Spirits Reviews Index

A listing of our Spirits Review in short form. Click the link next to each review to see the full review.

Also, you may wish to se our Spirits Review archive for spirits reviewed from 2006 to 2014. Click Here

Highland Park Dark Origins Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The Sherry casks are quite evident supported by notes of dried berries, roasted hazelnut, earth, orange zest, banana bread, and charred oak. Dark fruit and cocoa nibs take the lead with pretty smoke and meaty notes, with treacle, baked apples, and stewed berries all enveloped in sweet Sherry. Bold and assertive but ideally balanced with a silky texture and peppery finish offering great length. $79.99 – 4.5 Stars

Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromas are simply beautiful with scents of butterscotch, fresh and baked apples, Calvados, pine needles, black pepper, shaved oak, and tropical fruits including raw coconut. The palate fully confirms the nose while being a bit more firm with a grip of cold, green tea tannins and a further pronounced black pepper note that flanks the lush fruit core. This is definitely a lighter styled whisky but it’s far from faint. It’s wonderfully complex with a great balance and a good bit of length. $70 – 3.5 Stars

Glenfarclas 17 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. Rich and complex aromas of dried apricots, figs, roasted nuts, butterscotch, and a generous dose of Sherry rise from the glass. The palate is in full accord with the nose revealing further dimensions of marzipan, sweet black fruits, allspice, and hints of clove. The flavors mingle perfectly and linger for minutes after swallowing. Perfectly proportioned with hedonistic pleasure and style. It is assertive while being delicate and that is no small feat. $93.99 – 5 Stars

Oban 14 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. A wonderfully complex nose showing sweet malt notes supported by hints of earth, peach, orange marmalade, and sea air. The rich malted barley notes that dominate the aromatics are on full display with rich notes of caramel, and baked apple, with hints of cigar box, shortbread, ginger tea, and sea salt. This rich malt has such a lush texture on entry with enough viscosity to suspend the flavors throughout. While big and chewy it is never cloying or flabby with a bright dose of acidity to keep it fresh. $74 – 5 Stars

Oban Little Bay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. A beautifully complex nose showing sweet malt notes supported by hints of herbs (peppermint), peach, orange zest, burnt sugar, brown baking spices, and sea air. The palate continues with rich malt and fruit in the lead with firm spice and charred cask notes that actually outpace the sea air and classic shortbread notes found in other bottlings of Oban. This rich malt is nearly as lush as the iconic 10 year old with a prominent spice note and lingering notes of oak and sea. $75 – 4.5 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. Ideally balanced with a bright, almost airy finish. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Grand Macnish Sherry Cask 15 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, amber color. Scents of orchard fruits hit the nose first followed by fruit cake, oak, and Sherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a fruit-centric core with flanking notes of brown spice, coconut, Sherry, and bitter chocolate on the finish. Medium-bodied with a rich fruit and spice core that would be more pleasing with a bit more acidity. A decent value for a an older blend — it won’t knock your socks off but it’s a nice dram. $42.99 – 3.5 Stars

Grand Macnish 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, golden amber color. The nose is rich with waves of smoke, roasted nuts, baked apples, oak, and brown baking spices. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a round fruit-driven core with accents of spice, wood, and a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied with a nice sense of balance while we wanted a more sustained palate and a bigger malt punch. $26.99 – 3.5 Stars

West Cork 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully intense with waves of rich caramel malt, tea biscuits, honey, wild flowers, vanilla bean, and toffee. The palate is in full agreement with the nose while delivering a super rich and ever-expansive malt core that is impossibly silky. Supporting notes of brown baking spices, gingerbread, and toasted oak round out the package. This single malt is bold and beautiful while never being cloying or heavy as vibrant spice notes and a generous dose of acidity keep it fresh. $39.99 – 5 Stars

West Cork Original Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite refreshing and complex with scents of toasted grain mingling with honey, heather, tangerine zest, caramel, and baked apples. The palate echoes the nose offering a dense and chewy grain and malt core with loads of support with rich honey and caramel notes foiled by a generous dose of acidity and fine wood tannins. Moderately intense on entry the round and mildly viscous core elongates the palate leading to a spicy, peppery, wood laced finish. $26.99 – 4 Stars

Molinari Extra Sambuca See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. Pure, fresh anise seeds dominate the aromatics but there are many, subtle underlying notes that emerge such as kaffir lime leaf, fenugreek, and green peppercorns. The palate confirms the nose delivering a pure and potent anise focused blast of flavor with just enough sugar to tame the fiery spice notes. While this great liqueur is slightly over-proof you never feel any of the alcohol heat. It’s beautifully intense in the nose and on the palate as it somehow manages to be refreshing and vibrant despite its richness. $25.99 – 5 Stars

Molinari Caffè Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers the aromas of freshly roasted beans rather than brewed coffee with accents of cocoa bean, anise, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is reflective of the nose delivering a complex mélange of coffee bean notes that opens sweet and becomes increasingly dry offering crushed bean notes on the finish. This coffee based liqueur is bold and assertive but it’s also quite vibrant and fresh inviting sip after sip. $25.99 – 4.5 Stars

Partida Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly complex offering rustic notes of baked agave with loads of salty aromatics ranging from green olives to pickles and capers with hints of earth and pineapple skins. The palate delivers a silky entry with dry tropical fruit on the mid-palate with loads of black and white pepper, lime zest, and sea salt. The second sip is far more rich and elegant with flanking notes of spice, honey, and dried herbs. This blanco is wonderfully intense while vibrant and refreshing as well. It walks the line between delicate and rustic in the best possible way. $45 – 5 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

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

G’Vine Floraison Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very floral with a hint of citrus and a Genever-like sweetness with hints of fenugreek, green cardamon, and gooseberry. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet, fruit driven core with green spices, lime zest, and ginger. This is a soft and gentle Gin that may be too soft and gentle for some hardcore Gin lovers. It is undeniably balanced with great length and depth. $35.99 – 3 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

Limoncello di Capri Limoncello See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, 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

The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers a very pretty marriage of apples and pears, grain, and brown baking spices with accents of oak, tropical fruits, honey, and citrus. The palate echoes the nose offering a balance of sweet malt and baked fruit supported by a generous does of spice and oak finishing with a sharp black pepper note. Rich and bold with a fresh dose of acidity and loads of spices. This is not a beginners’ dram. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Greenore 8 Years Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose offers sweet grain and grass notes with accents of lemon peel, vanilla, and honey, and a touch of smoke. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet grain core with touches of baked apple and pear not immediately evident in the nose. It finishes with a sweet citrus zest note with a kick of toasted oak. This is a wonderfully rich and decadent Whiskey with fresh citrus and spice notes and a nice dose of acidity. $49.99 – 4 Stars

2 Gingers Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. Vibrant while delicate with sweet grain and malty scents in the lead supported by honey, soft caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg with hints of orange zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering soft and silky malt driven flavors with a sweet fruity edge and a very spicy finish featuring black pepper and ginger (am I being persuaded by the title?). Medium-bodied with with lush but vibrant flavors with far too much going on to be labeled “light.” $19.99 – 3 Stars

Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics jump out at you offering waves of smoke and peat delivered on a dense bed of sweet, honey-soaked malt with accents of spring flowers, heather, and a hint of citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose being rich with flavors of baked apples, malt, and honey accented by dry oak and grass notes. Wonderfully balanced and complex offering new wrinkles with each sip. This is a bold and hedonistic Whiskey with perfectly integrated peat and smoke notes that marry with the Whiskey rather than trample upon it. $44.99 – 5 Stars

Kilbeggan Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals a grain focused Whiskey with hints of clover honey, orange zest, and black pepper, with hints of clove, and a green grassy accent. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose. It’s very malty with a generous dose of honey and soft brown baking spice notes. Medium-bodied plus with a silky, lush core with semisweet malt notes. $23.99 – 4 Stars

Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals vibrant ginger aromas married with brown sugar with hints of citrus. Its aromatics profile is a dead-ringer for my homemade ginger syrup. The palate is in full accord with the nose with a rich, silky entry that soon gives way to flavors of freshly grated ginger. The finish builds in peppery intensity and lingers on for minutes. The Barrow’s Intense is truly intense with a fresh and assertive ginger note that delivers the flavors and power that ginger lovers desire. $31 – 4 Stars

Don Q 151 Rum See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, 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

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

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

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. Then nose is wonderfully fruity with baked apples in the lead supported by rich caramel, wild mint, lemon zest, vanilla, sweet red cherry, pralines, and honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a decadent fruit and grain driven core with loads of brown baking spices, spicy rye, and generous oak notes. Bold flavors without being extreme featuring mature Bourbon while flashing a vibrant and youthful exuberance; it’s perfectly balanced. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Suerte Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully rich and complex offering sweet agave notes with loads of citrus ranging from lime and lemon juice to zest with hints of salt and sweet herbs. The palate echoes the nose offering a generous agave fruit core with vibrant citrus accents and hints of mineral and a soft salinity. Full bodied and rich without being cloying in the slightest offering a bright dose of balancing acidity. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Suerte Extra Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is really quite beautiful as so many extra añejo are simply redolent of Bourbon. Suerte Extra Añejo offers scents of baked apple, honey, vanilla bean, and ripe red berries with notes of charred oak. The palate continues in the same vein as the aromatics with the oak component taking center stage and muting the fruit a bit. It’s a bold, heavily wood-influenced style that still manages to feature the fresh, balancing acidity found in their blanco. $110 – 4 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Small Batch Botanical Gin See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are bold and clear rising from the glass well before it’s lifted. Scents of juniper with vibrant citrus notes take the lead with accents of angelica and cilantro. The palate echoes the nose while being somehow even more intense with the botanicals becoming nearly chewy. The juniper and citrus have become fruity being framed by vibrant citrus zest and peppery spice notes. This is a bold and intense Gin with generous botanicals delivered on a silky, creamy bed of a beautiful wheat-based spirit. $35 – 5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Silver Reserve Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite intriguing as the material (molasses) is quite familiar while the distillation in a hybrid pot still gives the rich, densely fruity qualities of a Caribbean pot still while being as clean and floral as a column still Rum. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dry, fruit-forward core with a silky texture. The over-proof finish gives the clove and pepper spice accents more lift as well as the charred sugar flavors that emerge on the finish. A full-bodied white Rum with lots of gusto and personality that will hold its own in cocktails. $31 – 4 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Double Barreled Ole George Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is assertively spicy with toasted grain and black pepper in the lead. After a small water addition this Whiskey really shows its stuff offering black fruits, rye bread, black pepper, toffee, and vanilla. The palate is full accord with the nose delivering a beautiful mix of fruit and grain with hints of black cherry with loads of spicy rye and sweet caramel. This is a very intense rye that requires a water addition in my view to best expand the flavors and tame the heat. $47 – 4.5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery 116 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. Intensely spiced with loads of brown baking spices and a rich, fruity core with hints of cocoa, French roast coffee, and charred oak. The palate is equal to the nose with a rich, caramel drenched fruit core flanked by spicy rye, black pepper, allspice and dense caramel with hints of sweet vanilla. Super intense with rich bold fruit, caramel, spicy rye, and oak to spare. $47 – 4 Stars

Colorado Sun ‘Shine Moonshine USA White Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet talc and corn Whiskey supported by notes of citrus redolent of limeade and lime zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a thick and sweet core with copious amounts of sweet lime and candy sugar. Despite the high proof, this spirit is rather soft and pleasant on the palate with no significant sense of alcohol heat. $30 – 3 Stars

Pendleton Canadian Blended Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is seductive and pleasing luring you in with the scents of soft, toasted grains supported by sweet vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, caramel, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky smooth core with waves of caramel, toasted grains, and brown baking spices with accents of spicy rye and black pepper. Medium-bodied with a decadent nature and ideal balance. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Pendleton 1910, 12 Years Old Canadian Rye Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite fruity with scents of red cherry, tangerine, and sweet toffee with supporting notes of vanilla, maple, pumpkin pie spice, cigar box, and charred oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose offering a lush and chewy platform for the spicy rye notes to emerge with loads of sweet maple and caramel enveloping the entirety. More dense and assertive than the “standard” Pendelton bottling while still offering an easy to drink and easy to love essence. $39.95 – 4.5 Stars

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry Vermouth
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral with loads of spice, bark, on a backdrop of red grapefruit and melon pear with hints of quinine and nutmeg. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a vibrant, tart tropical fruit core with accents of wild flowers and citrus. Beautifully intense and complex with a crisp dry edge. $21.99 – 4.5 Stars

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Blanc Vermouth
Brilliant, crystal clear. Incredibly floral with a complex tapestry of aromatics including honeysuckle, candied-ginger, white peach, grapefruit, quinine, and kumquat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a beautuful fruit-driven core with accents of spice, ginger, and fresh herbs. Wonderfully intense while being complex and delicate at the same time. $21.99 – 5 Stars

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge Vermouth
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are multifarious offering scents of ripe red fruits with dried figs and dates, anise, vanilla, and chocolate. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush, fruit center-core with generous herb and spice notes in support with hints of bitter bark and allspice. Wonderfully intense with waves of sweet and tart fruits supported by a melange of spices. $21.99 – 5 Stars

Campari Bitter
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully complex with scents of bitter bark, teaberry, cranberry, rhubarb, grapefruit zest, quinine, and blood orange. The palate echoes the nose delivering bitter herb and spice flavors that are more tart than sweet with generous citrus notes. Perfectly balanced with the classic contrast of bitter with a mild sweet, fruit core. $29 – 4.5 Stars

Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Years Old Canadian Rye WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very grain focused with toasted grains and nuts with supporting notes of clove, allspice, cinnamon bark, rancio, vanilla bean, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose perfectly with a lush, caramel accented sweet grain core with loads of spice, dried fruit, and pepper. Wonderfully intense without being over-the-top showing great balance with a generous dose of acidity that keeps it vibrant. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Michter’s Barrel Strength US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is beautifully complex with rich, sweet toasted grain in the lead with generous supporting scents of toffee, butterscotch, dried black fruits, charred oak, brown baking spices, and vanilla. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich, caramel soaked rye core with generous notes of clove, allspice, vanilla, black pepper, and nutmeg. This is absolutely an intense Rye but the ultra balanced flavors perfectly mask the high alcohol levels. $75 – 5 Stars

Pau Maui Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is subtle and delicate with notes of tropical fruits with hints of pepper and minerals. The palate confirms the nose delivering a bright, fruit-driven core with rising pepper accents and crisp mineral notes on the finish. Medium-bodied with subtle flavors and enough bright peppers notes keeping it balanced. $21.99 – 3.5 Stars

Uncle Bob’s Root Beer Flavored Whisk(e)y
Brilliant, deep amber color. At first nosing it’s clear that root beer is in charge filling the nose with scents of a spiked root beer float. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a viscous and sweet, root beer focused core with a faint accent of American Whiskey (or perhaps that’s just imagined). Assertively sweet with a moderate alcohol feel. This spirit is far more reminiscent of a Liqueur or Schnapps than a flavored Whiskey. $19.99 – 2.5 Stars

Blade and Bow Limited Release 22 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully rich and complex offering waves of decadent caramel, roasted nuts and toffee, dried fruits, brown baking spices, vanilla, and loads of charred oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush caramel and fruit focused core with a wave of dry, peppery spice quickly leading to a long finish featuring brown butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is a big and bold Bourbon showing its 22 years in oak on both the nose and the palate (while not as much to the eye) with flavors that build as sipped. $149.99 – 4 Stars

The Macallan Rare Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rich with the scents of toasted grains equaled by notes of dense sherry with supporting notes of cocoa, green grass, orange zest, dried fruits, vanilla bean, and loads of brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose as the sherry envelopes the spicy grain core that now exhibits more black pepper than is found in the aromatics. It finishes with a rich, sweet dried fruit focus with accents of brown spices. It’s a full-bodied Whisky for sure but not as brooding as many heavily Sherry influenced drams and it has a long, lingering finish. $300 – 3.5 Stars

Goral Vodka See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is vibrant and focused with delicate, sweet grain notes supported by scents of mineral, wet river stones, chalk, dried flowers, and hints of white pepper. The palate confirms the nose delivering a bright, grain-driven core with generous floral and mineral notes and a peppery finish. Bright and generous flavors are far from neutral while remaining clean with vibrant acidity and assertive pepper notes. $27.99 – 4.5 Stars

Carpano Bianco Vermouth See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are simply beautiful showcasing fresh, sweet herbs and spring flowers on a backdrop of fruity white wine with hints of grapefruit, honey, and peach. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky and lush fruit driven core with waves of honey, spice, white flowers, and citrus. Full-bodied with a fresh dose of bright acidity while offering a sweet and juicy center. $20.99 – 4 Stars

Carpano Dry Vermouth See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is generous and complex with a vibrant white wine core with bright notes of citrus juice and zest, coriander, fenugreek, yellow mustard seed, and rice wine vinegar. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush, wine-driven core with supporting notes of citrus, spice, and bright floral flavors with a deft dose of sweetness. Full-bodied while being perfectly balanced with deep, off-dry wine notes and trailing spice flavors. $20.99 – 4 Stars

Punt e Mes Vermouth See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is deep and dense with a sweet, fruity wine core with generous supporting notes of bitter herbs, cloves, allspice, orange zest, and anise. The palate confirms the nose while possibly being more robust with a fruity, vinous core that brilliantly merges sweet Vermouth and bitters. Wonderfully intense and full-bodied with robust and assertive fruit and bitters in one ideally balanced package. $18.99 – 4.5 Stars

Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly complex and pleasing offering scents of orange marmalade, sour cherries, raspberry, allspice, clove, buckwheat honey, bark, mango chutney, and Earl Grey tea. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering waves of fruit, spice, and herbs that become more dry and tart on the finish. Rich and full-bodied delivering generous fruit flavors with vibrant spice and citrus notes that provide balance and structure. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully complex with notes of toasted pecans virtually leaping from the glass with supporting notes of rich caramel with hints of dark caramel, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, butterscotch and candied orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, lush toffee and praline core with accents of brown baking spices, cappuccino, maple syrup, treacle, and brown sugar. This is certainly a full-bodied and complex liqueur but its edge is that it is remarkably balanced with vibrant acidity that leads you to desire sip after sip. $34.99 – 5 Stars

Usquaebach Highland Whiskies 15 Years Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully complex offering scents of stewed fruits along with fresh pear, pineapple, and red apple supported by waves of brown baking spices (allspice and nutmeg are prominent), caramel, black pepper, wood, and toffee. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush and silky fruit driven core with accents of baking spice, toasted grains, wood, Sherry, and dry black pepper notes on the finish. This is an intense and multilayered blended malt that changes constantly in the glass as it aerates, revealing new layers of flavors. $80 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Espresso Flavored Vodka See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with scents of dark roasted coffee with supporting notes of fresh cream, brown sugar, and cocoa nibs, with a hint of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose while offering more lush and intense flavors than the nose suggested. It’s just sweet enough to carry the flavors from the fore-palate to the finish with trailing notes of crushed coffee bean. It’s medium-bodied with bright and genuine flavors that offer as many subtle notes as assertive flavors. $27.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Double Espresso Flavored Vodka See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. Dark roasted coffee, roasted nuts, double cream, and treacle scents with hints of vanilla bean and caramel. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering bitter coffee notes and sweet brown sugar flavors in equal measure. Full-bodied and warming with generous coffee and confection notes mingling with subtle spice and bitter bean accents. $27.99 – 4 Stars

Johnnie Walker Rye Cask Finish 10 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are rich with sweet grain, malt, caramel, toffee, and loads of brown baking spices with accents of candied ginger, vanilla bean, and peppery rye notes. The palate mirrors the nose delivering a lush malt and grain core with baking spice and black pepper notes rising on the finish. The rye notes are evident but a companion to the grain core rather than a dominating force. Ideally balanced with long, lingering flavors and a fresh dose of acidity. $45 – 5 Stars

Caliche Rum See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are extremely pleasing and welcoming seamlessly marrying vibrant mineral and citrus notes commonly associated with white Rum with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, brown butter and nutmeg. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose offering decadent and complex aged Rum notes with a sprite finish. It is ideally proportioned with great length as well. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Lunazul Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is fruity exhibiting tropical and apple notes with a healthy dose of salt and citrus, which is to say – it has the aromatics of fresh agave. The palate is semi-viscous and refreshing with ripe fruit tones giving way to crisp citrus notes mingling with agave and ripe peach. Wonderfully balanced with clean flavors and a long, lingering, spicy finish. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Pendleton Midnight Canadian Blended Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully fruity and floral with a backdrop of toasted grains supported by saddle leather, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, clove, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich fruit and spice driven core that is reminiscent of premium aged Rum. It’s an amazing, seamless blend of fruit and grain. It’s full-bodied without being brooding or heavy offering more elegance than weight with ideal balance. $34.95 – 4 Stars

Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully layered with pepper and brown spices mingling perfectly with brown butter, caramel, and butterscotch supported by rich, sweet toasted grain, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose with black pepper and cloves in the lead quickly followed by a melange of brown baking spices, butter toffee, roasted cashews, baked apples and pears, and cinnamon stick with hints of burnt sugar and oak. This is an intense Bourbon while perfectly balanced with a raw, rustic charm that begs for sip after sip. $48 – 5 Stars

BiVi Sicilian Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is soft and delicate with notes of chalk and mineral in the lead with citrus zest accents. The palate is not at all what the nose had promised delivering a hot and rather angular attack with pithy lemon notes married with white pepper. Subtle on the nose and fiery on the palate. $29.99 – 2 Stars

Old Forester Birthday 2015 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. This is a very aromatic Bourbon offering a complex set of aromatics featuring generous oak notes, sweet vanilla, dried orchard fruits, cigar box, orange peel, toasted walnuts, dried herbs, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering more pepper upfront than the nose suggests while quickly developing a lush and spicy fruit and caramel core with loads of baking spices building on the finish. This is a full-throttle Bourbon that marries intensity with complexity. $79.99 – 5 Stars

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers quite a conundrum as it offers bright berry and apple fruit but once you shift your attention to to the rich, salty, peat notes with its iodine and pepper accents the fruit becomes just a cherished memory. The palate fully concurs with the nose again offering a glimpse at fruit before the earthy peat and spice notes roll in like tidal wave with hints of anise, clove, allspice, seaweed, and campfire. It’s Laphroaig so it’s not going to be shy but it does have a delicate note albeit buried with a mass of beautiful peat and smoke. $74.99 – 5 Stars

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite alluring with sweet malted barley and grains drenched in ripe fruits with baked apples, buckwheat honey, roasted walnuts, toffee, vanilla, and clove. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush fruit core with silky baked fruits layered with caramel and loads of brown baking spices with black pepper and oak notes emerging on the finish. (It really needs a splash of water to come alive.) Despite its obvious strength (100 proof) it is really quite approachable and delicate while being incredibly generous with fruit, caramel, toffee, and spice notes. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rich and exotic with scents of butter toffee, marzipan, vanilla, lemon drops, ripe tropical fruit, and subtle spice notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, buttery texture with ripe fruit, citrus zest, nutmeg, cinnamon, and hints of clove. Medium-bodied with a lush and generous mouthfeel giving layers of fruit and spice with a bright dose of acidity to keep it balanced. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with scents of charred oak, vanilla, generous brown baking spices, earth, concentrated fruit, mocha, hints of black pepper, treacle, and Bourbon. The palate absolutely confirms the nose as it offers a viscous fruit and caramel core with loads of spice, oak, and Sherry. Full-bodied and quite intense with dense barrel notes, molasses, and baking spice notes lingering for minutes. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Somrus Indian Cream Liqueur See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredible and one of a kind. The exotic scents of rose, dairy, cardamon, pistachio, and cinnamon with hints of sweet citrus and bergamot. The palate echoes the nose with the addition of a silky, creamy texture that acts as the perfect delivery vehicle for the complex floral and spice notes. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and an ever evolving collection of spice notes that linger for minutes. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Ventura Limoncello
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the vibrant scents of freshly juiced lemons with a healthy dose of fresh lemon zest and lemon drop candy. The palate echoes the nose delivering rich and concentrated lemon flavors with a bigger dose of peppery lemon zest that veers towards white pepper that builds on the finish. This is definitely on the intense end of scale for Limoncello as the tart and pepper zest notes are not entirely enveloped in sugar. $28 – 4 Stars

