Spirits Reviews

These are reviews, and should not be confused with tasting notes. All reviews are done neat, and in a NEAT glass utilizing a 100 point scoring system, similar to ones used in competitions. Not all reviews will have complete tasting notes, as I personally feel they can be very subjective, and have read too many that left me shaking my head. The review takes into account other nuances of the spirits, such as complexity, balance, and the overall merit of the spirit within the categories. Some reviews may sound as if I’m talking to you in the spirits section of a liquor store.

Nose – 25 Points
Mouth-Feel – 20 Points
Taste – 25 Points
Finish – 20 Points
Overall Impression – 10 Points

Scoring

95 – 100, Truly a classic spirit for its category
90 – 94, An outstanding spirit with superior character and style
85 – 89, A very good spirit with special or unique qualities
80 – 84, A good, solid, and well-made spirit
75 – 79, A mediocre or average spirit, but has some flaws

Buying Guide

1 Cat – Overpriced
2 Cats – High
3 Cats – Average
4 Cats – Bargain
5 Cats – Steal

The buying guide is just that, an unbiased tool to assist with purchasing decisions. 3 Cats means that the spirit is within the average price for that particular spirit, and is not a negative indicator.

I’m very open, so feel free to contact me for a breakdown of any review or score. I’m happy to share!
Slainte,
Tony

S No.	Brand	Spirit	MSRP	Proof	Category	Buying Guide	Score	Rater	Review
1	Strega	Strega	$35	40.00%	Liqueur	4	92	Tony	Strega, aka “The Witch’s Brew”, is an Italian Liqueur with roughly 70 ingredients. This is a great example of why Europeans like their aperitif and digestives!!! A well balanced liqueur that doesn’t taste artificially sweetened, and has nice herbal notes, along with mints and some anise.
2	Spirits of French Lick	Aquavit	$30	45.00%	Botanicals	4	97	Tony	A quintessential Aquavit that will take your mind and palate to Scandinavia!! They grist and macerate our 10 botanicals in 70 proof neutral alcohol inside of our copper pot still "Sophia" for 18-24 hours prior to distillation. Pumpernickel, rye, some citrus, and possible a hint of anise lead the way, with an unidentified flavor there as well. At 92 Proof, it never tastes hot, and the higher ABV adds body, power and intensity to the finish!! An exemplary Aquavit from West Baden, IN!
3	Grangestone	12YR	$34	40.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	4	83	Tony	Grangestone’s label states “Highland”, but I believe this is Kininvie, a Speyside in the William Grant & Sons portfolio. Note, Speyside used to belong to the Highlands until 2009. This has nice notes of fruit, honey, floral, and spice on the nose, with fruit and oak spice balanced on the finish. Nice for the price, and a higher ABV would help!!
4	Knappogue Castle	12YR Single Barrel	$40	46.00%	Irish - Single Malt	4	88	Tony	Knappogue Castle is a brand of Single Malt Irish Whiskey produced by Castle Brands, and is sourced from other distilleries, including Cooley. This is a 12 YR Single Barrel picked by Liquor Barn, and bottled at a nice 46%. It is quite lovely, well balanced, and at a solid price!
5	George Remus	Remus Repeal Reserve Series 1	$86	47.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	93	Tony	Remus Repeal Reserve is distilled by MGP, and is a blend of 50% 2005 Bourbon 21% Rye, 15% 2006 Bourbon 36% Rye, and 35% 2006 Bourbon 21% Rye. It ticks off everything that you would want in a Premium Bourbon; Flavor, Balance, Finish, and all at a solid 94 Proof. With many Bourbons costing much more than this these days, it becomes a bargain at $86! A well-crafted, and blended Bourbon!!
6	Jeptha Creed	4 Grain Bloody Butcher 2YR+	$50	47.00%	Bourbon - Straight	2	77.5	Tony	Mash bill of 70% Bloody Butcher corn, 15% malted rye, 10% malted wheat, and 5% malted barley. Light and youthful on the nose, with some light corn and vanilla. Not much change or complexity as it opens, or on the palate. Do not think that it’s flawed, but needs more aging.
7	Hard Truth	Cinnamon Vodka	$20	30.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	76	Tony	I’m torn, and while I could probably drink this all day long, I feel that it could also pass for a liqueur, and has artificial or additional sweetener added. The cinnamon dominates this everywhere. Reducing that, and a higher proof would significantly raise the score.
8	Hard Truth	Toasted Coconut Rum	$20	21.00%	Rum - Flavored	3	85	Tony	Both the nose and the palate are alive with the toasted coconut, but this is also borderlines on being a liqueur. While this is quite delightful, and appears to be mostly or all natural flavors, it’s still almost like a liqueur, and would benefit from a higher proof. Well-made and Kudos!
9	Goodwood	12YR Stout Barrel Finish	$130	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	1	80	Tony	As it is opening, the stout finish becomes more apparent, with some malt and cocoa joining some bourbon flavors. Somewhat balanced nose. Although finished for only 3 months, the stout seems to overtake the bourbon. Something seems off and out of balance on the finish.
10	Old Forester	Single Barrel - Good Day, Bad Day	$40	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	90	Tony	Liquor Barn Select. Warehouse 1, Floor 3. Most Old Forester Single Barrel Store Picks are of good quality, flavor, and balance, while being bottled at a constant 90 Proof. I can’t help but feel that they would benefit from a little higher proof.
11	Little Book	Little Book Chapter 2, Noe Simple Task	$90	59.40%	Blended Whiskey	3	87.5	Tony	A blend of 8YR KY Straight Rye, 40YR Canadian Whisky, and 13YR Canadian Rye Whisky. The nose leads off with some spice and fruit notes. More spice and oak on the palate, with maybe some vanilla. This is a well-blended whiskey, but the oak and spice are too much for me personally, and borderline in excess.
12	Jeptha Creed	Coffee Vodka	$25	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	4	93	Tony	100% Corn Vodka infused with a specialty coffee blend roasted by Fante’s Coffee in Louisville, KY. The nose hits you with coffee, and some chocolate and mocha notes follow. The palate delivers nice expresso and some vanilla, with maybe some more mocha. The finish wraps it up, and this is how a flavored vodka should taste, with minimal or no artificial sweetener. Outstanding!
13	Larceny	Barrel Proof 2018	$95	57.70%	Bourbon - Straight	2	75	Tony	Barrel 5652486, although it doesn’t state Single Barrel. Larceny is a high wheat mash bourbon, and even at barrel proof, the nose is mild, with not a lot going on. A bit of heat on the finish, and lacking in flavor and complexity. I hope that they’ve improved over the past couple of years.
14	Jefferson's	Chateau Pichon Baron	$130	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	96	Tony	A limited number of Pichon Baron barrels were refilled with Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon, and extra aged. The wine finish is well balanced on the nose, and complements the bourbon with nice fruit and spice. The palate follows through with the nose, with the wine cask intertwined and balanced harmoniously with the bourbon. Easily the finest, finished bourbon that I've yet to have.
15	Foursquare	Zinfandel Cask	$60	43.00%	Rum	4	95	Tony	11 Years Old. The nose reeks of various fruit notes from the Barbados Rum and Zinfandel Cask. What a bouquet!!! The wine finish is very well balanced with the rum! The mouth feel is rich from the wine cask, and the palate follows through on the nose with a long finish! An outstanding rum and very well finished!!
16	Kentucky Owl	Confiscated	$120	48.20%	Bourbon - Straight	2	88.5	Tony	Kentucky Owl Confiscated has a somewhat delicate nose, with mild oak suggesting some aging. The palate is well rounded, with some delicate flavors as well, and not on the sweeter side as some bourbons can be. The finish is lengthy, with some cinnamon spice, and the oak spice being reigned in. This is a nice bourbon, and suggests some age. The lack of information and transparency provided by Kentucky Owl makes this price high, and as a consumer, would pass for $120 and no info.
17	Roger Groult	Venerable	$80	41.00%	Calvados	4	92.5	Tony	A blend of Calvados over 18 YR. Apple and spices are wonderfully balanced on the nose. The mouth-feel and palate are alive with fruit, spice, and some gingerbread. Most Calvados, Cognac & Armagnac spend the bulk of their lifetime in old casks to avoid overtly prominent wood tannins and influence, but this still adds some oaky spice notes, yet minimal. This is just showing the aging potential, and why older Calvados is right there with Cognac!
18	Bowman	Port Finish	$45	46.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	86.5	Tony	Nice spice and fruit notes on the nose. The port finish threatens to take over the bourbon, but doesn’t, and has good balance. More fruit and spice notes on the palate, with a medium - long finish. This is a very well finished bourbon that has good balance from the nose through the finish. This is a bargain with many finished bourbons costing much more!
19	Hamilton	Saint Lucia 9YR	$70	67.40%	Rum	4	89.5	Tony	Hamilton Saint Lucia 9 YR is from Ed Hamilton's and the Ministry of Rum's Private Collection. It's Pot Distilled from the Fermentation of Guyanese molasses, which is quite evident on the nose, which indicates an intense and serious rum!!! Cane, tropical fruits, some spice and smoke are all present on the nose and palate. This is a true British Style rum that offers pungent, and intense, bold flavors! This style, and at 67.4%, are not for everyone!
20	Santa Teresa	1796	$40	40.00%	Rum	5	91.5	Tony	Solera Aged. The nose leads off with some fruity notes, maybe cherries and plum? Possible wine cask involved? Butterscotch and some spice follow as it opens. All are well balanced and integrated on the palate and in the finish. A stellar rum from Venezuela, and a bargain!!!
21	Copper & Kings	Zmaj Serbian Juniper Finished Absinthe	$70	65.00%	Botanicals	3	89.5	Tony	Zmaj was aged for 18 months in Serbian Juniper wood barrels, and has a double-distilled Muscat Brandy base. The anise is evident, but there is almost a piney note instead of the traditional oak spice as it opens. The Anise doesn’t smack you like some other Absinthe’s can, and that pine note is very interesting, and unusual. This is a powerful Absinthe, with the anise leading the way as you might expect on the palate, but there is also some sweetness. The finish is very long. I found this to be very interesting, and quite enjoyable!!
22	Parker's	Rye 8YR	$150	52.50%	Rye - Straight	1	81.5	Tony	The nose was a mix of rye and bourbonesque qualities with spice, char, and maybe some caramel? Just guessing a low percentage, or bare minimum rye, followed by a bit of corn. Maybe some fruits mingled with a lot of spice on the palate. A little disppointing at $150.
23	Willett	Small Batch Rye 4YR	$60	53.10%	Rye - Straight	3	91	Tony	The nose indicates a low to medium percentage of rye, followed by corn and barley. Almost a marriage of bourbon and rye. The palate is well balanced with fruit and spice in a long finish! A well-made rye!
24	Amrut	Fusion	$73	50.00%	Indian Whisky	4	95.5	Tony	Amrut Fusion is created from a mix of 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% peated Scottish barley. Separately distilled and aged for 4YR, then "fused" together for an additional 3 months. Fruit, malt and a touch of smoke is balanced nicely on the nose. Fruit, chocolate or toffee, oak spice, and a touch of smoke are all incredibly balanced on the palate, with a long finish. Outstanding!!
25	Nikka	Taketsuru Pure Malt	$65	43.00%	Japanese - Blended Malt	3	91	Tony	Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt containing a high percentage from Miyagikyo, with the remainder coming from Yoichi. Aged on average for around 10YR in different casks, including sherry. Very clean on the nose with fruit and light malt. Rich, fruity, and slight spice on the palate, with a generous and pleasing finish. There is a richness indicating some sherry wood influence. An ideal entry point to Nikka Whisky.
