Cognac Tesseron Perfection Lot Nº. 53 XO Grande Champagne Cognac
France / $150 Cognac 40% abv
The nosing passes find an oaky/nut paste aroma with fruity notes of berries, dried fruit, plums, pears and soft cheese. The palate entry is composed, succulent and honeyed; by midpalate the flavors deepen to include caramel, rancio and orange rind. Finishes beautifully with depth, finesse and maturity.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Paulet Very Rare Fine Champagne Cognac
France / $1,500 Cognac 43% abv
The nose includes aromas of dates, marzipan with underpinning aromas of old oak, nutmeg and hard cheese. The palate entry is balanced, semisweet and slightly toasty; the midpalate stage features succulent tastes of Brazil nut, mincemeat, figs, bacon fat and prunes. Finishes with finesse and heartiness. A mature brandy at its wonderful peak.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Pionneau 1969 Cognac Cask Strength
France / $1,200 Cognac 56.4% abv
Honeyed, caramel-like, oily bouquet. At palate entry, tastes of dates, roasted almond, walnut paste and baked pear delight; the midpalate highlights the cheese-like and bacony rancio. The aftertaste blankets the tongue in sumptuous coats of oil, rancio and maple sugar.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Cognac Leyrat XO Elite Cognac Domaine de Chez Maillard
France / $170 Cognac 41% abv
An elegant bouquet featuring scents of new leather, dried fruit, pine needle, oak, nuts, and lanolin. The palate entry is enticingly sweet; the midpalate is honeyed, creamy and smooth. Concludes gracefully with reined-in notes of sautéed butter, roasted walnuts, nougat, honey and dark caramel.
SUPERB (90-95)/ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chateau du Busca 1985 Tenarèze Armagnac
France / $129 Armagnac 43% abv
The complex bouquet consists of candied, smoky, toasty and vanilla-laden scents that accent the wood/oak core aroma. The spectacular palate entry is sophisticated, semisweet, cola- and toffee-like; the midpalate offers integrated tastes of nougat, roasted chestnuts, dark chocolate, orange rind and treacle. Finishes with a deft touch of budding rancio. An instant classic.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Darroze 1965 Domaine de Peyrot Bas Armagnac
France / $290 Armagnac 49.2% abv
Bouquet offers melded scents of wood, old fruit, marzipan and blue cheese. Palate entry is lusciously sweet; the midpalate finds succulent fruit, toasty oak, dark caramel and a touch of honey. Aftertaste is vibrant. A masterpiece.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Delord 25-Year-Old Bas Armagnac
France / $95 Armagnac 40% abv
The nose is biscuity, caramel-like, cream Sherry-like with a touch of cheese-like rancio. The palate entry tastes like bittersweet dark chocolate, cocoa butter, chocolate-covered raisins and dark honey; the midpalate is fruity and less bittersweet than the entry, making for a succulent aftertaste. A genuine classic. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Castarède 1974 Gers Armagnac
France/ $84 Armagnac 40% abv
The bouquet offers mature yet still vivid scents of oak, dried fruit, and cream. The palate entry is round, succulent, rich, and even tobacco-like; at midpalate almond paste, caramel and honey are added to the flavor. The finish is elegant, pleasingly rich and sweet, and intensely nutty.
SUPERB (90-95)/ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Château du Breuil 15-Year-Old Calvados
France / $50 Calvados 41% abv
A wonderful bouquet that includes toasty scents of baked apple and baked pear and subtle aromas of brown sugar and marshmallow. There are delicious tastes of ripe apple and pear at palate entry; at midpalate the taste profile offers candied apple, cotton candy and distant vanilla flavors. The aftertaste is toastier than the midpalate, but it works. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Père Magloire XO Calvados
France / $70 Calvados 40% abv
Sports a mature aroma of dried apple crisps, cinnamon, marshmallow, parchment and old honey. Tastes of nougat, nutmeg, pastry, apple butter and cinnamon. Concludes as gracefully as it begins. One of the best Calvados one can enjoy. Sublime and sensual.