Ventura Orangecello
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are so pure and forward offering bright scents of candied, sliced blood orange with accents of mandarin orange and red grapefruit. The palate is in full agreement with the nose, rich and concentrated orange flavors that focus on the juice and pulp with a vibrant dose of zest that add an edge and keep it fresh. It’s a big mouthful of orange with waves of sweet juice and zesty peel. $28 – 4.5 Stars

Gonzalez Byass Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva Brandy de Jerez
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite complex while subtle with scents of toffee, Marcona almonds, orange peel, Sherry, earth, vanilla, and sultanas. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous, unctuous caramel and fruit core with layers of nutmeg, nut, citrus, brown butter, and hints of clove. It’s a medium-bodied Brandy with complex layers of fruit, caramel, spice, and wood with perfect balance. $55.99 – 4.5 Stars

Gonzalez Byass Soberano Spanish Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with beautiful Christmas cake fruits with rich brown baking spices, caramel, wood, and candied walnuts. The palate is in full agreeement with the nose delivering lush but vibrant fruit core with waves of spice, oak, honey, and toffee with hints of vanilla and black pepper. Medium-bodied with great depth and complex spice notes while featuring rich and ripe fruit flavors. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery True North Rye Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. Beautiful aromatics offering scents of lemon curd, dried black fruits, dried flowers, spicy rye bread, and subtle mineral notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering the complex set of flavors on a silky, viscous palate that carries the vibrant and rich flavors like a fluffy cloud. Medium-bodied and sure to destroy any ideas you may have about Vodka being a neutral spirit. $30 – 5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Ole George Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are complex and pure with scents of toasted grain, black pepper, sourdough rye bread, dried black fruits, caramel, vanilla, allspice, and pralines. The palate is full agreement with the nose offering a silky and zesty marriage of fruit, caramel, pepper, and brown baking spices with a silky blast that coats the palate and lingers for minutes. This is a wonderfully intense Rye that also offers incredible balance and style. A must have for “Rye Heads” as this is pure, unadulterated Rye Whiskey. $54 – 5 Stars

Booker’s Batch 2015-06 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with rich, caramel soaked grain with supporting notes of dried red fruits, vanilla, allspice, clove, nutmeg, and charred oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose as it delivers a rich and spicy fruit and grain core with loads of spices ranging fiery black and white pepper to brown baking spices and vanilla bean. Very intense with no punches pulled as this delivers dense and assertive flavors of grain, wood, and spice. $60 – 4.5 Stars

Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is simply beautiful, perfectly weaving scents of peach and plum with wild flowers, honey, toffee, orange peel, and Sherry with hints of cocoa nibs, smoke, and tropical fruits. The palate is in full support of the nose offering further dimension and texture to the rich and decadent fruit and spice flavors with a long, trailing finish that is dominated by caramel and brown baking spices with a touch of pepper. Full-bodied with incredible length and complexity, perfectly marrying sweet and savory flavors. $75 – 5 Stars

Buchanan’s De Luxe 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is bright and wonderfully complex with honey-anointed ripe apples and peach with accents of orange peel, candied ginger, and nutmeg with hints of sweet smoke and saddle leather. Rich and creamy with the honey theme continuing being foiled by vibrant notes of spice and citrus zest taking the silky core to a zesty finish. Medium-bodied with generous fruit and honey notes that never get too sweet with a bright blast of spice to add refreshment. $31 – 4 Stars

Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rich while being sweet and spicy as well. Notes of caramel-soaked toasted grains leap from the glass supported by dark chocolate, orange peel, lavender, and baked apple with hints of pine cone. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering lush and round core that ideally marries fruit, honey, spice, and oak with accents of cocoa nibs. Medium to full-bodied having more weight than the De Luxe while still maintaining a clever balance. $50 – 4.5 Stars

Buchanan’s Red Seal Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is fresh and vibrant with scents of lightly toasted grains in the lead supported by ripe, sweet apples, pears, and orange with hints of orange peel, cashew butter, and candied ginger. The palate echoes the nose delivering a fruity but dry core with accents of brown baking spice, pepper, citrus zest, and brown butter. Medium-bodied showing ideal balance with a vibrant, crisp finish. While perfectly pleasant we find that the price out-kicks the liquid in the bottle. $160 – 3 Stars

Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur See the Full BevX Featured Review Dense and viscous, mocha cream. The nose is subtle yet complex with notes of white chocolate, vanilla cream, marzipan, and a backbone of Irish Malt Whiskey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, rich cream base with complex spice and chocolate notes that are kept vibrant by the bright Whiskey flavors that while subtle are indispensable. Rich and generous without being cloying with perfect balance that just begs for the next sip. $26.99 – 5 Stars

Old Pulteney Navigator Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is sweet with notes of honey and loads of citrus (lemon and orange peel), toasted grains, wild mint, with hints of sea salt and green herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant and zesty core that is dominated by youthful spirit notes with a generous dose of citrus and hints of cocoa bean, smoke, and white pepper. Medium-bodied with waves of citrus mingling with young Whisky and subtle notes of sea and spice providing balance. $44.99 – 3.5 Stars

anCnoc 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers gorgeous scents of honey, butterscotch, toasted grain, roasted almonds, and sweet malt with hints of citrus and smoke. The palate is the natural extension of the aromatics delivering a rich but vibrant malt-driven core with waves of sweet grains, honey, and citrus. Medium-bodied with generous malt and vibrant citrus and spice notes that give this Whisky perfect balance. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Speyburn 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is really quite beautiful with scents of honey-soaked toasted malt and cereal, citrus zest, sweet and dry herbs, with hints of vanilla bean, basil, dried flowers, and oak. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a silky and fruity core with layers of honey, grain, and earth leading to a delicate floral finish. Medium-bodied (on the lighter side of medium) with bright, vibrant flavors and perfect balance. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Speyburn Bradan Orach Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose opens with pretty green apple and citrus scents leading to wet grains, honeycomb, dried flowers, wax, and hints of vanilla bean. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit and honey-driven core that is sweeter than the nose suggests giving a mild viscosity that offers dimension to the soft and subtle flavors. Medium-bodied with with generous fruit tones and waves of floral and spice notes with a touch of citrus to give balance. $21.99 – 3.5 Stars

Hankey Bannister Original Blended Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. Scents of toffee, toasted grain, honey, and citrus dominate with supporting brown spice accents. The palate echoes the nose with a spicy grain-driven core that shows more peppery spice than shown on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright citrus and spice to keep it fresh and clean. $19.99 – 3 Stars

Balblair Vintage 2003 Single Malt Scotch Whisky See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very seductive and complex offering scents of honey, white peach, apricot, toasted grain, butterscotch, citrus zest, lavender, and nutmeg. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a lush, fruity core with waves of fresh herbs, honeycomb, and orange with subtle cask notes on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a rich, silky palate that while generous with fruit and grain never seems heavy as it’s ideally balanced with bright, clean acidity. $55 – 5 Stars

Collingwood Toasted Stave Finished Canadian Blended Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is vibrant and rich with an essence of spicy grain Whisky with accents of caramel, vanilla, maple, and cinnamon biscuits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy grain core with soft, delicate flavors of butterscotch, toasted almonds, candied ginger, treacle, and maple fudge. Ideally balanced with soft, trailing flavors that finish with a touch of spice and sweet wood. $28.99 – 4 Stars

Herradura Colección de la Casa Reserva 2015, Directo de Alambique Silver, 100% Agave Tequila See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully expressive and complex offering scents of sweet baked agave, tart lemon candy, lime zest, sautéed nopales, and poblano pepper with hints of black peppercorns and coriander. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and beautiful agave-filled core with flanking notes of spice, citrus, and hints of sea salt. This is a full-bodied plus Tequila bottled over-proof while still being perfectly balanced, tantalizingly viscous, and dare I say delicate. $89.99 – 5 Stars

Laphroaig 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite beautiful and if one could ever call Laphroaig understated this one could carry that moniker. Scents of citrus, apples, fresh green herbs, and subtle cigar notes mingle with the peat and sea. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering vibrant fruit core with generous supporting spice, oak, sea salt, smoky peat, and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and vibrant flavors that are both generous and sprite. $79.99 – 4.5 Stars

Laphroaig 32 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly decadent with rich, old Sherry in the lead with loads of brown baking spices (clove, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg among others), brown butter, dark chocolate, baked apples, and a generous dose of the classic Laphroaig smoke and sea notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and silky core that ideally marries fruit with spice, chocolate, Sherry, peat, oak, and sea salt. Full-bodied with rich and lingering flavors that carry on for minutes. Despite its heft it is never heavy and always balanced on the palate. $1200 – 5 Stars

Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The soft, floral, and subtly fruity Whisky takes second billing to bright Bourbon cask notes offering scents of toasted shaved coconut, vanilla bean, orange peel, and brown baking spices with hints of toasted grain emerging on the finish. The palate echoes the nose while it does reveal some very youthful spirit notes that become a bit peppery and spirity on the finish. It’s medium-bodied with the oak pulling much of the freight with a bright and vibrant acidity. $40 – 3.5 Stars

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are a bit heady at first but this is calmed considerably by adding a splash of water. It’s bold and spicy with black pepper and clove while at its core its pure Glenfarclas with scents of baked orchard fruits, toffee, and rich Sherry. The palate echoes the nose with waves of fruit, brown baking spices, roasted nuts, Sherry, and oak with a trailing smoky note that lingers for minutes. This is a big and bold Whisky with incredible warming powers while never being awkward or out of balance. $89.99 – 4.5 Stars

Talisker 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully smoky with waves of toasted malt, dried fruits, brown baking spices, treacle, sea salt, smoke, and hints of wood. The palate reveals an avalanche of flavors and textures being amazingly vibrant while sweet as well. It begins with sweet and complex toasted malt notes with layers of fruit, spice, sea air, and smoke. Perfectly balanced and near perfect being both youthful and remarkably mature for a 10 year old. $60 – 5 Stars

Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers more assertive peat, smoke, and pepper notes and fewer fruit notes as compared to the iconic Talisker 10 with hints of roasted nuts and red fruits. The palate confirms the nose as the Storm lives up to its name on the palate hitting with power bursts of pepper, smoke, and earth from the entry to the finish. Medium to full-bodied with assertive spice and smoky embers that linger for minutes. $66 – 4 Stars

Mortlach Rare Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is classic Mortlach with loads of fruit ranging from dried red and black berries to baked peach and apple with hints of toasted nuts, brown baking spices, and butterscotch. The palate is in full agreement with the nose focused on fruit with a rising spicy note that veers from black pepper to candied ginger with a sweet, oak-centric finish. Medium-bodied with a round, fruity core and a generous spice notes with ideal balance. $129.99 – 4 Stars

Lagavulin 16 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully complex offering beautiful scents of Lapsang Souchong tea, rich Sherry, peat, iodine, toasted malted barley, and sea breezes with a touch of salt, vanilla, and caramel. The palate is the multidimensional expression of the nose as it delivers layers of peat-drenched malt and caramel with loads of spice, peat smoke, and decadent wood notes that linger on for an eternity. Full-bodied and majestically assertive, this is the bull in the china shop if the bull were impossibly nimble and wearing ballet shoes. $98 – 5 Stars

Port Dundas 12 Years Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is subtle and seductive with scents of wild flowers, honey, blanched almonds, sandalwood, and a sweet Amontillado Sherry note (despite there being no Sherry casks used). The palate echoes the nose delivering a a pretty marriage of subtle orchard fruits with floral and honey notes leading to a spicy finish. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with soft trailing finish. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Port Dundas 18 Years Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is beautiful with vibrant notes of wild flowers, butterscotch, toasted grains, nutmeg, and vanilla bean with hints of dried apple. The palate echoes the nose with a generous grain and caramel core that becomes drier and peppery with a spirity note on the finish. Medium-bodied with a nice marriage of grain Whisky, wood, and spice with a bit of a hot note on the finish. $99.99 – 4 Stars

Glenfiddich The Original Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. At the first nosing your nose will confirm your eyes as the cask influence plays second fiddle to the bright floral and toasted grain notes with hints of hay, green apple, roasted almonds, coconut, and then a burst of sweet Sherry. The palate perfectly echoes the nose delivering a vibrant and pleasing core of grain and fruit mingling with more floral and citrus notes as it trails toward a subtle and dry finish. Medium-bodied to light with nuance being prized over heft while presenting a perfectly balanced dram. $99.99 – 4 Stars

Rumson’s Rum See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers a very distinctive blast of Caribbean Rum “hogo” that’s found in old, traditional Rums of the region. Behind this comes waves of butterscotch, caramel, wild flowers, nutmeg, and allspice with hints of lime and toffee. The palate is in full agreement with the nose as the sweeter flavors converge on the core giving a silky and buttery mouthfeel with a generous dose of spice and wood to create a crisp finish. Medium to full-bodied with a rich and silky core backed by loads of spice, pepper, and citrus. $32 – 4.5 Stars

Rumson’s Grand Reserve Rum See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the sweet and decadent scents of brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla, and brown baking spices with treacle, leather, cigar box, and rustic oak notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and sweet core of brown sugar and treacle with waves of spice, gingerbread, and sexy oak accents. Full-bodied and certainly sweet while never finishing heavy benefiting from a generous dose of spice and just enough acidity to keep it vibrant. $45 – 4.5 Stars

Rumson’s Spiced Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are hauntingly similar the the Rumson’s standard Rum with a greater focus on sweet vanilla, nutmeg, and golden syrup. The palate is in full agreement with the nose offering a rich baking spice driven core supported by sweet butterscotch and sugar giving it body and weight. It’s a Christmas cake in a glass. Medium-bodied with waves of sweet spices and sugar notes while never becoming too sweet. $32 – 4 Stars

Rumson’s Coffee Flavored Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is unmistakably coffee offering scents of roasted coffee beans, as well as brewed coffee, cocoa nibs, vanilla bean, and mocha. The palate supports the nose adding a deep, roasted bean note on the sweet, coffee-centric core with accents of vanilla cream and sweet brown sugar. Medium-bodied and very well-balanced especially for the style as we are accustomed to these being cloyingly sweet while this offers a brilliant roasted bean edge. $32 – 4 Stars

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. Then nose is wonderfully fruity with baked apples in the lead supported by rich caramel, wild mint, lemon zest, vanilla, sweet red cherry, pralines, and honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a decadent fruit and grain driven core with loads of brown baking spices, spicy rye, and generous oak notes. Bold flavors without being extreme featuring mature Bourbon while flashing a vibrant and youthful exuberance; it’s perfectly balanced. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are complex and pure with scents of toasted grain, caramel, vanilla bean, cigar box, smoky hardwood charcoal notes, nutmeg, and cigar box. The palate is full agreement with the nose offering a silky and zesty marriage of fruit, caramel, pepper, and brown baking spices with a silky blast that coats the palate and lingers for minutes. Medium-bodied and not as dense or assertive as many Bourbons, which is interesting as it’s bottled over-proof without showing a hint of being hot. $54 – 4.5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery True North Wheat Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully floral with an equal dose of sweet, toasted grains, dried berries, tarragon, and an distinct accent of wet river stones. The palate confirms the nose being rich and expansive on the palate with a silky core while maintaining its vibrancy. Layers of sweet grains are flanked by hints of citrus zest, teaberries, and mineral. Ideally balanced being both generous and sprite with a long, lingering finish that ultimately becomes dry and clean. $30 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin Réserve des Fiefs Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the vibrant scents of ripe and baked apples, with hints of fermenting skins, wild flowers, stone fruits, and mineral. The palate is in full agreement with the nose adding fresh, rich apple juice notes with accents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of earth and oak. Medium-bodied with a well-proportioned palate and lingering apple and spice notes. $69.99 – 4 Stars

Christian Drouin Selection Calvados
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is greeted with bright fruit, fresh cider notes with strong hints of pear, supporting/secondary notes of wood, subtle brown baking spice accents, and hints of citrus. The palate totally agrees with the aromatics delivering a generous and vibrant fruit-focused core with waves of citrus, spice, and mineral. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a soft, lingering apple cider note. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Christian Drouin VSOP Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are full and rich opening with baked apples supported by loads of brown spices with hints of candied ginger, cinnamon, honey comb, cocoa nibs, dried autumn leaves, and white pepper. The palate agrees with rich and drier notes rising to meet the fruit-driven core with flanking notes of mineral, salinity, and rich wine cask accents. Medium to full-bodied offering great density – being assertive while delicate with long, trailing fruit and spice notes. $84.99 – 4.5 Stars

Christian Drouin 25 Years Old Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully complex with fresh juice, caramel apples, and rich baked apples competing for dominace with waves of spice, oak, dried fruits, and a subtle cinnamon heat. The palate is a natural extention of the nose delivering rich, layered fruit and caramel core with assertive brown spices rising on the finish met by toasted oak and delicate mineral accents. Full-bodied with hedonistic fruit notes while keeping a perfect balance and delivering a finish that beautifully carries on for minutes. $259.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin XO Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are amazingly fresh and vibrant with scents of fresh apple juice, candied apples, baked stone fruits, toasted almonds, brown baking spices, and a splash of vanilla. The palate is equally youthful delivering layers of fruit, spice, mineral, and a fine salinity and trailing floral notes, with cinnamon heat, vanilla bean, and oak on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with layers of ripe fruit and generous portions of spice, vanilla, and oak. $124.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1975 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very floral and amazingly youthful with loads of apple and supporting waves of marzipan, honey, candied orange peel, rancio, and rich butter toffee, and delicate brown baking spices. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering waves of fruit, caramel, honey, and spice with peppery wood, soft cinnamon heat, and a trailing toffee and apple melange that lingers seemingly forever. Medium to full-bodied with intense honey and fruit married in one flawless package that defies its age. $356.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1976 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. Immediately the nose offers a rich and robust Sherry note followed by baked apples, ornage zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel, The palate opens in the direction of the nose cola nut and then a big blast of Sherry cask $339.99 – NA Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1986 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully floral with wild honey, red cherry, candied ginger, and loads of baked apples, marzipan, and oak. The palate is in full accord delivering a rich apple core with cherry accents as the wood is a companion here, never trampling the complex flavors. Medium-bodied and amazingly delicate with ideal balance and long, lingering flavors. $217.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1993 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of honey, wild flowers, figs, caramel, and layers of fruit with toffee, apricot, pecan, and brown butter. The palate fully agrees with the nose delivering rich layers of brown butter and baked apple with loads of honey, assertive brown baking spices, and soft oak accents. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a building warmth from the freshly toasted clove, cinnamon, and allspice. $191.99 – 4 Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1995 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite fruity and complex with scents of prunes and cashew butter, red cherry, vanilla custard, stewed red fruits, red currants, and cinnamon. The palate is so in-tune with the nose with loads of red fruits, spice, cinnamon, and bright Port cask notes giving it a strong vinous accent. Full-bodied and quite assertive with so many fresh fruit flavors arriving in waves with baking spices and Port while keeping a perfect balance. $163.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin Vintage 1996 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are rich and dense with scents of wild honey, baked apples, caramel, red fruits, almonds, brown baking spices, and dried fruits (fruitcake like). The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering waves of fruit ranging from plum, red berries, apricot, and of course apple with hints of honeycomb, nutmeg, and oak. Medium to full-bodied with intense waves of fruit and spice while maintaining a very pleasing balance. $163.99 – 4 Stars

Christian Drouin Blanche de Normande Eau-de-Vie-de-CidreSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. Incredibly fresh with ripe, crisp apple and pear, sweet fresh press juice, and hints of citrus. The palate carries the nose being decidedly sweeter allowing it to fill the mouth with ripe apple and pear flavors and to linger on for minutes. Medium-bodied with rich fruit and crisp acidity that keeps it perfectly balanced. $48.99 – 4.5 Stars

Christian Drouin Pommeau de Normandie
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aroma of freshly baked apples fills the nose with supporting notes of brown butter, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, and subtle caramel accents. The palate echoes the nose offering a very vibrant but rich, fruit-driven core with generous butter toffee and soft brown baking spice notes. Medium-bodied and very sprite with the open bottle being in grave danger of being exhausted in one sitting. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars

Clyde May’s Special Reserve American WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Rich, vibrant burgundy color. The generous aromatics are loaded with rich caramel, dried orchard fruits, toffee, butterscotch, nutmeg, cinnamon, Amaretto, and candied orange peel. The palate is harmonious and seamless being decadent with a spicy edge with loads of viscosity to give the Whiskey length and depth. It finishes with a complex brown spice accent, hints of clove, and toasted oak. Full-bodied and totally hedonistic offering rich, ripe, sweet flavors with great balance and dexterity considering the high proof. $70 – 4.5 Stars

Saint-Vivant VS ArmagnacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very pleasing and complex with sweet, honeyed apples and pears, dried fruits (think fruitcake), allspice, mace, vanilla, and orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but very vibrant fruit-driven core with supporting accents of oak, brown baking spices, black pepper, and dried fruit concentrate that lingers with nutmeg, clove, and brown butter. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance and length offering the full and semi-rustic flavors that Armagnac lovers seek. $28.99 – 4 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi Pistachio Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is hedonistic with the scents of freshly ground pistachio being less sweet than one would expect with accents of richly toasted pistachio. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering dense layers of pistachio with a roasted nut edge and subtle hints of vanilla. It’s less sweet than expected (a good thing) being laser focused on purity. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth while still being incredibly balanced and nuanced. $21.99 – 5 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi Lemon Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with the scents of lemon zest and sweet lemon juice being redolent of Limoncello and lemon drop candies. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich, creamy core with bright lemon pulp and zest sharing an equal stage with a creamy custard. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth while maintaining perfect balance. $21.99 – 5 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi Peach Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly generous with ripe peaches and a touch of apricot nesting on a stone fruit custard. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very lush, peach and custard core that offers subtle peach skin notes as well to add interest with accents of citrus rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth. $21.99 – 3.5 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi White Chocolate Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rather subtle, like white chocolate, with scents of vanilla cream with accents of roasted cocoa nibs. The palate perfectly mirrors the nose delivering a rich vanilla and chocolate cream that starts sweet and builds in cocoa intensity that becomes subtly drier. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth. $21.99 – 4.5 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi Chocolate & Rum Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is dense with the chocolate, veering toward dark chocolate, with subtle rich and sweet Rum notes. The palate delivers the promise of the nose while being incredibly viscous having the texture of gelato rather than a Liqueur. The generous chocolate flavors linger on and on for minutes. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth and staying there for minutes. It’s impossibly rich! $21.99 – 4 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

E&J VS American Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics reveal a very fruity, vinous Brandy with loads of brown baking spices with vanilla and cinnamon in the lead followed by dried red and black fruits and sweet toffee. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush but vibrant marriage of fruit, spice, and sweet oak. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and long, lingering flavors of spice and dried fruits. $10.99 – 3.5 Stars

E&J VSOP Superior Reserve American Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly fragrant with the scents of baked apples and dried red cherries supported by a generous dose of brown baking spices, oak, fruitcake, and vanilla bean. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a warming fruit-driven core with loads of flanking brown spices, oak, and a sweet cola nut note rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with layers of fruit and spice in perfect balance. $12.99 – 4 Stars

E&J XO Extra Smooth American BrandySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are so complex and inviting offering scents of roasted nuts, old leather, dense fruitcake, caramel, baked apple, vanilla bean, and sweet oak. The palate echoes the aromatics in every respect delivering a rich and impossibly silky fruit-driven core with supporting spice, toffee, caramel, and oak notes that mingle and evolve with each sip. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and proportions as each generous sip begs for the next. $15.99 – 5 Stars

E&J Apple Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with apple veering in style to a fresh apple cider with supporting notes of Brandy barrel spice. The palate agrees with the nose delivering a very juicy core that finishes with a bit of sour apple candy. Medium-bodied and quite sweet with bold apple flavors. $12.99 – 3 Stars

I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is classic Bourbon with waves of caramel, roasted nuts, brown baking spices, vanilla, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a soft, fruity core with loads of toffee, caramel, oak, and spice. Medium-bodied with a gentle core of fruit and spice and sweet caramel flavors on the finish. $35 – 4 Stars

Francescano Natura Assisi Melon Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of fresh-cut cantaloupe with accents of Japanese Kasugai Melon candy and watermelon hard candy with soft dairy cream. The palate is in great agreement with the nose while being more cream and less fruit than the nose would suggest. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth. $21.99 – 3.5 Stars

Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite complex offering scents of roasted malt with ripe stone fruits with rich butter toffee, and toasted almonds with hints of lemon zest and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush while very vibrant fruit and grain-driven core with loads of brown baking spices, ginger biscuits, vanilla bean, and bright citrus accents. Medium-bodied with ideal balance as the acidity level is quite generous and finishing with dry barrel notes. $59.99 – 4 Stars

Teeling Small Batch Blended Irish WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully seductive with sweet Irish malt in the forefront, supporting notes of exotic brown baking spices, vanilla, toasted oak, and beautiful Caribbean Rum accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex mélange of grain and spice notes offered on a silky palate. Medium-bodied with perfect balance due to bright acidity and dry, oak cask notes. $34.99 – 5 Stars

Hyde Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very spicy with a well-integrated oak backbone that offers a perfect platform for ripe, rich stone fruits, lemon curd, honey, and caramel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and quite spicy fruit, Sherry, and honey-focused core with layers of pepper, brown baking spices, and loads of oak. Full-bodied with intense spice, Sherry, and oak flavors that envelop the rich fruit. $70 – 4 Stars

Poli Distillerie Uva Viva Italiana di Poli Grape Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral offering scents of cherry blossom, ripe pear, peach, mineral, apricot, and hints of raw apple. The palate is in full agreement with the nose while the flavors are more generous than the aromatics delivering waves of pure stone fruits with apple and pear as well. The vibrant flavors linger on for minutes on the finish. Medium-bodied with a rich but vibrant fruit-driven core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $70 – 5 Stars

Poli Distillerie Jacopo Poli Moscato Grape Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of exotic tropical flowers, fresh savory herbs, orange blossom, white peach, and citrus zest with a hint of mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant fruit-driven core that captures the essence of a dense floral bouquet with generous citrus zest and soft mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied with a rich but vibrant Moscato-driven core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $86 – 5 Stars

Poli Distillerie Sarpa di Poli Grappa
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral with fresh scents of savory herbs (tarragon and peppermint jump out), rose petals, aloe, citrus zest, and mineral. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a zesty, rustic fruit, and herbal core with generous citrus notes adding dimension and a peppery punch. Medium-bodied with a rich and slightly chewy core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $53 – 4 Stars

Poli Distillerie PO’ di Poli Aromatica Grappa
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose surely lives up to its name offering up fresh scents of lavender, rose water, wild flowers, pink peppercorns, pine cone, and earthy notes redolent of turmeric. The palate is in full agreement with the nose while being remarkably delicate and mildly viscous with a rich floral core and flanking notes of pepper, ginger, and rose water rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with a rich, semi-viscous core that remains very vibrant offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $70 – 5 Stars

Poli Distillerie Miele Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazing and sure to be a hit with many Gin lovers. Bright citrus notes (both zest and juice) abound with accents of pine, spring flowers, juniper, and honeycomb. The palate echoes the nose with waves of citrus fruit and supporting botanicals. It’s more sweet than tart but keeps a fine balance and great length. Medium-bodied with a rich but vibrant fruit-driven core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $35 – 4.5 Stars

Nardini Aquavite di Vinaccia Bianca Grappa
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully floral and complex intertwining fresh flowers with dried flowers, hints of tea and honey add accents with subtle notes of earth. Rich, dense, and viscous with flavors of citrus, jasmine tea, blanched almonds, wild flower honey, and loads of savory herbs that become bitter in all the right ways on the finish. Full-bodied with layers of intense flavors (aided by the higher proof) and a silky, viscous core that is kept clean with a generous splash of acidity. $53 – 4.5 Stars

Pierre Croizet VS CognacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral with waves of ripe and baked orchard fruits, wild honey, pale caramel, roasted almonds, vanilla bean, and orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering waves of fruit beautifully intertwined with spice, caramel, and wild flowers that linger for minutes and finishes with hints of nutmeg and allspice. Medium-bodied with perfect balance flawlessly marrying mature wood-aged notes with vibrant youthful Cognac notes. $31.99 – 4 Stars

Azzurre Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are surprisingly fruity as sweet scents of ripe orchard fruits with tropical accents fill the nose supported by hints of mineral, citrus, and hay. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky fruit-driven core with loads of grassy, sweet accents, mineral, and citrus zest to keep it dry. Medium-bodied with good balance and a dry, citrus-accented finish. $27 – 4 Stars

Azzurre Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is vibrant and generous with fresh citrus pulp and zest, wild herbs and heather, grapefruit, pineapple, basil, and bright juniper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous citrus core with flanking notes of mineral, herbs, and sweet evergreen accents. Medium-bodied with ideal balance while being more gentle than many Gins undoubtedly due to its moderate alcohol. $27 – 4.5 Stars

Kinahan’s Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite beautiful filling the nose with scents of ripe orchard fruits featuring pear and peach with accents of wild herbs, mint, honey, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering waves of fruit and malted barley at its core with flanking notes of herbs, oak, dark cocoa nibs, and subtle brown baking spices with a hint of citrus. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance and long, lingering flavors that become drier on the finish. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Kinahan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are certainly generous offering rich scents of butter toffee, honey, dried red fruits, toasted grain, orange peel and black tea with hints of allspice, pepper, and oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose with the fruit component taking center stage then being quickly enveloped by spice, wood, and cigar. Full-bodied with a a dense and assertive core that finishes dry. $64.99 – 4 Stars

Egan’s 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are beautiful and complex ideally marrying cereal grains with rich honeycomb, caramel, wild flowers and herbs, mint, delicate citrus notes, and sweet oak with a hint of campfire. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a lush toffee-like core with waves of herbs, brown baking spice, and honey in support. Full-bodied and quite silky with perfect balance and long, lingering flavors that become both dry and sweet. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars

Old Tahoe Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite subtle offering scents of honey, butterscotch, brown baking spices, and secondary notes of vanilla and caramel. The palate confirms the nose delivering soft, sweet barrel notes with a rich butterscotch core and little to no spice that one would associate with Rye Whiskey. Medium-bodied and soft in style and texture. $38 – 3.5 Stars

Old Tahoe Honey Flavored Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is greeted with the scent of sweet honey with a supporting Whiskey note that includes sweet grains, vanilla, and caramel. The palate delivers a full-throttle honey sensation with flanking notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and subtle tropical fruit notes. Medium-bodied and quite sweet. $35 – 3 Stars

Frey Ranch VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filed with the scents of pure grain spirit with corn certainly in the lead. The aromatics are so pure that the corn takes on a fruity note (peach and melon) that is supported by mineral, sweet talc, and a hint of pepper. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and fruit-filled core with flanking notes of pepper that are more prominent on the finish. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a silky texture that while generous finishes quite dry. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Frey Ranch GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The vibrant juniper jumps from the glass and greets the nose followed quickly by the sagebrush that adds a unique note. Waves of exotic spices add to the fun with a bright citrus note that seems to frame all of the botanicals. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and chewy core with an incredibly dense and chewy array of fresh botanicals with trailing notes of coriander and citrus. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance and great length. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Brothers Sacred Bond – Bottled in Bond American BrandySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant amber, crystal clear. The nose is rich with the scents of red and black berries with notes of plum, vanilla bean, fig, nougat, marzipan, allspice, and black currant jam. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a rich, fruit-focused core with waves of sweet vanilla, brown baking spices, and spicy/sweet oak. Being bottled at 50% abv it is quite intense while still being very nuanced and complex with perfect balance and great length. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Tullamore D.E.W. Trilogy 15 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, amber and crystal clear. The nose is very pretty and rather complex perfectly marrying baked orchard fruits with caramel, brown baking spices, toasted nuts, and candied ginger with citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose with waves of rich fruit being bettered by the flood of spices, honey, and oak that simply takeover. Medium-bodied being rather rich and creamy with pronounced spice notes that add balance. $79.99 – 4 Stars

Malfy Con Limone Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are unique in the Gin world with vibrant lemon flowers, lemon zest, and pulp taking the lead with juniper taking on a supporting roll. The palate confirms the nose again delivering a bright, assertive lemon note that reveals many complex layers and subtle botanical accents on a canvas of a silky and pure spirit. Medium-bodied with perfect balance with a rich, silky texture that carries the flavors from the fruity entry to the dry, zesty finish. $28.99 – 5 Stars

Pasote Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wild and complex offering scents of baked and raw agave with a beautiful, fresh herbal layer that flows seamlessly to green, fresh jalapeno with lime. It’s a Mexican kitchen in a glass. The palate matches the nose is each respect delivering an agave fruit core that is generously supported by waves of green herbs, lime, and peppery heat that fades to a sweet, baked agave fruit finish. Medium-bodied while full-throttle in terms of the flavors with great definition of flavor with long, lingering flavors. $49 – 5 Stars

Pasote Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are lovely and inviting as this repo carries on the rich fruit found in their blanco while some of the more angular herbal edges have been tamed and replaced with soft honey and cask notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a soft and silky agave and orchard fruit core with supporting notes of lime, salt, mineral, and delicate spice notes provided by the cask. Medium-bodied with rich, generous flavors of agave. Perfctly balanced with a bright dose of acidity that keeps it vibrant and allows the subtle secondary notes to shine. $59 – 5 Stars

Pasote Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very vibrant with scents of agave and fresh herbal notes outpacing the exotic and sweet wood notes that offer supporting notes of vanilla and caramel. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush agave core that is fully enveloped in sweet oak cask notes including vanilla, allspice, and caramel. Medium-bodied with a generous dose of bright acidity not always found in añejo Tequila. The flavors are generous and bold while maintaining ideal balance. $69 – 4.5 Stars

Don Q Signature Release/Single Barrel 2005 RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. There is a generous oak note but I find it to be very rounded and mellow (especially with a few drops of water) as the exotic brown spices from the oak marry beautifully with rich dried fruits, caramel, and roasted nuts. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, caramel, and fruit-focused core with an incredibly generous dose of brown baking spice, toasted oak, vanilla, and leather that finishes dry. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a fresh dose of acidity and firm wood tannins that rise on the finish. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Prairie Organic Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly pure with scents of grain and citrus blossom with accents of mineral and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky core with supporting and vibrant mineral and citrus notes that add interest and length. Medium-bodied with a bright dose of acidity and long, lingering grain and mineral flavors. $20 – 4 Stars

RE:FIND Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully aromatic reminiscent of the best Grappas that you have nosed offering scents of wild flowers and macerated red fruits with hints of mineral and tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose while fully coming to life offering a lush and chewy fruit-driven core with layers of berry and tropical fruits with a delicate and creamy vanilla-accented finish. Medium-bodied with a beautifully silky texture and long, decadent finish. $38 – 4.5 Stars

RE:FIND Cucumber Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite green with the scent of cucumber (skins and flesh) with green and dried herbs, and a distinct earthiness. The palate confirms the nose delivering the green cucumber notes with a generous dose of sugar and pithy citrus notes rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with bold vegetal flavors and a healthy dose of sweetness. $44 – 3 Stars

RE:FIND Batch No. 3 Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is unmistakably rye with loads of brown baking spices delivered at near parity and hints of vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a round, slightly viscous sweet grain core with loads of baking spices and the vanilla found on the nose taking a bigger role while it mingles with caramel. Full-bodied with a prominent sense of alcohol due to the over-proof bottling strength. $60 – 3.5 Stars

RE:FIND Finished in Barrel Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. Well, there is not a chance you could nose this and think Vodka. The aromatics are firmly in the Whiskey camp offering waves of caramel, vanilla, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and toffee. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich, Bourbon barrel notes with only the spirits lush and silky texture left to speak for itself. Medium-bodied with rich and expressive barrel notes of brown baking spice, vanilla, and caramel. $50 – 3 Stars

Bayou Silver Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose delivers a careful balance of molasses with vanilla cream supported by tropical fruits and hints of banana. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and sweet sugar-focused center with accents of tropical fruit and hints of mineral. Medium-bodied and sweet with long, lingering flavors. $20.99 – 3.5 Stars

Casa D’Aristi Kalani Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is unmistakably raw and baked, sweet coconut with accents of coconut cream, cocoa, and hints of caramel. The palate confirms the nose delivering an incredibly rich coconut-driven core with waves of cream, cocoa, and baked coconut with hints of citrus on the finish keeping it fresh and vibrant. Medium-bodied and sweet while never being cloying giving waves of complex coconut flavors. $32.95 – 5 Stars

Casa D’Aristi XTA Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully intense with scents of exotic tropical flowers, honey, and anise with hints of wild mint, candied orange peel, and papaya. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich honey and anise focused core with flanking notes of mint and honeycomb. Full-bodied with intense spice and herbal flavors that give this sweet and lush Liqueur an unexpected vibrancy. $32.95 – 5 Stars

Linie AquavitSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of caraway and anise with supporting notes of dill seed, orange peel, clove, dried figs, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich spice and fruit core as the Sherry cask flavors come alive with accents of citrus and peppermint. Medium-bodied with too many layers of fruit and spice to dissect with bright acidity aiding in the perfect balance. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Dimmi Liquore de Milano LiqueurSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very aromatic offering scents of ripe fruits including lychee, peach, apricot, and golden melon supported by dried herbs, orange peel, anise, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering more dense fruit with a rising spice and herbal vein offering length, balance, and intrigue. Medium-bodied with layers of fruit, herb, and spice with just enough tart fruit and citrus notes to keep it balanced inviting the next sip. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Père Magloire Fine V.S. Calvados
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very floral and fruity with many expressions of apple offered such as juice, fresh picked apple, and baked apples. The palate surely echoes the nose delivering a lush and sweet apple-focused core with lovely wood-derived notes of caramel and brown baking spices. Medium-bodied with long, lingering fruit notes capped by a slightly tart dose of acidity that keeps it fresh and balanced. $34.99 – 3.5 Stars

Corazón Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite aromatic with waves of sweet agave, fresh herbs, citrus, and pickling spices seamlessly married. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, baked agave core with flanking herbal and citrus notes with long, lingering notes of agave with coriander seed and hints of yellow mustard seed. Medium-bodied with perfect balance thanks to a vibrant dose of fresh acidity. $24.99 – 4 Stars

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

Booker’s Big Time Batch Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nosing at full strength shows dense fruit and spice notes with sweet caramel but a big blast of alcohol as well. With the addition of water it really blossoms revealing nuanced scents of banana bread, rich caramel with allspice, black pepper, cloves, ginger, orange peel, vanilla bean, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and powerful core of fruit and spice with countess barrel notes and a long, trailing finish that becomes drier as it fades. Full-bodied and quite aggressive with its nearly 70% abv but it does become a more gentle giant with the addition of water. $299.99 – 5 Stars

Knob Creek Limited Edition – Batch 1 2001 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics offered by this Bourbon are so rich and seductive that it’s hard to stop nosing. The dense toffee, caramel, and baked fruit notes are perfectly married and jump from the glass (especially after a water dose). Supporting notes of charred oak, brown baking spices, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose with a decadent, sweet fruit, caramel and nut core supported by brown spices and pepper that become drier and more wood forward on the finish. Full-bodied with the rich baked fruits and spices carrying the higher proof with ease and style. $129.99 – 4.5 Stars

Canadian Club 100% Canadian Rye Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. This beautiful Whisky is wonderfully aromatic with waves of black fruits and spicy rye lifting from the glass supported by brown baking spices, dark caramel, vanilla bean, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich caramel and toffee-centered core with loads of toasty oak, spicy rye, Christmas cake spices and fruit, and trailing hints of roasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance and great complexity as the fresh acidity activates your saliva and begs for the next sip. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Caorunn Small Batch Scottish GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully fresh presented on a backdrop of an ultra clean spirit offering scents of red and black berries with mint, anise, and hints of evergreen brush. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, grain spirit core with waves of herbs, pine, heather, and soft (almost sweet) mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied with a beautifully lush core and ideal balance thanks to a vibrant dose of acidity and clever botanical blend. $35 – 5 Stars

Mahón Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite beautiful as the grape spirit is very evident acting as the perfect platform for the vibrant juniper and citrus notes with hints of coriander, bark botanicals, and lavender. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky but sprite grape spirit core with a lovely marriage if bright juniper and lemon with earthy spices and soft wildflower accents. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and great length. $47.99 – 4.5 Stars

Fords London Dry GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The juniper steps up and takes center stage followed by a toasted coriander note supported by the angelica with citrus, floral jasmine, and lavender. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a lush and oily center palate with juniper and citrus in the lead creating a slightly sweet core that becomes quite dry on the finish. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and a texture that far surpasses most in its class. $25 – 5 Stars

Sloane’s Dry GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. This Gin is very aromatic with spicy cardamom notes hitting first followed quickly by the citrus and soft peppery notes that lead to subtle hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant citrus-focused core with the other botanicals bringing support on the flanks with floral notes rising on the finish with accents of lemon zest. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a complex mélange of citrus and exotic botanicals. $27.99 – 4.5 Stars

Rutte Celery GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rather delicate allowing the sweet scents of the pot still distillate to rise from the glass. The celery is certainly evident and it seems to accentuate the fruity notes of the juniper and the sweetness of the angelica with hints of spring flowers and citrus. The palate echoes the nose delivering soft, sweet herbal notes with vibrant citrus that finish with a touch of mint and cardamon. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and a beautiful complexity. The botanicals are pronounced while delicate with great length. $37.99 – 4.5 Stars

Rutte Dry GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is quite expressive being led by citrus with fresh, green herbs and juniper not far behind. Exotic brown spices emerge after several nosings providing a warming sense. The palate echoes the nose while being more vibrant and spicy with the secondary brown spices taking the lead now being followed by citrus and juniper with hints of sandalwood and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied with an assertive and complex melange of botanicals that present themselves one after another from the front palate to the very, very long finish. $37.99 – 5 Stars

Rutte Old Simon GeneverSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very unctuous and malty with scents of grains in the lead supported by hints of roasted nuts and spices (coriander and subtle caraway notes) with soft citrus and juniper accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky texture that gives life to the toasted spice core with the caraway really accentuated. Full-bodied with a rich, nearly chewy, malty, and grain core supported by bright juniper, spice, and notes of hazelnut. $37.99 – 5 Stars

Booker’s Batch 2016-03 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly complex and subtle in some respects with rich vanilla and brown baking spices supported by waves of fruit, toasted oak, and brown butter with caramel. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and silky vanilla-driven core with generous fruit, brown baking spices, and rich caramel notes that linger for minutes. Full-bodied and so incredibly silky and lush while also showing balance and restraint. $59.99 – 5 Stars

Blue Nectar Silver, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. Beautifully fragrant with ripe, sweet agave in the lead supported by fresh herbs and mineral with hints of citrus and mirin. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky textured fruit-driven core with a generous dose of vibrant acidity with trailing notes of mineral and herbs. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and a long, lingering finish. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Blue Nectar Extra Blend Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of charred oak and baked agave with supporting notes of brown baking spices, black pepper, and burnt marshmallow. The palate is largely in agreement with the nose while the bitter and astringent wood notes that envelope the baked agave was more aggressive than anticipated. Medium to full-bodied with loads of spice and oak. $44.99 – 3 Stars

Blue Nectar Special Craft Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is intruiging with brown baking spices, vanilla, and brown sugar taking the lead followed by scents of sweet agave and subtle oak notes. The palate is simpatico with the nose while being a good bit sweeter than even the nose suggests with Christmas spices filling the palate. Medium-bodied with loads of spice and a very sweet, fruity core. $49.99 – 3 Stars

Jumbie Coconut Splash Flavored RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are vibrant and unmistakably coconut offering both fresh and toasted coconut meat with fresh juice and subtle hints of cocoa beans. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet but incredible, well-balanced burst of pure coconut flavors with flanking notes of citrus that keeps it clean and very refreshing. Medium-bodied with gobs of rich coconut flavor and perfect balance thanks to a dose of fresh acidity. $14.99 – 4 Stars

Jumbie Pineapple Splash Flavored RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with sweet tropical fruit featuring pineapple with mandarin orange and other tropical fruits as well. The palate is in full agreement with the nose with sweet tropical fruits at the core with soft notes of confectioners’ sugar, tropical flowers, and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied with sweet tropical fruits. $14.99 – 3 Stars

El Consuelo Organic Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are ultra fresh with notes of ripe agave fruit sharing the spotlight with notes of earth, salt, citrus zest, and subtle tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant, baked agave core with supporting herbal, salt, and citrus notes with long, lingering flavors of tart citrus and subtle earth tones. Medium-bodied with perfect balance thanks to a vibrant dose of fresh acidity. $49.50 – 4 Stars

Toast Vodka with Coconut Water Flavored Vodka
Crystal Clear. The aromatics are quite subtle save an earthy, coconut husk scent with waves of mineral as well. The palate is equally subtle with a silky core and flanking notes of dry coconut and mineral with hot spirity notes rising on the finish being met by the earthy tones found on the nose. Medium-bodied with a silky, slightly chewy center and long lingering pepper and earth notes. $31 – 3 Stars

Three Meadows Peony Flavored Vodka
Crystal clear. The aromatics are quite beautiful offering scents of wild flowers, jasmine tea, vanilla bean, and subtle tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose while becoming a great deal more animated lifting the beautiful floral mélange to new heights by delivering a lightly sweet essence of the aromatics with a subtle citrus edge on the finish that gives balance and length. Medium-bodied with semisweet floral notes expanding on the palate while showing perfect balance. $33 – 4 Stars

FOS Greek Mastiha Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear with viscous legs in the glass. The nose is very interesting and unique offering waves of pine cone and pine needles with dried herbs, dried lemon peel, anise seed, and sweet pickle juice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a softer herbal mélange as sweet sugar does mute the flavors and makes it all a bit more uniform. Medium-bodied with a rich and nearly cloying wave of sweet white sugar notes. $31.99 – 3.5 Stars

Allaire Privée Rum
Crystal clear. The nose is quite interesting as it delivers sweet sugar notes alternatively with dense earthy tones and subtle tropical notes. The palate somewhat follows the lead the nose provided delivering a sweet and hot core with subtle mineral and earth notes that become dry and slightly woody on the finish. Medium-bodied with hot and dry notes that envelop the subtle fruit notes. $105 – 2 Stars

Ron Abuelo Añejo RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep golden/bronze color. The nose opens with dry oak notes that soon evolve into beautiful scents of roasted nuts, toasted coconut, brown baking spices, fruit cake, treacle, and vanilla cream with accents of sandalwood and butterscotch. The palate echoes the nose delivering a gorgeous fruit and honey core with waves of nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar with pepper and clove accents on the finish. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a bright dose of acidity that keeps it vibrant and joyful to sip. $15.99 – 4.5 Stars

Ron Abuelo 7 Years Old RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep bronze color. The aromatics are wonderfully complex and vibrant with alternating aromatics of dried tropical fruits, toffee, toasted coconut, darjeeling tea leaves, brown baking spices, treacle, vanilla, and sweet oak. The palate is simpatico with the nose delivering incredibly lush and silky layers of fruit with supporting notes of pralines, butterscotch, allspice, nutmeg, and toasted oak. Medium-bodied and luxurious with velvet-like fruit and ideal balance thanks to the generous spice notes and bright acidity. $23.99 – 5 Stars

Ron Abuelo 12 Years Old RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep, brilliant amber color. The aromatics are are incredibly decadent and complex with scents of Rum infused fruit cake, macaroons, allspice, nutmeg, vanilla, buckwheat honey, caramel, cinnamon, and roasted nuts. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering layers of baked fruits, caramel, brown baking spices, and oak with dry and sweet spice notes mingling on the finish for minutes. Full-bodied and incredibly decadent with layers of fruit and spice presented in perfect proportions with an endless finish. $34.99 – 5 Stars

Phraya Gold RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep, brilliant bronze color. The aromatics are wonderfully complex and exciting offering scents of butterscotch, maple syrup, brown sugar, and stewed tropical fruits with supporting notes of vanilla, roasted almonds, and exotic brown spices. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a lush butterscotch and caramel core with a refreshing dose of acidity and spice that keeps this lush and decadent Rum very vibrant and nuanced. Medium-bodied with layers of flavors that are perfectly balanced with fresh acidity and subtle pepper notes. $40 – 4.5 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

William Wolf Coffee Flavored Whisk(e)y
Brilliant mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scent of roasted coffee beans, toasted mixed nuts, and black patent malt with hints of caramel and brown sugar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright coffee/espresso-core with flanking notes of brown sugar that transition to drier finish that for the first time shows this spirit’s Whiskey base. Medium-bodied with vibrant coffee notes with the sugar well in check with a dose of acidity and dry Whiskey notes. $24.99 – 4 Stars

