeted with the scent of fresh grapefruit with lemon and orange that evolves to sweet and tart red berries and hints of herbs. The palate confirms the nose with sweet, red berries in the lead supported by fresh herbs and citrus zest that lingers on the semi-tart finish. Medium-bodied with great balance and vibrancy delivering generous vinous fruit and citrus. $25 – 4.5 Stars
Nomad Outland Blended Whisky
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is quite expressive with generous scents of toffee, fruit cake, caramel malt, and oak with accents of brown baking spices and honey. The palate reveals more Whisky notes than the nose as the aromatics are Sherry dominated while the Whisky is fighting through on the palate showing waves of grains before surrendering to the rich, silky Sherry. Medium-bodied with good balance considering the decadence of the Sherry with a pleasing silky texture. $49.99 – 4 Stars
Black Button Empire Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper/bronze color. The nose is filled with the scents of charred oak supported by roasted nuts, baked orchard fruits, and a generous dose of black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering an assertive oak-driven core tamed somewhat by ripe fruit, caramel, and brown baking spices. Full-bodied with a dominate wood presence. $74.99 – 3.5 Stars
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully aromatic with waves of bright juniper supported by fresh citrus, green tea, and spring flowers with just a hint of pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous but sprite citrus-driven core with sweet orange in the lead with accents of lemongrass, anise, lemon, and earth. Full-bodied with a silky entry that is soon met with a balancing citrus attack that leads to a long, lingering finish that begs another sip. Made with a grain spirit and 11 botanicals. $49.99 – 4 Stars
Doorly's XO Rum
Deep amber color. The nose is filled with rich, ripe fruits, brown sugar, sweet caramel, and allspice. The palate echoes the nose delivering sweet fruit and honey with brown butter finish with accents of sweet oak and brown spice. Medium to full-bodied and decadent with sweet Sherry cask dominating from the nose to the finish. $20 – 3.5 Stars
Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose offers scents of sweet grain with vanilla fudge and subtle accents of citrus and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet grain core with assertive black pepper and oak notes with a hearty dose of wood tannins. Medium-bodied with rich, sweet grain notes that are overwhelmed by alcohol heat and spice with astringent wood accents rising on the finish. $29.99 – 3 Stars
2 Gingers Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. Vibrant while delicate with sweet grain and malty scents in the lead supported by honey, soft caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg with hints of orange zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering soft and silky malt driven flavors with a sweet fruity edge and a very spicy finish featuring black pepper and ginger (am I being persuaded by the title?). Medium-bodied with with lush but vibrant flavors with far too much going on to be labeled "light." $19.99 – 3 Stars
Di Antonio Amaretto Cream Liqueur
Thick, tan and creamy. A muted nose with soft scents of almond cream with candied nuts and a hint of mocha. Quite viscous on the palate with a very sweet Amaretto flavor on the front palate that quickly fades to not much more than sugar and cream. Medium-bodied while being thick on the palate and a bit flabby. Serve over ice. $15 – 3 Stars
Corazón Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rather pretty and more subtle than the blanco offering scents of baked agave, caramel, allspice, nutmeg and hints of citrus. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush core that showcases the baked agave while becoming woody at times leading to a long finish punctuated by caramel and brown spices. Medium-bodied with a rich core that becomes drier on the finish providing a vibrant dose of acidity. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars
Kilbeggan Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals a grain focused Whiskey with hints of clover honey, orange zest, and black pepper, with hints of clove, and a green grassy accent. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose. It's very malty with a generous dose of honey and soft brown baking spice notes. Medium-bodied with a silky, lush core with semisweet malt notes. $23.99 – 4 Stars