26	Cardenal Mendoza	Gran Reserva	$60	40.00%	Brandy	4	91	Tony	Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva is created from 100% holandas (distilled in alquitaras, or pot stills, up to 70% alcohol). Aged for an average of 15 YR in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The nose is well balanced with notes of sherry, raisin and prune. The palate is rich with those same sherry, raisin, and prune notes. A lingering mouth-feel and finish.
27	Spirits of French Lick	Old Clifty Apple Brandy 2YR	$48	45.00%	Brandy	3	86.5	Tony	Fermented from the fresh juice of Michigan apples and double pot distilled. Aged in 63 gallon once used re-char red wine barrels with a #2 char and new American oak toasted head. The nose is alive with the red apples and some caramel. The mouth-feel is full, with apple pie and spices throughout the palate, with hints of cinnamon. This is right where it should be for 2YR, and I like how the wood is reigned in.
28	Neeley Family Distillery	Moonshine	$25	60.10%	Moonshine	4	92	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery Moonshine is Kentucky Proud, and Triple Pot-Distilled from sweet corn and cane sugar. The nose is very clean, and not "hot" for 60.1%. The balance of the corn and cane is truly harmonious, and is showcased on the palate, in the mouth-feel, and in the finish. This is a very clean, well-crafted moonshine, and not just one to rush on the shelves, or a gimmick. Kudos! Kentucky Proud, and made with pride!!
29	Bertrand	XO	$160	40.00%	Cognac	4	96	Tony	Bertrand XO is a blend of Petite Champagne aged 35 and 40 years. Just a lovely nose, with dried fruits, and a little vanilla and wood spice. I want to crawl into the glass!!! The palate is alive with dried and candied fruits, some kind of nut, and a hint of chocolate? The finish is extremely long, and so pleasing. This is an outstanding XO Cognac!!!
30	Chateau des Plassons	Extra Old		40.00%	Cognac	3	92	Tony	Chateau des Plassons Extra Old is a blend of 100% Bons Bois aged from 25 – 40YR. The nose is intense with fruit and mild spice. The palate delivers more fruit and mild oak spice, with a long finish. This is a well-balanced and full bodied Cognac that proves you can get exemplary Cognacs from the Bons Bois Cru! Very nice!
31	Normandin Mercier	XO	$150	40.00%	Cognac	4	92.5	Tony	Normandin Mercier XO Cognac is a blend of 100% Grande Champagne, and is a blend of 20 - 45YR, with an average age of 30YR. The fruit really leads the way on the nose with dried fruit, citrus, and some nuts and spice. Some light rancio notes appear as it opens more, an indicator of Grande Champagne Cognac that is well aged. The palate is full with dried fruit and spices, and delivers a long finish. Silver in San Francisco in 2017? Not so sure. This is a perfect example of a well-aged, and blended, Grande Champagne Cognac!!!
32	Pasquet	L'Espirit de Famille Andre'	$173	51.40%	Cognac	3	91.5	Tony	100% Petite Champagne Cru, 525 Bottles. The nose is very elegant with fruit and floral notes. Fruit and spice linger in a long finish. This is both elegant and bold, and why I wish that some of these cognacs were available here in the US! Very nice!!
33	Crooked Water Spirits	Old Fashioned	$48	37.50%	RTD	3	92	Tony	Crooked Water Spirits Old Fashioned is bourbon based, and distilled by Yahara Bay Distillers. It is bottled at 75 Proof. The demerara sweetness is more evident at the rim of the glass. The nose is very well balanced for a pre-made cocktail, with the bourbon, demerara and bitters all working in harmony. The palate rings true, with the bourbon lingering on the finish. This is an outstanding ready-to-drink cocktail, and Old Fashioned!! Well done!!
34	Tattersall	Old Fashioned	$35	35.00%	RTD	3	85.5	Tony	100% Rye Whiskey then blended with Tattersall Sour Cherry Liqueur, bitters, sugar, and orange. Toffee, orange, and the cherry are all present on the nose, but doesn’t smell as sweet as I may have been expecting. The cherry leads the way on the palate, followed by some spices. The rye lingers in the finish. An interesting Old Fashioned with the Sour Cherry Liqueur, and very tasty!
35	Forgeron	Barrique 1989	$71	58.00%	Cognac	4	91.5	Tony	100% Grande Champagne. This is a spice bomb on the nose, as in baking spices, along with some fruit. More spices on the palate, with the fruit being secondary. The finish is long, with some oak spice present. This is a rare cask strength and Vintage Cognac at 58%, and is big and bold! More please!!
36	Chateau de Montifaud	XO Silver	$110	40.00%	Cognac	4	90	Tony	Chateau de Montifaud XO Silver is 20+ YR old and produced from 100% Petite Champagne. A very delicate and elegant nose of dried fruits and light spice. The palate is almost identical to the nose, with more soft fruit notes, but the finish is long, with some light spice. Quite enjoyable!
37	Prunier	20YR	$165	40.00%	Cognac	4	88.5	Tony	Prunier 20YR is produced from a 50/50 blend of 92 and 96 vintages. They buy the eau-de-vie from wine growers and distillers each year, then age the Cognac in their own cellars. The nose has a sweetness to it, with fruit and possibly honey. The palate has some woodiness and floral notes, with some toffee and nuts.
38	Chateau des Plassons	XO	$80	40.00%	Cognac	4	88	Tony	Chateau des Plassons XO is produced from 100% Bons Bois Cru eau-de-vie. There is almost a youthfulness to the nose, with some fruit and floral notes. Maybe some light spice. Would just guess that this has an avg age of 15 - 20YR. Fruit dominates the palate, with some spice along for the ride. The finish is long and pleasing. Another very nice Bons Bois Cognac!!!
39	Renault	Carte d'Argent XO	$365	40.00%	Cognac	4	95	Tony	A blend of Fine Champagne aged 10 – 30YR. Initially shows a lot of plum on the nose, followed by hints of candied fruit, nuts, and fig as it opens. Very silky in the mouth, with subtle honey, a nuttiness, toffee, and cocoa on the palate. It’s hard to call this a bargain at roughly $365, but it is, and an outstanding Cognac!
40	Audry	Memorial Reserve	$130	42.00%	Cognac	5	97	Tony	Audry Memorial Reserve Cognac is a blend of Fine Champagne aged between 30 - 60YR. Floral, fruit, and some spice notes initially on the nose. I swear that some pine appears after a few minutes? Some chocolate and rancio notes appear a few minutes after that as well. Very complex!! It's full bodied, with some anise and honey on the finish. What the hell? The finish is very long, and this cognac is amazing and so balanced!
41	Andre Petit	XO Extra	$95	40.00%	Cognac	5	89.5	Tony	Andre Petit Extra is a blend of Petite Champagne and Fins Bois, has an average age of 20YR, and includes some 35YR. The nose is soft with some fruit and a little spice. After several minutes, some light rancio appears. The palate brings much more spiciness, and a little more wood influence than most cognacs, but it's intentional. Well balanced with a lengthy finish. A steal for roughly $95!!
42	Pinnacle	Peppermint Bark	$12	35.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	81.5	Tony	Made from Imitation Peppermint Bark. As you would expect, mint is on the nose, but almost liqueurish. There is some sweetness, but finishes a little dry, and has a lengthy finish. I cannot help but feel that there is some artificial sweetness and/or flavors added, but can see its appeal, maybe in cocktails?
43	Middle West Spirits	Michelone Reserve	$42	47.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	86	Tony	Michelone Reserve is a Wheated Bourbon, and the nose indicates a good portion of wheat with some sweetness, fruit, and some nuttiness. Some sweet fruit notes on the palate, along with some oak spice in a medium – long finish. A nicely balanced wheated bourbon!
44	Forgeron	XO	$80	45.00%	Cognac	5	95.5	Tony	Produced from 100% Grande Champagne from 1989 – 1999, and is 20 – 30YR old. The nose leads off with some candied fruits and a little leather. Some baking spices are also present. Just a lovely nose!! The palate brings some light rancio, and not overpowering. This is a steal, and an outstanding Cognac!
45	Deau	Louis Memory	$330	40.00%	Cognac	4	92.5	Tony	Deau Louis Memory is a blend of 100% Grande Champagne, and the oldest eau-de-vie in the blend dates back to 1916. The initial nose brings some sweet fruit notes. As it opens, some fig and cinnamon appear, along with some rancio, indicating some old eau-de-vie in the blend. Fruit, cinnamon and some spice are all well balanced on the palate in a lingering and long finish!!
46	Niagara Craft Spirits	Sinferno	$30	33.00%	Gin - Flavored	2	73.5	Tony	Sinferno is a Hot Cinnamon flavored Gin distilled by Niagara Craft Spirits LLC. It is distilled from New York State grain or fruit. Okay? The cinnamon dominates the nose, with the gin really in the background. This is more like a cinnamon flavored neutral spirit, or liqueur, than a flavored gin. Cinnamon really dominates it all the way around, and even at 33%, the proof is more like a liqueur than a flavored gin.
47	A de Fussigny	Selection	$40	40.00%	Cognac	4	84	Tony	Part of the estate's Création series, this VS Cognac comprises a blend of eaux-de-vie from the Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois appellations, matured between two and ten years in Limousin and Tronçais oak barrels. A somewhat elegant nose with fruit and floral notes, maybe some nuttiness. It’s well balanced on the palate, with a medium to long finish. A really nice VS Cognac.
48	L'Encantada	1991, 26YR, Single Barrel Bas Armagnac	$120	48.60%	Armagnac	4	90.5	Tony	Single Barrel Project, Cask 102, 205 Bottles. Lovely fruit on the nose, with a little spice. The fruit and spice is well balanced on the palate, and a little bolder at cask strength with a nice finish!
49	Black Bull	40YR Batch 1	$230	40.20%	Scotch - Blended	4	93.5	Tony	Black Bull is a line of Blended Scotch in the Duncan Taylor portfolio. This 40YR, Batch 1, contains 40 - 44YR whiskies from Bunnahabhain, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Glenburgie, Highland Park, Miltonduff, Springbank, Tamdhu, and Invergordon. It contains 90% Single Malt, 10% Single Grain, and was bottled on 11/09 at Cask Strength and is non-chill filtered and non-coloured. The oak is really reigned in on the nose, has some sweetness, with fruit, candied fruit, and grassy notes. Some gentle oak on the finish, and possibly some light peatiness. Very well balanced, and so drinkable! Damn!! This is an art, and why you don't put down all blends!
50	Oban	Distillers Edition 2018	$105	43.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	88.5	Tony	Finished in Montilla Fino. Fruit and a little honey lead off on the nose, with some maritime notes as it opens. The Fino finish adds a rich mouth-feel, and the palate delivers some light sea salt, along with some Oban fruitiness. A bigger and richer Oban. Almost chewy, which is not the brand’s style. Quite enjoyable!
51	Dalmore	Cigar Malt Reserve	$140	44.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	94	Tony	Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is matured initially in ex-Bourbon and 30YR Matusalem Oloroso sherry, then finished in premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon casks. The sherry and wine finish is evident, but well balanced on the nose, and is rich with fruit notes and some spices. As it opens more, the Cabernet becomes much more evident. More fruit and spices on the palate, and in a long finish. This is very good, and can see it being paired with a cigar!!
