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
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
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