William Wolf Frisky Flavored Whisk(e)y
Brilliant bronze color. The nose is filled with the sweet scent of caramel, butterscotch, and cashew brittle with accents of brown sugar. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a very sweet, caramel-forward core with flanking notes of toffee. Medium-bodied with sweet caramel and Liqueur proportions. $24.99 – 3 Stars

Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose presents sweet, floral juniper with supporting notes of orange peel, lemon, and a mélange of brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, silky, and slightly sweet juniper focused core with flanking notes of citrus and hints of exotic botanicals that finish dry with a vibrant dose of citrus. Medium-bodied with bright flavors and a velvety spirit deftly mingle with the eight botanicals to create a Gin with ideal balance. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Gin Lane 1751 Victoria Pink Gin
Brilliant, pink salmon color. The nose is quite vibrant offering scents of fresh juniper with a bright floral backdrop and supporting notes of bitter herbs and citrus. The palate confirms the nose while being fuller and richer than expected delivering a fresh floral and juniper core with flanking notes of citrus zest and bitter herbs enveloped in a silky spirit. Medium-bodied with a round, silky core and a bright dose of acidity offering perfect balance. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Clyde May’s Non-Chill Filtered 5 Years Old Straight Bourbon WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Very deep amber color. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet grains, caramel, brown sugar, vanilla bean, and baked orchard fruits with flanking notes of brown baking spices and charred oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a fruit-forward core with waves of exotic spices, vanilla, and sweet barrel notes with hints of black pepper and leather. Full-bodied with rich and bright fruit while maintaining an ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and generous spice accents. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Deep golden to bronze color. The nose is filled with a beautiful and complex marriage of sweet grains, ripe orchard fruits, and citrus, with accents of honey, nutmeg, and dried apricots. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant grain and fruit core with flanking notes of brown spice, pepper, and oak. Medium-bodied with perfect balance, bright acidity, and complex flavors. $69.99 – 4.5 Stars

Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, deep bronze to amber color. The nose is really quite beautiful offering generous fruit, honey, and baked apples with accents of honey, toffee, and rich sherry notes. The palate is in full agreement with the nose as it delivers a rich and decadent baked fruit core with waves of brown spice, honey, and Sherry that finishes much drier with loads of pepper and wood. Full-bodied with loads of sweet and candied fruits foiled by brown spice and pepper. $109.99 – 4 Stars

Cedar Ridge Single Malt American WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant amber color. The nose is filled with dense, ripe fruits ranging from red cherries to apricot with bold accents of burnt sugar, allspice, vanilla, and sweet oak with hints of Brandy. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex fruit core with generous supporting notes of brown baking spices, oak, and rich caramel. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and bold spice and oak notes. $48 – 4.5 Stars

Cedar Ridge Malted Rye Whiskey
Brilliant copper color. The nose is so alluring and complex offering scents of baked apples, honey, roasted almonds, and caramel with accents of clove, allspice, and nutmeg. The palate in in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush fruit and caramel core with waves of brown spice, oak, and hints of leather, and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied with a rich fruit core while being vibrant with a bright dose of acidity providing perfect balance. $42 – 4 Stars

Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey
Brilliant, pale golden color. The aromatics are quite delicate offering scents of steeped grains, butterscotch, toffee, and subtle baked orchard fruits. The palate confirms the nose being a bit drier than expected with a grassy core and assertive notes of green tea emerging on the finish. Medium-bodied with bright grain and green notes that become astringent on the finish. $42 – 3 Stars

Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant copper color. The nose is complex and subtle for a Bourbon with scents of grain, brown baking spices, and oak, with accents of dried herbs, fresh mint, and hints of toffee. The palate echoes the nose delivering a a dry and slightly astringent fruit and caramel core with flanking notes of baking spices, pepper, and toasted grain. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and dry spices. $39 – 3.5 Stars

Nomad Outland Blended Whisky
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is quite expressive with generous scents of toffee, fruit cake, caramel malt, and oak with accents of brown baking spices and honey. The palate reveals more Whisky notes than the nose as the aromatics are Sherry dominated while the Whisky is fighting through on the palate showing waves of grains before surrendering to the rich, silky Sherry. Medium-bodied with good balance considering the decadence of the Sherry with a pleasing silky texture. $44.99 – 4 Stars

Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant copper color. The nose is beautiful and complex offering scents of cashew butter, honey, banana bread, and baked apples with accents of treacle and honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a fruit and grain core with accents of allspice, cinnamon, and cocoa nibs while it becomes increasingly drier finishing with notes of black pepper. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and sprite spice notes. $60 – 4 Stars

Lost Distillery Co. Lossit Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of sweet peat smoke, ripe pear and apple, wildflower honey, candied lemon peel, and smoked ham with accents of oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a complex, silky core that ideally balances fruit, malt, smoke, and spice with trailing notes of candied ginger and campfire smoke. Medium-bodied with perfect balance delivering layers of Islay Whisky flavors with a very bright dose of acidity. $43 – 4.5 Stars

Herradura Colección de la Casa Reserva 2016, Port Cask Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant copper with hints of pink. The aromatics are amazingly complex offering scents of sweet baked agave, dried cherries and raspberry, blood orange, and allspice with hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky fruit-driven core featuring both agave and red fruits with flanking notes of spice, oak, cocoa nibs, and hints of sea salt. Medium-bodied with a complex mélange of fruit and spice framed by bright acidity providing perfect balance. $89.99 – 4.5 Stars

Boondocks 11 Years Old American WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, golden straw color. The nose offers a beautiful balance of fruit and grain with accents of blanched almonds, brown butter, nutmeg, baked apples, and subtle toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and silky fruit and grain driven core with flanking spice notes, butterscotch, and brown bread. This Whiskey is packed with flavor and despite the high proof it’s incredibly balanced with silky flavors and a long, lingering finish. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Boondocks Cask Strength 11 Years Old American WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant copper color. Like their 95 proof Whiskey, this cask strength Whiskey perfectly marries fruit and grain but this expression shows accents of caramel, toffee, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and allspice. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a fruit and grain driven core with waves of caramel, roasted nuts, butterscotch, and subtle brown baking spices. This is a very intense Whiskey thanks to being drawn straight from the cask with no dilution. This needs water in your glass to be enjoyed but with the water addition it is incredibly balanced. $59.99 – 4 Stars

Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden to copper color. The nose is bright with the scents of sweet toffee with a generous dose of sea salt, toasted grains, brown butter, anise seed, and rich honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, silky honey and caramel core with waves of Bourbon, oak, and brown baking spices in support. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance and great length. $54.99 – 3.5 Stars

Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden to copper color. The aromatics lead with a bright dose of fresh, reeky peat smoke supported by toasted grain, honey, and rich caramel with accents of baking spices and a hint of lemon zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dense and chewy malt Whisky with waves of honey, peat smoke, clove, and butterscotch rising on the finish. Full-bodied with perfect balance thanks to the bright peat and citrus accents. $69.99 – 3.5 Stars

Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden to copper color. The aromatics are quite beautiful as the rich, honeyed malt is equaled by sweet, peated malt with supporting notes of toffee, Bourbon, and oak. The palate echoes the nose revealing a dense but silky caramel malt core with generous waves of peated malt, Sherry, brown baking spices, and oak with hints of citrus and vanilla. Full-bodied with ideal balance perfectly concealing its high proof. $69.99 – 4 Stars

anCnoc cutter Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is very expressive with the expected wave of thick, phenolic peat smoke met by anCnoc’s classic scents of honey, butterscotch, toasted grain, roasted nuts, and ripe orchard fruits. The palate fully concurs with the nose as the juicy apples and pears take center stage with waves of peat smoke, lovely brown spices, and rich malt notes that show accents of salinity and citrus on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with generous fruit and malt supported with loads of peat and spice while delivering perfect balance and a lush texture. $79 – 4.5 Stars

Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully complex offering scents of stewed fruits along with fresh pear, pineapple, and red apple supported by waves of brown baking spices (allspice and nutmeg are prominent), caramel, black pepper, wood, and toffee. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush and silky fruit driven core with accents of baking spice, toasted grains, wood, Sherry, and dry black pepper notes on the finish. This is an intense and multilayered blended malt that changes constantly in the glass as it aerates, revealing new layers of flavors. $200 – 3.5 Stars

Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant copper color. The nose is so seductive offering a wave of decadent aromatics led by caramel and butterscotch supported by cinnamon, nutmeg, and Christmas spices framed by toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, spicy Rum core that oozes butterscotch with an exotic spice blend that is far from overly sweet rather finishing with a dry vanilla and oak accent. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a fresh dose of acidity and a melange of spices that are so carefully portioned that a master chef would be envious. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Speyburn Arranta Casks Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep golden color. The aromatics are absolutely gorgeous with gobs of butter toffee, toasted coconut, wild honey, brown baking spices featuring nutmeg, with accents of butterscotch, roasted nuts, and vanilla bean. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush but spicy malt and caramel-driven core with flanking notes of baking spice, oak, brown butter, and bright citrus accents on the finish. Full-bodied with generous malt and spice notes while maintaining a perfect balance with bright acidity and the perfect dose of oak. $40 – 5 Stars

Highland Park Fire Edition 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant amber color. The aromatics are quite beautiful with waves of red fruits layered with rich, sweet malt supported by notes of brown baking spices, fruit cake, vanilla, and hints of chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush fruit and malt-driven core with generous spice and oak notes. It’s a full-bodied Whisky for sure with generous fruit and malt flavors balanced with bright acidity and spice accents. $300 – 4.5 Stars

Highland Park 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep gold to amber copper color. The nose is a textbook study in the art of subtle aromatics while gorgeous toasted malt mingles with oak, smoke, baked orchard fruits, wild flower honey, and Highland Park’s calling card — heather. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering rich, sweet malt while dry and spicy with notes of pepper, smoke, and cloves. Full-bodied with generous malt and spice notes while maintaining a perfect balance with bright acidity and spice notes. $55 – 4.5 Stars

Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant copper color. The aromatics are both exotic and intense offering scents of sweet turf fire with blood orange, sea salt, baked apple, dried chili, anise seed, and nougat. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush and vibrant fruit and peat mélange ideally framed by brown baking spices, oak, and citrus. Being Laphroaig you know it’s not going to be a wallflower. It’s quite intense but wonderfully complex and perfectly balanced. $74.99 – 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

Glenfarclas 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant amber with hints of gold. The very expressive nose is dense with scents of rich fruitcake, caramel, Sherry, roasted walnuts, toffee, and ginger biscuits. The palate echoes the nose delivering waves of decadent fruit, spice, and malt finishing with a generous dose of sweet Sherry and a touch of earth. Full-bodied and perfectly proportioned with a bright dose of acidity and bright spice accents. $54.99 – 4.5 Stars

Glenfarclas 21 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden/amber. The aromatics are rich and complex with scents of sweet Sherry, nutmeg, baked apple, tropical fruits, caramel, and wildflower honey with accents of vanilla and whips of smoke. The palate in is full accord with the nose delivering waves of Sherry-soaked fruits with flanking notes of brown baking spice, with hints of smoke, vanilla, and citrus. Full-bodied while showing perfect balance as the lush flavors are ideally foiled by bright acidity and spice accents. $124.99 – 5 Stars

Penderyn Madeira Single Malt Welsh Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose reveals scents of wild flora with waves of toffee, fruitcake, and vanilla bean with accents of oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering generous but delicate flavors of dried fruits with cream and a bright dose of brown baking spices. Medium-bodied with generous fruit notes met by bright acidity and crisp spice accents. $69.99 – 4 Stars

Spytail Black Ginger Flavored Rum
Brilliant, deep mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet Rum, cola, and brown baking spices, along with a generous dose of candied ginger and hints of tropical fruits. On the palate this flavored Rum becomes decidedly more angular with sharp spice and ginger notes and a strong medicinal flavors that overwhelms. Medium-bodied with compartmentalized and competing flavors. $22.99 – 2.5 Stars

Herradura Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, deep straw color. The aromatics are quite amazing and complex featuring sweet agave with generous accents of vanilla bean, nougat, butterscotch, and caramel with hints of mineral and oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and silky fruit-core with loads of butter and caramel with trailing notes of oak and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with waves of fruit and sweet barrel notes kept vibrant by a fresh dose of acidity. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Herradura Silver, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are led by dense, fruity agave notes with strong supporting notes of dried herbs, oak, and earth with hints of mineral, citrus zest, and sandalwood. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, agave-driven core flanked by sandalwood, earth, and faint citrus accents and vanilla bean. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity. $37.99 – 4 Stars

Herradura Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, deep copper color. The aromatics reveal a rich agave spirit ideally integrated with decadent cask accents of vanilla, butter caramel, and brown baking spices. The palate is spot on with the aromatics offering the perfect liquid. Medium to full-bodied with waves of fruit equaled by sweet barrel notes with a bright citrus edge. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Gautier VS CognacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant bronze color. The nose is quite pretty with waves of fruits ranging from poached pears to tropical fruits with a touch of peach marmalade, ginger biscuits, and dried apricot with hints of vanilla and cocoa nibs. The palate certainly echoes the nose delivering a fruit-forward core with waves of brown baking spices, toasted oak, and and subtle pepper accents. Medium-bodied with a perfect balance of flavors, as well as balanced acidity to ripe fruit. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Gautier VSOP CognacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant amber color. The aromatics are beautiful and intense with baked orchard fruits (apple, pear, and peach) leading the way supported by caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, subtle earth notes, and spicy oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit-driven core with waves of caramel and toffee, accented with brown baking spices, dark chocolate, a hint of ginger, and orange peel. Medium to full-bodied with a lush core while exhibiting a great vibrancy thanks to a generous dose of acidity and bright spice notes. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars

Gautier Gold & Blue XO CognacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics are simply amazing offering a marriage of fruit and spice that can only be found in an elite spirit with extended aging. Scents of cinnamon accented baked fruits, rich caramel, and dried tropical fruits fill the nose supported by dark chocolate, earth, leather, mineral, and oak. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush and decadent fruit-centric core with gorgeous flanking notes of brown baking spice, toffee, cocoa, vanilla, and toasted oak. Full-bodied with a lush, creamy core balanced with acid, spice, and delicate citrus zest accents. $134.99 – 5 Stars

Trail’s End Batch No. 2, 8 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics are quite complex and intense with waves of sweet grains with wild mint, spring flowers, fruitcake, toasted nuts, and cigar box with pine resin and oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich, dense mélange of fruit, oak, spice, and grain with accents of dark chocolate, cigar, and assertive oak rising on the finish. Full-bodied with dense waves of whiskey, fruit, and very assertive oak that knocks it a bit out of balance. $49.95 – 3.5 Stars

McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt American Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is quite assertive with bright fruit nearly equaling the peat and campfire notes flowing to supporting scents of pine cone, caramel malt, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, sweet malt core that is soaked in peat smoke, pine resin, and rich toffee accents with oak rising on the finish. Full-bodied with dense malt and peat notes balanced by wood tannins and a bright dose of acidity. $54.95 – 4.5 Stars

Christian Drouin Hors D’age Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, rich amber color. The nose reveals a perfect balance of rich, baked apples, brown baking spices, earth, and oak. The most striking aspect is its absolute harmony. The palate echoes the nose delivering seamless integration of fruit, spice, and oak with subtle accents of apple, peel, mineral, and vanilla bean with hints of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied displaying perfect balance as the lush fruit and spice are foiled by bright acidity and oak offering structure and nuance. $159.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin 1967 Calvados
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is complex while surprisingly assertive showing its muscular single distillation with charming notes of ripe fruit with waves of generous spice notes (clove and cinnamon in the lead). The palate confirms the nose in every way featuring the rustic, single-distilled fruit with spicy cask notes and a delicate note of rancio and a pronounced oaky finish. Full-bodied while quite elegant with ideal balance and incredible length. $476.37 – 4.5 Stars

Christian Drouin 1977 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, deep mahogany color. The concentrated fruit notes marry seamlessly with the Sherry casks creating a decadent blanket of fruit and spice flavors with accents of wild flowers, caramel, and nutmeg. The palate equals the nose delivering a lush and spicy fruit-driven core with waves of caramel, toffee, marzipan, and dense dried fruits with Sherry accents. This full-bodied beauty is perfectly balanced with a bright, fresh acidity that frames the rich fruit and Sherry flavors. $294.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin 1987 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is wonderfully expressive with dense, youthful fruit in the lead supported by scents of orange marmalade and candied orange peel with dried red fruits and waves of brown baking spices. The palate fully concurs with the decadent nose delivering a rich, fruit-driven core that is flanked by spice, oak, and subtle earth tones that linger for minutes. Full-bodied with ideal balance with bright acidity to match the dense fruit and a surprising firm grip of tannins on the finish. $207.99 – 5 Stars

Christian Drouin 1997 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics are quite fresh and youthful with ripe, whole apples in the lead supported by scents of bright citrus, spring flowers, and blanched nuts with hints of oak and allspice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright and ripe fruit-driven core with the Pommeau influence being quite evident. The flavors linger on with spice notes of allspice and cinnamon rising with a dose of rancio on the finish. Medium to full-bodied displaying perfect balance as the rich fruit and spice are equaled by bright acidity and oak. $163.99 – 4.5 Stars

Singani 63 Singani BrandySee the Full BevX Featured Review Crystal clear. The aromatics are nothing short of enchanting with scents of frangipani and hibiscus flowers with accents of sandalwood, citrus zest, and hints of fresh ginger. The palate echoes the nose delivering a wonderfully delicate floral explosion with flanking notes of citrus and lemongrass with hints of galangal. Medium-bodied and wonderfully proportioned with a fine, delicate touch and perfect balance thanks a to vibrant dose of acidity. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

West Cork Sherry Cask 12 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The aromatics are complex and delicate with malted barley and grain notes in the lead supported by accents of spring flowers, orange peel, toasted almonds, and dried apricot with subtle hints of the Sherry cask. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and round malt and grain core with flanking notes of citrus, honey, nutmeg, and oak with the rich Sherry notes riding on the finish enveloping the toasted malt. Medium to full-bodied with layers of grains and fruit presented in perfect proportions with a bright dose of acidity as well. $64.99 – 4.5 Stars

West Cork Rum Cask 12 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, deep bronze color. The nose is filled with toasted grains soaked in honey with waves of marzipan, sweet floral notes, toffee, toasted coconut, and unmistakable Rum accents with dried fruits. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit-driven core with loads of nutmeg, black pepper, and citrus zest to add interest while finishing with a sweet marriage of honey and malt. Medium to full-bodied with a lush, nearly chewy core while offering enough vibrant citrus notes to maintain balance. $64.99 – 4 Stars

West Cork Port Cask 12 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant. deep amber color. The nose reveals a classic West Cork profile of rich, malted barely and grains supported by accents of toffee, floral notes, fruit, and honey with the Port cask offering a sweet, vinous character. The palate fully concurs wit the nose delivering a lush but vibrant grain-driven core with layers of ripe orchard fruits, honey, red berries, and oak. Full-bodied with a lush grain and fruit core foiled by ripe orchard fruits and red berries with a bright dose of acidity that provides balance and structure. $64.99 – 5 Stars

Bib & Tucker American White Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are reminiscent of stepping into a large feed warehouse (I love that smell) with waves of raw grains filling the nose supported by accents of grass, wild herbs, and bread dough. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dense, grain-focused core with waves of spice, dried herbs, and sweet sap accents. Medium-bodied with lush grains and vibrant edges thanks to a dose of bright acidity. $40 – 3 Stars

Molly’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Dense and viscous mocha cream color. The nose is subtle yet complex with notes of white chocolate, fresh cream, marzipan, and a subtle accent of Irish Whiskey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and creamy core with flanking notes of milk chocolate with enough Irish Whiskey to keep it vibrant. Rich and generous without being cloying with perfect balance that just begs for the next sip. $14.99 – 4 Stars

Don Q Signature Release/Single Barrel 2007 RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics rise from the glass with the complex essence of aged Rum offering scents of baked orchard fruits with waves of caramel, vanilla bean, brown baking spices, and roasted pineapple flanked by charred oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant fruit and spice core with layers of caramel, brown butter, and vanilla with dry oak and leather accents and hints of mineral. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a fresh dose of acidity with an impossibly silky texture and incredible length. $40 – 5 Stars

Semental Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant amber color. The nose is anything but subtle with rich, oak influenced aromatics leaping from the glass. There is a core of tropical like fruit here but the dense oak notes deliver scents more reminiscent of Bourbon than Tequila. The palate fully concurs as it delivers a sweet caramel and cola attack that has overtaken the abundant agave fruit found in their Silver. The finish is peppery and sweet with brown spirit flavors. Medium-bodied, sweet and angular flavors. This is an odd bird. While we are not fans of a heavy wood character in our Tequila the wood is the only thing propping up this Tequila. $59 – 2.5 Stars

Jesse James America’s Outlaw Bourbon
Deep and brilliant amber color. The nose is vibrant and zesty with scents of dry, baked apples, clove, black pepper, earth, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dry, peppery, and quite woody Whiskey with a generous dose of pepper and a spirity finish. Medium to full-bodied while dominated by wood notes. It’s a good value if you are looking for a Bourbon to mix. $14.99 – 2 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. Despite the rich fruit notes found in the aromatics this spirit is totally dry. On the palate the fruit notes are quite subtle with the spices taking center stage offering soft pepper notes with pithy citrus sensations. A full departure from the classic GM approach that seems to be built to be base of contemporary cocktails. Medium-bodied with bright fruit and spice notes. null $39.99 – 3 Stars

Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Flavored Vodka
Deep golden color with orange undertones and visible viscosity. The aromatics are unmistakably pumpkin with loads of traditional brown baking spices and a mild lactic, cream cheese like accent. The palate echoes the nose remaining as dry as the aromatics as well with a trailing note of cola. Full-bodied with rich flavors being drier and more vibrant than expected. $30 – 3 Stars

Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very lively with waves of ripe grapefruit and tropical fruits supported by accents of lemon and cream soda. The palate equals the nose offering bright fruit core flanked by notes of citrus pith and pepper with a sweet/tart flavor rising on the finish. Medium-bodied and fruity whil being both a bit fat and tart with citrus and spice notes. $40 – 2.5 Stars

Booker’s Batch 2017-01 6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, crystal clear with a deep mahogany color. The aromatics are wonderfully complex and bold, dense vanilla fudge, gooey caramel, and brown baking spices supported by waves of baked fruit, toasted oak, and brown butter. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and velvet-like caramel and oak-driven core with generous fruit and assertive spice notes that rise on the finish. Full-bodied and so incredibly silky and lush while also showing balance and restraint. $71.99 – 5 Stars

Humboldt Distillery Humboldt’s Finest Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are fresh and vibrant with waves of dried flowers, jasmine, English Thyme, lime zest, and fennel pollen with hints of mineral and cucumber. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a soft and silky spirit core with waves of fresh and dried herbal notes accented by citrus, pepper, and mineral. Medium-bodied with superb balance and a well-proportioned herbal attack. $30 – 4.5 Stars

Humboldt Distillery Small Batch – Certified Organic VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are pure and clean with scents of sugar-accented wet river stones with hints of vanilla bean and white pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky texture with vibrant acidity and a dose of spicy ginger on the finish. Medium-bodied with great balance and a dry, ginger/pepper finish. $24 – 4 Stars

Humboldt Distillery Small Batch – Certified Organic Spiced RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant golden color. The nose is far more subtle than expected as it offers scents of fresh fruit compote accented with vanilla bean, allspice, and baked apple. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit-driven core with flanking notes of pretty brown baking spices and sweet vanilla. Medium-bodied with waves of sweet fruit and spice notes while never becoming overly sweet. $26 – 4 Stars

Chinaco Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Pale golden color. The nose is beautiful and complex with scents of baked apple and pear accented by vanilla and hints of brown butter. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and stylish añejo that offers tremendous fruit as pretty cask flavors/spice flavors that linger on the finish. Medium-bodied with a bright dose of acid. $55 – 3 Stars

Espolon Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, pale golden color. The nose is rich, sweet, and fruity with hints of vanilla. The palate is true to the aromatics with a rich fruity core flanked by spice and a pronounced wood note. Medium-bodied while being refined, mature, and nicely proportioned with a dry wood note. $21.99 – 3.5 Stars