SUPERB (90-95)/ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Maison Védrenne Hospices de Beaune 1993 Eau de Vie de Marc
France / $100 Marc 45% abv
The pungent aroma is intensely grapy and viny, astringent and pulpy. The palate entry is stonily dry, cleansing, and acidic; at midpalate the acidic/minerally astringency gives way momentarily to a flash of ripe grapiness/pulpiness. Finishes intensely grapy and musty, verging suddenly on being ripe and even raisiny.
SUPERB (90-95)/ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Laird‘s 12-Year-Old Rare Apple Brandy Batch No. 7
U.S.A. / $50 Apple Brandy 44% abv
Smells appealingly of baked apple, nutmeg, oak, and pine. Wonderful palate entry tastes of raisins, dates, apple pastry, pineapple and maple. Finishes gracefully and assertively tart.
SUPERB (90-95)/ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Auchentoshan Limited Edition 17-Year-Old Bordeaux Wine Cask Finished Lowlands Single Malt Whisky
Scotland / $120 Single Malt Whisky 51% abv
The wonderful, multilayered bouquet offers scents of pine needles and moss and deeper aromas of black tea, sawdust and coffee grounds. The palate entry is initially sharply spirity before turning sweet and cocoa-like; at midpalate a remarkable caramel-like and honeyed sweetness take charge. The finish is like fresh honey, cream and cocoa butter.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Duncan Taylor 1981 Glenugie 23-Year-Old Sherry Cask, Rarest of the Rare Series Eastern Highlands Single Malt Whisky
Scotland / $228 Single Malt Whisky 58% abv
The nose is malty, dry and woody; the addition of mineral water introduces linseed oil and beeswax scents. The palate entry is chewy, spirity, caramel- and toffee-like; the delicious midpalate includes maple-like tastes of chocolate-covered banana, Raisinettes and fudge. The aftertaste is honey sweet and lush. Bravo.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Highland Park 30-Year-Old Orkneys Single Malt Whisky
Scotland / $350 Single Malt Whisky 48.1% abv
The nose offers subtle aromas of unsweetened coconut, bacon fat, and dark toffee with additional toasty scents of apple crisp, dates and oak. The palate entry is rich and fresh; the midpalate features flavors of bacon fat, dark honey, fudge, and bittersweet chocolate: a tour de force in the mouth. The finish is graceful and toffee-like
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Longrow 10-Year-Old Tokaji Wood Expression Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland / $112 Single Malt Whisky 55.6% abv
An amazing bouquet that oozes with scents of pears, banana bread, figs and toasty malt. The palate entry is rich, salty and dense; the midpalate features succulent flavors of dates, grapes, sautéed bananas, sweet malt, sea breeze, sweet oak and honey. Ends up sweet, compelling, and idiosyncratic. Worth every cent and more.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Talisker Distiller‘s Edition 1992 Double Matured/Amoroso Sherry Cask Finished Isle of Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland / $65 Single Malt Whisky 45.8% abv
The wonderful bouquet includes scents of seaweed, smoke, peat, iodine, kippers and pipe tobacco. The palate entry is briny and intense; the midpalate is oily with traces of anise, butterscotch and linseed oil. Finishes vibrantly with tastes of salted butter, oil and brine. Highly idiosyncratic: for lovers of robust, seaside malts. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
The Arran Malt Port Cask Finished Single Cask Limited Edition Isle of Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland / $79 Single Malt Whisky 58.5% abv
There is no stopping this aroma which includes scents of grapes, oranges, cotton, tar, wood shavings, fruitcake, chocolate covered cherries and candied almond. The palate entry is fruity and ripe; the midpalate highlights honey, sherry, baked apple and ruby Port. Finishes warm, sweet, ripe, and jammy. Add mineral water before tasting. A landmark achievement for this still-young distillery. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
The Balvenie 1971 Single Cask, Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Scotland / $599 Single Malt Whisky 47.1% abv
The elegant bouquet includes fragrances of pear, tangerine and nectarine with foundational aromas of oak, soft cheese, honey and leather. The palate entry finds tastes of vanilla-like oak and sautéed butter; at midpalate the toffee-caramel-honeyed tastes make for exquisite sipping. The aftertaste is warm and spicy-sweet. (Barrel #8935/Bottle #29 of 219 total bottles.)
