Alberta Rye Dark Batch Canadian Rye Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are bold and assertive with sweet and spicy rye evident but what is very surprising is that the 1% of Sherry in the blend is so prominent in the nose. The palate echoes the nose with rich, sweet, lush flavors of spicy rye with loads of honey, vanilla, Sherry, and toasted oak casks in support. This is a big and bold Whisky that is not for the timid but with its lush and sweet nature it is a Whisky that is approachable to most spirits drinkers. $29.99 – 5 Stars
Lejay Crème de Cassis
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully rich with scents of ripe blackcurrants, red plum, and dried blueberry. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering lush and silky ripe fruit flavors with loads of blackberry jam foiled by subtle citrus, and tart cherry notes. This is an incredibly intense Liqueur with impossibly rich fruit notes balanced by soft citrus notes and a dose of bright acidity on the finish. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars
VOV Zabajone Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rich with the scents of sweet Marsala with rich, baked and concentrated fruit with brown baking spices, vanilla, and a blast of lemon curd. The palate matches the nose perfectly while being more expressive with the rich and sweet Marsala being delivered on a thick, creamy blanket of cream, fruit, and vanilla. This may be the most sophisticated eggnog you will find. This is a rich and mouth filling Liqueur with bold flavors that flow over the palate. $27.99 – 4 Stars
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is big and complex with rich caramel and baked grain notes supported by a collection of brown baking spices that include clove, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg with dried black fruit, ginger biscuits, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a silky and spicy, grain driven core with sweet honey notes and drier spices like black pepper emerging on the finish. This is a hearty Whiskey with many layers that become more defined and enjoyable with the addition of water. This is one of the most ideally balanced Rye Whiskies you will encounter. $37.99 – 5 Stars
G'Vine Nouaison Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite unique and complex with scents of forest floor inclusive of dry pine needles in the lead with cinnamon and allspice in support by semisweet lime notes, nutmeg, and a juniper flourish. The palate is in full agreement as this rogue Gin delivers a rich and chewy juniper center flanked by a generous dose of sharp citrus zest with forest floor and citrus pulp. This is a powerful Gin with a lush fruity and spicy core. $35.99 – 4 Stars
Don Q 151 Rum
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crystal clear. Wow! This is simply amazing and complex offering scents of dried and baked fruits, cigar box, caramel, toffee, vanilla, brown butter, cocoa, fudge, cola nut, and brown baking spices. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose being impossibly rich and creamy despite its obvious strength finishing with notes of black pepper and blast of alcohol. It's as intense as it gets while being surprisingly silky and gentle with a rich and chewy mouthfeel. $24.99 – 5 Stars
Calvados Boulard VSOP Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. Wonderfully aromatic, filling the nose with the scents of baked and fresh apples with supporting notes of nutmeg, toasted walnuts, charred oak, brown butter, and a hint of clove. The palate confirms the nose with more vibrant, fresh apple notes emerging with a soft vanilla bean note flanking the rich fruit. Subtle and complex while offering a rich, and generous fruit-driven core with perfect balance as bright acidity is present from entry to finish. $$45 – 4 Stars
Amarula Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The first thing you notice is an unexpected fruit and citrus-like aromatic that defies the appearance. Scents of roasted nuts, nutmeg, and vanilla are also found. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich, fruity and nutty core with flavors of cashew butter, star fruit, and toffee cream. This is a rich and mouth filling liqueur with a surprising vibrancy that keeps it from becoming heavy or cloying. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars
Lucano Amaro
Brilliant, crystal clear. It's very aromatic with rich fruit compote featuring bitter cherries and citrus zest with wild flowers, brown baking spices, and accents of vanilla, wild honey, clove, and hints of anise. The palate confirms the nose being lush and silky offering a mild spice impression as compared with many Amaro while never being overly sweet or cloying. Vibrant while lush and satisfying with a viscosity that lingers for a good minute. Ideally balancing spice, fruit, and sweet flavors in total harmony. $29.99 – 4 Stars
Limoncello di Capri Limoncello
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crystal clear. The nose is alive with the scents of lemon zest and sweetened lemon juice. The palate mirrors the nose while being far more intense delivering a vibrant and generous lemon-focused core with the sugar being balanced by a peppery note in the form of the fresh essential oils. Wonderfully intense and refreshing with fresh, sweet lemon notes bursting on the palate. $25.99 – 5 Stars