52	Strathisla	Lonach 42YR	$200	41.10%	Scotch - Single Malt	5	94.5	Tony	Distilled in 1967. Sweet caramel and honey are intertwined wonderfully with an assortment of fruits on the nose. Everything is well balanced on the palate, with some spice and light oak on the finish. This is still lively at 42YR old, and the oak reigned in. I wish that more of these older expressions of Strathisla were available, but at this price!
53	Havana Club	Barrel Proof	$80	45.00%	Rum	5	96	Tony	Havana Club Barrel Proof was first aged in older white oak casks, blended, and finished in specially 'selected' younger fresh oak casks. The nose is very clean, with little evidence of any charring, and may have been triple distilled. Lighter in color, with sweet toffee and spice on the nose. There's almost an Anise note as it opens. Just a heavenly nose!!! Toffee, spice, a touch of oak, and sweet molasses are so well balanced in the palate!!! I feel like I'm nitpicking, as there really are no flaws in this rum. Spectacular!!
54	Longrow	Red 11YR Cab Franc	$105	55.90%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	89	Tony	Longrow is the more peated line from Springbank Distillery. This limited 11YR Cab Franc finish spent 9YR in bourbon casks, and 2YR Cabernet Franc casks. The peat and wine finish are balanced nicely on the nose, especially at 55.9%. Both are balanced nicely on the palate as well, with the Cab Franc fruit complimenting the Longrow!! Quite tasty!!
55	Knappogue Castle	16YR Twin Wood	$90	40.00%	Irish - Single Malt	4	91	Tony	Knappogue Castle 16YR Twin Wood Single Malt Irish Whiskey was aged for 15+ YR in ex-Bourbon casks, and then spent 9 months in ex Oloroso Sherry casks. Distilled in 1994, Bottled in 2010, and 1900 bottles. Over the course of 10+ minutes, the noes goes from sherry dominant, to the triple distilled light maltiness, and then to a nice balance of the two, with fruit, toasted nuts, and some vanilla. The finish is long, and well balanced. An outstanding Knappogue Castle, and Irish Single Malt!!
56	Darroze	1967 49 YR Bas Armagnac	$200	49.00%	Armagnac	5	95	Tony	This 49YR Darroze 1967 Bas-Armagnac was distilled in 1967 at Domaine De Lamarquette, and bottled in 2016. It is 100% Baco Blanc, or Baco 22A, and bottled at 49% abv. The initial nose is bolder than most Bas Armagnacs, from the abv and the Baco being the only grape used. Just lovely fruit and burnt orange are revealed on the nose, and shows no signs of being in oak for nearly half a century. The more it opens, cream brulee shows up. Damn!! The mouth feel is full bodied for an Armagnac, which tend to be elegant, and leads into more fruit and spice in a long finish that is so well balanced!! This is why I LOVE Armagnac!!!
57	Chambord	Chambord	$35	16.50%	Liqueur	4	91	Tony	Chambord is a French Liqueur that is created by infusing neutral spirits with raspberries and blackberries. A 2nd infusion extracts even more flavor from the fruit. After 6 weeks total, the berries are pressed, and the infused alcohol, along with the fruit juices and sugars, is then blended with extracts of black raspberries, black currants, Madagascar Vanilla, herbs, and Cognac. It is a Proprietary blend. The raspberry leads the charge, with blackberry a distant second initially. The berries are really the story, with some vanilla showing on the finish. The sweetness tastes all natural, which is what you want in a Liqueur. Chambord also mixes wonderfully with Prosecco for a Kir Royale!
58	Lapponia	Lakka	$23	21.00%	Liqueur	4	93	Tony	Lakka is a Liqueur that is prominent in Finland, where cloudberries are steeped in grain neutral spirit for 2 - 6 months. Soaked in oak barrels for months, natural sweeteners, like honey, and spices, like cinnamon or clove, are added to the alcohol. The berries lead the way, with some of the above mentioned honey and spices in the background. The mouth-feel is rich and thick, with more berry and honey on the palate, along with some subtle spice. The finish is long, and doesn't taste artificially sweetened!
59	Renault	Heritage Collection 1989	$370	42.70%	Cognac	2	93	Tony	Renault Heritage Collection 1989 is a rare vintage Cognac, most of which are blends. It was produced from 100% Petite Champagne in lightly toasted oak, is 26 YR, and produced 600 Bottles. This is an elegant Cognac, with lovely fruit on the nose, which seems enhanced from the light oak influence. This also shows great finesse, but with a surprisingly long finish in the finish. Renault said that 1989 was an exceptional year for the Cognac produced, and this Vintage Cognac supports that!!
60	Reisetbauer	12YR Single Malt	$125	48.00%	Austrian Whisky	2	80.5	Tony	Reisetbauer 12YR Single Malt is an Austrian Whisky that was aged for 12YR in Chardonnay and Trockenbeerenauslese oak barrels, which is a sweet Austrian dessert wine. The nose is an array of maltiness, wet grass or hay, and grape must. Sadly, the wine casks are over the top on the finish, and take away from the original character of the barley and whisky.
61	Germain-Robin	Anno Domini 2009	$400	40.00%	Brandy	3	95.5	Tony	Germain-robin Anno Domini 2009 is a solera-style blend dating back to 1983, with ages from 15+ to 30YR, and contains some dry-farmed Palomino from the late 80's, perhaps the rarest and most treasured gem in the library. 300 Bottles. The nose leads off with rich fruit, and suggesting Pinot Noir in the blend. As it opens more, some oak spice is nicely balanced in. Big fruit from the Pinot, and more spice in a long finish!! An outstanding American Brandy!!
62	Redbreast	12YR	$55	40.00%	Irish - Pot Still	4	95	Tony	Aged in ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Fruit is prominent, with some spiciness on the nose. Very elegant, with some honey notes appearing as it opens more. Sherry fruit, and some spice in a long finish. This is the definition of Pot Still Irish Whisky!!
63	Resilient	6YR Single Barrel Rye	$95	58.00%	Rye - Straight	3	89.5	Tony	Resilient 6YR Straight Rye Whisky is a near 7YR MGP Single Barrel Rye, Barrel #1, Bottle 116, Filled 2/13, Bottled 2/20, 95/5 Rye, and has a #4 Char. As you would expect from the MGP 95/5 Mash bill, there is the bold rye spiciness, and some floral and fruit notes, but are amplified by the 116 proof, and this is a well-balanced Single Barrel. The Retail is around $95, but worth the price of admission for high proof MGP Rye lovers!
64	Hedonist	Hedonist	$35	29.00%	Liqueur	3	91.5	Tony	Hedonist is a French Liqueur produced from Cognac, fresh ginger, and vanilla. Ginger and pepper spice lead off on the nose, with some lime in the background. The ginger and pepper, along with lime cola are all well balanced on the palate, with a medium finish. Not as sweet as most liqueurs, easy to drink, and would be a great digestive, possibly settling the stomach after a big meal.
65	Hennessy	Pure White	$45	40.00%	Cognac	4	88	Tony	Hennessy Pure White is a blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois eau-de-vie, aged from 2 - 50 YR, and is difficult to produce. Light, clean fresh fruit on the nose, with some apple perhaps. Not aggressive at all, and some floral notes appear as it opens more. Fresh fruit and floral on the palate, in a long, but light and delicate finish. Not my cup of tea, but can appreciate it, and see its appeal and versatility!
66	Forty Creek	Copper Pot Reserve	$30	43.00%	Canadian Whisky	4	87	Tony	Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve is a Canadian Whisky, where the rye, corn, and barley are each distilled separately in a pot still, aged separately, and when each individual whisky is deemed ready, they are blended together and aged in oak again. Oak and spice is nicely balanced out on the nose by the barley and corn. The palate is loaded with spiciness, but yet with some sweetness. This is the Barrel Select on steroids, and I'll gladly pour this for anyone who says they don't like Canadian Whisky!!
67	Renegade	Panama 1997	$70	46.00%	Rum	4	97	Tony	Renegade Panama Rum 1997 (Don Jose), is a Panama Rum aged 10 YR in ex-bourbon casks, then shipped to the Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland where it is finished in Port casks, then bottled. 1,390 bottles were produced. The port is evident on the nose initially with some red fruit, along with some spices. As it opens more, rich brown sugar appears. A bit complex, and so well balanced!! That same brown sugar, red fruits, spices, and some oak spice are all very well balanced on the palate, and in a lengthy finish. Outstanding!!
68	Holi	Gin	$25	40.00%	Gin	4	85	Tony	Holi Gin starts as a grain neutral spirit from corn, and is produced from traditional botanicals and juniper. Taking inspiration from their founder's Indian heritage, it is also spiced with masala chai. The chai spices are the star of the show, and lead the way on the nose and in the palate, with the juniper and other botanicals present, but playing second fiddle. I found this to be a nice, and unique gin that also mixes very well with Bailey's for a Chai Latte.
69	Green Spot	Chateau Leoville Barton	$70	46.00%	Irish - Pot Still	4	91	Tony	Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton was aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, then finished for 1 - 2 years in Bordeaux wine casks. A lovely mix of fruits initially greets the nose from the sherry and wine casks. The more it opens, it reminds me of a fall apple gingerbread. Some apple and spice finish it off. The wine finish really compliments this, and adds another layer and dimension.
70	Bertrand	Heritage	$335	49.20%	Cognac	4	100	Tony	Bertrand Heritage is a 50+ YR old Cognac produced from 100% Petite Champagne, bottled at Cask Strength, 49.2%, and yielded only 500 Bottles. Fruit, floral, and some spice notes lead off on the nose, with some lovely rancio joining over time. Just a phenomenal nose that makes you want to crawl up in the glass. Everything is so well balanced for this age. Fruit, some honey, and the rancio are harmoniously balanced with some wood spice on the palate. I really think the cask strength elevated what was already a stellar Cognac!!
71	Bakery Hill	Peated Single Malt Cask Strength	$153	60.90%	Australian Whisky	3	91.5	Tony	Bakery Hill Cask Strength Peated Malt is an Australian Whisky that's bottled at 60.9%. Right out of the bottle, there is a nice balance of malt and peat, and does not show signs of that proof! Reminds me a little of an Ardbeg, but with some different characteristics. As it opens more, the malt moves to the center of attention. The palate is well balanced with a long finish! Any fan of peated scotches will enjoy this. I've been saying for years that there is good Whisk(e)y being made all over the world now, and this proves it!!
72	Big Peat	Christmas Edition 2015	$55	53.80%	Scotch - Blended Malt	4	93	Tony	Douglas Laing's Big Peat Christmas Edition 2015 is a Blended Malt Scotch, and even more specifically, a Blended Islay Malt Scotch, including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and Port Ellen. The nose is like a dying bonfire, without the intensity, along with some coastal sea salt. I feel like it's heavy on the Caol Ila and Ardbeg, but very well balanced. Some fruit notes on the palate, followed by that bonfire and sea salt. Distinctively Islay, and a well-crafted Blend.
73	Pasquet	L'Espirit de Famille Christian	$143	54.10%	Cognac	4	93.5	Tony	Pasquet L'Espirit de Famille Christian is a Single Cask Cognac that was distilled in 1988 from 100% Petite Champagne. It was bottled at Cask Strength, 54.1%, and yielded 303 bottles. 11 casks were sampled, and they chose a winner!! Lovely notes of nut, brown sugar, and some spice on the nose, with some fruit notes appearing as it opens more. The palate delivers everything on the nose, along with some additional peppery spices, and in a long finish!
