GUINIGI

Spirit Reviews

93

Griffo Distillery Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Sonoma County, USA 50 proof ($32)

The five-times distilled vodka is partnered with Equator coffee’s Mocha Java blend. This spirit does not possess the sweet, syrupy character of some other coffee liqueurs; it stands tall and loyal to its roasted coffee profile. Bittersweet dark chocolate accompanies the deep roasted notes with a dry, nutty finish.

94

Griffo Distillery Stout-Barreled Whiskey, Sonoma County, USA 90 proof ($48)

Open, friendly bouquet of peach tart, cedar, juniper, and toasted oak. Flavors of bittersweet dark chocolate, grilled corn, and a malty, uncomplicated mid-palate. Walnut skin textures the palate with a certain dryness, along with root beer and tobacco leaf.

94

James Ownby Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tennessee Whiskey, 94 proof (PRICE?)

Bottled by Ole Smoky Distillery, the nose exhibits mature aromas of dried fruits, root beer, and molasses. Deep and inviting flavors of peach, clove, and spiced cedar strike a balance of power and elegance. Palate-awakening notes of tobacco, ginger, and cinnamon surge on the finish.

98

Kokorodama World Malt Whisky, Yushima, Japan, 92 proof ($89)

Angelic aromas of gingersnap, honeyed lemon peel, and sea-salted cashew.
White pepper, allspice, and turmeric season the tongue, accented by ripe pineapple, gardenia, and a touch of smoke. With a drop of water, the spirit’s generous nature is apparent as it washes over the palate with creamy hazelnut, while roasted pineapple resurrects on the finish.

93

Ole Smoky Straight Bourbon Tennessee Whiskey, 80 proof ($35)

Warming aromas of apple cobbler, honeyed peach, and orange peel are expressive for this four-year aged whiskey. Maple-walnut and peach are pleasant, anchored by black pepper, sandalwood, and cigar leaf. Approachable yet bold.

94

Redwood Empire Devils Towers High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, Sonoma, CA, 99 proof ($79)

Named for the Devils Tower monument in Wyoming, a redwood soars 340 feet high, this release was blended from 25 barrels. Its mash bill of 51% corn and 45% Rye (with wheat and malt) begins with a high-performance perfume of peach nectar and orange peel. Revved up from the start, a bite of pepper greets the palate, backed by sassafras and tangerine, with maple coating the mouth. As the spirit opens up, it is a towering figure of marzipan, caraway, and toasted oak.

95

Redwood Empire Foggy Burl Single Malt Whiskey, Sonoma, CA, 94 proof ($99)

Blended from 27 barrels with a variety of single malts, this wake-up call of a 100% malted barley spirit delivers high-toned floral notes of jasmine and ginger. Spiced pecans, along with grassy notes are energetic flavors that bring in a kick of cayenne on mid-palate. Finishes with a sweeter side of dark chocolate.

94

Redwood Empire Screaming Titan, Wheated Bourbon Whiskey 96 proof ($80)

A 50-barrel production of a four-grain mash bill (30% wheat and 59% corn) named for a 323-foot Redwood tree. Toffee-coated walnuts, black pepper, tree bark and peach tart offer a burly bellow. An extroverted whiskey with orange peel and a warming sensation of chocolate croissant on mid-palate. A well-defined attention-getter.