Spirit Reviews

95

Waymar Gin House Manzanilla Sherry Cask Finished Gin ($50)

You can almost see the bodegas along the Andalucian coast, with a saline twist alongside the gin’s classic juniper. Hearty and refined, the botanicals sync and the gin feels integrated and sturdy like a wood-paneled desk. Complex and exciting, the final flourish is a showcase of lemon, anise, sea spray and spices to make it nice.

93

Waymar Gin House Vino de Naranja Cask Finished Gin ($50)

Aged in Spanish orange wine casks, the juniper is more pronounced and the classic freshness shines through. The palate is clean and the flavors direct. Notes of orange rind and subtle oak round out the finish.

93

Whiskey Del Bac Frontera ($90)

Named for the sherry capital of Spain, Jerez de la Frontera, this lightly smoked American Single Malt with a perfume of candied ginger, sarsaparilla, and mango. Peppered, spicy notes of burnt orange peel, walnut, root beer, and tobacco show off a bold presence, with a deep woodsy frame.

93

Whiskey Del Bac Normandie ($90)

Finished in French Calvados casks and new American white oak. Think about apple pie baked over a mesquite campfire. Deeply rooted lemon zest entwines with black pepper and cinnamon hots, sweetened by caramel-covered walnuts and apricot with a prickly finish.

95

Whiskey Del Bac Ode ($90)

This is an ode to Del Bac’s roots, taking on the role of heavy mesquited whiskey versus peated versions.
It offers aromas of French toast with maple syrup. Orange peel, charred maple, and lavender-sage are sensual and penetrating.

92

Black Tie Berry Cocktail Syrup ($28)

Delivers on its name with rich flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry that are better than most pie fillings. The aromatics keep the senses transfixed.

93

Black Tie Citrus Cocktail Syrup ($28)

Reminiscent of homemade sorbet, this tart syrup has a puckering effect on the palate. Notes of lemon and lime fruit and zest accentuate floral tones on the finish.

94

Black Tie Double Espresso Cocktail Syrup ($28)

Seductive and balanced with no cloying sweetness, this bold, unctuous, and glossy syrup shows background notes of dark chocolate fudge. Use it to enhance the texture and flavor of a cocktail or try it over vanilla ice cream.