Cubaney Gran Reserva 12 Years Old Rum
Deep mahogany color. Aromatic notes of vanilla, cola, treacle, and dark molasses fill the nose accented by exotic hints of clove, allspice, Bourbon, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering sweet molasses and spice notes with a soft trailing semi-sweet and spicy finish. Medium-bodied being slightly viscous with crisp pepper and dry spice notes. $34.99 – 3 Stars

Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Beautiful amber color. A complex nose of toasted malt, dates and figs with a prominent sweet Sherry quality. The palate is soft and semi-lush with sherry sweetness, nutmeg, allspice, and dried fruits. Medium-bodied with nice balance and long lingering flavors. $65 – 3.5 Stars

Nardini Aquavite di Vinaccia alla Ruta – Flavored Grappa Grappa
Crystal clear with faint cooper-green color. The nose is amazingly complex offering scents of dried blueberry laced with the wild herbal aroma of rue (an herb thought to have sundry medicinal properties). The palate is wildly fruity touched with fresh, green herbs and green tea tannins. Medium-bodied with nice balance and long lingering flavors. I find it to be fascinating. An original flavor that will evoke a love or hate response. $65 – 3 Stars

Camus Seraphin VSOP Cognac
Bright, copper color. The nose is wonderfully fruity veering toward Calvados (apples) with its aromatic signature accented by notes of clove, allspice, and oak. The palate is soft on entry with a peppery back and palate finish. Medium-bodied while being decidedly sweet and slightly viscous. $57 – 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

Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper Liqueur
Brilliant, deep mahogany/burnt orange color. Once you nose this spirit the new addition is quite evident as sharp pepper notes, courtesy of Tabasco, rises from the glass. On the palate the entry is equal parts sweet peaches and vibrant Tabasco flavors. Soon the pepper takes over and runs strong through the finish and beyond as the Tabasco heat lingers for minutes after the spirit has been swallowed. Medium-bodied and a bit disjointed with intense heat. If you are not in a college bar you will likely never have to encounter this product. $17 – 2 Stars

Antica Black SambucaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep indigo color despite the “black” moniker on the label. The aromatics are wonderfully assertive with the vibrant star anise and black liquorice in equal measure with hints of brown baking spices, black pepper, and lovely floral notes. The palate is in full agreement with the nose with a thick, nearly chewy liquorice core with vibrant acidity, black pepper, and citrus zest accents. Medium to full-bodied with a dense and silky core that is also refreshing with bright pepper notes and a dose of acidity. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Antica Classic SambucaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear with clear signs of viscosity. The aromatics are very clean and pure with scents of anise and fennel with supporting notes of pepper and floral notes with hints of orange peel and cinnamon. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky core that prominently features star anise with flanking notes of pepper and brown baking spices. Medium to full-bodied with a velvet-like core that is also refreshing with bright pepper notes and a dose of acidity. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Balblair (second release) Vintage 1999 Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, copper color. The nose is amazingly complex with layers of aromatics revealed with each passing. Scents of baked apples and pears mingle in equal measure with rich oak and brown baking spices with hints of honey, leather, and citrus. The palate echoes the nose delivering a round and lush fruit and oak core enveloped with honey and spice. The flavors build and build until lingering for minutes after swallowing with accents of pepper and honey. Full-bodied with a rich, silky palate that while generous with fruit and oak never seems heavy as it’s ideally balanced with bright, clean acidity and spice notes. $99.99 – 5 Stars

Balblair Vintage 2005 Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, pale golden color. The aromatics are wonderfully fruity and seductive with scents of apple, peach, and honey with waves of spring flowers, nutmeg, orange zest, and vanilla. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a beautifully complex fruit-driven core with flanking notes of honey, flowers, baking spices, oak, roasted nuts, and vanilla bean. Medium to full-bodied with rich fruit and spice kept quite sprite via bright acidity and spice accents. $65 – 4.5 Stars

Caorunn Small Batch Scottish GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully fresh presented on a backdrop of an ultra clean and expansive spirit offering scents of red and black berries with mint, anise, and hints of evergreen brush. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, grain spirit core with waves of herbs, pine, heather, and soft (almost sweet) mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied with a beautifully lush core and ideal balance thanks to a vibrant dose of acidity and clever botanical blend. $41.99 – 5 Stars

Old Pulteney 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, amber to gold color. The nose is beautiful offering scents of honey, wild flowers, fresh sea air, and sweet malt. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a creamy malt-driven core with flanking notes of sea salt and honey with accents of brown baking spices and citrus zest. Medium-bodied and wonderfully proportioned offering seaside accents to a bright and pure malt core. $45 – 4 Stars

Old Pulteney Navigator Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, amber to gold color. The nose is sweet with notes of honey and loads of citrus (lemon and orange peel), toasted grains, wild mint, with hints of sea salt and green herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant and zesty core that is dominated by youthful spirit notes with a generous dose of citrus and hints of cocoa bean, smoke, and white pepper. Medium-bodied with waves of citrus mingling with young Whisky and subtle notes of sea and spice providing balance. $49.99 – 3.5 Stars

Old Pulteney Stroma Malt Whisky LiqueurSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep copper color with an apparent viscosity when swirled in the glass. The nose is intriguing with a definitive Whisky base supported by notes of honey, toffee, nougat, white chocolate, and brown butter. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich and silky sweet Whisky core with waves of toffee and dried fruit that linger on the viscous finish. Medium-bodied with rich malt and sweet butter toffee with a subtle sea salt accent. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Saint James Imperial Blanc Rhum AgricoleSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals classic Rhum Agricole notes of sugarcane and freshly cut grass with accents of tropical fruit, black pepper, and a bright salinity. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky fruit and cane-driven core with soft grassy notes on the flank with subtle citrus accents on the finish. Medium-bodied with harmonious flavors of grass and fruit with bright acidity creating perfect balance. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Saint James Rhum Paille Rhum AgricoleSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, pale, yellow straw color. The nose is wonderfully complex first showing wild grassy notes present in Rhum Agricole with dense dried fruit, wild honey, and barrel accents including vanilla bean and nutmeg. The palate is in full agreement with the nose with fruit cake dominating the core with waves of wood, grass, citrus, and spice on the flanks. Medium-bodied with complex fruit, grass, and wood notes balanced by pepper and acid. $24.99 – 3.5 Stars

Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, gorgeous violet/lavender color. The aromatics leap from the glass offering scents of crushed red and blue berries with accents of blanched almonds and subtle herbal notes. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a sweet and tart berry core with accents of black tea, nuts, and cranberry. Medium-bodied with a sweet berry core with loads of vibrant acidity and thick tannins that offer structure. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Citroen Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are crisp and lively with fresh lemon and lime juice equaled by more tart notes of citrus zest with accents of mineral and lemon drops. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant citrus pulp core with flanking notes of lemon and lime zest and subtle mineral accents rising on the finish. Medium-bodied and very refreshing with just a hint of sweetness present to tame the tart nature of citrus and to add body. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, rich amber, caramel color. The aromatics are quite decadent with deep, decadent scents of fresh off the stove caramel with accents of mocha, milk chocolate, and vanilla. The palate certainly concurs with the nose delivering a silky, rich caramel core with flanking notes of mocha and burnt sugar with accents of roasted nuts and chocolate. Medium-bodied with complex caramel flavors and bright acidity that keeps it fresh and vibrant. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Van Gogh Pineapple Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very expressive with scents of the entire fruit exposed led by the sweet, ripe fruit with hints of the core, skin, and crown as well. The palate echoes the nose with the ripe fruit in the lead with subtle hints of orange peel and mineral with citrus rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with intense pineapple flavors that never become overly sweet with vibrant citrus accents offering balance and structure. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Jura 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant copper color. The aromatics are complex and alluring with waves of fruit compote with supporting notes of candied ginger, campfire, cocoa nibs, Sherry, oak, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet fruit core wrapped in smoke, Sherry, and earth notes with trailing accents of honey and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with bright fruit and perfect balance thanks to a vibrant dose of acidity. $54.99 – 4.5 Stars

New Holland Knickerbocker Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite assertive while being very soothing and pleasing with vibrant juniper in the lead supported by citrus, coriander, pine, and a bright mélange of crushed spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bold, dry juniper-driven core with generous citrus zest and ginger accents with brown spices offered in good measure. Full-bodied with a dense but fine balance of aromatic spices that is framed by vibrant acidity with just enough sweetness to provide body and a rich mouthfeel. $24.99 – 4.5 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

New Holland Blue Haven Blueberry Flavored Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully dense with sweet, blueberry jam with juniper is the second slot with accents of orris root and cardamon. The palate is in full agreement with the nose while being drier than expected delivering a blueberry-driven core with juniper and citrus in support creating a dry finish. Medium to full-bodied with rich and vibrant blueberry in the lead supported by citrus notes that give it an overall dry impression. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Palm Ridge Reserve American Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The aromatics leap from the glass offering scents of baked orchard fruits with supporting notes of caramel, honey, and roasted nuts with accents of orange peel and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich fruit and caramel core with flanking vibrant spice notes with hints of black pepper and toasted oak. Full-bodied with a dense grain center that never feels cloying thanks to a bright dose of fresh acidity. $55 – 4 Stars

Palm Ridge Reserve Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The aromatics are quite intense with waves of rich, malted rye with supporting notes of baked peach and apple with accents of caramel and brown baking spices. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a grain-driven core with generous notes of wood and spice with accents of orange peel and allspice. Full-bodied with a dense grain center that never feels cloying thanks to a bright dose of fresh acidity. $53 – 4.5 Stars

Miel de Tierra Joven, 100% Agave Mezcal
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals a Mezcal that is far more floral than most with subtle smoke notes and a bright lemongrass accent. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a herbaceous, slightly soapy character with waves of pepper and citrus. Medium to full-bodied with a mild hot note on the mid-palate. We are looking for a bit more complexity and refinement in our $80 agave spirits. $80 – 3 Stars

Purus Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is ultra clean and pure with scents of wet river stones and white peach supported by notes of rising bread dough, blanched almonds, and poached pears. The palate confirms the nose delivering a silky mineral and fruit-driven core with flanking notes of mineral and citrus with long and lingering hints of stone fruits. Medium-bodied with a round center and plenty of crisp acidity to keep it fresh and inviting. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Aviation American Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are generous and complex with citrus in the lead followed closely by juniper and pine cone with supporting notes of floral lavender, orange peel, and caraway. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky spirit core filled with juniper and citrus with long, lingering botanical accents that become mildly earthy on the finish. Medium-bodied with a silky rich core that never feels heavy rather offering bright acidity and perfect balance. $30 – 4.5 Stars

Suerte Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully rich and complex offering sweet agave notes with loads of citrus ranging from lime and lemon juice to zest with hints of salt and sweet herbs. The palate echoes the nose offering a generous agave fruit core with vibrant citrus accents and hints of mineral and a soft salinity. Full bodied and rich without being cloying in the slightest offering a bright dose of balancing acidity. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Suerte Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, very pale straw color. The aromatics are complex and generous featuring sweet agave with accents of butterscotch, nutmeg, and vanilla bean with hints of red fruits and lime concentrate. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich and silky sweet agave core with flanking notes of delicate oak and spice. Full bodied without being cloying in the slightest offering a bright dose of balancing acidity and subtle oak notes. $35.99 – 5 Stars

Warship Reserved Black Strap Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very aromatic redolent of old-style Caribbean Rums with a wild scents of blackstrap molasses, grass, balsa wood, and licorice with supporting notes of raw coconut and dried coconut husks. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dry, molasses-driven core with waves of spice and grassy accents that finish crisp with a bright dose of acidity. Medium-bodied and very vibrant with a great balance of tamed, raw flavors that are perfectly balanced with a bright dose of acidity. $22 – 4 Stars

Fabrizia Crema di Limoncello Liqueur
Cloudy and creamy with a pale golden hue. The nose is fresh and slightly warming with bright scents of fresh cream with sweet lemon. The palate echoes the nose delivering a soft and silky lemon cream core with subtle hints of blanched almonds and nougat. Medium-bodied with soft cream and sweet lemon notes with enough bright zest notes to keep it fresh. $18.99 – 4 Stars

Fabrizia Blood Orange Liqueur
Cloudy with a pale orange to golden color. The nose is amazingly appealing and complex with the scents of freshly cut blood oranges rising from the glass with waves of zest and orange hard candies. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a vibrant orange-driven core with a generous dose of bright acidity with bright zesty accents. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and perfectly proportioned flavors. $18.99 – 4.5 Stars

Fabrizia Limoncello
Cloudy, looking akin to freshly squeezed lemon juice. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly cut lemon zest with accents of cane sugar being redolent 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 flavors. Medium-bodied with bright and crisp flavors of fresh lemon zest with a deft dose of sweetness. $18.99 – 4 Stars

Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is beautifully complex while also straightforward offering scents of caramel, orange zest, wild honey, and cinnamon dusted tea biscuits with accents of cocoa, oak, and ginger. The palate echoes the nose delivering a caramel and citrus-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, ginger snaps, dark chocolate, and oak. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced offering a rich core with very nimble flavors, which is quite a feat considering the strength. $22.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is expressive while ultra clean with bright, nearly sweet scents of wheat with supporting notes of pear, citrus, and mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a grain-driven core flanked by ripe orchard fruit, citrus zest, and a wet river stone like minerality that defines the finish. Medium-bodied showing perfect balance with a silky texture and a pristine finish. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Blue Nectar Founder’s Blend Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of charred oak and sweet baked agave with supporting notes of sweet toffee, vanilla, and hints of pickle barrel. The palate is in agreement with the nose delivering a sweet fruit and toffee core flanked by astringent wood notes that envelope the baked agave was more aggressive than anticipated. Full-bodied with loads of spice and a very sweet, fruity core. $64.99 – 3 Stars

Lost Distillery Co. Stratheden Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is complex and expressive with waves of apple and pear married with dried fruits, Sherry, orange peel, and dry caramel with supporting notes of orange peel, leather, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a soft, fruit-driven core with brown baking spices and mineral rising on the back palate presented with a bright dose of acidity and sweet oak finish. Medium to full-bodied with an incredible number of layers of flavors conspiring to create a complex malt with great balance. $63 – 4.5 Stars

Lost Distillery Co. Gerston Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, pale golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet malt and honey with supporting notes of roasted nuts and butter toffee offering accents of mineral and subtle smoke notes. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a rich, buttery malt-driven core with waves of spice, honey, caramel, and citrus zest to add lift and vibrancy. Medium to full-bodied with rich caramel and toffee flavors balanced perfectly with bright citrus-like acidity. $63 – 4 Stars

Lost Distillery Co. Auchnagie Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, pale golden straw color. The aromatics are very enticing offering a mélange of sweet pear, citrus, and toasted grains with supporting notes of wild honey, ginger, and hints of nutmeg. The palate is in agreement with the nose delivering a vibrant fruit and citrus core with a bright dose of acidity that gives way to soft honey and spice accents on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with loads of acidity enveloping sweet orchard fruits, spice, and honey. $63 – 4 Stars

Don Q Piña Flavored RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of baked pineapple with soft, vanilla-accented white Rum offering hints of lime and honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, sweet, and juicy pineapple core with flanking tart pineapple acidity, silky Rum, and vibrant citrus. Medium-bodied with ripe and sweet pineapple a its core with enough bright citrus-like acidity to keep it fresh. $13.99 – 4.5 Stars

Vermont Spirits Coppers GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are alluring and complex with orange peel on near equal footing with the juniper supported by coriander and cardamon giving a slight Indian spice feel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and silky grain spirit core infused with vibrant juniper and citrus with enough acidity to add lift and brightness. Medium to full-bodied with a velvety core spirit with the botanicals seamlessly integrated while being perfectly balanced. $28.99 – 4.5 Stars

Vermont Spirits Coppers Barrel Gin
Brilliant, pale copper color. The nose is very expressive leading with a bright blast of cinnamon and tropical fruits marking a clear departure from the original Coppers Gin. The palate echoes the nose as the brown baking spices from the barrels dominate the flavor profile while accentuating the cassia and cardamon with accents of caramel and toasted coconut. Full-bodied with bold wood notes that have won the battle versus the softer, more subtle botanical accents of the Coppers Gin. $32.99 – 3.5 Stars

Vermont Spirits Gold VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully seductive and decadent being reminiscent of maple cakes with accents of toasted almonds and mineral. The palate affirms the fabulous nose being wonderfully lush and silky with a mildly sweet and pleasingly assertive minerality that adds structure and style. Medium-bodied with a rich, velvet-like texture while delivering bright acidity resulting in perfect balance. $42.99 – 4.5 Stars

Vermont Spirits No. 14 Apple BrandySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, golden amber color. The nose is filled with the scents of baked apples with accents of charred oak, butterscotch, nutmeg, and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, apple-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, pepper, oak, and ginger. Medium-bodied with bright fruit supported by loads of oak, spice, and sharp ginger notes that add shape and intrigue. $52.99 – 4 Stars

Vermont Spirits No. 14 Maple Spirit
Brilliant, golden amber color. The nose is filled with rich and decadent scents of dense maple, oak, and complex brown baking spices with hints of caramel and toffee. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a dense maple and caramel core that exhibits a silky texture with flanking notes of spice, oak, and roasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied with rich and decadent flavors that is kept in ideal balance by a surprising dose of fresh acidity. $58.99 – 4.5 Stars

Cannes Royale Extra Old RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep golden/copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of dried fruits with caramel, toffee, and brown butter with generous brown baking spices, oak, and toasted walnuts. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and surprisingly vibrant fruit and caramel centric core with flanking notes of spice, toffee, oak, and butterscotch. Medium-bodied with rich and complex flavors while being perfectly proportioned and ideally balanced with a bright dose of acidity. $30 – 4 Stars

Vermont Spirits Coppers – Sugarwood GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very inviting and complex with beautiful scents of orange and juniper with flanking notes of earthy angelica root and citrus. The palate concurs with the nose while delivering a rich and slightly sweet, maple spirit core dosed with juniper, orange, and green tea. Full-bodied with a silky and semisweet core spiked with fresh botanicals while being perfectly balanced with a bright dose of citrus-like acidity. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars

Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose offers scents of sweet grain with vanilla fudge and subtle accents of citrus and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet grain core with assertive black pepper and oak notes with a hearty dose of wood tannins. Medium-bodied with rich, sweet grain notes that are overwhelmed by alcohol heat and spice with astringent wood accents rising on the finish. $34.99 – 3 Stars

Heeet Hot Cinnamon Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear with legs evident. The nose is punctuated by a vibrant blast of cinnamon with little else competing for your attention. The palate echoes the nose delivering a mildly sweet and refreshingly spicy cinnamon core with accents of pepper and sugar. Full-bodied and intensely flavored with cinnamon offering all of the heat and sinus clearing aromatics that you would expect. $24.99 – 3 Stars

Egan’s Single Grain Irish WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, golden color. The aromatics are beautifully perfumed with layers of vanilla, salted caramel, and blanched almonds with accents of allspice and brown butter. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich caramel and vanilla focused core with flanking notes of oak and brown baking spices that finishes dry. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and long, lingering flavors that become both dry and sweet. $45 – 4.5 Stars

Old Forester Birthday 2017 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep amber color. The complex aromatics certainly go to 11! It features generous scents of oak, dark chocolate, dried orchard fruits, orange zest, black pepper, toffee, dried herbs and flowers, with loads of brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering pepper and oak with lush and spicy fruit, caramel core, and dark chocolate with rising accents of allspice and clove. This is a full-throttle Bourbon that marries intensity with complexity. $79.99 – 4.5 Stars

The Bitter Truth EXR Bitters
Deep mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of dried herbs, bark, stewed fruits, and citrus peel with burnt caramel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, viscous herbaceous core with sweet and tart fruits akin to Amaro with accents of bitter seeds. Medium to full-bodied with a viscous core relying on bitterness to give a refreshing edge. $34.99 – 3.5 Stars

The Bitter Truth Pinkgin Spiced Navy Flavored Gin
Very pale salmon color, crystal clear. The nose is very floral and fruity with waves of juniper and citrus and subtle notes of licorice. The palate is quite different than the nose as it delivers a bitter, pithy citrus core with tannic spice accents that fade on a thin finish. Medium-bodied and lacking a pleasing texture found in many Gins while highlighting citrus pith. We are not sure what they were aiming for in this Gin but we can’t imagine that they hit the mark. $39.99 – 2.5 Stars

Ardbeg An Oa Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant golden color. The aromatics are incredibly generous and complex offering scents of dried fruits and rich caramel with toffee, butterscotch, oak, bonfire, peat, sea salt, ginger, and dark chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush fruit and honey-driven core with assertive flanking notes of smoke, peat, anise, and toasted malt. Full-bodied, while certainly not as powerful as some Ardbeg expressions, with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity that tames the long, sweet finish. $59.99 – 5 Stars

Santo Pura Mezquila 100% Agave Spirit
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are quite complex and alluring with tropical-like fruits that signal baked agave with notes of citrus, smoke, soursop, and subtle earth and sea salt accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant, agave fruit core with waves of spice, smoke, citrus, and baked root vegetable notes with a peppery smoke finish. Medium to full-bodied with complex and vibrant flavors and ideal balance thanks to a generous dose of acidity. $55 – 4 Stars

Vespertino Tequila Cream LiqueurSee the Full BevX Featured Review Milky, mocha/almond color. The aromatics are wonderfully seductive with scents of cinnamon, caramel, freshly grated brown sugar, and vanilla with hints of milk chocolate, cream, and subtle fruity Tequila accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky creamy core with an explosion of chocolate supported by brown baking spices, rich cream, and vanilla bean. Medium-bodied with a lush, velvety center with intriguing spice notes and a pleasing balance. $21.99 – 4.5 Stars

D. George Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers a bold but harmonious bouquet of bright botanicals ranging from juniper to citrus, ginger, and peppermint to name a few. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright and bold citrus core with waves of galangal and flanking notes of coriander, juniper, and vibrant grains of paradise. Full-bodied and mind-blowing with a rich and silky texture and bold flavors with the peppermint rising on the finish. This Gin is not for the timid but if you love a powerful Gin this may soon become your favorite. $40 – 4.5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Ole George Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear with a bright amber/gold color. The aromatics are complex with scents of ripe orchard fruits and toasted grain with supporting notes of black pepper, toasted oak, dried black fruits, caramel, vanilla, allspice, and pralines. The palate is full agreement with the nose offering a lush fruit-driven core with caramel, pepper, and brown baking spices that linger on the palate for minutes. This full-bodied Michigan Rye is for the hardcore Rye Whiskey lover as it delivers classic and bold rye flavors. $53.99 – 5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery True North Rye Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. Beautiful aromatics offering scents of lemon curd, dried black fruits, dried flowers, spicy rye bread, and subtle mineral notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering the complex set of flavors set on a silky, viscous texture that carries the vibrant and rich flavors like a fluffy cloud. Medium-bodied and sure to destroy any ideas you may have about Vodka being a tasteless and neutral spirit. $29.99 – 5 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery True North Chipotle Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. Beautiful aromatics offering scents of lemon curd, dried black fruits, dried flowers, spicy rye bread, and subtle mineral notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering the complex set of flavors on a silky, viscous palate that carries the vibrant and rich flavors like a fluffy cloud. Medium-bodied and sure to destroy any ideas you may have about Vodka being a neutral spirit. $30 – 3 Stars

Oma’s Natural Cherry Flavored Vodka
Brilliant ruby to crimson red. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe sweet and tart red cherries supported by accents of cherry pit, vanilla, and subtle allspice notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, cherry infused core with a pleasing dose of vibrant acidity providing perfect balance and making this lush flavored Vodka nimble and refreshing. Medium-bodied with an intense cherry core while being perfectly balanced offering just enough sweetness to carry the flavors on the palate. $35 – 4.5 Stars

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep golden color with amber accents. The aromatics are so seductive that you can be satisfied nosing this Rum for hours. Rich red fruits mingle with charred oak, vanilla, caramel, honey, and hints of nutmeg, allspice, and white chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex marriage of red berries with rich brown baking spices, oak, soft citrus accents, and lovely secondary notes that are unique to this great Rum. Although it’s lush and generous it’s also dry and vibrant on the finish as the fruit becomes tart and the spices lean toward pepper. Full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a fresh dose of acidity and Don Q’s solid commitment to make Rum without excessive sugars. $49.99 – 5 Stars

