GUINIGI

Spirit Reviews

90

Grainger’s Deluxe Organic Vanilla Vodka ($20)

Distilled seven times from USDA Organic corn before being infused with extracts of organic vanilla, this vodka expresses the more floral side of the spice, as opposed to the confected character that often defines vanilla vodkas. It makes an especially excellent base for Espresso Martinis.

92

Joss Everett Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey, 80 proof ($19)

Watermelon and a fresh bite of apple are unique, yet delightful aromatics. Honeyed pecans and cinnamon tea are vibrant and clean. A most approachable whiskey, with notes of antique cedar closet and white-peppered cherry on the long finish.

98

Luna Malvada “Diablo 100” 100-Proof Plata Tequila ($60)

A seductive perfume from the underworld: soil, minerality, and root vegetables. The palpable density of texture, and the taste of rain after a summer cloudburst is apparent on first sip. Mid-palate perks up with more energy: blue fruits, cocoa, black peppered soybeans, and lime zest. It finishes in a luxurious flourish of sophistication, an earthy homage to the category. The over-proof is balanced and tempers any heat.

97

Luna Malvada Plata Tequila ($53)

Focused aromas of lavender, black cherry, and coffee bean lead to a scintillating entry of earth tones. Tobacco, a garland of heather, and ripe agave are pungent and fresh. It’s almost as if there’s a burst of juice from the plant, saturating the palate. It finishes with sandalwood spice, livened by garden herbs and spearmint. 80 proof.

92

Nocheluna Sotol ($43)

Nutty, supple and highly aromatic, this spirit is made from the Sotol plant, a rare desert plant that is similar to agave but often grows wild, native to Chihuahua. The mineral and herb components are strongly present, with hints of dark chocolate nib and dried apricot. The Master Distiller is Ivan Saldana who makes it with fourth-generation Maestro Vinatero Don Eduardo Arrieta; Lenny Kravitz is a partner.

95

Redwood Empire Van Duzen Straight Rye Whiskey, Sonoma County ($80)

From the brand’s small lot series, this 94-proof, high malt mash was blended from 45 barrels. It carries a perfume of cinnamon stick, tangerine peel, and caramel apple. Flavors ride on a lush carpet of chamomile, honeyed peaches, and pine nuts. Approachable and broad, notes of burnt orange linger with vanilla cedar. Dynamic, with a lengthy, round finish and a gentle nip on the tongue.

92

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Gin ($35)

Crafted entirely from a mash of Irish potatoes, this elegant vodka is distilled six times before hitting an impressively pure 96% ABV. It’s bottled at a wildly sippable 80 proof, and its silky texture carrying notes of vanilla and lemon pastry cream make it particularly versatile in a wide range of cocktails.

91

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Vodka ($35)

Irish potato-based spirit is cold-infused overnight with botanicals, including elderflower, rosemary, juniper berries, and citrus. After it’s been brought down to 80 proof, a hint of Champagne extract is added. The delicate aromatics and quiet sweetness of this gin make it perfect for a French 75 or a Ramos Gin Fizz.