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
Paddy Blended Irish Whiskey
Bright, light golden color. The nose is fresh with scents of toasted grain, vanilla, and hints of dried fruits. The palate continues where the nose leaves off offering a great marriage of grain and fruit with accents of toasted almonds, dry wood notes, and black pepper. Available in the US on a limited basis, this latest offering of the old Paddy Whiskey is better than ever. $ – 3.5 Stars
New Holland Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
Brilliant, pale golden straw. The aromatics are very interesting and certainly barrel-driven with scents of cola and Whiskey with accents of ginger, sweet citrus, and a host of brown baking spices supported by hints of brown sugar. The palate is in somewhat agreement with the nose as the decadent Whiskey and brown spice notes give way to peppery ginger and citrus notes that become redolent of lemongrass and citronelle. Full-bodied with dense brown spirit and brown spice notes that are foiled by citrus and ginger ultimately becoming dry. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars
Capel Premium Pisco
Brilliant, crystal clear. Very floral with sweet tropical fruits filling the nose with accents of pepper. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet and fruity core that becomes drier on the finish with trailing grape, pepper, and sandalwood notes. Medium-bodied and a bit flabby with a viscous core and subtle citrus acid accents. $19.99 – 3 Stars
Amrut Old Port – Deluxe Rum
Deep bronze to mahogany color. The aromatics are quite fragrant and pretty with waves of butterscotch, molasses, allspice, and candied orange peel, with accents of clove and cinnamon. The palate confirms the nose on the front of the palate as it delivers rich honey and toffee notes but it soon becomes astringent with cold black tea and wood notes taking center stage. Medium-bodied with good proportions and a fresh dose of acidity are certainly positive but the tannins are a tad too high. $18.99 – 3.5 Stars
Grand Marnier Titanium Flavored Cognac
Deep, golden peach color with perfect clarity. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet, concentrated orange and tangerine with hints of baked peach, candied ginger, brown baking spices, and vanilla. On the palate the fruit notes are quite subtle with the spices taking center stage offering soft pepper notes with pithy citrus sensations. Full-bodied — despite the rich fruit notes found in the aromatics this spirit is totally dry. A full departure from the classic GM approach that seems to be built to be base of contemporary cocktails. $39.99 – 3 Stars
Hazelburn 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep, brilliant copper color. The nose is deeply fruity with a big, lush dose of Sherry with toffee and refined caramel notes. The palate is quite sprite as it opens with a zesty, spirity note backed by rich ripe fruit, Christmas cake, and sweet Sherry with accents of candied ginger. Full-bodied with great length and power. $110 – 3.5 Stars
Francescano Natura Assisi Limoncello
Cloudy, with a bright yellow color. The nose is filled with the scents of lemon drops with accents of lemon zest and cotton candy. The palate echoes the nose delivering rich and sweet lemon candy focused core with subtle zest notes. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth — it's a very sweet Limoncello. $21.99 – 3 Stars
Cocalero Clasico South American Herbal Liqueur
Brilliant, electric green color. The nose is sweet with vibrant, citrus-based aromatics dominating and a bright dose of lavender and a subtle earthy note in support. The palate echoes the nose while being decidedly medicinal with sweet honey, green herbs, and soft licorice and ginger accents. Medium-bodied with sweet citrus and herbal flavors in the lead as it finishes with a mouth-numbing sensation. Use as an unexpected addition to your favorite cocktail recipes. $24.99 – 3.5 Stars
Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep mahogany. The aromatics leap from the glass in a full attack of dense peat smoke, sea salt, and oak with accents of citrus, roasted nuts, toasted grains, and damp leaves. The palate echoes the nose delivering an exploding peat bomb with flanking notes of seaweed, sweet malt, and assertive spice and oak notes. Full-bodied with a sledgehammer of peat and oak. $124.99 – 3 Stars