74	Forty Creek	Barrel Select	$25	40.00%	Canadian Whisky	4	84	Tony	Forty Creek Barrel Select is a blend of various grain whiskies aged in seasoned ex-Bourbon barrels and new American White Oak. Some grain sweetness on the nose, possibly corn or maize, along with some nut and spice. The palate has that sweetness as well, along with some vanilla and spice in a medium finish. At around $25, this is hard to beat for an everyday summer drinker!
75	Bowman	Touriga & Merlot Finish 11YR	$40	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	86	Tony	The nose is a nice mix of vanilla, dark fruits, and some spice. The fruits push forward as it opens more. Nice balance! The palate is a nice blend of fruit and spice in a medium finish! A very easy drinker, but the finishes really push the boundaries of dominating the bourbon!
76	Angel's Envy	Cellar Collection Tawny Port 2019	$250	55.80%	Bourbon - Straight	2	83	Tony	10YR Straight Bourbon finished for 10 mos in Tawny Port barrels. The nose is rather mild, with fruits and spice. The palate brings some dark fruit sweetness and oak spices. With a medium finish, and a lackluster nose, I have to consider this overpriced at $250!!
77	1792	225th Anniversary	$35	46.08%	Bourbon - Straight	3	85	Tony	The nose is a mix of sweetness, fruit, and some spice. The palate delivers on the nose, with less spice, and some oak spice. The finish is medium. Not overly complex for an Anniversary edition, but priced right for what it is!
78	High West	14YR Light Whiskey	$100	46.00%	Light Whiskey	3	91	Tony	100 barrels produced from corn between 1999 & 2001, and aged in 2nd fill barrels. The nose is heavy on the vanilla, but there is some underlying sweetness with caramel, and perhaps honey. The palate is more flavorful than I was expecting for a Light Whiskey, with vanilla, chocolate, fruits and honey. An outstanding representative of this category!!!
79	1792	Port Finish	$40	44.45%	Bourbon - Straight	4	91	Tony	A 6YR Bourbon finished for 2YR in Port barrels. Dark fruits, apple, and spice lead off on the nose. Wonderfully balanced. The palate is also nicely balanced with fruit and oak spice, reminding you that you’re still drinking a bourbon. A really nice finished bourbon, and how it should be done!
80	1792	High Rye	$36	47.15%	Bourbon - Straight	3	84	Tony	8+ YR old. Fruit, some spiciness and some oak spice lead off on the nose. While not necessarily a high proof bourbon, there is some ethanol present, and a sweeter nose than I was expecting. Was expecting more spiciness from a high rye, including on the palate, which is also sweeter than I was expecting, with some spiciness mixed with some oak. This did not seem significantly different from the Small Batch to me.
81	Absolut	Citron	$20	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	88	Tony	Absolut Citron has nice lemon and lime notes on the nose, and is balanced with the underlying Vodka. The palate delivers on the nose, and is balanced without tasting any artificial sweetness in a medium finish.
82	Absolut	Mandrin	$20	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	4	92	Tony	Nice orange and tangerine notes on the nose, with the vodka in the background, and no trace of sweetness. The palate echoes the nose, with the vodka a little more pronounced, but with excellent balance. Nice flavors in a medium – long finish, and again without any sweetness. A really nice flavored Vodka.
83	1792	Full Proof	$45	62.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	83	Tony	8.5YR old per their Press Release. A somewhat mild nose, with your std bourbon notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. There is some ethanol present as well. Some fruit and sweetness, along with some heat greets the palate, but is overtaken by the alcohol on the finish.
84	Bowman	Gingerbread Cocoa Finish	$40	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	84	Tony	The barrels originally held bourbon for 4.5YR, were emptied, and sent to Hardywood Park Brewery and filled with two beers: 6 barrels aged Gingerbread Stout and 4 barrels aged Foolery Imperial Milk Stout. Both beers aged 8 mos, emptied, and filled again with bourbon for 8+ years, and finished for 17 mos in these barrels. Vanilla, ginger & chocolate greet the nose initially, with some spice peeking through. Very complex nose & balanced. The palate is like a bourbon that has been soaked in candy bars, with a medium, but pleasing finish.
85	Jack Daniels	Black No 7	$25	40.00%	Tennessee Whiskey	3	84	Tony	Banana, spice, & subtle smokiness on the nose are mixed with some sweet notes. The banana comes forward as it opens more. The palate brings some sweetness, while finishing with oak spiciness. This would benefit from a higher proof.
86	Neeley Family Distillery	Bourbon Ball Cream Xmas Edition	$23	17.50%	Liqueur	5	91	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery's Bourbon Ball Cream Liqueur was a special Christmas Edition that was only available at the distillery. It starts with a very clean moonshine base, and has natural cream and natural flavors. The nose is as advertised, with bourbon ball chocolate and cream. Truly a bourbon ball in a glass, with some cream, and perhaps a touch of walnut? Once again, this tastes all natural, which separates it from many other cream liqueurs.
87	Neeley Family Distillery	Chocolate Truffle Moonshine Cream	$25	17.50%	Liqueur	5	94	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery's Chocolate Truffle Moonshine Cream Liqueur starts with a very clean moonshine base, and has natural cream, vanilla, walnut, and chocolate fudge flavoring. A chocolate lover's dream on the nose, with the walnut and vanilla playing second fiddle, but show up more in the taste, along with the fudge. An exceptional, and complex cream liqueur that tastes all natural, which is what you should look for!! Kudos!!
88	Buffalo Trace	Bourbon Cream	$20	15.00%	Liqueur	3	79	Tony	Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream starts with a Straight Bourbon Whiskey base, and has caramel coloring added, but not sure why? It's an easy drinker, but not much to it, and doesn't taste all natural to me. It mixes very well with a hard root beer, or in coffee and over ice cream.
89	Jose Cuervo	Gold	$15	40.00%	Tequila	2	60	Tony	Jose Cuervo Gold is a Gold Tequila, meaning that it's a blend of Blanco and aged Tequila, probably Reposado based on its price. Gold Tequila is also equivalent to Oro and Joven Tequila. It is not 100% Blue Agave, but must be at least 51% per the NOM Regulations, and the remaining 49% must be other sugars of a non-agave source. These are typically molasses, cane sugar, or corn syrup, and these sugars must be blended together prior to fermentation. Some agave and sugar notes are present on the nose, along with some alcohol. Some form of cane sugar was almost definitely added. Sugary sweetness, black pepper, alcohol, and hardly any agave notes are on the palate.
90	Chateau de Montifaud	Extra	$215	40.00%	Cognac	3	91.5	Tony	Chateau de Montifaud Extra is a blend of 100% Petite Champagne, and yielded only 988 bottles. Lovely fruit and floral notes lead the way, with some spice appearing after a few minutes. Possibly some light rancio as well, indicating some older cognac in the blend. The palate delivers on the nose, with the spice being more predominant in a long finish! Very nice!!
91	Chateau du Breuil	15YR	$95	41.00%	Calvados	3	91	Tony	Chateau du Breuil is a Pays D’Auge Calvados, and lovely apple notes lead the way on the nose. As it opens, some spice, light baked pear, and perhaps some light oak spice appear, turning it into a baked apple pie with some pear notes. The palate delivers on the nose, with a little more of the spiciness. This is just showing the aging potential of Calvados, and is an excellent representation!
92	La Vallee De La Framboise	Le Brochu Raspberry and Black Currant	$30	23.00%	Liqueur	3	90	Tony	Le Vallee De La Framboise’s Le Brochu Raspberry and Black Currant Liqueur is produced in Quebec, CA from a blend of 80% Raspberry and 20% Black Currant. The nose is just a lovely bouquet of fresh raspberry and black currant. The proportions of fruit used are just right, and very well balanced, with the blackcurrant complimenting the raspberry. The palate is reminiscent of the nose, but with more sweetness than I was hoping for. The finish is medium – long, and very pleasing. My only knock is the sugar added, although not over the top.
93	Ole Smoky	Apple Pie	$20	35.00%	Moonshine - Flavored	3	81	Tony	Ole Smoky Apple Pie Flavored Moonshine has some nice apple and a little spice initially on the nose, but as it opens, the apple pie is more noticeable at the rim of the glass, but with more sweetness than I was expecting. The taste is an apple pie with apple and some baking spices, but with far too much sweetness, and borders heavily on being a liqueur.
94	EH Taylor	Small Batch	$55	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	2	76.5	Tony	EH Taylor Small Batch is rumored to be around 7YR, and once it opens, the nose is lovely with nice fruit notes integrated with the nice oak spice. The mouth-feel and taste is overwhelmed with alcohol and oak spice, sadly! This tasted younger than its rumored age.
95	Drop Shop	Orangecello	$30	35.00%	Liqueur	4	97	Tony	Lovely fresh orange on the nose, and as it opens, the rim becomes that orange peel! Just lovely orange flavors! The mouth-feel and taste are alive with the orange, but also with what I believe to be a Vodka base? Very well-balanced, with no artificial tasting flavors or sweetness, and in a lengthy finish! Outstanding!
96	West Fork Whiskey	Old Hamer 80 Proof	$30	40.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	78.5	Tony	Distilled, aged, and bottled by MGP from a mash of 99% Corn and 1% Malted Barley. It was aged for a minimum of 2YR. This is really young all the way around, on the nose and taste. The low ABV makes it somewhat easily drinkable, but it’s not complex, and could use more ageing, and some secondary grains. I do see potential with it.
97	Spirits of French Lick	Mattie Gladded 4YR BIB	$45	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	5	92	Tony	This is a High Rye mash comprised of 55% Corn, 35% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley. Unlike some other high rye bourbons, this lives up to its billing! The nose reveals some nice notes of dried fruits, some corn, maybe some chocolate, and the alcohol is reigned in nicely. The taste and palate confirm some chocolate, along with those dried fruits, baking spices, and some gentle oak, in a medium – long finish. I love how the oak and alcohol are both reigned in, and doesn’t blow up your palate, with the finish lingering more in your throat. This is the type of stuff that people should be trying, rather than searching for supposed unicorns!!
98	The Botanist	The Botanist	$40	46.00%	Gin	3	94.5	Tony	The Botanist is distilled from 100% Grain Neutral Spirit, and from 31 botanicals, including 22 that are hand-foraged on the island of Islay in Scotland. Surprisingly juniper strong on the nose early, with some lemon and orange citrus, along with some subtle grass or hay. As it opens, those citrus notes come forward. The juniper leads the way again on the palate early, with citrus, spices, and floral notes following. The finish is clean, and very long. This is an outstanding and complex gin, but I personally don’t enjoy it like I had hoped neat.
99	Audry	Reserve Speciale	$111	40.00%	Cognac	3	88	Tony	A Fine Champagne aged 25 – 30YR. This Cognac takes some time to reveal itself, but once it does, gentle oak, citrus, and nut aromas appear. The palate delivers fruit, some caramel, light honey, and finishes with more oak spice than I was expecting, which is a little milder as it opens more! A very nice Fine Champagne Cognac.
100	Asbach	Freieitsbrand 1989 25YR	$275	41.00%	Brandy	3	94	Tony	Asbach Freiheitsbrand was a limited edition release of Asbach commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and contains a piece of the wall. The nose leads off with lush raisin, some nice dried fruit, and some mild oak. As it opens more, the raisin really dominates the nose, almost reminiscent of a Spanish Brandy. Fruit, oak spice, and cinnamon cap things off in a long finish. A truly commemorative edition, and an outstanding Asbach!!
