Laphroaig Select Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is beautiful and classically Laphroaig with sweet campfire, peat, baked green apples, and coconut with subtle citrus and tropical accents. The palate is in full-agreement with the nose delivering a lush and sweet fruit, smoke, and peat core that trails off a bit quick. Medium to full-bodied with classic Laphroaig attributes while it falls a bit short of the classic Laphroaig proportions, balance and finish. $44.99 – 3.5 Stars
Old Forester 100 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is explosive with waves of rich caramel and sassafras with accents of wild flowers, citrus zest, allspice, and subtle hints of dried red berries. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush yet spicy brown sugar and brown spice core with flanking notes of black pepper, nutmeg, baked orchard fruits, and vibrant citrus notes. Full-bodied with intense raw sugar notes foiled by loads of spice, oak, and generous acidity. A steal in the Rye Whiskey category. Add a generous drop or two of water to get the full aromatic and flavor experience. $22.99 – 4.5 Stars
Silent Pool Gin
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly aromatic with waves of bright juniper supported by generous notes of dried flowers and citrus with a subtle sweet honey accent. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense and nearly chewy juniper-forward spirit with an impossibly complex mélange of spices in support finishing dry with a faint earthy tone. Full-bodied with gusto to spare being both assertive and elegant while ultimately finishing dry. Made with an intriguing four-stage process that utilizes 24 botanicals. An unforgettable Gin with great versatility. $59.99 – 4.5 Stars
Cruzan Hurricane Proof Rum
Brilliant amber/orange color. The nose is filled with the scents of vanilla fudge, dried fruit, and honey with hints of treacle and brown baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a powerful golden syrup-centric core with waves of brown spice, vanilla, and sweet oak. Full-bodied to be sure, bottled over-proof with generous sweet vanilla and decadent golden syrup notes at its core. Bottled at 137 proof in recognition of the wind speeds of the category 5 hurricane that swept through the brand's home island of St. Croix in 2017. $19.99 – 3.5 Stars
Clyde May's Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant amber color. The nose is vibrant offering scents of honeycomb, dried fruits, and vanilla bean with accents of star anise, dried flowers, leather, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, dried fruit core with waves of dried orange peel, loads of brown baking spices, and butter biscuits. Full-bodied with generous fruit and spice notes kept in balance by a bright dose of acidity that creates a dry, peppery finish. Aged for three-plus years, the Clyde May's Rye is great addition to the lineup. $44.99 – 4.5 Stars
McQueen and the Violet Fog Gin
Brilliant crystal clear. The nose is quite alluring offering generous scents of wild flowers, candied lemon peel, and anise with supporting note of evergreens, pepper, and citrus. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex and spicy citrus-driven core that is redolent of orange and lime with accents of juniper, pepper, and tropical flowers. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance offering rich fruit notes with generous acidity and spice to foil to lush core. Made in Brazil – yes Brazil! The sugarcane based spirit is infused with 21 botanicals including six that are apparently not found in any other Gin. Hedonistic and delicious. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars
Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep mahogany color. The nose is wonderfully complex offering generous scents of sweet toasted grains, allspice, nutmeg, caramel, honey, and vanilla bean with hints of red fruits. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a rich grain and fruit core (the red fruits really pop here) with supporting notes of brown baking spices, toasted oak, and honey. Full-bodied being silky while bold with a long and complex palate that is ideally balanced thanks to a bright dose of acidity. Straight Edge is made with a blend of Bourbons ranging in age from five to eight years. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars
Whip Saw Rye Whiskey
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep amber/mahogany color. The nose instantly reveals that this is not your typical Rye Whiskey. Beautiful scents of vanilla cream, red cherry, caramelized sugar, candied citrus zest, and hints of tropical fruits. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a core with sweet grains soaked with ripe red fruits supported by caramel, oak, fruit cake, and spicy rye accents. Full-bodied and damn intriguing as the wine casks essentially turn this Whiskey into a ready-to-drink cocktail tasting like a well crafted Manhattan. Made with Rye Whiskies aged up to seven years and then finished in wine seasoned French oak barrels. $49.99 – 4 Stars
