Rancho La Gloria Skinny Margarita — Strawberry (RTD)
Bright, semi-opaque pink/ruby color. The nose is subtle, offering scents of sweet strawberry and red berries with spring flowers and candy sugar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet, red berry core with tart berries and citrus accents to keep it fresh. Medium-bodied with great fruit concentration and a tart lemonade-like finish. null $8.99 – 3 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
Greenbar Slow Hand Single Malt American Whiskey
Brilliant, mahogany to amber color. The nose is quite unique offering scents of blackberry jam with cotton candy, butterscotch, allspice, and vanilla bean The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a candied fruit core with accents of brown baking spices, cream soda, and sweet tea. Full-bodied with a pronounced sweetness akin to many flavored Whiskies bolstered by an eclectic wood element. Ideal for those seeking a sweet and fruity Whiskey. $49.99 – 3 Stars
Stambecco Maraschino Cherry Amaro
Brilliant copper/orange color. The nose is greeted with a medicinal cherry scent accented by notes of brown sugar, orange peel, and almonds. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet cherry-driven core with flanking notes of burnt orange, marzipan, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied with sweet fruits throughout — it's more sweet than bitter and the medicinal flavor lingers. This version of an Italian Amaro seems to be more about the package than the liquid. $35 – 3 Stars
Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey
Deep copper/amber color. The nose is quite assertive with scents of black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon with hints of caramel, sawdust, citrus, and oak. The palate agrees with the nose delivering a peppery entry followed by sweet brown spices, caramel, vanilla, and oak. Full-bodied with a take-no-prisoner approach flashing firm, charred oak notes with spicy and assertive alcohol notes. Made with a blend of aged Bourbon (40%) and Rye ((60%). $45 – 3.5 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
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