101	Stagg Jr	2020 Batch 13	$50	64.20%	Bourbon - Straight	3	81	Tony	Stagg Jr is bottled uncut, unfiltered, and at barrel proof, which is quite evident from start to finish. Wood and ethanol dominate the nose initially, with some fruit appearing as it opens. For me, the nose was the star of the show, as without water, the alcohol and wood are overpowering, with some fruit, chocolate, and other spice fighting to be present on the palate. I have to assume that the accolades this bourbon gets is with water added, because I’m just not seeing it without
102	Fireball	Fireball	$14	33.00%	Flavored Whiskey	2	66.5	Tony	Fireball started as part of a Canadian line of schnapps manufactured by the Seagram company in the 1980s, pretty much just cinnamon and a little sugar added to standard Canadian whisky. In 1989, the Sazerac company purchased the brand and the formula, re-branding it as “Dr. McGillicuddy’s Fireball Whisky.” There, the liquor remained until 2007 when it was again re-branded “Fireball Cinnamon Whisky”. Intense cinnamon right from the bottle, like an atomic fire ball in the glass. As it opens, the whisky struggles to fight through the cinnamon and sweeteners. The taste is syrupy cinnamon sweetness, as in overly sweet, more so than some liqueurs.
103	GlenDronach	18YR	$160	46.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	93.5	Tony	This bottling of GlenDronach 18YR was from some of the last batches that had 20+ YR old juice in it. The nose leads off with big fruit, raisins, dried fruit, and some chocolate. As it opens more, some nut appears in just a lovely nose! The palate brings fruit, some wood and spices, and cinnamon is present in a long finish! This expression is a significant improvement over some that I had over 10 years ago! An exemplary 18YR sherried Scotch!
104	Ardbeg	Grooves	$135	51.60%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	91	Tony	Ardbeg Grooves, an Ardbeg Day 2018 release, was aged in heavily charred ex-wine casks. The nose is a mix of a fading bonfire and sea spray, with some fruit mixed in. The palate opens big and salty, with typical Ardbeg smokiness and BBQ smoked meats, but with some salted fruits and oak in the mix. The finish is a very long seaside bonfire. I think this would’ve scored higher if the wine cask influence had shined through more, but is still a very good dram!
105	Weller	Full Proof	$50	57.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	82	Tony	Weller Full Proof is named so because it is bottled at the same proof as the barrel entry proof, 114 proof, is non-chill filtered, and is aged between 6 – 10YR. A somewhat mild and sweet nose, with some fruit, caramel, charred wood, and vanilla. The palate brings a bit of heat, and some hot cinnamon spice and oak. Those three really dominate the palate. Without water added, I found the nose to be the most enjoyable of this experience.
106	Panama-Pacific	9YR	$30	47.30%	Rum	4	92	Tony	Panama-Pacific uses yeasts extracted from pineapples to ferment the sugars into a low-alcohol mash which will then be strengthened through distillation using a historic Coffey still. Tropical fruit, vanilla and molasses are all present on the nose. The palate is robust with vanilla, molasses, butterscotch, and some light oak and spice. This is a well-balanced rum, with a long and warming finish. This is a rich, but not overly sweet rum, and at a higher abv than most.
107	Machetazo	Espadin	$42	45.00%	Mezcal	3	93	Tony	Machetazo Espadin Mezcal is produced from 100% Espadin Agave. Floral and spicy notes on the nose initially, with some subtle smoke at the rim of the glass. As it opens more, the smoke becomes more apparent, but everything is nicely balanced. Spice, agave, and smoke are all nicely balanced on the palate as well, and in a long and powerful finish, as you would expect. This is a very nice Mezcal, where none of the flavors try to dominate.
108	Hoku	Sakura Shochu	$35	22.00%	Shochu	4	95	Tony	Shochu is typically a Japanese distilled beverage primarily produced from, but not limited to, rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. Hoku Sakura Shochu, an American Cherry Shochu by Royal Hawaii Spirits, is distilled from grain, and infused with Cherry flavor. A cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus. The most well-known species is the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is commonly called sakura. Dark cherry initially on the nose, especially at the rim, with a little spice as it opens. A lovely balance of the base spirit and cherry, without any sweetness on the palate, and delivers a long finish! An outstanding American Shochu!
109	West Fork Whiskey	Old Hamer Small Batch Cask Strength	$40	57.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	74	Tony	Distilled, aged, and bottled by MGP from a mash bill of 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley, and aged for 3+ YR. Corn and ethanol dominate the nose early. Any secondary flavors are fighting the ethanol, even as it opens more. The taste follows the nose, with little to no complexity, a little heat, and perhaps some oak spice. This is why there are secondary, or flavor grains in bourbon, and that there is a category for Corn Whiskey
110	Chateau des Plassons	Napoleon	$115	40.00%	Cognac	3	88	Tony	Chateau des Plassons Napoleon is produced from 100% Bons Bois, and is 15+ YR old. Some vanilla and gentle spice open on the nose, with some pear and light oak following. The palate brings some lovely spices, including cinnamon, and some floral notes, predominately violet, and with a long finish. Another lovely Bons Bois Cognac
111	Baron de Lustrac	1980, 30YR, Bas Armagnac	$120	42.00%	Armagnac	4	91.5	Tony	Baron de Lustrac is a Merchant, or Broker, and this 1980, 30YR Bas Armagnac was distilled at Domaine Croix de Pelanne from 100% Baco Blanc. Lovely dried and burnt fruits lead off the nose, with some fig appearing as it opens. Deep, dark fruit and some oak spice on the palate in a very long finish. The tannins from this bold Armagnac gives your mouth a little pucker. Very nice indeed!
112	Ardbeg	Auriverdes	$100	49.90%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	85	Tony	Ardbeg Auriverdes was the 2014 Ardbeg Day Release. The nose is refined, and not your typical Ardbeg, with a little more sweetness, is a little grassy, and perhaps some bacon with a little milder smokiness. The palate delivers more typical Ardbeg smokiness and oiliness, but doesn’t seem to have the same balance as you would expect. I would dare say that this Ardbeg also has some Laproaig and Bowmore characteristics.

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S No.	Brand	Spirit	MSRP	Proof	Category	Buying Guide	Score	Rater	Review
1	Strega	Strega	$35	40.00%	Liqueur	4	92,00	Tony	Strega, aka “The Witch’s Brew”, is an Italian Liqueur with roughly 70 ingredients. This is a great example of why Europeans like their aperitif and digestives!!! A well balanced liqueur that doesn’t taste artificially sweetened, and has nice herbal notes, along with mints and some anise.
2	Spirits of French Lick	Aquavit	$30	45.00%	Botanicals	4	97,00	Tony	A quintessential Aquavit that will take your mind and palate to Scandinavia!! They grist and macerate our 10 botanicals in 70 proof neutral alcohol inside of our copper pot still "Sophia" for 18-24 hours prior to distillation. Pumpernickel, rye, some citrus, and possible a hint of anise lead the way, with an unidentified flavor there as well. At 92 Proof, it never tastes hot, and the higher ABV adds body, power and intensity to the finish!! An exemplary Aquavit from West Baden, IN!
3	Grangestone	12YR	$34	40.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	4	83,00	Tony	Grangestone’s label states “Highland”, but I believe this is Kininvie, a Speyside in the William Grant & Sons portfolio. Note, Speyside used to belong to the Highlands until 2009. This has nice notes of fruit, honey, floral, and spice on the nose, with fruit and oak spice balanced on the finish. Nice for the price, and a higher ABV would help!!
4	Knappogue Castle	12YR Single Barrel	$40	46.00%	Irish - Single Malt	4	88,00	Tony	Knappogue Castle is a brand of Single Malt Irish Whiskey produced by Castle Brands, and is sourced from other distilleries, including Cooley. This is a 12 YR Single Barrel picked by Liquor Barn, and bottled at a nice 46%. It is quite lovely, well balanced, and at a solid price!
5	George Remus	Remus Repeal Reserve Series 1	$86	47.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	93,00	Tony	Remus Repeal Reserve is distilled by MGP, and is a blend of 50% 2005 Bourbon 21% Rye, 15% 2006 Bourbon 36% Rye, and 35% 2006 Bourbon 21% Rye. It ticks off everything that you would want in a Premium Bourbon; Flavor, Balance, Finish, and all at a solid 94 Proof. With many Bourbons costing much more than this these days, it becomes a bargain at $86! A well-crafted, and blended Bourbon!!
6	Jeptha Creed	4 Grain Bloody Butcher 2YR+	$50	47.00%	Bourbon - Straight	2	775,00	Tony	Mash bill of 70% Bloody Butcher corn, 15% malted rye, 10% malted wheat, and 5% malted barley. Light and youthful on the nose, with some light corn and vanilla. Not much change or complexity as it opens, or on the palate. Do not think that it’s flawed, but needs more aging.
7	Hard Truth	Cinnamon Vodka	$20	30.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	76,00	Tony	I’m torn, and while I could probably drink this all day long, I feel that it could also pass for a liqueur, and has artificial or additional sweetener added. The cinnamon dominates this everywhere. Reducing that, and a higher proof would significantly raise the score.
8	Hard Truth	Toasted Coconut Rum	$20	21.00%	Rum - Flavored	3	85,00	Tony	Both the nose and the palate are alive with the toasted coconut, but this is also borderlines on being a liqueur. While this is quite delightful, and appears to be mostly or all natural flavors, it’s still almost like a liqueur, and would benefit from a higher proof. Well-made and Kudos!
9	Goodwood	12YR Stout Barrel Finish	$130	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	1	80,00	Tony	As it is opening, the stout finish becomes more apparent, with some malt and cocoa joining some bourbon flavors. Somewhat balanced nose. Although finished for only 3 months, the stout seems to overtake the bourbon. Something seems off and out of balance on the finish.
10	Old Forester	Single Barrel - Good Day, Bad Day	$40	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	90,00	Tony	Liquor Barn Select. Warehouse 1, Floor 3. Most Old Forester Single Barrel Store Picks are of good quality, flavor, and balance, while being bottled at a constant 90 Proof. I can’t help but feel that they would benefit from a little higher proof.
11	Little Book	Little Book Chapter 2, Noe Simple Task	$90	59.40%	Blended Whiskey	3	875,00	Tony	A blend of 8YR KY Straight Rye, 40YR Canadian Whisky, and 13YR Canadian Rye Whisky. The nose leads off with some spice and fruit notes. More spice and oak on the palate, with maybe some vanilla. This is a well-blended whiskey, but the oak and spice are too much for me personally, and borderline in excess.
12	Jeptha Creed	Coffee Vodka	$25	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	4	93,00	Tony	100% Corn Vodka infused with a specialty coffee blend roasted by Fante’s Coffee in Louisville, KY. The nose hits you with coffee, and some chocolate and mocha notes follow. The palate delivers nice expresso and some vanilla, with maybe some more mocha. The finish wraps it up, and this is how a flavored vodka should taste, with minimal or no artificial sweetener. Outstanding!
13	Larceny	Barrel Proof 2018	$95	57.70%	Bourbon - Straight	2	75,00	Tony	Barrel 5652486, although it doesn’t state Single Barrel. Larceny is a high wheat mash bourbon, and even at barrel proof, the nose is mild, with not a lot going on. A bit of heat on the finish, and lacking in flavor and complexity. I hope that they’ve improved over the past couple of years.
14	Jefferson's	Chateau Pichon Baron	$130	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	96,00	Tony	A limited number of Pichon Baron barrels were refilled with Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon, and extra aged. The wine finish is well balanced on the nose, and complements the bourbon with nice fruit and spice. The palate follows through with the nose, with the wine cask intertwined and balanced harmoniously with the bourbon. Easily the finest, finished bourbon that I've yet to have.
