GUINIGI

Spirit Reviews

94

Black Irish White Chocolate Cream Liqueur ($29)

Made with aged Irish whiskey and Belgian white chocolate, this liqueur is rich and creamy from start to finish. The aromas are definitively white chocolate while the taste suggests chocolate chips. It begs to be added to hot chocolate or coffee for maximum effect, but even on its own, is balanced in richness and texture, lengthy and hedonistic to the end.

94

Cenote Tequila Ahumado, Smoked Tequila Reposado, Mexico, 80 Proof ($55)

Woodsy aromas are softened by plum and cherry. The smoke appears on first sip, ethereal and quickly dissipating to reveal brown-sugared agave with a majestic mouthfeel.

93

E. Cuarenta Tequila Añejo, Mexico, 80 Proof ($50)

Aged in once-used American oak, this Tequila tastes of salty brine and caramel molasses, while presenting an indelibly smooth midpalate and ample length. Sippable on its own, it will add complexity and weighty intensity to any cocktail.

93

E. Cuarenta Tequila Reposado, 80 Proof ($55)

Aged in twice-used American oak, this Reposado is salty and confectionary, with woody overtones of oak and spice. The smooth texture leads to a powerful finish while showing complex and concentrated sophistication along the way.

93

Godet Cognac V.S. Classic ($33)

From a family-run distillery that has existed for more than 400 years in La Rochelle, this powerful Cognac is double-distilled and aged three years in oak cask. It offers lovely aromas and flavors of pear, light vanilla, a hint of cherry and aged leather amidst a woody backbone.

94

Godet Cognac V.S.O.P Original ($40)

Integrated tannins surround an inherent floral quality in this deep and intensely layered Cognac, a blend of different aged Cognac up to 10 years in oak cask. Velvety smooth and luxurious on the palate, it begins in pear, peach and mandarin orange notes that lead to woody baking spice undertones and a finishing touch of nutty hazelnut.

96

Godet Cognac X.O. Terre ($150)

The longest-aged offering in Godet’s portfolio is a blend of Cognacs aged 10 to 30 years in oak casks. This is a powerfully complex, spiced and honeyed spirit that is immensely contemplative, quaffable and yet pretty in subtle floral aromas. The subtlety leads to a decadently long, complex and densely layered core of baking spice, black pepper, warm vanilla and oak. This Cognac sources from all six of the appellation’s Crus.

93

Goodnight Loving Vodka ($20)

Made in Texas from a father-son team who source spring water from an unknown aquifer on the family ranch, this begins with American-sourced corn, and is gluten-free. Impressively smooth and seductive, it offers focused citrus aromas and a clean, refined palate that would work well in a Martini.