Gracias a Dios Joven, 100% Espadín Mezcal
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully complex and appealing with lovely herbal and lingering citrus notes punctuated with sweet smoke accents. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich baked agave core with waves of smoke, citrus, and caramel with accents of black pepper on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a silky texture with ideal balance thanks to bright citrus and subtle spice notes. $34.99 – 4 Stars
siponey Royale (RTD)
Hazy, pale golden straw color with a subtle bead of bubbles. The nose is subtle but distinct being akin to a fresh Whiskey Sour flashing scents of Whiskey, lemon, and subtle hints of honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a Whiskey-driven core with generous waves of lemon and honey with a faint spritz. Medium-bodied and refreshing with a light spritz (we would like more) and enough tart lemon accents to make this a very refreshing drink. $20 - 4-pack. 355ml cans – 4 Stars
Quintaliza Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, deep gold to light amber color. The nose immediately reveals that there is something different going on when coffee leads the aromatics supported by scents of oak, black pepper, baked agave, leather, and caramel. The palate echoes the nose delivering perhaps a bit more baked agave than the nose with flanking notes of oak, brown spices, and cocoa nibs with hints of sea salt and pepper. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with an original marriage of coffee and aged Tequila. $80 – 4.5 Stars
Inspiro Luna Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of baked agave, tropical fruits, and baking spices punctuated by accents of pine needles. The palate echoes the nose while delivering rich fruit-driven core with supporting notes of vanilla bean, lemon zest, and faint hints of butterscotch. Medium-bodied with ripe agave fruit with generous spice notes and a bright, citrus finish. $56.99 – 4.5 Stars
Inspiro Rosa Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear with a light salmon color. The nose is filled with the scents of baked agave, caramel, and baking spices with dried red berries and wild honey. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red berry-driven core with waves of tropical fruits, toasted nuts, and vanilla. Medium-bodied being fruit-forward with loads of spice and a touch of cinnamon. $76.99 – 4 Stars
Engine Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics leap from the glass! There is nothing subtle at first as juniper and sage steal the show with lemon zest, wild flowers, and licorice in support. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a round and silky core with prominent sage and juniper flavors flanked by citrus zest, licorice, and lovely accents of green peppercorns. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with pleasing herb barrage that finished dry with hints of sea salt and pepper. This Gin takes you on a wild ride. If you love fresh sage there is no better vehicle for the herb. The funky oil can packaging will catch your eye but I can't seem to pour without spilling. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars
Fabrizia Limoncello
Pale lemon color and hazy looking like freshly squeezed lemon juice. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly cut lemon zest with accents of cane sugar being reminiscent of homemade lemonade with a vibrant dose of zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright lemon-driven core with a refreshing dose of zest and just enough sugar to give it body and tame the tart lemons. Medium-bodied with bright and crisp flavors of fresh lemon zest with a deft dose of sweetness. Serve chilled. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars
Clonakilty Distillery Minke Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are citrus-forward with waves of orange flesh and lemon zest, supported by accents of pine cone, fresh fennel fronds, and sea salt. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of citrus, juniper, and pepper with a complex lactic note. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a bright dose of acidity and salinity that keep it very refreshing. $29.95 – 4 Stars
Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Flavored Whiskey
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium burnt orange color. Unlike most flavored Whiskies, Hardhide brings the Whiskey as it's the first scent to catch the nose followed by ripe red berries and a touch of honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet Whiskey-focused core with waves of strawberry, lemon zest, and honey. Full-bodied and pleasingly balanced with waves of Whiskey and fruit offered with the proper dose of sweetness. Bottled at 86 proof so it's not shy. $32.99 – 4 Stars
Gracias a Dios Oaxaca Agave Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers a wild ride as the number of new scents multiply with each inhalation. Waves of juniper, citrus, baking spices, and smoke fill the nose. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich, viscous fruit and roasted bell pepper core with waves of salt, charred pineapple, and rosemary. Full-bodied and ultra funky walking the line between Mezcal and Gin — not sure which one is winning! $39 – 4 Stars