Old Overholt Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey
Deep, golden amber color. The aromatics are beautiful and alluring with waves of baked orchard fruits, caramel, charred oak, nutmeg, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but vibrant core of sweet grains, caramel, and butterscotch with brown spices and pepper rising on the finish with charred oak lingering. Full-bodied with dense fruit, caramel, and spice notes offered with ideal balance and weight. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Cruzan Single Barrel Rum
Beautiful, deep golden to copper color. The nose is complex and alluring offering scents of butter toffee, caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla with accents of toasted oak, honey, and orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but sprite caramel and nut centric core with waves of baking spices and silky butterscotch accents. Medium-bodied with layers of sugarcane spirit with decadent oak cask notes that offer a complex mélange of spices. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Cruzan Black Strap Rum
Deep, dark mahogany to black color. The aromatics are dominated by dark molasses with dark roast coffee, cola, and licorice with charred oak, vanilla, and allspice. The palate confirms the nose delivering lush molasses-focused core with waves of spice, ginger, and oak trailing to a dry finish. Medium to full-bodied with dense molasses notes throughout while supported by an interesting spice mix to keep it interesting. $17.99 – 4 Stars

Bacardi Añejo 4 Years Old Rum
Brilliant copper color. The nose is absolutely seductive and lovely marrying youthful spirit notes with subtle barrel accents offering scents of dried orchard fruits with wild honey, allspice, oak, and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant core of sweet molasess foiled by a bright dose of acidity that finishes with a waves of brown baking spices and oak. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to the lively acidity found at the core. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Bacardi Reserva Ocho 8 Years Old Rum
Deep golden color with hints of amber. The nose is filled with the scents of dried apples, apricots, and peach met with toffee, brown spics and sweet vanilla accented oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and silky core that ideally marries fruit and caramel with roasted nuts, spice, and oak. Full-bodied with a rich and dense core supported by bright spice notes and enough acidity to keep it refreshing. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez 10 Years Old Rum
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose explodes with rich caramel and tropical fruits and waves of sweet brown baking spices, treacle, and toffee. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a decadent dessert style Rum that expands on the palate and finishes with sweet vanilla and cola. Full-bodied with a dense and lush core that expands to a sweet spirit that is redolent of sweet Sherry. $39.99 – 3.5 Stars

Vektor Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is subtle but focused with delicate, sweet grain notes supported by accents of wet river rocks, chalk, dried flowers, and hints of white pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright, grain-driven core with generous floral and mineral notes and a peppery finish. Medium-bodied with a lovely, silky texture that ideally carries the subtle grain and mineral notes finishing with a dose of bright acidity. $30 – 4 Stars

La Luna Lote #7 Joven, 100% Cupreata Mezcal
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully complex and compelling with lovely floral and citrus notes lingering just behind the bright, and subtly sweet wood smoke. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich baked agave core with waves of smoke, citrus, and vanilla with accents of black pepper and chili on the finish. Full-bodied with a opulent texture and complex flavors framed by bright acidity contributing to the deft balance. A lovely artisan Mezcal with style and panache. $42.99 – 4 Stars

Brockmans Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals a berry explosion with ripe, sweet berries mingling with juniper and orange peel with brown baking spices and a bright citrus accent. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense but vibrant berry driven core with waves of citrus coming in after the mid-palate and hints of mineral on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a bold, fruity core and a vibrant texture. Gin is surely the most polarizing of all spirits. This Gin is ultra fruity with a well-defined berry impression on the nose and palate. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Grand Traverse Distillery Barrel Finished Peninsula GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, very pale straw/copper color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of citrus peel, grains of paradise, juniper, and brown baking spices accentuated by the subtle barrel accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy core with waves of citrus, cooking spices, and baking spices as well – they are fortified by the barrel. Secondary herbal and minty flavors are also present and likely created by the marriage of seasoned barrels and bold botanicals. Full-bodied with bold flavors and ideally balanced with a fresh dose of acidity. Too many barrel aged Gins suffer from subtractions in flavor and complexity due to the addition of wood. This lovely example ideally balances barrel and botanicals to create a very unique spirit. $42 – 4 Stars

Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very alluring as it offers a complex mélange of dark cocoa with supporting notes of rich caramel and dark roast coffee with just a hint of vanilla. The palate fully concurs with the aromatics as it delivers a very generous explosion of chocolate with accents of caramel and mocha with a soft lactic note that’s foiled by dry roasted cocoa beans. Medium to full-bodied with decadent chocolate flavors that never becoming cloying rather it invites consecutive sips. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Oranje Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully assertive with layers of orange zest equaled by dense orange pulp and subtle accents of sharper sour citrus notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a concentrated blast of sweet orange on the front of the palate that quickly becomes a bittersweet Mandarin orange wave that finishes with bright citrus acidity. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced as the vibrant bitter and sweet fruit is foiled by bright acidity. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Van Gogh Mango Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. On the nose you are immediately struck by the purity of the mango and then the supporting notes of citrus and green melon complete the package. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering an attractive and dense mango core with flanking notes of orange zest and a cool note redolent of green melon. Medium-bodied with a silky fruit core that’s balanced by a healthy dose of vibrant acidity. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Van Gogh Cool Peach Flavored VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose explodes with the scents of freshly cut peaches with a healthy dose of nectarine and hints of fresh herbs as well. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet peach-driven core with flanking notes of orange and orange peel and a very pleasing spearmint accent on the finish. Medium-bodied with a lush and sweet peach core. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Rossi D’Asiago LimoncelloSee the Full BevX Featured Review Cloudy, looking akin to freshly squeezed lemon juice. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly cut lemon zest with supporting notes of sugar. The aromatics are much like homemade lemonade. The palate mirrors the nose delivering a vibrant and generous, lemon-focused core with sweet lemon hard candy and a zesty, mildly tart finish. Medium-bodied and vibrant with abundant, fresh citrus flavors. $23.99 – 4 Stars

Yeni RakiSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are wonderfully fresh with crushed anise seeds in the lead on a backdrop of a pure grape spirit with subtle hints of caraway. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy, anise dominated core with subtle sweet tones leading to a softly viscous finish. Medium-bodied with bright anise notes throughout with just enough sweetness to carry and lift the spice. $24 – 4 Stars

Tekirdag Rakisi RakiSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is alluring offering a beautiful perfume of freshly crushed aniseed with subtle accents of lightly toasted aniseed. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a wonderfully fresh and pure grape spirit generously infused with anise. Medium-bodied with vibrant anise flavors that stimulate the appetite offering bright acidity and ideal balance. $34 – 4.5 Stars

Dolce Nero Espresso LiqueurSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet coffee and espresso with drier accents of roasted coffee beans. The palate is in full agreement with the nose being perhaps a bit sweeter than anticipated with an intense core of sweet, viscous espresso with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with a viscous coffee core supported by subtle roasted bean notes. $23.99 – 4 Stars

Dictador Solera 12 Years Old RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep amber with burgundy accents. The nose is wonderfully intense offering scents of caramel and honey with brown baking spices, oak, roasted nuts, toffee, and charred sugar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush caramel driven core with a generous dose of acidity and toasted spices that give a complex dry impression that finished quite dry with accents of oak and allspice. Medium to full-bodied with great length and ideal balance thanks to the vibrant spice notes and acidity. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

King of Kentucky 14 Years Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant deep cherry wood color. The nose is amazingly harmonious and complex even before a water addition. (It’s better after a splash of water.) The nose is filled with scents of charred oak, baked apples and pears, caramel, brown baking spices, and leather. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense fruit and chocolate focused core with generous waves of brown baking spices and oak with subtle hints of mint, pineapple, and pepper. Full-bodied with a complex and dense palate that greatly evolves with water and aeration. Sip slowly as it’s not cheap and there are just about 1,000 bottles available. $199 – 4.5 Stars

Casamigos Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is fantastically rich and complex with scents of ripe agave, as well as tropical and orchard fruits with accents of honey, candied ginger, and citrus with hints of black pepper and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, velvet-like mouthfeel with a concerto of ripe fruit at its core flanked perfectly by notes of sea salt, spice, and citrus. Ideally balanced and perfect for sipping or making one hell of a luxurious margarita. $42.99 – 5 Stars

Casamigos Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant pale straw color. The aromatics are rich with ripe with scents of sweet baked agave, baked apple, pineapple, and pear with accents of cinnamon, allspice, clove, and candied ginger. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a viscous but vibrant core of baked fruit with supporting notes of caramel, brown baking spices, black pepper, and lime zest. Nicely balanced with a deft addition of wood spice allowing the pure agave spirit to shine. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Given Liqueur
Brilliant golden/green color. The nose is oh-so intriguing with sweet and tart lime notes in the lead supported by a melange of exotic fruits akin to walking through a Singapore open air market. The first sip reveals a surprisingly tart and complex spirit that evolves into a multilayered liqueur with bright citrus notes and waves of tropical fruits framed in a generous portion of vibrant citrus acid. Medium-bodied and smi-viscous. $33 – 4 Stars

Avion Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly complex and generous with waves of wild flowers with loads of ripe agave, tropical fruits, baked pear, honeysuckle, citrus zest, and black pepper. The palate is equal to the nose being lush while vibrant with layers of citrus, earth, sea salt, coriander seed, soft green notes, and a refreshing dose of acidity that begs for the next sip. This is a wonderfully proportioned Tequila with great length and balance. It sips well but in a fresh cocktail this Blanco would be most at home. $40 – 5 Stars

Avion Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Pale golden color with brilliant clarity and some serious legs in the glass. The nose reveals a well-knit Anejo showing equal deference to the rich agave spirit and the sexy wood cask notes. The palate opens with a silky wave of baked orchard fruits with supporting accents of citrus, brown baking spices, and wood. Soft and faint caramel notes add weight while the signature acidity still shines through. Ideally balanced with superb length and the proper intrigue to keep one sipping for hours. Brilliant with a medium bodied cigar. $50 – 4 Stars

Avion Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant pale straw color showing just faint barrel influences. However, the aromatics are full of barrel notes as cinnamon, allspice, clove, and pepper mingle with the generous baked tropical and orchard fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant mélange of baked fruits with waves of spice and citrus. The bright and uplifting dose of acidity found in the Avion Blanco is present here as well, perfectly supporting the semisweet brown spices. A repo worthy of sipping as the pure agave spirit plays the starring role. $45 – 5 Stars

Avion Espresso Liqueur
Deep, dark black coffee color being completely opaque. The nose is unmistakably filled with Italian espresso with supporting notes of Mexican dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and a hint of pepper. The palate is richer and sweeter than the nose would suggest with Avion’s signature acidity to keep it fresh and vibrant – no small feat for a liqueur. While certainly sweet it is remarkable to experience the balance of roasted dry coffee beans and pepper punctuating the lush and generous core. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Liqueur
Crystal clear with a beautiful and nearly indescribable color being part peach, gold, pale ruby, and copper. The aromatics are dominated by peach and citrus with a good deal of zest and a touch of pith while on whole being quite delicate. The palate is more assertive with sweet raspberry notes coming to the fore flanked by orange zest and peach concentrate. At the heart of this liqueur is GM’s ideal marriage of orange and Cognac. This is a wonderful addition to the portfolio and a new clever tool for bartenders. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Grand Marnier Cuvée 1880 Liqueur
Beautiful deep bronze to amber color. Initially the aromatics cause a deep pause. The nose is clearly dominated by old and luxurious Cognac with the heart of your favorite XO. Supporting notes of orange essence are present and grow in the glass with continued aeration. The palate fully delivers on the promise of the nose offering layer upon layer of rich, sweet Cognac with notes of orange laced vanilla fudge, hints of marzipan, allspice, nutmeg, candied ginger, and tangerine. This is a seriously good liqueur with a judicious dose of sugar and superb balance. Full-bodied and luxurious and it’s size and heft. A luxury product that sadly few will experience but it’s worthy of seeking out an outlet that offers this beauty in a glass. $350 – 4 Stars

Crop Organic Meyer Lemon Flavored Vodka
Crystal clear with evident legs of glycerin streaming down the walls of the glass. The nose is vibrant with sweet with waves of Meyer lemon fruit and subtle hints of grain spirit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a blast of sweet lemon with a soft, lush palate entry that evolves to a zesty finish. A fresh cocktail addition with applications ranging from the bloody mary to the cosmo. $25.99 – 3 Stars

Elijah Craig 21 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Deep, brilliant amber color with hints of copper and mahogany. This incredible Bourbon provides great joy straight from the bottle. After a few minutes of aeration this beauty really comes to life offering complex scents of dried fruit, rich honey, caramel, spicy rye, walnuts, toasted coconuts, and brown baking spice. This is instantly among my all-time favorite Bourbon aromas. The palate is equally robust and rustic with black pepper on the front-end that reluctantly gives way to brown baking spices and then brown butter and honey. This is an assertive rye-heavy style but it is remarkably gentle and semisweet at times as well changing constantly in the glass. A true legend. $140 – 5 Stars

Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep bronze with hints of gold and copper. The nose is absolutely luxurious offering a careful marriage of fruit, rich malt, sweet grains, toffee, roasted nuts, clove, allspice, honeycomb, smoky Islay notes of peat fires, and faint sea breezes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a perfectly balanced dram that builds in intensity as it sits on the tongue. This beautiful blend offers the best of lush Speyside Whiskies punctuated by the essence of Islay with a glorious grain presence that binds it all into one seamless package. $80 – 4.5 Stars

1921 Crema de Tequila Liqueur
This liqueur has the appearance of a cream with a touch of mocha being quite viscous and clinging to the glass. The aromatics are surprisingly complex and alluring offering scents of cafe au lait, mocha, brown butter, toasted walnut, nougat, cocoa, cinnamon bark, and subtle hints of citrus. The palate is perfectly aligned with the nose filling the mouth with silky cream while maintaining ideal balance. This pleasing liqueur has just the right touch of sweetness with a soft coffee bean astringency that gives it dimension and vibrancy. The Tequila notes are very subtle but present. This is one cream liqueur that is hard to put down and easy to love. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Tarantula Plata, 100% Agave Tequila
Crystal clear. The nose is vibrantly fruity and floral with fresh cut herbs & grass, lime zest, and fermented tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose being lush and silky with ripe tropical fruit, sweet grass and pithy, tart citrus fruits with hints of salt and pepper heat. A bit too assertive for sipping but this bold Tequila is made for cocktails. $17.99 – 3 Stars

Tarantula Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Pale golden color with perfect clarity. The nose delivers rich, ripe fruit with prominent wood notes including vanilla, brown baking spices, caramel, and toasted oak. The palate confirms the nose with a generous fruit driven core with wood accents and a big dose of black pepper. It finishes rather hot and unbalanced as the alcohol burn washes any remaining agave fruit. $24.99 – 2.5 Stars

Blue Chair Bay White Rum
Perfectly crystal clear. The nose is dry and vibrant with subtle tropical fruit notes ranging from dried pineapple to flaked coconut flesh with accents citrus zest and subtle notes of sugarcane spirit and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose with enough tropical fruits and vanilla to offer weight with a generous dose of bright acidity that makes this rum ideal for cocktails. Medium-bodied $18 – 3 Stars

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Flavored Rum
Perfectly crystal clear. The nose is unmistakably coconut with sweet coconut filling the air with notes of sweet pineapple juice, vanilla, and peach in support. The palate is in full agreement with the nose as sweet coconut notes dominate the viscous, candied core. A bright addition to tropical cocktails begging to be paired with a generous addition of fresh lime juice. $18 – 3 Stars

Michter’s US*1 Unblended American Whiskey
Beautiful deep amberandcopper with perfect clarity. The aromatics are simply beautiful seamlessly weaving notes of sweet grain, butter toffee, rich caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch with subtle hints of forest floor, and nutmeg. The palate is in full agreement with the nose offering waves of decadent caramel-laced Whiskey with roasted nuts, brown baking spices and brown butter. Ideally balanced inviting the next sip. The use of once used Bourbon barrels offers a delicacy and sense of maturity that can be absent in Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bravo! $30 – 4 Stars

Russian Diamond Vodka
Brilliant crystal clear. The nose is clean and pure with subtle notes of grain and mineral redolent of wet river stones with hints of dried stone fruits, and pepper. The palate echoes the nose opening with a vibrant attack of citrus zest that merges to a silky and lush core that is then swept away with dry notes of black pepper, and mineral. Ideally balanced with plenty of crisp acidity to whet the appetite and encourage the next sip. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Kringle Cream Liqueur
Thick, creamy alabaster with evident viscosity as the creamy liqueur clings to the glass for minutes. The nose is rich while subtle with an alluring butterscotch aromas with hints of almond butter and vanilla. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose offering waves of silky cream with dense stewed fruits, vanilla, hazelnut, and butterscotch with hints of sassafras and allspice. A lovely cream liqueur worthy of a place at your table and at your bar. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Ransom Dry Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly aromatic with the scents of juniper and fresh wild berries leaping from the glass on a sea of rich, malty spirit. Accents of citrus, hops, and coriander offer generous support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and dense malt spirit core with citrus and seed tannins on the mid palate giving way to lighter, more floral botanicals on the finish. Full-bodied and quite intense as the sweet aromatic nose leads to a dry and chewy core with botanicals galore. Stylistically this Gin is in a camp of its own possessing the sweet malt core of a Genever with the assertive botanicals portioned in the mold of a craft Beer IPA. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Ransom Old Tom GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, pale copper color. The nose is wonderfully rich and seductive with a blast of sweet pine and juniper filling the nose supported by orange peel, angelica, cardamon, and citrus. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and lush core of semisweet spirit with waves of juniper, citrus, and baking spices. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with the decadent spirit being supported by a generous dose of acidity making it a pleasure to sip while the fine balance of botanicals offer intrigue. This is a superb Old Tom style with that offers countless cocktail possibilities while being a pure joy to sip neat. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Tanteo Chipotle Infused Tequila
Brilliant amber/bronze color. The nose is wonderfully complex with scents of soft, pure Tequila with smoky chipotle chili and subtle citrus accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, chipotle-driven core with sweet and smoky chili flavors lingering with hints of chili-infused honey. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and the perfect degree of heat and smoke presented on the lush center-palate. Made with 100% Blue Agave Tequila and infused with chipotle (roasted/smoked jalapeños) peppers. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Tanteo Habanero Infused Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear with a faint hint of straw. The nose is quite floral with subtle and sweet herbal and chili notes rising from the glass. The palate is quite different from the nose as it opens with a faint sweet note that soon gives way to an assertive chili burn that lingers for minutes. Medium-bodied with very intense chili heat that dominates the palate. Made with 100% Blue Agave Tequila and infused with fresh habanero peppers from the Yucatan. $39.99 – 3 Stars

Tanteo Jalapeño Infused Tequila
Brilliant, very pale straw color. The nose is filled with the scents of fresh blanco Tequila and vibrant, green cut jalapeño, grass, and subtle citrus zest accents. The palate agrees with the nose regarding the verdant chili notes while the jalapeño heat rises on the mid palate with a crescendo on the finish. Medium-bodied with intense chili heat that rises on the finish and lingers for a long minute. Made with 100% Blue Agave Tequila and infused with fresh jalapeño. $39.99 – 3.5 Stars

Suerte Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, golden straw color. The nose reveals a big Tequila with intense wood influence offering scents of rich milk chocolate, sweet red fruit, and charred oak with hints of vanilla cream and allspice. The palate confirms the nose delivering dense and rich, oak-soaked core with loads of brown baking spice, cocoa nibs, and subtle accents of cassis with sweet agave rising on the finish. Full-bodied and absolutely decadent while maintaining a respectable balance with subtle citrus accents. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Merlet Crème de Peche, Peach Liqueur
Beautiful deep, golden color. The aromatics are so pure and so tactile that you believe that you can reach out and touch the freshly cut peaches with scents of the sweet, ripe flesh, tart skins, as well as a trace of stem and leaf. The palate is more pure peach with rich, peach concentrate at the core flanked by bitter skins, stone accents, and hints of under-ripe peach to add contrast. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance with lush fruit from opening to finish. No one does a better peach liqueur. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Deep bronze with hints of gold and copper. The nose is absolutely luxurious offering a careful marriage of fruit, rich malt, sweet grains, toffee, roasted nuts, clove, allspice, honeycomb, and smoky Islay notes of peat fires, and faint sea breezes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a perfectly proportioned dram that builds in iwith lovely grain, fruit, and caramel accents. Full-bodied with ideal balance and a long, luxurious finish. This beautiful blend offers the best of lush Speyside Whiskies punctuated by the essence of Islay with a glorious grain presence that binds it all into one seamless package. $99.99 – 5 Stars

Old Forester Birthday – 2010 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant amber color with an orange tint. The nose is incredibly fragrant and complex with dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, nougat, orange zest, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but sprite mouthfeel with waves of silky fruit and caramel with flanking spice notes and a deft touch of oak. New flavors are revealed with each sip and a splash of water presents even more. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Old Forester Birthday – 2011 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant amber color with an orange tint. The aromatics rise from the glass as it’s being poured. Nosing can be accomplished from 18 inches away. The nose is incredibly fragrant and complex offering up the essence of Bourbon with dried fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, orange zest, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant mouthfeel with waves of silky baked fruit, caramel, clove, allspice, and black pepper. A splash of water brings all the flavors into harmony. Super! $49.99 – 4 Stars

King’s Ginger Liqueur
Brilliant pale golden color. The aromatics are simply beautiful offering much more than ginger alone with supporting notes of citrus zest and pulp, sugar cane juice, lemongrass, and galangal with hints of jasmine. The palate echoes the nose delivering a potent ginger and pepper surge presented on a viscous canvas that carries the flavors on for minutes after swallowing. A super digestif and ripe and ready for endless cocktail applications. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Grand Marnier Quintessence Liqueur
Deep copper with orange highlights. The nose is fresh, vibrant, and unmistakably Grand Marnier offering bright scents of orange and tangerine with orange zest, fully integrated wood notes, rich Cognac with hints of vanilla, allspice, and clove. The palate echoes the nose delivering sequential waves of candied orange zest with lush Cognac and exotic spices. This is a true luxury item with very limited availability. For those of us shopping in the strata below luxury be comforted by the knowledge that the classic GM Cordon Rouge is nearly as good and it does not require a layaway plan. $799.99 – 5 Stars

Glenfarclas Family Cask #2639 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep, dark mahogany with perfect clarity catching the light with copper edges. The nose is simply incredible offering generous Sherry and caramel notes with loads of dried fruits including dates, peach, apple, and candied orange peel with accents of leather, roasted walnuts, and brown baking spices. The palate is perfectly true to the aromatics expressing its full treasure with a modest splash of water. It’s a real charmer whose only imperfection is the firm wood notes on the finish. The ideal gift for a special friend turning 50 this year. $949.99 – 4 Stars

Glenfarclas Family Cask #3551 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep copper color with perfect clarity. The aromatics are quite subtle when first poured but it blossoms and grows in short order revealing waves of candied roasted nuts, caramel, candied orange peel, and orchard fruits with accents of nutmeg, cinnamon, and complex sherry notes with hints of black pepper and clove. The palate echoes the nose being rich while delicate with layers of nuanced fruit and spice flavors. Incredibly balanced with a remarkable vibrancy that defies its age. A beautiful malt with an unexpected delicacy and style. The ideal gift for a special friend turning 40 this year. $599.99 – 5 Stars

Glenfarclas Family Cask #4567 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bright and surprisingly light colored with bright golden hues. The aromatics are bright and youthful with scents of candied ginger, fresh malt and grain, sandalwood, roasted nuts, dried apricot, and soft Sherry notes. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose and more with an unctuous and viscous core of Sherry and sweet malt flanked by brown baking spices, roasted nuts, black pepper, and butter toffee. This great old malt benefits from a modest dose of water that releases the complex aromas and flavors. Amazing. The ideal gift for a special friend turning 30 this year. $329.99 – 5 Stars

Arehucas Ron Miel (Rum with honey) Liqueur
Brilliant amber color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of sweet orange peel, wild flowers, rich honey, Rum, and blood orange with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose with a lush honey filled core and just enough acidity to keep it fresh. This is not a Rum rather a Rum-based liqueur and an attractive one at that. The cocktail applications are endless as we are thinking of a twist on the classic Daiquiri using nothing but Rum, Arehucas Ron Miel, and limejuice. $20 – 4 Stars

Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
Perfectly clear with a hint of pewter. Fresh and delicate on the nose with pure, candied orange peel with delicious, concentrated orange and tangerine juice notes. The palate is incredibly viscous with a sweet, orange-centric entry that gives way to orange zest, ginger, and hints of clove. The spicy elements keep it vibrant and balanced. $36.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills Irish Honey Flavored Irish Whiskey
Brilliant golden color with perfect clarity. The nose is a true force of nature ideally marrying scents of ripe orchard fruits, sweet grain, coconut, candied orange peel, roasted cashews, and pure wild flower honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering waves of classic Irish Whiskey infused with honey, citrus, and toasted nuts. Perfectly balanced offering just enough sweetness to give weight to the rich honey notes while being nearly as dry as a Whiskey. This great flavored spirit has whiskey at its heart. The best of the honeyed spirits we have sampled. $24.99 – 4 Stars

Clase Azul Plata, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly rich and sweet with scents of ultra-ripe tropical and orchard fruits. The nose is equally sweet and viscous with loads of agave honey, baked peach, and pineapple with accents of lime zest, sea salt, and hints of ginger. It finishes with a viscosity that coats the mouth and throat for minutes with lingering fruit and pepper notes. $79.99 – 3 Stars

Clase Azul Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant golden color being darker than many reposado Tequilas. The aromatics are rich with ripe, and sweet baked agave scents in the lead supported by notes of baked apple, cinnamon, allspice, sweet pickling spices, caramel, and hints of candied ginger. The palate confirms the nose with waves of rich, silky baked fruit flanked by accents of caramel, clove, black pepper, and citrus. A massively proportioned Tequila with layers of fruit and spice. $89.99 – 4 Stars

Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky Canadian Blended Whisky
Brilliant pale bronze color. The aromatics are rich and seductive with layers of sweet maple, vanilla fudge, caramel, and honey on a bed of spicy rye. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering waves of sweet maple and brown sugar with peppery rye notes offering balance and length. Wonderfully spicy and ideally balanced with a silky, viscous core. Try with a few cubes of ice or marry with ginger, lime, or Fino Sherry to create your own unique cocktail. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Merlet Crème de Cassis
Deep, darkest ruby/garnet color with evident viscosity. The fruit purity in the aromatics is astounding with incredible concentration offering both ultra-ripe and bittersweet notes and hints of sour cherry. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, velvet like texture of perfectly balanced black fruit concentrate with tart berry notes as the foil. Heavenly. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Merlet Crème de Mure
Deep garnet color with ripples of viscous liqueur on the glass. The nose explodes with the scents of a dense berry patch in the summer’s heat with hints of sweet cherries, wild mint and mineral. The palate is incredibly vibrant with waves of blackberry seeming nearly light, which is an amazing feat for the style. Bright, refreshing acidity runs throughout creating perfect balance and length. Superb. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Merlet Crème de Fraise
Bright garnet to burgundy with hints of orange. Rich and concentrated strawberry scents are supported by blood orange, citrus, and sweet wild flowers. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose delivering a complex fruit attack that strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet with an ever evolving fruit core that lingers on for minutes. The descriptors could go on and on but ultimately it will never do justice to this masterpiece. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Merlet Crème de Poire
Brilliant pale straw color with evident sugars on the glass when swirled. The nose is fresh with the scents of ripe and tart pear with a serious dose of pear skin. The palate opens with a wave of delicate, sweet pear juice that soon gives way to a pear pulp concentrate and supporting citrus accents that lift the flavors to a new dimension. Perfectly balanced with long lingering bittersweet pear candy dissolving on the tongue. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Merlet Crème de Framboise
Deep ruby red with a thick coating of clear sugar on the glass. The nose is filled with the scents of raspberry concentrate as well as freshly picked berries with subtle underlying citrus note. The palate is a delicious struggle of sweet and tart berries with no clear winner beckoning you back for sip after sip in hopes of solving the puzzle. Ideally balanced and perfect in every way being nearly too good to believe. Brilliant. $24.99 – 5 Stars

Sean’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Creamy mocha color with a thick viscous, glass coating texture. The nose is soft with the scents of vanilla cream, mocha, hazelnuts, and milk chocolate. The palate is lush while light enough to offer refreshment and beckons the next sip. Seamlessly balanced with no cloying or hard edges as it delivers enough sweetness to be a dessert stand in. When you consider the quality and value (half as much as the big competitor) it makes this tasty cream liqueur an easy and clever choice. $9.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills Original – White Label Blended Irish Whiskey
A very fragrant Whiskey with scents of fresh grass and spring flowers with touches of candied almonds, mango, and a faint coconut impression. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose being youthful while lush and generous with flavors of baked orchard fruits that become quite dry and a bit green on the finish. A very good value. $19.99 – 3 Stars

Connemara Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Deep golden color. An amazing assertive nose filled with scents of smoke, peat, roasted nuts, sea salt, mint, and dried fruits. Rich and oily on the palate with amazing viscosity. A beautifully textured Whiskey that coats every corner of the mouth with sweet, smoky malt essence with accents of vanilla, toffee, and oak. A beautiful beast of a Whiskey with a “take no prisoners” swagger. $59.99 – 5 Stars

Jameson 1780 Blended Irish Whiskey
Rich with scents of toffee and cream Sherry. Quite sweet while balanced and bordering on Sherry dominance. With that said. it’s just lovely! A pure hedonistic pleasure. The flavors linger on for minutes never intending to be thought provoking just for pleasure. $ – 9 Stars

Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey
Bright, light golden color. The nose is dominated by grain notes with hints of roasted nuts, the pages of old paper, and citrus. The palate is in full agreement with a medium-body and grain forward flavors. It finishes rather dry with austere notes of steel-cut oats and toasted seeds. $ – 3 Stars

Powers Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep golden to amber color. The nose is filled with the unmistakable pot still character and classic, hefty Irish Whiskey flavors of honeycomb with toasted grain, biscuits, vanilla cream, and touched with subtle notes of black pepper and cardamom. Truly terrific stuff that should be in everyone’s drink cabinet. One of the best values in the Whiskey world. $18.99 – 4 Stars

Redbreast 12 Years Old Irish Pot Still Whiskey
Brilliant bronze to amber color. A real gem, a reason to get up in the morning! Outrageously complex offering a tremendous melange of baked apple and pear flavors married perfectly with honey, toffee, toasted grains, peanut brittle, brown butter, and nutmeg. The finish lingers for minutes offering a great interplay of black pepper, clove, and caramel. A must for any and all Irish Whiskey enthusiasts. $49.99 – 5 Stars

Clontarf Classic Blended Irish Whiskey
Copper color. A delicate but expressive nose with notes of caramel cream with sweet grain. A soft palate entry baked with firm toasted grain and oak notes complimented by hints of honey and vanilla. A wonderfully harmonious session dram. $18.99 – 3 Stars

Clontarf Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Pale gold color. A beautiful nose filled with notes of toasted malt accented by wild herbs and cardamom. Rich and pleasingly rustic on the palate with a mélange of toasted grains accented by notes of pepper, oak, roasted nuts and caramel. Complex while undemanding, encouraging sip after sip. A staple of my drinks cabinet. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills 1608 – Anniversary Edition Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant amber color. At the first nosing you are aware that this is a beauty, a special whiskey worthy of a special anniversary from a top distiller. Complex aromas of barley honey, with sweet caramel malt, toffee, figs, brown butter, and hints of the tropics fill the nose. The palate echoes the mélange of scents delivered on a full-bodied palate that generously provides endless waves of flavor. The finest Bushmills Whiskey that I have ever had. $89.99 – 5 Stars

FECKIN Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep golden amber color. The nose is quite odd unless you keep telling yourself that this is a flavored Whiskey. The aromas range from vanilla to clove with a hint of Whiskey. The palate is equally confused tasting more like a flavored Rum/Bourbon hybrid than an Irish Whiskey. It’s clear that this spirit is all about a catchy name and marketing and little to do with Whiskey. $24.99 – 1 Stars

Greenore 15 Years Old Irish Single Grain Whiskey
Pale golden color. The nose is filled with Whiskey notes as opposed to a heavy dose of wood notes. It’s quite complex and very pleasing offering scents of wild flowers, vanilla. orange honey, shortbread, and Bourbon. The palate is in full agreement with the nose being dry with a mild, sweet smoke accent. An interesting Whiskey but at this price few will be tempted to own a bottle. $100 – 3 Stars

Bushmills Black Bush Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep gold to copper color. The nose explodes with scents of dried apricots, prunes, dates, sweet sherry, roasted nuts, almond brittle, mango, and a mélange of tropical notes. A rich, semi-viscous mid-palate that expands with notes of dark chocolate, treacle, and decadent fig preserves, in full agreement with the nose. A classy Whiskey that is showing better than ever. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Pale copper color. The nose showcases mineral, orange marmalade, and almonds with hints of smoke. Altogether lean. The palate is far more generous, offering flavors of biscuit, caramel, toffee, dried fruits, and marzipan. Dry and a bit austere with greatly defined note of grain and a clever, subtle use of wood. An aperitif Whiskey. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills 16 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Deep copper to amber color. The nose is generous and quite herbal with lush with honey and caramel. Scents of eucalyptus, mint, and pine needles, mingle with sweet malt, caramel, candied cashews, and dark chocolate. The palate echoes the nose being lush while lively with accents of dry citrus zest and earth oak tones. Ideally balanced and full of intrigue. $79.99 – 4 Stars

Bushmills 21 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Bright dark amber color. The nose reveals a clever marriage of dark, dried fruits, like red and black currants, and apricot, with toffee, vanilla, cocoa nibs, and roasted nuts. The palate echoes the nose being harmonious, rich, and ideally balanced, with alternating waves of malt, toasted grains, nuts, and more dried fruits with accents of candied ginger. A lovely and contemplative Whiskey. $109.99 – 5 Stars

Tullamore Dew Blended Irish Whiskey
Bright copper color with touches of gold. The nose is soft, pretty and seductive with scents of grain, fresh baked bread, spearmint, orange, and spring flowers. The palate is equally soft with a bit of an oily character to add length and texture. The sweet malt really shows thought with accents of vanilla. It’s a very pretty Whiskey that has always been a sentimental favorite of mine. $17.99 – 3 Stars

Tullamore Dew 10 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Bright copper color. The nose is remarkably similar to the classic Tully with the difference being made in its concentration. This Whiskey is a bit more dense showing aromatics of orange peel, cinnamon, and allspice, with accents of dried fruits. The palate echoes the nose offering a pleasing viscosity and sweet, vanilla tinged Bourbon notes. A charming dram. $23.99 – 3 Stars

Tullamore Dew 12 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant amber color. The 12-year-old Tully offers a bit of a departure from the classic being rich with sherry notes as they offer a bit of honey, nougat, fig, brown spice, and vanilla to the sweet grain and malt core. The palate is remarkably sprite for all of its inherent unctuousness and complex flavors. Silky while spicy and balanced by a strong accent of citrus zest on the finish. Complex and pleasing. $39.99 – 4 Stars

Connemara Peated 12 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Deep golden to amber color. The nose is wonderfully complex being less assertively peaty and smoky than the original Connemara. It is very floral and minty, with buttery toffee and accents of peat, sea salt, and pepper. The palate is lush while spicy with complex notes of honey and fruit compote with accents of oak and marzipan. This Whiskey offers great balance and intrigue. $94.99 – 4 Stars

Tyrconnell Single Malt Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Bright copper color. The nose offers a very pretty marriage of apples and pears, grain, and spice with accents of oak, honey, and citrus. The palate echoes the nose offering a balance between creamy malt and peppery notes. Citrus flavors abound on the finish as this dram becomes dry and crisp. $45 – 3.5 Stars

Jameson Special Reserve 12 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant amber color. The nose is incredibly lush and complex offering waves of ripe oranges and tropical fruits with accents of caramel, toffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and Sherry. The palate echoes the nose being lush and full while clean and lively with baked orchard fruits and honey taking the lead. Long trailing secondary notes of bacon fat, toasted walnuts, and butterscotch linger on the finish. A real beauty. $42.99 – 4 Stars

Kellan Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, bright copper color. The nose reveals a gorgeous honeyed fruit core with evidence of a sweet malt component and accents of roasted cashew, toasted grain, and treacle. The palate agrees with the nose being a bit drier than expected with an interesting dark chocolate and coffee note on the finish. A real charmer. $21.99 – 3 Stars

Finian’s Five Provinces Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep golden color. The nose is complex and inviting with scents of sweet malted barley, toasted grains, wild honey, butter toffee, and vanilla. The palate fully expresses the nose delivering a lush and vibrant multi-layered flavor experience with delicate accents of nougat, black pepper, and roasted nuts. Ideally balanced and sold at a price comfortable enough to make this your session dram. $23.99 – 3.5 Stars

John L. Sullivan Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep golden to amber color. The nose explodes with the fresh, sweet scents of Bourbon casks with floral notes, cinnamon, and sassafras. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, sweet core of caramel-drenched grains with a sprite peppery, ginger like heat. A tasty Irish blend that offers many possibilities as a straight dram or in a number of cocktails. $21.99 – 3 Stars

Powers 12 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Deep golden to copper color. The nose is a wonderfully concentrated version of the standard Powers Whiskey with a greater presence of toffee that marries ideally with honey, toasted grains, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon bark. The palate echoes the nose offering rich pot still Whiskey character with refreshing spice and oak notes. If you have long loved Powers, (who doesn’t?) you will swoon over this decadent version. $ – 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. $19.99 – 3.5 Stars

Tyrconnell Madeira Finish 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Bright amber with hints of red and orange. The nose is generous and complex marrying scents of rich, sweet malt with caramel, ripe berries, orange zest, and exotic brown spices. The palate is simpatico with the nose opening with a lush wave of malt-drenched fruit and spice that opens to a silky core. Perfectly balanced with waves of flavor including hints of dark chocolate, tropical fruits, roasted nuts. A beautiful Whiskey that showcases flashy Madeira finishing while never masking the lovely mature Whiskey beneath. A real beauty. $60 – 5 Stars

Slieve Foy 8 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Deep straw color with flecks of gold. The nose is vibrant and fruity with rich accents of malt, lavender, toffee, and hints of brown spice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky and complex melange of malt and spice with a core of ripe orchard fruits. Multi-layered with great length while being wonderfully proportioned. A real beauty that prizes nuance over heft. $45 – 4 Stars

Redbreast 15 Years Old Irish Pot Still Whiskey
Brilliant bronze to amber color. Immediately, the higher strength is evident on the nose. The nose is incredibly complex and seductive offering scents of caramel orange, honey, baked apples, toasted grains, brown baking spices, and toffee. The palate is equal to the nose offering a lush core of sweet fruit and spiced laced malt. The texture is more appealing than their great 12 year-old giving a perfect platform for the incredible mélange of flavors. It finishes with accents of clove, black pepper, and nutmeg. Incredible and perhaps the greatest Irish Whiskey I have tasted. $74.99 – 5 Stars

Greenore 18 Years Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Brilliant golden color. The nose is simply beautiful with scents of butterscotch, caramel, nougat, and vanilla with accents of orange peel, honey and sweet toasted grains. The palate is in full agreement adding a healthy dose of spice the mid-palate that is soon swept away by more lush grain and toffee notes with subtle hints of campfire, black pepper, and cardamon. A lovely dram and by far the best Greenore offering to date. $135 – 4 Stars

Brugal Anejo Rum
Deep amber color. Seductively smells of English toffee, marzipan, nougat, hazelnuts and butter. Off-dry tastes of dark caramel and bittersweet chocolate. It may seem too luscious to mix but try it anyway as it adds great depth to your favorite Rum cocktails. $25 – 3.5 Stars

Ron Matusalem Platino Rum
Crystal clear. The nose is quite assertive with notes of toffee, vanilla, and molasses filling the nose. On the downside, there is also a persistent aroma of burning tires that at time masks the pretty tropical notes. The palate is quite viscous and it finishes very sweet, perhaps too sweet. This Rum is a puzzle as it has very pretty elements while it also offers some unattractive edges. $ – 2.5 Stars

Cubaney Anejo 3 Years Old Rum
Deep bronze color. A soft, rich, and sweet nose with scents of vanilla, cola, tropical fruits and coconut. The palate offers a soft and silky mouthfeel with flavors of cola, vanilla, and fruit. Ideal for beach and poolside cocktails. Not terribly complex but well delivered, pleasurable, and a good value. $14.99 – 3 Stars

Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva Familiar Rum
Brilliant amber to mahogany in color. The nose is like nirvana to those of us who appreciate the complex and beautiful aromas of aged Rum. Scents of roasted tropical fruits, roasted almonds, treacle, brown butter, allspice, clove, cocoa, and vanilla fill the nose. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky core with generous spice notes to add intrigue and shape. A wonderful and complex Rum from Brugal. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Brilliant, beautiful deep copper color. The nose is filled with rich, dried fruits, sweet caramel, and vanilla with accents of nut butter, allspice, honey, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet fruit and caramel filled core with waves of toffee, honey, and brown butter finishing with accents of oak and brown spice. Full-bodied with a lush and viscous core foiled by bright notes of acidity and accents of orange peel. A classic sipping Rum. $40 – 4 Stars

Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is wonderfully complex with tropical fruits and caramel supported by notes of leather, mineral, Sherry, and oak. The palate confirms the nose while being drier than may be expected with waves of dried black berries, allspice, marzipan, and vanilla bean. Full-bodied and dry while also being generous with fruit and caramel supported by complex spice notes kept fresh with a big dose of bright acidity. A superb sipping Rum pairing well with chocolate or an after dinner cigar. $33.99 – 4 Stars

Griffin’s Wharf 1773 Coffee LiqueurSee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep, dark mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scent of strong, dark roasted coffee with accents of molasses, brown sugar, allspice, and hints of dark chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich but vibrant roasted coffee core with flanking notes of brown spice, cocoa, and burnt sugar. Medium-bodied with layers of coffee and cocoa with a bright dose of acidity giving perfect balance and making this Coffee Liqueur a pleasure to sip neat. Extremely versatile with countless hot and cold cocktail options. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Old Forester Birthday – 2018 12 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, rich mahogany with a hint of orange. The nose is incredibly fruity ranging from baked pears and apples to black cherry with waves of honey, Earl Grey tea, charred oak, roasted nuts, and toffee. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and robust fruit and caramel-centric core with supporting notes of brown baking spices, honey, and citrus zest. Full-bodied with ideal balance and an amazing depth of flavor that keeps building towards the 30 second finish. One of our favorite Birthday releases to date. $99.99 – 5 Stars

Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old Irish Pot Still Whiskey
Deep golden/amber color. The nose is a wonderfully complex with waves of pear, apple, plum, caramel, and vanilla filing the nose with supporting accents of earth,Sherry, cigar box, and dried flowers. The palate echoes the nose offering rich fruit and butterscotch core with waves of brown baking spices, pepper, and soft earth and leather accents. Full-bodied with a viscous center kept balanced by a generous dose of acidity, spice and tart fruit notes. $65 – 5 Stars

Speyburn 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is vibrant with fresh scents of baked pear, toasted grain, caramel, orange peel, and mocha. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a fruit and toffee-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, oak, and vanilla. Full-bodied with bright fruit flavors with a generous dose of acidity and a dry, spicy finish. Matured in both American and Spanish oak casks. $59.99 – 4 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. $15 – 3 Stars

Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant deep copper with hints of gold. The nose is rich and generous with waves of butterscotch, wood, nutmeg, and apricot with hints of deep caramel. The palate echoes the nose with a lovely fruit and toffee-driven core supported by accents of brown baking spices, red currants, sweet grains, and baked apple. Full-bodied with a lush and silky core that finishes dry with vibrant spice and wood notes. The 1910 Old Fine has undergone a second barreling in a lightly toasted, heavily charred barrel. The resulting Whiskey has bold wood and burnt sugar accents to be sure. $54.99 – 4 Stars

Highland Park Magnus Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep golden color. A wonderfully complex nose offering scents of Christmas cake with a bold dose of peat followed by notes of citrus, orange peel, honey, heather, and jasmine. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant, fruity core with flanking notes of peat, earth, citrus, brown baking spices, ginger, and heather. Medium to full-bodied with sweet fruit becoming dry on the finish with a bright dose of acidity. Made with a portion of Orcadian peat burned in the distillery’s own kiln. $37.99 – 4 Stars

Slaughter House American WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant amber color with hints of ruby. On the first nosing the red fruits rise from the glass followed by scents of sweet, toasted grain, oak, red currant, honey, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and robust corn Whiskey core with loads of red fruits, spice, toffee, and caramel. Full-bodied with a silky and sweet fruit and grain center with waves of spice and caramel. The Slaughter House Whiskey is made from primarily corn (85%) then aged in American oak for nine years before being finished in French oak that previously held a red Bordeaux style wine. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Straight Edge Bourbon WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, 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 WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, 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

Partner Sweet VermouthSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant deep ruby color. The nose is fruit forward with scents of ripe red berries filling the nose supported by accents of smoke, brown spices, dried herbs, and bitter earth notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering silky, ripe red cherries with tart fruits and wave after wave of dried and herbs and toasted spices with hints of sandalwood and anise. Medium-bodied with a vibrant and ripe fruity core that is balanced with complex herbal and spice accents. $25 – 4 Stars

Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato Dry Vermouth
Brilliant medium deep gold/green color. The nose is wonderfully complex offering ripe, sweet Moscato wine with waves of bitter herbs, rhubarb, and a potpourri of dried wild flowers. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a lush, semisweet, white fruit core with waves of flowers and herbs with incredible length and a dry, citrus accented finish. Medium-bodied with a vibrant and ripe fruity core that is balanced with complex herbal and spice accents. This “Riserva” level M&R Bianco Vermouth is wildly different than their classic Bianco Vermouth that we all know being a big step up in complexity. It’s made with Moscato d’ Asti wines from the Piedmont region of Italy. $14.99 – 4.5 Stars

Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino Sweet Vermouth
Brilliant ruby color. The aromatics are complex and alluring offering scents of ripe red fruits supported by notes of rhubarb, dried herbs and bark, and chamomile tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright, fruity core with waves of botanicals that extend the palate and become tart and slightly bitter on the finish. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with complex fruit and botanicals and a bright dose of acidity that keeps it refreshing. This “Riserva” level M&R Sweet Vermouth is a very different animal than their classic Sweet Vermouth that we all know being a big step up in complexity. It’s made with Nebbiolo wines from the Langhe (Piedmont) DOC. $14.99 – 4 Stars

Martini & Rossi Bitter
Brilliant, electric ruby color. The aromatics are beautifully complex with scents of ripe red fruit supported by bitter bark, crushed teaberry, rhubarb, red grapefruit zest, quinine, and blood orange. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush but very vibrant red fruit core with waves of herbs, citrus, and tart red fruits than finish dry. Medium-bodied being ideally balanced with the classic contrast of bitter herbs with a semisweet red fruit core. We love this bitter and we have a new Bitter for our regular Negroni nights as it’s every bit as good — if not better — than the other brand we all know! In competitive markets this lovely aperitif sells for well under $20 a bottle. $26.99 – 4.5 Stars

The Famous Grouse Ruby Cask Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep copper with hints of burgundy. The nose is reminiscent of Christmas with waves of brown baking spices, red fruits, and vanilla bean. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich, fruity core with spice accents creating flavors redolent of fruit cake with toasted oak rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with a bright fruit and spice core framed by oak and a bright dose of acidity. This is part of The Famous Grouse’s cask series. This expression sees their original blend finished in Port seasoned casks. $34.99 – 4 Stars

The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is quite attractive offering scents of toasted oak and grain with supporting notes of caramel, vanilla, baked orchard fruits, and a hint of honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy oak core with waves of brown baking spices, toasted coconut, and soft pear accents. Medium-bodied with good length and ideal balance thanks a bright dose of acidity. This is part of The Famous Grouse’s cask series. This expression is a blend of Whiskies primarily aged in American oak including Bourbon casks. $34.99 – 4 Stars

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant deep bronze color. The nose is filled with the scent of vanilla bean with sweet corn pudding, caramel, and hints of butterscotch. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet corn corn with waves of brown baking spice, vanilla, and toffee. Full-bodied with rich candied grain and caramel notes dominating. Made with a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. $39.99 – 3.5 Stars

