GUINIGI

Spirit Reviews

94

Cenote Tequila Green Orange Liqueur, Mexico, 80 Proof ($60)

This blend of Cenote Blanco tequila and macerated green orange peels offers a perfume of dazzling lime-orange, with a hint of pink grapefruit peel. Neroli floral notes align with clean agave and a slight woodsy tone on the finish.

92

ChocoLat Deluxe Peanut Butter Chocolate Liqueur, 30 proof ($17)

With a foundation of premium spirits, this unctuous and full-bodied dream cream liqueur lathers the mouth with authentic flavors. A rich and balanced treasure.

Empress Gin

Juniper and lavender up front on the nose and then it goes floral white pepper and lime zest. Notes of winter fruit, rose petals and clove are well integrated.

93

Free Spirits, Alcohol-Free, Spirit of Milano, USA ($35)

Bitters, red berries, and cinnamon come to the forefront, with cardamom and orange peel notes adding even more aromatics and depth. Inspired by Italian aperitivos, there is an authenticity here, and when mixed, brings complexity to a Negroni or Boulevardier. Added ingredients of vitamin B and amino acids can be mood elevators

92

Free Spirits, Alcohol-Free, The Spirit of Bourbon, USA ($28)

Cool, spiced notes of molasses, peach, and cedar. The toffee aromatics linger with a coffee-apricot finish. Light and malty – meant to be mixed. Makes a superb Boulevardier or Old Fashioned.

92

Gator Bite Infused Black Coffee & Rum Liqueur, 52 proof, USA ($20)

Satisfyingly rich and creamy, with authentic roasted coffee flavor and no lingering sweetness. Instead, the finish is more of an experience of a fine espresso, with a dot of pepper.

94

Miru Pear Flavored Vodka, USA, 80 proof ($28)

This grain-based spirit is named for the Ophidian snake-headed goddess of the sea. Notes of honeysuckle and jasmine meander into an undulating cadence of floral and pear. The heightened sense of sweetness hits the tongue and leans towards a tropical middle. With a dot of white pepper, the vodka eeks through a diaphanous satin curtain.

93

Opal Rare Spanish Gin ($35)

Produced just south of Barcelona, in Tarragona, for several generations of Jordi Montserrat’s family. The long list of botanicals are sourced locally from local Mediterranean growers. Orange blossom floats out of the glass and then sweetens on first sip. Juniper is present but subdued. This is such an expressive spirit, that one can picture the pastel colors of the flavors that rise up and shift across the mouth from beginning to finish: lavender, vanilla, and grapefruit zest among them. A charmer.