15	Foursquare	Zinfandel Cask	$60	43.00%	Rum	4	95,00	Tony	11 Years Old. The nose reeks of various fruit notes from the Barbados Rum and Zinfandel Cask. What a bouquet!!! The wine finish is very well balanced with the rum! The mouth feel is rich from the wine cask, and the palate follows through on the nose with a long finish! An outstanding rum and very well finished!!
16	Kentucky Owl	Confiscated	$120	48.20%	Bourbon - Straight	2	885,00	Tony	Kentucky Owl Confiscated has a somewhat delicate nose, with mild oak suggesting some aging. The palate is well rounded, with some delicate flavors as well, and not on the sweeter side as some bourbons can be. The finish is lengthy, with some cinnamon spice, and the oak spice being reigned in. This is a nice bourbon, and suggests some age. The lack of information and transparency provided by Kentucky Owl makes this price high, and as a consumer, would pass for $120 and no info.
17	Roger Groult	Venerable	$80	41.00%	Calvados	4	925,00	Tony	A blend of Calvados over 18 YR. Apple and spices are wonderfully balanced on the nose. The mouth-feel and palate are alive with fruit, spice, and some gingerbread. Most Calvados, Cognac & Armagnac spend the bulk of their lifetime in old casks to avoid overtly prominent wood tannins and influence, but this still adds some oaky spice notes, yet minimal. This is just showing the aging potential, and why older Calvados is right there with Cognac!
18	Bowman	Port Finish	$45	46.00%	Bourbon - Straight	4	865,00	Tony	Nice spice and fruit notes on the nose. The port finish threatens to take over the bourbon, but doesn’t, and has good balance. More fruit and spice notes on the palate, with a medium - long finish. This is a very well finished bourbon that has good balance from the nose through the finish. This is a bargain with many finished bourbons costing much more!
19	Hamilton	Saint Lucia 9YR	$70	67.40%	Rum	4	895,00	Tony	Hamilton Saint Lucia 9 YR is from Ed Hamilton's and the Ministry of Rum's Private Collection. It's Pot Distilled from the Fermentation of Guyanese molasses, which is quite evident on the nose, which indicates an intense and serious rum!!! Cane, tropical fruits, some spice and smoke are all present on the nose and palate. This is a true British Style rum that offers pungent, and intense, bold flavors! This style, and at 67.4%, are not for everyone!
20	Santa Teresa	1796	$40	40.00%	Rum	5	915,00	Tony	Solera Aged. The nose leads off with some fruity notes, maybe cherries and plum? Possible wine cask involved? Butterscotch and some spice follow as it opens. All are well balanced and integrated on the palate and in the finish. A stellar rum from Venezuela, and a bargain!!!
21	Copper & Kings	Zmaj Serbian Juniper Finished Absinthe	$70	65.00%	Botanicals	3	895,00	Tony	Zmaj was aged for 18 months in Serbian Juniper wood barrels, and has a double-distilled Muscat Brandy base. The anise is evident, but there is almost a piney note instead of the traditional oak spice as it opens. The Anise doesn’t smack you like some other Absinthe’s can, and that pine note is very interesting, and unusual. This is a powerful Absinthe, with the anise leading the way as you might expect on the palate, but there is also some sweetness. The finish is very long. I found this to be very interesting, and quite enjoyable!!
22	Parker's	Rye 8YR	$150	52.50%	Rye - Straight	1	815,00	Tony	The nose was a mix of rye and bourbonesque qualities with spice, char, and maybe some caramel? Just guessing a low percentage, or bare minimum rye, followed by a bit of corn. Maybe some fruits mingled with a lot of spice on the palate. A little disppointing at $150.
23	Willett	Small Batch Rye 4YR	$60	53.10%	Rye - Straight	3	91,00	Tony	The nose indicates a low to medium percentage of rye, followed by corn and barley. Almost a marriage of bourbon and rye. The palate is well balanced with fruit and spice in a long finish! A well-made rye!
24	Amrut	Fusion	$73	50.00%	Indian Whisky	4	955,00	Tony	Amrut Fusion is created from a mix of 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% peated Scottish barley. Separately distilled and aged for 4YR, then "fused" together for an additional 3 months. Fruit, malt and a touch of smoke is balanced nicely on the nose. Fruit, chocolate or toffee, oak spice, and a touch of smoke are all incredibly balanced on the palate, with a long finish. Outstanding!!
25	Nikka	Taketsuru Pure Malt	$65	43.00%	Japanese - Blended Malt	3	91,00	Tony	Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt containing a high percentage from Miyagikyo, with the remainder coming from Yoichi. Aged on average for around 10YR in different casks, including sherry. Very clean on the nose with fruit and light malt. Rich, fruity, and slight spice on the palate, with a generous and pleasing finish. There is a richness indicating some sherry wood influence. An ideal entry point to Nikka Whisky.
26	Cardenal Mendoza	Gran Reserva	$60	40.00%	Brandy	4	91,00	Tony	Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva is created from 100% holandas (distilled in alquitaras, or pot stills, up to 70% alcohol). Aged for an average of 15 YR in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The nose is well balanced with notes of sherry, raisin and prune. The palate is rich with those same sherry, raisin, and prune notes. A lingering mouth-feel and finish.
27	Spirits of French Lick	Old Clifty Apple Brandy 2YR	$48	45.00%	Brandy	3	865,00	Tony	Fermented from the fresh juice of Michigan apples and double pot distilled. Aged in 63 gallon once used re-char red wine barrels with a #2 char and new American oak toasted head. The nose is alive with the red apples and some caramel. The mouth-feel is full, with apple pie and spices throughout the palate, with hints of cinnamon. This is right where it should be for 2YR, and I like how the wood is reigned in.
28	Neeley Family Distillery	Moonshine	$25	60.10%	Moonshine	4	92,00	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery Moonshine is Kentucky Proud, and Triple Pot-Distilled from sweet corn and cane sugar. The nose is very clean, and not "hot" for 60.1%. The balance of the corn and cane is truly harmonious, and is showcased on the palate, in the mouth-feel, and in the finish. This is a very clean, well-crafted moonshine, and not just one to rush on the shelves, or a gimmick. Kudos! Kentucky Proud, and made with pride!!
29	Bertrand	XO	$160	40.00%	Cognac	4	96,00	Tony	Bertrand XO is a blend of Petite Champagne aged 35 and 40 years. Just a lovely nose, with dried fruits, and a little vanilla and wood spice. I want to crawl into the glass!!! The palate is alive with dried and candied fruits, some kind of nut, and a hint of chocolate? The finish is extremely long, and so pleasing. This is an outstanding XO Cognac!!!
30	Chateau des Plassons	Extra Old		40.00%	Cognac	3	92,00	Tony	Chateau des Plassons Extra Old is a blend of 100% Bons Bois aged from 25 – 40YR. The nose is intense with fruit and mild spice. The palate delivers more fruit and mild oak spice, with a long finish. This is a well-balanced and full bodied Cognac that proves you can get exemplary Cognacs from the Bons Bois Cru! Very nice!
31	Normandin Mercier	XO	$150	40.00%	Cognac	4	925,00	Tony	Normandin Mercier XO Cognac is a blend of 100% Grande Champagne, and is a blend of 20 - 45YR, with an average age of 30YR. The fruit really leads the way on the nose with dried fruit, citrus, and some nuts and spice. Some light rancio notes appear as it opens more, an indicator of Grande Champagne Cognac that is well aged. The palate is full with dried fruit and spices, and delivers a long finish. Silver in San Francisco in 2017? Not so sure. This is a perfect example of a well-aged, and blended, Grande Champagne Cognac!!!
32	Pasquet	L'Espirit de Famille Andre'	$173	51.40%	Cognac	3	915,00	Tony	100% Petite Champagne Cru, 525 Bottles. The nose is very elegant with fruit and floral notes. Fruit and spice linger in a long finish. This is both elegant and bold, and why I wish that some of these cognacs were available here in the US! Very nice!!
33	Crooked Water Spirits	Old Fashioned	$48	37.50%	RTD	3	92,00	Tony	Crooked Water Spirits Old Fashioned is bourbon based, and distilled by Yahara Bay Distillers. It is bottled at 75 Proof. The demerara sweetness is more evident at the rim of the glass. The nose is very well balanced for a pre-made cocktail, with the bourbon, demerara and bitters all working in harmony. The palate rings true, with the bourbon lingering on the finish. This is an outstanding ready-to-drink cocktail, and Old Fashioned!! Well done!!
34	Tattersall	Old Fashioned	$35	35.00%	RTD	3	855,00	Tony	100% Rye Whiskey then blended with Tattersall Sour Cherry Liqueur, bitters, sugar, and orange. Toffee, orange, and the cherry are all present on the nose, but doesn’t smell as sweet as I may have been expecting. The cherry leads the way on the palate, followed by some spices. The rye lingers in the finish. An interesting Old Fashioned with the Sour Cherry Liqueur, and very tasty!
35	Forgeron	Barrique 1989	$71	58.00%	Cognac	4	915,00	Tony	100% Grande Champagne. This is a spice bomb on the nose, as in baking spices, along with some fruit. More spices on the palate, with the fruit being secondary. The finish is long, with some oak spice present. This is a rare cask strength and Vintage Cognac at 58%, and is big and bold! More please!!
36	Chateau de Montifaud	XO Silver	$110	40.00%	Cognac	4	90,00	Tony	Chateau de Montifaud XO Silver is 20+ YR old and produced from 100% Petite Champagne. A very delicate and elegant nose of dried fruits and light spice. The palate is almost identical to the nose, with more soft fruit notes, but the finish is long, with some light spice. Quite enjoyable!
37	Prunier	20YR	$165	40.00%	Cognac	4	885,00	Tony	Prunier 20YR is produced from a 50/50 blend of 92 and 96 vintages. They buy the eau-de-vie from wine growers and distillers each year, then age the Cognac in their own cellars. The nose has a sweetness to it, with fruit and possibly honey. The palate has some woodiness and floral notes, with some toffee and nuts.
38	Chateau des Plassons	XO	$80	40.00%	Cognac	4	88,00	Tony	Chateau des Plassons XO is produced from 100% Bons Bois Cru eau-de-vie. There is almost a youthfulness to the nose, with some fruit and floral notes. Maybe some light spice. Would just guess that this has an avg age of 15 - 20YR. Fruit dominates the palate, with some spice along for the ride. The finish is long and pleasing. Another very nice Bons Bois Cognac!!!
39	Renault	Carte d'Argent XO	$365	40.00%	Cognac	4	95,00	Tony	A blend of Fine Champagne aged 10 – 30YR. Initially shows a lot of plum on the nose, followed by hints of candied fruit, nuts, and fig as it opens. Very silky in the mouth, with subtle honey, a nuttiness, toffee, and cocoa on the palate. It’s hard to call this a bargain at roughly $365, but it is, and an outstanding Cognac!
40	Audry	Memorial Reserve	$130	42.00%	Cognac	5	97,00	Tony	Audry Memorial Reserve Cognac is a blend of Fine Champagne aged between 30 - 60YR. Floral, fruit, and some spice notes initially on the nose. I swear that some pine appears after a few minutes? Some chocolate and rancio notes appear a few minutes after that as well. Very complex!! It's full bodied, with some anise and honey on the finish. What the hell? The finish is very long, and this cognac is amazing and so balanced!
