Spirit Reviews

91

MEXI Craft Tequila Seltzer, Tamarindo, 12-ounce can ($3.99 per can, $16.99/4 pack)

Tropical notes of pineapple, with persimmon and jasmine. The aromas are fantastic and linger, along with a finish of tangerine.

97

Michter’s US-1 Original Sour Mash Whiskey, USA, 86 proof ($?)

This small batch spirit introduces itself through its showstopper perfume of cherry and toasty vanilla biscuit. A stream of flavors ensues, from egg cream to maple syrup, burnt orange peel, and cinnamon. This is an un-common spirit, its generous, just-baked gingerbread, ripe peach, and sandalwood romancing the palate.

98

Michter’s US-1 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, USA 84.8 proof ($50)

From its alluring peanut brittle nose to the mocha-latte notes surging forward in its opening salvo, there exists a creamy, “playfulness” on the palate. Maple and peach pie add to the spirits’s full body, and it is distinguished by its broad, lengthy finish.

98

Michter’s US-1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA, 91.4 proof ($50)

A dignified perfume of peach and new leather accompanied by a sumptuous mouthfeel. Coffee bean, chocolate almond, and cigar leaf keep the palate occupied, while creamy caramel-peach sends along a neighborly singed marshmallow note from mid-way to finish.

95

Michter’s US-1 Unblended American Whiskey, USA, 83.4 proof ($ ?)

Its savory perfume delivers tobacco, peach pie, and vanilla wafers; woodsy and dark. This is a full-throttle style, with black pepper and cinnamon seasoning its unctuous, smoldering coat of walnut and cedar. Maple-lined peaches soften the finish.

96

Ocean Organic Vodka ($30)

Made on the island of Maui from certified-organic sugar cane and ocean water full of magnesium, potassium and calcium drawn from 3,000-feet deep off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, this is a small-batch Vodka with great intensity and clarity, founded on aromas and flavors of citrus and wet stone. The sugar cane is island-grown and consists of 30-plus heirloom varieties that have been planted, farmed and harvested by Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery.

90

Old Hays Peanut Butter, 1 Liter, 34 proof ($11)

This wine-based whiskey alternative offers nutty aromas with caramel. Smooth, rich, and sleek. Aged in bourbon barrels.

95

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

Confident aromas of butterscotch and oatmeal bring joy to the nose, augmented with a sniff of jasmine. This well-mannered spirit is gentle on the palate, allowing for a parade of peach, mango, and new leather. As layers continue to unwrap, notes of orange peel and cashew butter are sublime, with a sweet oak and cake batter finish.