Baileys Apple Pie Irish Cream
Milky, tan mocha color. The nose is subtle but inviting with classic Baileys with lovely milk chocolate and vanilla, punctuated with sweet baked apple accents. The palate reveals a more assertive apple note along with generous apple pie spices on a viscous, creamy backdrop. Medium-bodied with great length and a super, silky smooth texture. This is a seasonal offering from Baileys so get it while it's here. $24.99 – 4 Stars
Varnelli L'Anice Secco Speciale Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear — until water or ice is added then it becomes milky in appearance. The nose is wonderfully expressive offering bright scents of anise supported by crisp notes of fresh fennel and wild flowers with earthy cumin and hints of dill seed. The palate echoes the nose delivering intense anise flavors with a dry mineral edge and complex spice and herbal accents that persist on the long finish. Full-bodied with perfectly balanced flavors and just enough sweetness to carry the flavors forward. An absolute classic. $44.99 – 5 Stars
Bresca Dorada Mirto di Sardegna Liqueur
Deep mocha color with obvious viscosity. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe myrtle berries (mirto) with its wild mint accents, pine, herbal notes redolent of amaro with rosemary, honey, and hints of black licorice. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a beautifully complex berry-driven core with layers of evergreen brush, juniper, honey, and amaro. Full-bodied with perfect balance and incredibly long and lingering flavors. $47 – 5 Stars
Grinta Amaro di Erbe
Brilliant, deep emerald green color. The aromatics are quite assertive, offering lovely scents of fresh peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile, with supporting notes of rhubarb, bitter root, and wild flowers. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering silky, semisweet herbal core redolent of green Chartreuse meeting a fragrant Gin in all its glory. Medium to full-bodied with incredible complexity, length, and balance. $39 – 4 Stars
Rossi d'Angera Spitz Genziana Liqueur
Brilliant, deep golden amber color. The nose is wonderfully floral with sweet herbs, earth, complex citrus accents ranging from orange peel, grapefruit, lemon, and lime. The palate echoes the nose delivering a more bitter than sweet herbal core with waves of citrus and earthy root notes that build on the long finish. Medium-bodied with amazingly complex aromatics and flavors punctuated but a generous dose of natural acidity making it an ideal aperitif. Beautifully expressive while being drier than its French counterparts. $29.99 – 4.5 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
St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. As you would imagine the nose is quite floral with scents of wild spring flowers in the lead supported by ripe green melon, white grapes, mango, kiwi, and star fruit with a dose of tangerine zest. The palate is in full accord with the nose offering up waves of white peach with loads of floral and tropical fruit notes flanked by a crisp dose of acidity and subtle citrus zest note. Rich but very vibrant with fresh acidity framing the bright, fruit-driven core. Nicely balanced with a bright, almost airy finish. $19.99 – 4 Stars
Greenbar Fruitlab Jasmine Liqueur
Brilliant, ruby with hints of burnt orange. The nose is unmistakably jasmine with supporting notes of tea, citrus, and wild flowers (both fresh and dried). The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet black tea-forward core with flanking notes of flowers, herbs, and candied lemon zest. Medium-bodied and sweet with subtle and delicate flavors that linger for minutes. $32.99 – 4 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
Hamilton Petite Shrubb Orange Liqueur
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewSlightly 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