CLASSIC (96-100)/ HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Compass Box Orangerie Orange Flavored Whisky Limited Edition
Scotland / $35 Blended Malt Whisky 40% abv
The aroma displays a spicy, rind-like bearing with hints of orange candy, fresh herbs, and the oily presence of grain whisky. The palate entry is nicely acidic and bone dry; at midpalate the taste profile turns mildly sweeter, sap-like, and more whisky-like. The finish is off-dry, citrusy, sappy, yet creamy. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Jon, Mark and Robbo‘s The Rich Spicy One Malt Whisky
Scotland / $30 Blended Malt Whisky 40% abv
Mixture of whiskies from the Tamdhu, Highland Park, Glenrothes and Bunnahabhain malt distilleries. Tangy aromas of pork rind, bacon fat, cream and almond paste make for luscious early-on sniffing. Palate entry is chewy, rich, honey sweet and just a tad spicy in a peppery manner; at midpalate, the flavor profile shows off an oily/buttery side that greatly complements the baked, honeyed sweetness. The aftertaste is long, oaky sweet and even vanilla-like. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Glen Breton (Glenora) Canadian Single Malt Whisky
Canada / $80 Blended & Single Malt Whiskey 43% abv
The delightful aroma features scents of spice, dried banana, cinnamon/nutmeg; ginger, egg cream, and a hint of honey. The palate entry offers a zesty, spirity warmth; by midpalate the pleasing tingle is replaced by round tastes of honey coated cereal, sweet oak, and candied almond. Finishes elegantly, smoldering warm, and resiny bittersweet. A world-class malt whisky.
SUPERB (90-95) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pendleton Director‘s Reserve 2005 20-Year-Old Blended Candian Whisky
Canada / $75 Blended & Single Malt Whiskey 40% abv
The understated bouquet features earthy scents of wet forest and pine with supplemental aromas of light caramel, honey, and milk coffee. The delicious palate entry is richly sweet; by midpalate the honey character turns more like cream Sherry and dates. The finish is toffee sweet and fudge-like.
SUPERB (90-95) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Old Forrester 2005 Birthday Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
USA / $35 American Whiskey 48% abv
A lovely bouquet that is perfumed, gently woody and breakfast cereal-like. The palate entry offers melded tastes of toffee, buttered popcorn and marzipan; at midpalate flavors include butterscotch, brown sugar and dark honey. The aftertaste displays the oak influence and is long, off-dry to semisweet. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
William Larue Weller Limited Edition 12-Year-Old Uncut/Unfiltered Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
USA / $55 American Whiskey 60.95% abv
The fragrance is alive with scents of pepper, oak, caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee and pipe tobacco. The palate entry is astoundingly rich, deeply honey-like, and gently warming; the midpalate features tastes of marshmallow, caramel corn, sautéed almonds, nougat, figs and dates. Finishes composed and flavorfully sweet. Add mineral water. Delicious!
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
USA / $25 American Whiskey 45% abv
An intensely grainy bouquet. The palate entry is corny sweet and nearly honey-like; at midpalate the core flavor of sweet corn mash remains while tastes of buttered popcorn, brown sugar and nougat expand. Finishes with a spurt of fire and lots of long, corny/grainy tastes. Should be part of every serious whiskey-lover‘s collection. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chauffe Coeur Brun Rhum Agricole
Martinique / $34 Rum 47% abv
The opening bouquet brims with layers of toffee scents, dry oloroso sherry and fresh honey; aeration stimulates smells of dark caramel, grassy cane, winter holiday spices, and marzipan. The palate entry is silky, zesty, and spicy; by midpalate the flavor includes pipe tobacco, toffee, cocoa butter, and honey. Concludes bittersweet, cocoa-like, and sherried. A Martinique classic. Best Buy.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Murray McDavid Guyana Rum 1991 Distilled at Uitvlught-Port Morant, Syrah Wine Cask Finish
Guyana / $71 Rum 46% abv
A sophisticated rum perfume that shows clear influences of the Syrah. The palate entry is satiny, medium-sweet and pear-like; the midpalate displays flavors of baked pear, pineapple and grapes that meld to honey sweet tastes of cane spirit. Concludes medium-sweet, very smooth and cake-like.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Chantal Comte Distillerie Depaz Plantation de la Montagne Pelée X.O. Rhum Vieux Agricole
