The melange of fragrances, including chamomile, cinnamon, honey and sandalwood seem to billow from the glass without end like a magic trick. The palate is luscious, an autumnal fondue of flavors from clove and lemon to tea and nutmeg. It’s a wondrous symphony of indulgence.
The brilliant amber color is striking. The perfumed nose is a riot of flavors, with hot cinnamon, campfire, vanilla with whispers of peach and acacia and almond. The palate brims with vanilla and nutmeg and barrel char with an ever present cinnamon.
Apples from an orchard in North Yorkshire are first mashed into cider before arriving at Ellers Farm Distiller where some potato spirit is added. This distinctive vodka offers up aromas of red apples and impacts the palate with white-peppered vanilla, with nuances of apple crisp and a dot of cinnamon. Spice is detectable across the creamy mouthfeel, with a surprise rush of blueberry caramel on the finish. Comedian Ricky Gervais is co-owner along with founder Chris Fraser. The bottle glass is 68 percent recycled. 80 proof.
Master Mezcalero Aarón Alva Sánchez blended espadilla and tobalá maguey for this 86-proof spirit. Soft, vanilla-infused roasted aromas. Ripe, fruity undertones of pears and lime, accompanied by herbaceous and mineral notes. Gentle, with a balanced sweetness, the agave pulls through with a creamy mouthfeel.
The color glows like the briefcase in Pulp Fiction. With an athletic and round mouthfeel, the vapors of vanilla, cinnamon, bruised apple, caramel and spun honey transport to the holiday season. The happy mash bill marriage of Straight Rye with Straight Bourbon offers the rich spice of the former with the velvety touch of the latter.
The aromas are enticing with the unique union of rye and bourbon finished in wine barrels. A cacophony of flavors are unshackled in the glass, including cherry crumble, praline, sweet cedar, barbecue smoke and vanilla. The vinous element serves as a garnish to opulent flavors that surge on the palate. The refinement doesn’t compromise an almost feral complexity.
Aromas of orange peels covered in dark chocolate and pecan pie waft out of the glass. An exquisite entry: butterscotch and peaches saturate the palate. Root beer, Pekoe tea, and brown-sugared mango are breathtaking. A foundation of creamy, buttery joy – a most stately whiskey, perfectly balanced with a breathtaking suede-lined texture. 94.4 proof.
From the central valleys of Oaxaca, this 100% Agave Espadin offers aromas of sweet smoke without edge, and spring flowers. Rich, floral tones of gardenia persist on the palate, along with powdered cocoa. Black pepper accents creamed corn, raspberry, guava, and crushed rock. Over-delivers on price, with a silky mouthfeel. 88 proof.