Egan’s Fortitude Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of honey, marzipan, nougat, and Sherry with accents of vanilla and dried fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and creamy Sherry-forward core with waves of brown baking spices, honey, and ginger biscuits and candied citrus. Full-bodied with intense flavors bolstered by the appealing higher proof (46 abv) that’s surprisingly vibrant thanks to a generous dose of bright acidity. This is a Sherry lover’s dream. Aged exclusively in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and making this your new favorite dessert Whiskey. $50 – 4.5 Stars

Egan’s Legacy Reserve 15 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant pale golden color. The nose reveals scents of toasted sweet malt with waves of baked apples, caramel, toffee, and vanilla with hints of nutmeg and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex and generous baked orchard fruit core with flanking notes of brown baking spices, toasted nuts and honey. Full-bodied with great proportions and ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of natural acidity that gives this complex Whiskey vibrancy and length. This release is limited to only 1,000 bottles. $200 – 4 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

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

Silent Pool GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, 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

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

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

Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper with hints of burgundy. The nose is incredibly intense offering a dense core of rich caramel with waves of vanilla cream, butterscotch, and brown baking spices with accents of black pepper, cigar box, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush caramel and brown butter core with loads of spice, oak, and dried red fruits. Full-bodied with decadent flavors that linger on the palate for minutes finishing with pepper and bright acidity. It’s an unforgettable Rye. $45 – 4.5 Stars

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

Fords Officers’ Reserve Overproof London Dry GinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear with a very pale straw hue. The aromatics of this Navy Strength Gin offers juniper, coriander, and citrus in equal measure with accents of brown spice and dried flowers in support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and oily center palate with bold bursts of juniper, orange, grapefruit, and sweet herbal and spice notes dominate the core that becomes increasingly drier on the finish with vibrant citrus zest accents. Full-bodied with ideal balance and a texture, which is no small feat considering its considerable strength (54.5 abv). The Fords Officer’s Reserve does not disappoint as it displays the same complexity and style of the original with a bold proof and subtle Sherry cask highlights. $34.99 – 5 Stars

Coopers’ Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant bronze color. The nose is wonderfully delicate while generous with scents of sweet oak, baked orchard fruits, and caramel, with hints of citrus zest, vanilla cream, and brown sugar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but sprite fruit driven core redolent of a richly spiced apple pie with toasted oak and sweet cinnamon rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with good length and ideal balance thanks a bright dose of acidity. After aging this Bourbon runs through a special beech and birch charcoal filter finishing process that contributes to its soft and silky texture. $21.99 – 4 Stars

Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep bronze color. The nose is filled with bold scents of charred oak, baked apples, and brown baking spices with accents of saddle leather, vanilla cream, and dark honey. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and assertive brown sugar, fruit, and oak forward core with flanking notes of brown spice, black pepper, and vanilla. Full-bodied with bold fruit, caramel, and oak flavors the keep fresh due to bright acidity and ideal balance. Aged in house-crafted barrels that feature textured, hewn interior staves that when charred create a tremendous amount of surface space that infuse this bold Bourbon with a deeply charred oak character. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars

Boone Co. Jail Distillery Hoosier Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly pure with scents of sweet corn with accents of mineral and hints of fresh hay. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky grain-driven core with supporting notes of mineral and subtle hints of white pepper rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with a bright dose of acidity and long, lingering grain and mineral flavors. Made with 100% corn in Lebanon, Indiana. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Boone Co. Jail Distillery Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wildly expressive with fresh juniper in the lead followed by vibrant and earthy botanicals that are lifted with accents of citrus and ginger. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush but vibrant core with galangal (similar to ginger) and citrus with earthy angelica root and delicate brown spice and pepper accents rising on the finish. Full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and lively botanicals. An undisputed Best Buy. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Boone Co. Jail Distillery Conjugal Visit American White Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are reminiscent of stepping into a large feed warehouse with waves of raw grains filling the nose supported by accents sour mash. The palate echoes the nose with raw and rustic grain core with hints of sour bread dough and black pepper. Full-bodied with an assertive, full grain explosion that has quite a punch on the overproof palate. Made with 100% corn in Lebanon, Indiana. $19.99 – 3 Stars

Bushmills Red Bush Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is quite floral with bright notes of honey with accents of vanilla, grain, and spice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a light but sweet grain and honey-centric core with waves of spice and oak as it finishes short and dry. Medium-bodied with bright acidity but it does lack depth on the palate. The Bushmills Red is made from Whiskey aged exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks. $21 – 3 Stars

Heaven’s Door Tennessee Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep bronze color. The nose is vibrant with generous notes of sweet grains, banana bread, butterscotch, and honey with hints of toffee, beeswax, nutmeg, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet, honeyed grain-driven core with spicy rye accents with hints of earth and toasted oak. Full-bodied with a lush, sweet core while balanced with a bright dose of acidity. Aged in new American oak for a minimum of seven years. $49.99 – 4 Stars

Nemiroff VodkaSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is ultra clean and pure with scents of wet river stones, chalk, and sweet grain (wheat), with accents of under-ripe pear, dried flowers, and mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, wheat-centric core with waves of mineral and citrus zest with supporting notes of white pepper, vanilla bean, and ginger. Medium-bodied with a lovely, silky texture that ideally carries the sweet wheat and mineral notes finishing with a dose of bright acidity and pepper. This lovely wheat Vodka from Ukraine is super versatile and an amazing value as well. $19.99 – 5 Stars

Nemiroff Honey Pepper Flavored Vodka
Brilliant, pale golden color. The nose is quite delicate and even understated with bright, sweet honey notes in the lead with accents of spring flowers, red chili, and cider with subtle hints of iodine. The palate echoes the nose while being far more expressive with rich honey flavors supported by red chili, baked orchard fruits, and subtle cinnamon heat. Medium-bodied with ideal balance as it delivers its flavors in a subtle and silky manner. Despite the pepper addition it gives no burn at all. Sip chilled or use it in a uniquely flavored Moscow Mule. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Empress 1908 Gin
Brilliant and beautiful, deep indigo color. The aromatics jump from the glass being very floral with bright notes of juniper and grapefruit, with an underlying earthy edge. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very sprite and vibrant botanical core that delivers floral essences with a bit of ginger heat to frame the package. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright note of acidity that keeps the complex mélange of botanicals at attention. Made from eight botanicals in Victoria, Canada. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Grand Mayan Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe tropical fruits that soon become overwhelmed with barrel notes offering accents of toasted nut, chocolate, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose while offering even less fruit as the heavy-handed oak dominates smothering all of the agave notes. Medium to full-bodied with a dominating note of oak and oak astringency with no balance at all. This is everything that is wrong with far too many modern Tequilas – wood dominated with an astronomical price tag. $79.99 – 2 Stars

Lunazul Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose wonderfully fruity offering scents of ripe tropical fruits (pineapple), red apple notes, and citrus zest with accents of sea salt and sweet agave. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a semi-viscous yet vibrant tropical fruit-driven core with generous supporting notes of citrus, black pepper, and hints of wild herbs and vanilla bean. Ideally balanced with clean, fresh flavors and a long, lingering, spicy finish. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Lunazul Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, pale golden straw color. The nose is filled with the scents of bright, baked tropical fruits with flanking notes of cinnamon, citrus zest, and sweet oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, baked pineapple driven core with generous notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla cream. Wonderfully balanced with bright acidity adding freshness with lingering pepper and spice accents. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Lunazul Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, copper color. The nose is dominated by sweet, brown baking spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), toasted oak, and roasted nuts with baked fruits in support. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a decadent spice and oak-driven core with waves of caramel, cashew butter, and vibrant black pepper notes rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with rich, toasted oak and spice keeping it sprite. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels for 12 to 18 months. $22.99 – 4 Stars

Lunazul Primero Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The eyes deceive the nose as you expect a burst of fruit at first nosing but get a complex oak-driven nose with waves of honey, caramel, ripe red apples, and subtle brown spices. The palate is more explosive than the nose delivering a rich and silky oak and baked agave dominant core with anise, allspice, tarragon, and vanilla bean in support. Ideally balanced with a generous dose of citrus on the finish that keeps it vibrant and crisp. Lunazul Primero is aged for 18 months in American oak and then filtered to strip all color. $29.99 – 4 Stars

Lunazul El Humoso Smoked Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are dominated by spicy smoke with accents of fire-roasted chili and hints of cooked tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a smoky wood and sweet chili-dominated core with hints of spice and grilled lime. Medium-bodied with persistent smoke that dominates the sweet fruit and bright citrus that struggle to emerge. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars

King of Kentucky Barrel No. 8 15 Years Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant deep cherry wood color. The nose is amazingly harmonious, sweet, and complex even before a water addition. (It’s better after a splash of water.) The nose is filled with scents of charred oak, baked apples and pears, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and roasted nuts. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense baked fruit and vanilla cream focused core with generous waves of brown baking spices, toasted coconut, black pepper, and honey. Full-bodied with a complex and dense palate that greatly evolves with water and aeration. Sip slowly as it’s not cheap and there are just over 2,000 bottles available. $250 – 4.5 Stars

Old Forester Birthday – 2019 11 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep golden color with a hint of orange. The nose is incredibly expressive offering scents of rich maple, toffee, and butterscotch with waves of baked pear, corn pudding, and charred oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and robust fruit and caramel and maple-centric core with supporting notes of brown baking spices, roasted nuts, and black fruits. Full-bodied and intense with a sharp black pepper notes that rises on the finish. The 2019 Birthday Bourbon was born on May 15, 2008 with 120 barrels produced and rested for this bottling. $99.99 – 4 Stars

Downslope Distilling Double Diamond American Whiskey
Brilliant amber color. The nose is incredibly complex and luxurious with waves of ripe red fruits, sweet malt, dried apples and apricots, loads of brown baking spices, and subtle citrus accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a robust and silky fruit and malt-driven core with flanking notes of caramel, vanilla, and Sherry. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with fruit, grains, and oak in perfect harmony. The Downslope Double Diamond proves that age is just a number. What this Whiskey lacks in age statement it more than makes up for with mature spirit flavors on the palate. A lovely American Whiskey. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars

Old Pulteney 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch WhiskySee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, pale amber color. The aromatics are intense and complex with waves of honey, toffee, ginger, candied citrus zest, and cocoa nibs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and powerful honey and malt-driven core with waves of vanilla, dark chocolate, and citrus with hints of black pepper and sea salt. Full-bodied with dense malt throughout balanced with fresh acidity, citrus, and right salinity. Since much to our shock and horror Old Pulteney discontinued their great 17-year-old, this lovely 15-year-old is our new favorite Old Pulteney Malt. $90 – 5 Stars

Old Pulteney 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden/amber color. The nose reveals a very decadent Whisky offering rich scents of dark chocolate, baked apples, and generous waves of brown baking spices with accents of honey and hints of lemon curd. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a dense and powerful chocolate and malt-driven core with waves of fruit cake, allspice, black pepper, and hints of briny Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied with loads of barrel-driven spice notes and an oaky finish. $139 – 4 Stars

Old Pulteney Huddart Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is filled with scents of sweet malt, honeycomb, and baked apple with accents of smoke, leather, and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich fruit and malt driven core with even more smoke than found on the nose with waves of peat and brown baking spices leading to a hardwood ember-like tannin on the finish. Full-bodied with generous notes of sea salt, smoke, and malt that showcases the peat element as being nearly herbal. $65 – 4 Stars

Old Pulteney 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, pale gold with a touch of amber. The nose is beautiful and delicate offering scents of honey, wild flowers, Bourbon cask, salty sea air, and sweet malt. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a creamy, sweet malt-driven core with flanking notes of sea salt and honeycomb, nutmeg, and citrus zest rising on the finish. Medium-bodied and ideally proportioned offering with perfect balance thanks to a dose of bright acidity. This version of the Old Pulteney 12 is different than in years past with a greater Bourbon impression and a lower ABV (previously bottled at 43%). $45 – 4 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

Amaro dell’Etna Amaro
Brilliant, mahogany color. The nose is filled with complex and alluring aromatics including orange peel, licorice, rhubarb, cinnamon, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but vibrant core of bitter citrus, herbs, and spices with silky vanilla accents and bittersweet berries on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with incredible complexity, length, and balance. Sip after dinner or enjoy in your favorite bitter cocktail. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Islay Mist 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Brilliant, deep gold to copper color. The nose is classically Islay with waves of sea air, peat, dense herbal notes, and wisps of smoke with honey. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fuller, and lush version of the nose with silky honey at the core flanked by peat, sea, orange peel, and brown baking spices. Full-bodied with lush malty core that is ideally balanced by spice, peat, and smoke. $25.99 – 4 Stars

Egan’s Centenary Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant pale straw color. The nose is extremely expressive being very floral with ripe peach, honey, ginger biscuits, and soft citrus accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, honey-filled core with bright accents of ginger heat, lemon zest, nutmeg, vanilla cream, and anise. Full-bodied while being perfectly balanced and quite vibrant thanks to the pronounced ginger and citrus notes. Made with a blend of malt and grain Whiskies rested in former XO Cognac casks. $100 – 4.5 Stars

Knob Creek Quarter Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant deep copper color. The nose if filled with the scents of charred oak supported by notes of dark caramel, fruit cake, brown baking spices, and sweet vanilla. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a sweet fruit and spice-driven core with assertive accents of charred oak. Full-bodied with a dense core of fruit and an unshakable essence of charred oak. $49.99 – 4 Stars

The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant bronze color. The nose is wonderfully fresh and complex with notes of baked tropical fruits, orange, shortbread, and toffee. The palate fully agrees with the nose being beautifully proportioned offering a subtle tapestry of malt, fruit, and spice and a hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied with nice balance with bright fruit accents. A delicate style of malt best enjoyed as an aperitif. $50 – 3.5 Stars

Leopold Gourmel Age des Fleurs 15 Years Old Cognac
Brilliant copper color. The nose is filled with scents of wild flowers, rich caramel, and vanilla cream with hints of sweet oak. The palate confirms the nose with notes of cinnamon, pepper, and cloves, with dried fruit flavors and a subtle hint of orange. The texture is rich and oily with ideal balance and a long, silky finish. $150 – 4 Stars

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye WhiskeySee the Full BevX Featured Review Deep copper color. The nose is filled with the classic scents of an American Rye as it offers complex spice notes with sweet, honey-soaked grains, and hints of brown baking spices and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex caramel and spice-driven core with accents of mandarin orange, caramel, allspice, and cinnamon. Full-bodied with great length and ideal balance and bright acidity. Made with 95% Rye with 5% malted barley. $45 – 4.5 Stars

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey
Deep copper color. The aromatics are lush and luxurious filling the nose with scents of vanilla, caramel, honey, and candied nuts with hints of baked apple and nutmeg. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich and silky honey and brown spice focused core with flanking notes of black pepper, charred oak, and hints of cinnamon. Full-bodied with a lush, sweet core punctuated by spice and oak. Made with a blend of corn-dominated Bourbon aged four to twelve years. $45 – 4.5 Stars

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey
Deep copper color. The nose is quite assertive with scents of black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon with hints of caramel, sawdust, citrus, and oak. The palate agrees with the nose delivering a fiery entry with pepper and chili in the lead followed by brown spices, caramel, and oak. Full-bodied with a take-no-prisoner approach flashing firm charred oak notes with spicy hot alcohol. Made with a blend of aged Bourbon and Rye. $45 – 3.5 Stars

Camus Seraphin XO Cognac
Deep chestnut, amber color. The nose is dense and expressive with rich aromas of dates, dried apricots, butter toffee, and baked apples, with accents of exotic brown baking spices and oak. The palate echoes the nose being rich and lush while dry with complimenting notes of roasted almonds and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied while being decidedly sweet and slightly viscous. $129 – 3.5 Stars

Broken Shed Vodka
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully seductive and somewhat decadent with waves of vanilla and an intriguing sweet minerality. The palate affirms the unique and complex nose being lush and silky with a mildly sweet and pleasingly assertive minerality that finishes completely dry. Medium-bodied with a velvet-like texture that delivers waves of subtle flavors with perfect balance. Made with whey and naturally filtered water. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Deep, black color. The nose is assertive with the scents of chocolate, coffee, and cloves with accents of ginger, cinnamon, and pepper. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a sweet chocolate and molasses driven core with loads of Christmas cake spices. Full-bodied with a viscous palate. Great name — great packaging and an average Spiced Rum. $18.99 – 3 Stars

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant amber and deep copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of toasted grains, baked orchard fruit, caramel, charred oak, and vanilla with hints of mocha. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush fruit and grain driven core with flanking notes of brown spice, milk chocolate, vanilla, and caramel with hints of fresh mint. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with loads of bright acidity that better allow the complex spirit to shine with wood as an accent rather than a dominating force. Made with a mashbill that included corn, rye, wheat, and barley all estate-grown, distilled, and bottled. A true American farm Whiskey. $49.99 – 5 Stars

BrandyLab California Brandy
$60 – Stars

Largo Bay Silver Rum
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose delivers sweet molasses with vanilla cream and accents of tropical fruits. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and sweet sugar-focused center with accents of pepper and mineral. Medium-bodied and sweet with long, lingering flavors. $9.99 – 3 Stars

Revanche CognacSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep copper to mahogany color. The nose is delicate yet expressive with waves of ripe and baked orchard fruits supported by generous notes of baking spices, dark caramel, cacao nibs, and dried fruits. The palate confirms the nose delivering fruit-driven core with accents of spice, oak, pepper, and candied ginger on a creamy yet vibrant texture. Medium-bodied with ideal balance as the sharper spice notes and bright acidity bring vigor to each sip. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars

Michter’s Single Barrel 10 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is seductively layered with rich toffee, toasted oak, brown butter, caramel, and maple with accents of brown baking spices and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose with caramel, roasted nuts, and charred oak in the lead supported by waves of cinnamon, maple fudge, and nutmeg. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a generous dose of acidity and firm oak accents that linger on the long finish. Absolutely gorgeous and a candidate for the Spirits of the year. $130 – 5 Stars

Michter’s Single Barrel 10 Years Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is beautifully complex with decadent, dark caramel, roasted nuts, butterscotch, dried black fruits, charred oak, brown baking spices, and vanilla. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush, caramel-soaked rye core with generous notes of clove, oak, allspice, vanilla, black pepper, and orange peel. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a beautiful intensity that ideally marries sweet cereal, caramel, and exotic spices. $160 – 5 Stars

Mad March Hare Irish PoitinSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is complex and generous with the scents of wet grains, wild herbs, charred sugar, and subtle hints of mineral and smoke. The palate confirms the nose while adding a rich and slightly sweet malt core that provides a lush and silky texture flanked by notes of black pepper and mineral. Medium-bodied with perfect balance as the natural acidity ideally frames the rich, malty core. $24.99 – 4.5 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

Don Q Reserva 7 RumSee the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant copper to amber color. The nose is absolutely beautiful and complex offering scents of deep caramel, baked orchard fruits, roasted nuts, cocoa nibs, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose being lush and rich while vibrant with caramel and silky brown butter foiled by accents of pepper, oak, and a subtle salinity. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance as the spice notes and abundant acidity match the decadent caramel flavors. A blend of light and heavy Rums aged in American oak for a minimum of seven years. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars

King of Kentucky Barrel No. 3 — 2020 14 Years Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is alluring and complex with notes of sweet fruit cake, caramel, vanilla bean, and orange peel with accents of candied ginger and maple. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense, baked cherry and maple core with waves of brown baking spices, herbal liqueur, and sweet, charred oak. Full-bodied with a complex and dense palate that greatly evolves with water and aeration. Sip slowly as it’s not cheap and there are fewer than 2,000 bottles available. $250 – 4.5 Stars

West Cork IPA Cask Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, medium copper color. The nose is fresh and vibrant with the scents of citrus with ripe and baked orchard and tropical fruits, along with accents of toffee and vanilla bean. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush but vibrant grain-driven core with layers of ripe orchard fruits, honey, sweet malt, and caramel. Medium to full-bodied with a lush grain and fruit core foiled by refreshing citrus notes. This Whiskey is a 75/25 blend of Irish wheat and malted Irish barley. The final blend spends six months in casks that had held Blacks of Kinsale’s IPA. $32.99 – 4.5 Stars

Regal Rogue Lively White Vermouth
Brilliant, pale straw color. The aromatics are bright and floral with sweet and tart lime with accents of thyme, lemongrass, jasmine, and subtle notes of capers. The palate echoes the nose while bursting with sweet white wine, lemon curd, and red grapefruit flavors supported by wild herbs and candied lime. Medium-bodied with great balance with vibrant, generous vinous fruit and citrus. Made with organic, un-wooded Chardonnay, lemon myrtle, desert lime, and native thyme among other botanicals. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Regal Rogue Daring Dry Vermouth
Brilliant, green/straw color. The nose is wonderfully complex offering scents of freshly mown grass, spring flowers, and citrus blossoms with accents of sea salt, thyme, and green olives. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a tart fruit core with sweet herbs, citrus, and a floral essence. Medium-bodied with ideal balance as the vibrant fruit is wrapped in an herbal salinity that linger on the palate. Made with organic Sauvignon Blanc, anise myrtle, quandong, and native thyme among other botanicals. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth
Brilliant, bright ruby red color. The nose is filled with the fresh scents of raspberry, red plum, and boysenberry with a melange of brown baking spices, quince, and fig. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with waves of pomegranate, blood orange, bitter cherry, and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with ideal balance with sweet and tart fruits dominating and supported by spice and vibrant acidity. Made with organic Shiraz, un-wooded Chardonnay, pepper berry, wattleseed, and native thyme among other botanicals. $19.99 – 4 Stars

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth
Brilliant, pale burnt orange color. The nose is beautifully fruity with waves of strawberry, red plum, and kumquat with accents of five spice, sweet rhubarb, and hibiscus flowers. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a marriage of crushed red berries and tropical fruits with subtle spice and mineral accents. Medium-bodied with ideal balance and generous red fruit flavors foiled by tart fruits and vibrant acidity. Made with organic Rosé of Cabernet, strawberry gum, rosella, and Illawara plums among other botanicals. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep amber color. The nose is beautifully complex with rich, sweet toasted oak equalled by decadent Rye Whiskey with generous supporting notes of toffee, caramel, fruitcake, brown baking spices, and vanilla with hints of sandalwood. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, caramel-soaked rye core framed by toasted oak with generous accents of clove, allspice, vanilla, black pepper, nutmeg, and ginger. Full-bodied and absolutely intense while being ideally balanced with bright acidity with each component in perfect measure. A limited release, get it while you can. $85 – 5 Stars

Basil Hayden’s 10 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Brilliant gold/amber color. The nose is very intense with scents of charred oak, vanilla bean, caramel, toasted grains, and a lovely dried fruit accent fill the nose. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush caramel and oak-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, toffee, and sweet brown sugar. Full-bodied and so incredibly silky and lush while also offering ideal balance with oak, caramel, fruit, and spice in perfect measure. $69.99 – 5 Stars

Benriach The Original Ten 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. Sweet grains and baked apples dominate the nose supported by honeycomb, caramel, toasted oak, and hints of orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush core of ripe orchard fruits with flanking spice notes, malt, toffee, and hints of vanilla bean. Medium to full-bodied with a bright dose of fresh acidity and seductive fruit notes. $53.99 – 4.5 Stars

Benriach The Smoky Ten 10 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant golden color. The nose is vibrant with the scents of ripe orchard fruits enveloped in sweet smoke with waves of honey and brown baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering baked pears and apples with lush, sweet smoke accents supported by spice, oak, and caramel. Full-bodied with ideal balance and decadent fruit and smoke flavors. $59.99 – 4.5 Stars

Benriach The Twelve 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant gold to copper color. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe, red berries with loads of honey, caramel, and dark chocolate accented with nutmeg and ginger biscuits. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a lush red fruit-driven core with waves of toffee, orange peel, Christmas cake, and treacle. Full-bodied with a sweet, opulent texture drinking like a powerful dessert in a glass. $59.99 – 4 Stars

Benriach The Smoky Twelve 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Brilliant gold to copper color with a touch of ruby. The nose is intense with the scents of sweet, baked fruits with smoky, vanilla-tinged accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet and decadent core of brown sugar, caramel, cacao, oak, and candied orange peel. Full-bodied with a sweet oaked, fruit core with waves of campfire and tannic spice accents. $64.99 – 4 Stars

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