Martinique / $120 Rum 45% abv
A wonderful bouquet full of enticing scents such as cigar box, paraffin, sautéed butter, cinnamon, honey, Sherry, and marshmallow. The palate entry is silky and intensely honeyed; the midpalate flavor displays tastes of vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar and orange zest. The aftertaste is long, concentrated, semisweet, oaky and satiny. Delicious.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Flor de Caña Centenario Gold 18 Years Old
Nicaragua / $30 Rum 40% abv
The bouquet offers appealing fragrances of oak, medium-sweet cane, escarole, pine cone and new leather. The palate entry is long and medium-sweet; at midpalate finely layered tastes of cocoa butter, palm oil, oaky vanilla, light honey and almond paste enthrall the taste buds. Concludes silky smooth, mildly sweet and honey-like.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Partida Reposado 100% Agave Tequila NOM-1454-CRT
Mexico / $55 Tequila 40% abv
The wonderful bouquet combines elegant scents of sawdust, pine and vegetal agave with aromas of old leather, cigarette ash and pimento. The palate entry is delicate and peppery; midpalate has a honey-like core flavor with supplemental tastes of cocoa, milk chocolate and chili pepper. The finish is long and gently sweet. The new benchmark for reposados.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Cesar Monterrey Anejo Reserva 100% Agave Tequila NOM-1486 CRT
Mexico / $75 Tequila 40% abv
The aroma is zesty, acutely peppery and briny with scents of new oak, tobacco leaf and light honey. The palate entry is long, sweet, oaky and slightly honeyed; the midpalate stage boasts a sturdy agave sweetness. Finishes in a honeyed, almost Sherry-like manner that‘s highly charming.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Corzo Reposado 100% Agave Tequila NOM-1487 CRT
Mexico / $50 Tequila 40% abv
The bouquet features zesty aromas of green chili peppers and asparagus with touches of vanilla/oak, palm oil and almonds. The palate entry is sweetish and oaky; at midpalate a delicious buttery taste underpins flavors of oak, light spice and sautéed almond. Finish is elegant, long and satiny.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
El Diamante del Cielo Blanco 100% Agave Tequila NOM-1472-CRT
Mexico / $45 Tequila 40% abv
The opening bouquet is vegetal and peppery; following aeration the aroma smells of fiber and cotton, with traces of parchment and palm oil. The initial dry tastes at palate entry remind me of fiber; at midpalate the flavor turns sweeter and more peppery. The finish shows touches of smoke and oil, with a sweet tail end.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Frida Kahlo Blanco 100% Agave Tequila NOM-1079 CRT
Mexico / $50 Tequila 40% abv
The bouquet emits irresistible scents of tar, tobacco leaf and sea salt. At the palate entry a wave of road tar washes across the tip of the tongue, followed by a smoky taste of ash; the midpalate highlights a sweeter side of agave juice that rides atop the tar/smoke/tobacco. Finishes semisweet and a bit industrial-tasting.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Imperia Vodka
Russia / $35 Unflavored Vodka 40% abv
The first sniffings find dry cereal-like aromas; the later sniffings detect aromas reminiscent of old-fashioned egg cream soda. The palate entry shows bittersweet notes of vanilla extract, unsalted butter and grain mash; at midpalate the astringency of the graininess is pleasingly refreshing. The finish is more semisweet than bittersweet.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Millennium Vodka
Poland / $20 Unflavored Vodka 40% abv
Sports a clean, off-dry, nicely grainy opening scent; following aeration, the bouquet turns pleasantly expressive as the sweet spiciness of the grain kicks in. The palate entry is very sweet and medium-bodied; the midpalate flavor is intensely grainy sweet. The aftertaste is slightly honeyed and Graham cracker-like. Use as a mixing, not a sipping, vodka.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Reyka Vodka
Iceland / $23 Unflavored Vodka 40% abv
A sooty initial aroma; following aeration, enticing, dry notes of palm oil, unsalted butter, grain mash and slate emerge. The palate entry is bone-dry as soot and slate tastes meld, then turn delightfully oily and textured.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Svensk Lake Vattern Vodka
Sweden / $23 Unflavored Vodka 40% abv
The smoky, bean-like aroma is vivid, beautifully bitter and bark-like. The palate entry is root- and bark-like, herbal, and moderately oily; at midpalate the flavor profile turns towards refreshing bitterness and a minerally quality. Ends dry yet oily and smooth. A great value.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Modern Spirits Grapefruit Honey Flavored Vodka
