Spirit Reviews

95

Pasote Tequila Blanco, 80 proof ($48)

Buzzing with bright pineapple and fresh agave aromatics. Earthy to the core, with garden herbs, black pepper, and lime zest. Complex and intense. The label depicts the Aztec sun god, Tonatiuh, a patron of the warriors.

96

Pasote Tequila Reposado, 80 proof ($59)

The silver foiled label in blood red illustrates an Aztec jaguar warrior, the warriors who fought at the front line. The seemingly delicate, straw-colored liquid offers up gentle scents of honeysuckle, tangerine, and pecan pie. But on the palate, the strike begins with a deeper perfume. Clean agave notes pierce through mocha, maple, and fig. Jalapeño-spiced pineapple and Key lime charge to an earthy finish with almond butter and a snap of ginger. Barrel-aged in American oak for a minimum of four months.

94

Rex Rye Whiskey, USA, 90 proof ($39)

Aged in charred Bordeaux and Burgundy wine barrels from the pacific Northwest, this small batch 3-year-old whiskey was launched by Chaunci King, the first black woman to own a liquor brand in this region. Scents of charred oak and banana walnut lead to peach nectar on the palate. Flavors of cranberry biscotti linger on first sip. The mouthfeel is pleasantly serene, with a wisp of black pepper integrating with mocha-pecan and dates. The finish ends with a coffee kiss.

93

Two Shores Gin ($45)

Named for its “London Tradition and California Spirit,” this satin-textured beauty had us wowed for its approachability. Made with California botanicals, including pepper tree, dragon fruit, and prickly pear, we found its aromas of vanilla, lavender, and fresh linen charming. A cloud of marshmallow and a zing of pepper mark the finish.

90

Westerpark Holland Artisan Vodka $20)

Named for an historic park in Amsterdam, this vodka opens with warming scents of vanilla and an earthy minerality. It settles luxuriously on the palate with waves of white rice, black pepper and a sudden burst of spiced vanilla.