GUINIGI

Spirit Reviews

93

Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve ($90)

With mature flavors of caramel, hazelnut and baking spice, this 100% malted barley whisky is aged a minimum of 5 years in first-fill bourbon and red wine casks. Smooth, layered and racy, it offers resolved intensity, flavors of butterscotch and cherries jubilee and a lasting note of jalapeno and ginger spice. 96 proof.

92

Courage & Conviction Sherry Cask ($85)

Made from 100% malted barley, this Virginia-made whisky is aged a minimum of four years in first-fill sherry casks from Spain. Intense on the palate in smoky undertones, it offers earthy, floral flavors of baking spice, mixed nuts, fig and dried cherry. Smooth and lengthy, it finishes in a crisp note of lemon. 92 proof.

92

Dixie Pepper Flavored Vodka ($20)

Six-times distilled in Charleston, South Carolina, this vodka oozes every essence of the serrano peppers and Szechuan peppercorns with which it’s been made. Ready for a Bloody Mary or oyster shooter, it enflames the palate with brawny gusto, an incredible capturing of intensity and refinement in one shot. 80 proof.

88

Elvis Midnight Snack, Peanut Butter, Banana & Bacon Flavored Whiskey ($35)

Honoring the American musical icon with many of his favorite flavors, this whiskey over-delivers on its promise, with effusive aromas and flavors of sweet banana liqueur and caramel popcorn. Dark in color and sweet on the palate, it’s as crowd-pleasing as Vegas-era Elvis himself.

97

Hemingway First Edition Rye Whiskey, USA, 100 Proof ($110)

A magnificent blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in rum-seasoned Oloroso Sherry casks (94% 9-year-old Indiana Straight Rye and 6% 4-year-old Kentucky Straight rye. A nose of rancio, walnut shell, plum skin, and peaches is divine. On the palate, melting caramel is seasoned with a dash of black pepper and roasted espresso bean. The richness placates the senses with a voluptuous, warm mouth feel. It finishes with chocolate biscotti, tobacco, and a brisk burst of cinnamon.

93

Kingsbarns Balcomie Single Malt Scotch, Lowlands ($58)

Matured in American oak sherry butts, this impressive whisky unfurls slowly and deliberately in the glass, with nuance and understated power. Dried herb, earth and a hint of saline complement and contrast with the depth of dark cherry and baked apple. 92 proof.

99

KOMOS Tequila Añejo Reserva, Mexico, 80 Proof ($170)

Aged a minimum of 12 months in French oak and Sherry casks, this first-class liquid is housed in a handmade, white ceramic bottle that is reminiscent of Mediterranean splendor. The nose features the distinction of a high-end cognac and the palate experience is similar to the balanced elegance of a Sauternes, with the earthy depth of mature agave. The resounding flavors of mocha, toffee, dates, and dried apricot march alongside the tingle of white pepper and a vegetal element. It finishes with a deep-rooted woodsy, floral component, so appealing on the finish.

95

McConnell’s 5-Year Irish Whiskey ($35)

Aged five years in Bourbon casks, this 1776-founded, Belfast-made whisky is made from Irish malt and grain. Smooth and refined, it showcases high-toned layers of sweet vanilla, stone fruit and butterscotch, ending in a hint of charred oaky-ness and baking spice. 84 proof.