Ransom Dry Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly aromatic with the scents of juniper and fresh wild berries leaping from the glass on a sea of rich, malty spirit. Accents of citrus, hops, and coriander offer generous support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and dense malt spirit core with citrus and seed tannins on the mid palate giving way to lighter, more floral botanicals on the finish. Full-bodied and quite intense as the sweet aromatic nose leads to a dry and chewy core with botanicals galore. Stylistically this Gin is in a camp of its own possessing the sweet malt core of a Genever with the assertive botanicals portioned in the mold of a craft Beer IPA. $29.99 – 4 Stars
Ransom Old Tom Gin
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, pale copper color. The nose is wonderfully rich and seductive with a blast of sweet pine and juniper filling the nose supported by orange peel, angelica, cardamon, and citrus. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and lush core of semisweet spirit with waves of juniper, citrus, and baking spices. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with the decadent spirit being supported by a generous dose of acidity making it a pleasure to sip while the fine balance of botanicals offer intrigue. This is a superb Old Tom style with that offers countless cocktail possibilities while being a pure joy to sip neat. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Brilliant, beautiful deep copper color. The nose is filled with rich, dried fruits, sweet caramel, and vanilla with accents of nut butter, allspice, honey, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet fruit and caramel filled core with waves of toffee, honey, and brown butter finishing with accents of oak and brown spice. Full-bodied with a lush and viscous core foiled by bright notes of acidity and accents of orange peel. A classic sipping Rum. $40 – 4 Stars
Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is wonderfully complex with tropical fruits and caramel supported by notes of leather, mineral, Sherry, and oak. The palate confirms the nose while being drier than may be expected with waves of dried black berries, allspice, marzipan, and vanilla bean. Full-bodied and dry while also being generous with fruit and caramel supported by complex spice notes kept fresh with a big dose of bright acidity. A superb sipping Rum pairing well with chocolate or an after dinner cigar. $33.99 – 4 Stars
Griffin's Wharf 1773 Coffee Liqueur
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeep, dark mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scent of strong, dark roasted coffee with accents of molasses, brown sugar, allspice, and hints of dark chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant roasted coffee core with flanking notes of brown spice, cocoa, and burnt sugar. Medium-bodied with layers of coffee and cocoa with a bright dose of acidity giving perfect balance and making this Coffee Liqueur a pleasure to sip neat. Extremely versatile with countless hot and cold cocktail options. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars
Sean’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Creamy mocha color with a thick viscous, glass coating texture. The nose is soft with the scents of vanilla cream, mocha, hazelnuts, and milk chocolate. The palate is lush while light enough to offer refreshment and beckons the next sip. Seamlessly balanced with no cloying or hard edges as it delivers enough sweetness to be a dessert stand in. When you consider the quality and value (half as much as the big competitor) it makes this tasty cream liqueur an easy and clever choice. $9.99 – 4 Stars
Dolce Nero Espresso Liqueur
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet coffee and espresso with drier accents of roasted coffee beans. The palate is in full agreement with the nose being perhaps a bit sweeter than anticipated with an intense core of sweet, viscous espresso with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with a viscous coffee core supported by subtle roasted bean notes. $23.99 – 4 Stars
Dictador Solera 12 Years Old Rum
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep amber with burgundy accents. The nose is wonderfully intense offering scents of caramel and honey with brown baking spices, oak, roasted nuts, toffee, and charred sugar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush caramel driven core with a generous dose of acidity and toasted spices that give a complex dry impression that finished quite dry with accents of oak and allspice. Medium to full-bodied with great length and ideal balance thanks to the vibrant spice notes and acidity. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars
Grand Traverse Distillery Barrel Finished Peninsula Gin
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant very pale straw/copper color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of citrus peel, grains of paradise, juniper, and brown baking spices accentuated by the subtle barrel accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy core with waves of citrus, cooking spices, and baking spices as well as they are fortified by the barrel. Secondary herbal and minty flavors are also present and likely created by the marriage of seasoned barrels and bold botanicals. Full-bodied with bold flavors and ideally balanced with a fresh dose of acidity. Too many barrel aged Gins suffer from subtractions in flavor and complexity due to the addition of wood. This lovely example ideally balances barrel and botanicals to create a very unique spirit. $42 – 4 Stars
Rossi D'Asiago Limoncello
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewCloudy, looking akin to freshly squeezed lemon juice. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly cut lemon zest with supporting notes of sugar. The aromatics are much like homemade lemonade. The palate mirrors the nose delivering a vibrant and generous, lemon-focused core with sweet lemon hard candy and a zesty, mildly tart finish. Medium-bodied and vibrant with abundant, fresh citrus flavors. $23.99 – 4 Stars