USA / $24/375 ml; $40/750 ml Flavored Vodka 35% abv
The bouquet is deftly crafted and true to its sources, beginning tart and juicy and then turning milder and less acidic. The palate entry features the ripeness of the grapefruit and then evolves at midpalate into a delicately sweet/sour taste in which both flavor infusions complement each other. Finishes with more of the grapefruit influence showing.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Charbay Green Tea Vodka
USA / $35 Flavored Vodka 35% abv
The overall bouquet impression includes seductive fragrances of ripe green melon, sage and lightly honeyed green tea with later whiffs of jasmine and honeysuckle. The palate entry is gently tea-like and a touch honeyed; the midpalate profile borders on being spicy with a delicate sweetness and herbaceousness. Long and luxurious finish.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Vincent Van Gogh Double Espresso Double Caffeine, Coffee Flavored Vodka
Holland / $30 Flavored Vodka 35% abv
The supple bouquet has a strong coffee bean-like quality with additional scents of cocoa, road tar, roasted chestnut and wood smoke. The palate entry and midpalate are nicely mellow with plenty of rich espresso character. Finishes smoked and tar-like, with the coffee taking a back seat.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
No. 209 Gin
USA / $40 Gin 46% abv
The nosing passes find generous notes of citrus zest, juniper berry, orris root, licorice, coriander and angelica. The palate entry is bittersweet, intensely grainy and speckled with licorice and orris root; at midpalate the flavor turns delightfully herbal. Finish is decidedly herbal/leafy/seed-like and, finally, bittersweet. An adult gin with an adventurous attitude.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire Triple Orange Liqueur
France / $100 Liqueurs 40% abv
The palate is balanced between the citric acid, alcohol, Cognac and wood, with the Cognac always prevailing. Concludes with finesse, a sweet-sour presence, and an incredibly lush texture.
CLASSIC (96-100)/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION
Agavero El Original Licor de Tequila
Mexico / $30 Liqueurs 32% abv
The bouquet smells enticingly of agave, flowers, and citrus rind. The palate entry features tastes of honey, Tequila, black pepper and citrus. Finishes cleanly, with delicately sweet notes of honey and sap.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pagès Verveine Velay Extra
France / $60 Liqueurs 40% abv
The aroma is floral, herbal and root-like with elegant scents of flowers, and spices. The palate entry is herbal and almost sour; at the midpalate there are melded flavors of mint, sage, fennel, quinine, thyme and honey. Concludes more sweet than sour and delicately herbal/rooty. Lovely and elegant.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
PAMA Liqueur California Pomegranate Juice, Tequila and Vodka Liqueur
New Zealand / $25 Liqueurs 17% abv
The bouquet is appealing, ripe, fruity and berry-like. The palate entry is pomegranate-like, extremely sour, acidic and tart; the midpalate is less aggressive and riper. Finishes tart, amazingly clean, and ripe. A wonderful cocktail ingredient.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Killepitsch Kräuter Herbal Bitter Liqueur
Germany / $25 Liqueurs 42% abv
The fetching bouquet is anything but bitter with floral and fruity notes with scents of black pepper, parchment, and kale. The palate entry is sweet and cherry cola-like; at midpalate the berry/red fruit character comes to the fore. Finishes satiny smooth, ropey in texture and almost like chocolate orange. Very nice. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Paolucci Amaro Ciociaro
Italy / $13 Liqueurs 30% abv
The vibrant, bittersweet bouquet is citrusy, herbal, floral and earthy. The palate entry is bittersweet, intensely herbal and earthy but refreshingly orange citrusy; the tasty midpalate is marked by heightened sweetness and a more mineral/seed-like core flavor. Finish is savory and bittersweet. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Starbucks Cream Liqueur
USA / $23 Liqueurs 15% abv
The toasted bouquet features nuts, burnt toast, cashews and cream. The palate entry is divinely creamy and only moderately sweet; the midpalate stage highlights the sweet buttery cream and café au lait. Finishes satiny smooth, creamy and luscious. Best Buy.
SUPERB (90-95)/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
