Spirit Reviews

94

Estaca Bacanora Blanco, Sonora, Mexico, 80 proof ($90)

Revelatory, smoky notes of earth and flint. The smoke is clean and dry with a lavender and spearmint lift. Raw almonds, wet stone, and sun-drenched agave linger as the restrained heat greets the palate.

96

Estaca Bacanora Salvaje, Sonora, Mexico ($110)

Produced from wild agave, this expression offers a perfume with a smoky, ethereal veil. Its smoke is a character actor with charismatic stage presence. MOnerality is traced through a vegetal complexity, with orange blossom, Bergamot, and white pepper. Honeyed agave enters mid-palate with echoes of clove and rose petals.

97

Estaca Bacanora Valiente Reposado, Sonora, Mexico, 80 proof ($120)

Aged nine months in Bourbon barrels, aromas of peach pie, wildflowers, agave, and cinnamon rise out of the glass. An incredibly gentle entry, with soft peach, MacIntosh apple, vanilla, seasoned with white pepper. Exquisitely balanced finish of sandalwood, spice, and orchard fruit.

93

Fósforo Tequila Blanco ($35)

Floral scents are vivid and wash over bluebell and vanilla. Silky waves of cocoa, lavender, black pepper, and fresh agave circumnavigate the palate, spreading out the flavors and extending the length on the finish.

91

Graze Double Espresso Flavored Vodka ($12)

Dark roasted coffee perfumes the glass, with a hint of milk chocolate. The expression of espresso is validated by its long-lasting, authentic-tasting richness on the palate. 70 proof.

90

Graze Vodka ($12)

With its cool vintage Chevy truck on the label, this all-American, small batch spirit is made from whole-kernel corn. It offers a gently sweet and creamy mouthfeel, with a vanilla biscuit finish.

96

High West Bourye ($125)

This blend of straight whiskeys, aged a minimum of ten, and up to 19 years, is named as a cross between bourbon and rye whiskey. Spiced orange, corn husk, resin, and rich toffee nougat is expansive across the palate. The flavors harmonize, and despite the raised alcohol level, offer an approachable potpourri of sweet oak and candied ginger. Commanding and complex. 101 proof.

94

High West Cask Strength Bourbon ($70)

From Park City, Utah this 117-proof blend of straight bourbon whiskeys shows powerfully, with a sleek underbelly. A perfume of peach nectar and orange blossom greets the nose. Out of the cloud of its over-proof is an exodus of rich and penetrating flavors of resinous cedar, jasmine, apricot tart, and saddle leather. The finish of fig and café latte crouches on the palate and purrs like a tiger.