41	Andre Petit	XO Extra	$95	40.00%	Cognac	5	895,00	Tony	Andre Petit Extra is a blend of Petite Champagne and Fins Bois, has an average age of 20YR, and includes some 35YR. The nose is soft with some fruit and a little spice. After several minutes, some light rancio appears. The palate brings much more spiciness, and a little more wood influence than most cognacs, but it's intentional. Well balanced with a lengthy finish. A steal for roughly $95!!
42	Pinnacle	Peppermint Bark	$12	35.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	815,00	Tony	Made from Imitation Peppermint Bark. As you would expect, mint is on the nose, but almost liqueurish. There is some sweetness, but finishes a little dry, and has a lengthy finish. I cannot help but feel that there is some artificial sweetness and/or flavors added, but can see its appeal, maybe in cocktails?
43	Middle West Spirits	Michelone Reserve	$42	47.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	86,00	Tony	Michelone Reserve is a Wheated Bourbon, and the nose indicates a good portion of wheat with some sweetness, fruit, and some nuttiness. Some sweet fruit notes on the palate, along with some oak spice in a medium – long finish. A nicely balanced wheated bourbon!
44	Forgeron	XO	$80	45.00%	Cognac	5	955,00	Tony	Produced from 100% Grande Champagne from 1989 – 1999, and is 20 – 30YR old. The nose leads off with some candied fruits and a little leather. Some baking spices are also present. Just a lovely nose!! The palate brings some light rancio, and not overpowering. This is a steal, and an outstanding Cognac!
45	Deau	Louis Memory	$330	40.00%	Cognac	4	925,00	Tony	Deau Louis Memory is a blend of 100% Grande Champagne, and the oldest eau-de-vie in the blend dates back to 1916. The initial nose brings some sweet fruit notes. As it opens, some fig and cinnamon appear, along with some rancio, indicating some old eau-de-vie in the blend. Fruit, cinnamon and some spice are all well balanced on the palate in a lingering and long finish!!
46	Niagara Craft Spirits	Sinferno	$30	33.00%	Gin - Flavored	2	735,00	Tony	Sinferno is a Hot Cinnamon flavored Gin distilled by Niagara Craft Spirits LLC. It is distilled from New York State grain or fruit. Okay? The cinnamon dominates the nose, with the gin really in the background. This is more like a cinnamon flavored neutral spirit, or liqueur, than a flavored gin. Cinnamon really dominates it all the way around, and even at 33%, the proof is more like a liqueur than a flavored gin.
47	A de Fussigny	Selection	$40	40.00%	Cognac	4	84,00	Tony	Part of the estate's Création series, this VS Cognac comprises a blend of eaux-de-vie from the Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois appellations, matured between two and ten years in Limousin and Tronçais oak barrels. A somewhat elegant nose with fruit and floral notes, maybe some nuttiness. It’s well balanced on the palate, with a medium to long finish. A really nice VS Cognac.
48	L'Encantada	1991, 26YR, Single Barrel Bas Armagnac	$120	48.60%	Armagnac	4	905,00	Tony	Single Barrel Project, Cask 102, 205 Bottles. Lovely fruit on the nose, with a little spice. The fruit and spice is well balanced on the palate, and a little bolder at cask strength with a nice finish!
49	Black Bull	40YR Batch 1	$230	40.20%	Scotch - Blended	4	935,00	Tony	Black Bull is a line of Blended Scotch in the Duncan Taylor portfolio. This 40YR, Batch 1, contains 40 - 44YR whiskies from Bunnahabhain, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Glenburgie, Highland Park, Miltonduff, Springbank, Tamdhu, and Invergordon. It contains 90% Single Malt, 10% Single Grain, and was bottled on 11/09 at Cask Strength and is non-chill filtered and non-coloured. The oak is really reigned in on the nose, has some sweetness, with fruit, candied fruit, and grassy notes. Some gentle oak on the finish, and possibly some light peatiness. Very well balanced, and so drinkable! Damn!! This is an art, and why you don't put down all blends!
50	Oban	Distillers Edition 2018	$105	43.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	885,00	Tony	Finished in Montilla Fino. Fruit and a little honey lead off on the nose, with some maritime notes as it opens. The Fino finish adds a rich mouth-feel, and the palate delivers some light sea salt, along with some Oban fruitiness. A bigger and richer Oban. Almost chewy, which is not the brand’s style. Quite enjoyable!
51	Dalmore	Cigar Malt Reserve	$140	44.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	94,00	Tony	Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is matured initially in ex-Bourbon and 30YR Matusalem Oloroso sherry, then finished in premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon casks. The sherry and wine finish is evident, but well balanced on the nose, and is rich with fruit notes and some spices. As it opens more, the Cabernet becomes much more evident. More fruit and spices on the palate, and in a long finish. This is very good, and can see it being paired with a cigar!!
52	Strathisla	Lonach 42YR	$200	41.10%	Scotch - Single Malt	5	945,00	Tony	Distilled in 1967. Sweet caramel and honey are intertwined wonderfully with an assortment of fruits on the nose. Everything is well balanced on the palate, with some spice and light oak on the finish. This is still lively at 42YR old, and the oak reigned in. I wish that more of these older expressions of Strathisla were available, but at this price!
53	Havana Club	Barrel Proof	$80	45.00%	Rum	5	96,00	Tony	Havana Club Barrel Proof was first aged in older white oak casks, blended, and finished in specially 'selected' younger fresh oak casks. The nose is very clean, with little evidence of any charring, and may have been triple distilled. Lighter in color, with sweet toffee and spice on the nose. There's almost an Anise note as it opens. Just a heavenly nose!!! Toffee, spice, a touch of oak, and sweet molasses are so well balanced in the palate!!! I feel like I'm nitpicking, as there really are no flaws in this rum. Spectacular!!
54	Longrow	Red 11YR Cab Franc	$105	55.90%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	89,00	Tony	Longrow is the more peated line from Springbank Distillery. This limited 11YR Cab Franc finish spent 9YR in bourbon casks, and 2YR Cabernet Franc casks. The peat and wine finish are balanced nicely on the nose, especially at 55.9%. Both are balanced nicely on the palate as well, with the Cab Franc fruit complimenting the Longrow!! Quite tasty!!
55	Knappogue Castle	16YR Twin Wood	$90	40.00%	Irish - Single Malt	4	91,00	Tony	Knappogue Castle 16YR Twin Wood Single Malt Irish Whiskey was aged for 15+ YR in ex-Bourbon casks, and then spent 9 months in ex Oloroso Sherry casks. Distilled in 1994, Bottled in 2010, and 1900 bottles. Over the course of 10+ minutes, the noes goes from sherry dominant, to the triple distilled light maltiness, and then to a nice balance of the two, with fruit, toasted nuts, and some vanilla. The finish is long, and well balanced. An outstanding Knappogue Castle, and Irish Single Malt!!
56	Darroze	1967 49 YR Bas Armagnac	$200	49.00%	Armagnac	5	95,00	Tony	This 49YR Darroze 1967 Bas-Armagnac was distilled in 1967 at Domaine De Lamarquette, and bottled in 2016. It is 100% Baco Blanc, or Baco 22A, and bottled at 49% abv. The initial nose is bolder than most Bas Armagnacs, from the abv and the Baco being the only grape used. Just lovely fruit and burnt orange are revealed on the nose, and shows no signs of being in oak for nearly half a century. The more it opens, cream brulee shows up. Damn!! The mouth feel is full bodied for an Armagnac, which tend to be elegant, and leads into more fruit and spice in a long finish that is so well balanced!! This is why I LOVE Armagnac!!!
57	Chambord	Chambord	$35	16.50%	Liqueur	4	91,00	Tony	Chambord is a French Liqueur that is created by infusing neutral spirits with raspberries and blackberries. A 2nd infusion extracts even more flavor from the fruit. After 6 weeks total, the berries are pressed, and the infused alcohol, along with the fruit juices and sugars, is then blended with extracts of black raspberries, black currants, Madagascar Vanilla, herbs, and Cognac. It is a Proprietary blend. The raspberry leads the charge, with blackberry a distant second initially. The berries are really the story, with some vanilla showing on the finish. The sweetness tastes all natural, which is what you want in a Liqueur. Chambord also mixes wonderfully with Prosecco for a Kir Royale!
58	Lapponia	Lakka	$23	21.00%	Liqueur	4	93,00	Tony	Lakka is a Liqueur that is prominent in Finland, where cloudberries are steeped in grain neutral spirit for 2 - 6 months. Soaked in oak barrels for months, natural sweeteners, like honey, and spices, like cinnamon or clove, are added to the alcohol. The berries lead the way, with some of the above mentioned honey and spices in the background. The mouth-feel is rich and thick, with more berry and honey on the palate, along with some subtle spice. The finish is long, and doesn't taste artificially sweetened!
59	Renault	Heritage Collection 1989	$370	42.70%	Cognac	2	93,00	Tony	Renault Heritage Collection 1989 is a rare vintage Cognac, most of which are blends. It was produced from 100% Petite Champagne in lightly toasted oak, is 26 YR, and produced 600 Bottles. This is an elegant Cognac, with lovely fruit on the nose, which seems enhanced from the light oak influence. This also shows great finesse, but with a surprisingly long finish in the finish. Renault said that 1989 was an exceptional year for the Cognac produced, and this Vintage Cognac supports that!!
60	Reisetbauer	12YR Single Malt	$125	48.00%	Austrian Whisky	2	805,00	Tony	Reisetbauer 12YR Single Malt is an Austrian Whisky that was aged for 12YR in Chardonnay and Trockenbeerenauslese oak barrels, which is a sweet Austrian dessert wine. The nose is an array of maltiness, wet grass or hay, and grape must. Sadly, the wine casks are over the top on the finish, and take away from the original character of the barley and whisky.
61	Germain-Robin	Anno Domini 2009	$400	40.00%	Brandy	3	955,00	Tony	Germain-robin Anno Domini 2009 is a solera-style blend dating back to 1983, with ages from 15+ to 30YR, and contains some dry-farmed Palomino from the late 80's, perhaps the rarest and most treasured gem in the library. 300 Bottles. The nose leads off with rich fruit, and suggesting Pinot Noir in the blend. As it opens more, some oak spice is nicely balanced in. Big fruit from the Pinot, and more spice in a long finish!! An outstanding American Brandy!!
62	Redbreast	12YR	$55	40.00%	Irish - Pot Still	4	95,00	Tony	Aged in ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Fruit is prominent, with some spiciness on the nose. Very elegant, with some honey notes appearing as it opens more. Sherry fruit, and some spice in a long finish. This is the definition of Pot Still Irish Whisky!!
63	Resilient	6YR Single Barrel Rye	$95	58.00%	Rye - Straight	3	895,00	Tony	Resilient 6YR Straight Rye Whisky is a near 7YR MGP Single Barrel Rye, Barrel #1, Bottle 116, Filled 2/13, Bottled 2/20, 95/5 Rye, and has a #4 Char. As you would expect from the MGP 95/5 Mash bill, there is the bold rye spiciness, and some floral and fruit notes, but are amplified by the 116 proof, and this is a well-balanced Single Barrel. The Retail is around $95, but worth the price of admission for high proof MGP Rye lovers!
64	Hedonist	Hedonist	$35	29.00%	Liqueur	3	915,00	Tony	Hedonist is a French Liqueur produced from Cognac, fresh ginger, and vanilla. Ginger and pepper spice lead off on the nose, with some lime in the background. The ginger and pepper, along with lime cola are all well balanced on the palate, with a medium finish. Not as sweet as most liqueurs, easy to drink, and would be a great digestive, possibly settling the stomach after a big meal.
65	Hennessy	Pure White	$45	40.00%	Cognac	4	88,00	Tony	Hennessy Pure White is a blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois eau-de-vie, aged from 2 - 50 YR, and is difficult to produce. Light, clean fresh fruit on the nose, with some apple perhaps. Not aggressive at all, and some floral notes appear as it opens more. Fresh fruit and floral on the palate, in a long, but light and delicate finish. Not my cup of tea, but can appreciate it, and see its appeal and versatility!
66	Forty Creek	Copper Pot Reserve	$30	43.00%	Canadian Whisky	4	87,00	Tony	Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve is a Canadian Whisky, where the rye, corn, and barley are each distilled separately in a pot still, aged separately, and when each individual whisky is deemed ready, they are blended together and aged in oak again. Oak and spice is nicely balanced out on the nose by the barley and corn. The palate is loaded with spiciness, but yet with some sweetness. This is the Barrel Select on steroids, and I'll gladly pour this for anyone who says they don't like Canadian Whisky!!
67	Renegade	Panama 1997	$70	46.00%	Rum	4	97,00	Tony	Renegade Panama Rum 1997 (Don Jose), is a Panama Rum aged 10 YR in ex-bourbon casks, then shipped to the Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland where it is finished in Port casks, then bottled. 1,390 bottles were produced. The port is evident on the nose initially with some red fruit, along with some spices. As it opens more, rich brown sugar appears. A bit complex, and so well balanced!! That same brown sugar, red fruits, spices, and some oak spice are all very well balanced on the palate, and in a lengthy finish. Outstanding!!
68	Holi	Gin	$25	40.00%	Gin	4	85,00	Tony	Holi Gin starts as a grain neutral spirit from corn, and is produced from traditional botanicals and juniper. Taking inspiration from their founder's Indian heritage, it is also spiced with masala chai. The chai spices are the star of the show, and lead the way on the nose and in the palate, with the juniper and other botanicals present, but playing second fiddle. I found this to be a nice, and unique gin that also mixes very well with Bailey's for a Chai Latte.
69	Green Spot	Chateau Leoville Barton	$70	46.00%	Irish - Pot Still	4	91,00	Tony	Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton was aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, then finished for 1 - 2 years in Bordeaux wine casks. A lovely mix of fruits initially greets the nose from the sherry and wine casks. The more it opens, it reminds me of a fall apple gingerbread. Some apple and spice finish it off. The wine finish really compliments this, and adds another layer and dimension.
70	Bertrand	Heritage	$335	49.20%	Cognac	4	100,00	Tony	Bertrand Heritage is a 50+ YR old Cognac produced from 100% Petite Champagne, bottled at Cask Strength, 49.2%, and yielded only 500 Bottles. Fruit, floral, and some spice notes lead off on the nose, with some lovely rancio joining over time. Just a phenomenal nose that makes you want to crawl up in the glass. Everything is so well balanced for this age. Fruit, some honey, and the rancio are harmoniously balanced with some wood spice on the palate. I really think the cask strength elevated what was already a stellar Cognac!!
71	Bakery Hill	Peated Single Malt Cask Strength	$153	60.90%	Australian Whisky	3	915,00	Tony	Bakery Hill Cask Strength Peated Malt is an Australian Whisky that's bottled at 60.9%. Right out of the bottle, there is a nice balance of malt and peat, and does not show signs of that proof! Reminds me a little of an Ardbeg, but with some different characteristics. As it opens more, the malt moves to the center of attention. The palate is well balanced with a long finish! Any fan of peated scotches will enjoy this. I've been saying for years that there is good Whisk(e)y being made all over the world now, and this proves it!!
72	Big Peat	Christmas Edition 2015	$55	53.80%	Scotch - Blended Malt	4	93,00	Tony	Douglas Laing's Big Peat Christmas Edition 2015 is a Blended Malt Scotch, and even more specifically, a Blended Islay Malt Scotch, including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and Port Ellen. The nose is like a dying bonfire, without the intensity, along with some coastal sea salt. I feel like it's heavy on the Caol Ila and Ardbeg, but very well balanced. Some fruit notes on the palate, followed by that bonfire and sea salt. Distinctively Islay, and a well-crafted Blend.
73	Pasquet	L'Espirit de Famille Christian	$143	54.10%	Cognac	4	935,00	Tony	Pasquet L'Espirit de Famille Christian is a Single Cask Cognac that was distilled in 1988 from 100% Petite Champagne. It was bottled at Cask Strength, 54.1%, and yielded 303 bottles. 11 casks were sampled, and they chose a winner!! Lovely notes of nut, brown sugar, and some spice on the nose, with some fruit notes appearing as it opens more. The palate delivers everything on the nose, along with some additional peppery spices, and in a long finish!
74	Forty Creek	Barrel Select	$25	40.00%	Canadian Whisky	4	84,00	Tony	Forty Creek Barrel Select is a blend of various grain whiskies aged in seasoned ex-Bourbon barrels and new American White Oak. Some grain sweetness on the nose, possibly corn or maize, along with some nut and spice. The palate has that sweetness as well, along with some vanilla and spice in a medium finish. At around $25, this is hard to beat for an everyday summer drinker!
75	Bowman	Touriga & Merlot Finish 11YR	$40	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	86,00	Tony	The nose is a nice mix of vanilla, dark fruits, and some spice. The fruits push forward as it opens more. Nice balance! The palate is a nice blend of fruit and spice in a medium finish! A very easy drinker, but the finishes really push the boundaries of dominating the bourbon!
76	Angel's Envy	Cellar Collection Tawny Port 2019	$250	55.80%	Bourbon - Straight	2	83,00	Tony	10YR Straight Bourbon finished for 10 mos in Tawny Port barrels. The nose is rather mild, with fruits and spice. The palate brings some dark fruit sweetness and oak spices. With a medium finish, and a lackluster nose, I have to consider this overpriced at $250!!
77	1792	225th Anniversary	$35	46.08%	Bourbon - Straight	3	85,00	Tony	The nose is a mix of sweetness, fruit, and some spice. The palate delivers on the nose, with less spice, and some oak spice. The finish is medium. Not overly complex for an Anniversary edition, but priced right for what it is!
78	High West	14YR Light Whiskey	$100	46.00%	Light Whiskey	3	91,00	Tony	100 barrels produced from corn between 1999 & 2001, and aged in 2nd fill barrels. The nose is heavy on the vanilla, but there is some underlying sweetness with caramel, and perhaps honey. The palate is more flavorful than I was expecting for a Light Whiskey, with vanilla, chocolate, fruits and honey. An outstanding representative of this category!!!
79	1792	Port Finish	$40	44.45%	Bourbon - Straight	4	91,00	Tony	A 6YR Bourbon finished for 2YR in Port barrels. Dark fruits, apple, and spice lead off on the nose. Wonderfully balanced. The palate is also nicely balanced with fruit and oak spice, reminding you that you’re still drinking a bourbon. A really nice finished bourbon, and how it should be done!
80	1792	High Rye	$36	47.15%	Bourbon - Straight	3	84,00	Tony	8+ YR old. Fruit, some spiciness and some oak spice lead off on the nose. While not necessarily a high proof bourbon, there is some ethanol present, and a sweeter nose than I was expecting. Was expecting more spiciness from a high rye, including on the palate, which is also sweeter than I was expecting, with some spiciness mixed with some oak. This did not seem significantly different from the Small Batch to me.
81	Absolut	Citron	$20	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	3	88,00	Tony	Absolut Citron has nice lemon and lime notes on the nose, and is balanced with the underlying Vodka. The palate delivers on the nose, and is balanced without tasting any artificial sweetness in a medium finish.
82	Absolut	Mandrin	$20	40.00%	Vodka - Flavored	4	92,00	Tony	Nice orange and tangerine notes on the nose, with the vodka in the background, and no trace of sweetness. The palate echoes the nose, with the vodka a little more pronounced, but with excellent balance. Nice flavors in a medium – long finish, and again without any sweetness. A really nice flavored Vodka.
83	1792	Full Proof	$45	62.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	83,00	Tony	8.5YR old per their Press Release. A somewhat mild nose, with your std bourbon notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. There is some ethanol present as well. Some fruit and sweetness, along with some heat greets the palate, but is overtaken by the alcohol on the finish.
84	Bowman	Gingerbread Cocoa Finish	$40	45.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	84,00	Tony	The barrels originally held bourbon for 4.5YR, were emptied, and sent to Hardywood Park Brewery and filled with two beers: 6 barrels aged Gingerbread Stout and 4 barrels aged Foolery Imperial Milk Stout. Both beers aged 8 mos, emptied, and filled again with bourbon for 8+ years, and finished for 17 mos in these barrels. Vanilla, ginger & chocolate greet the nose initially, with some spice peeking through. Very complex nose & balanced. The palate is like a bourbon that has been soaked in candy bars, with a medium, but pleasing finish.
85	Jack Daniels	Black No 7	$25	40.00%	Tennessee Whiskey	3	84,00	Tony	Banana, spice, & subtle smokiness on the nose are mixed with some sweet notes. The banana comes forward as it opens more. The palate brings some sweetness, while finishing with oak spiciness. This would benefit from a higher proof.
86	Neeley Family Distillery	Bourbon Ball Cream Xmas Edition	$23	17.50%	Liqueur	5	91,00	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery's Bourbon Ball Cream Liqueur was a special Christmas Edition that was only available at the distillery. It starts with a very clean moonshine base, and has natural cream and natural flavors. The nose is as advertised, with bourbon ball chocolate and cream. Truly a bourbon ball in a glass, with some cream, and perhaps a touch of walnut? Once again, this tastes all natural, which separates it from many other cream liqueurs.
87	Neeley Family Distillery	Chocolate Truffle Moonshine Cream	$25	17.50%	Liqueur	5	94,00	Tony	Neeley Family Distillery's Chocolate Truffle Moonshine Cream Liqueur starts with a very clean moonshine base, and has natural cream, vanilla, walnut, and chocolate fudge flavoring. A chocolate lover's dream on the nose, with the walnut and vanilla playing second fiddle, but show up more in the taste, along with the fudge. An exceptional, and complex cream liqueur that tastes all natural, which is what you should look for!! Kudos!!
88	Buffalo Trace	Bourbon Cream	$20	15.00%	Liqueur	3	79,00	Tony	Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream starts with a Straight Bourbon Whiskey base, and has caramel coloring added, but not sure why? It's an easy drinker, but not much to it, and doesn't taste all natural to me. It mixes very well with a hard root beer, or in coffee and over ice cream.
89	Jose Cuervo	Gold	$15	40.00%	Tequila	2	60,00	Tony	Jose Cuervo Gold is a Gold Tequila, meaning that it's a blend of Blanco and aged Tequila, probably Reposado based on its price. Gold Tequila is also equivalent to Oro and Joven Tequila. It is not 100% Blue Agave, but must be at least 51% per the NOM Regulations, and the remaining 49% must be other sugars of a non-agave source. These are typically molasses, cane sugar, or corn syrup, and these sugars must be blended together prior to fermentation. Some agave and sugar notes are present on the nose, along with some alcohol. Some form of cane sugar was almost definitely added. Sugary sweetness, black pepper, alcohol, and hardly any agave notes are on the palate.
90	Chateau de Montifaud	Extra	$215	40.00%	Cognac	3	915,00	Tony	Chateau de Montifaud Extra is a blend of 100% Petite Champagne, and yielded only 988 bottles. Lovely fruit and floral notes lead the way, with some spice appearing after a few minutes. Possibly some light rancio as well, indicating some older cognac in the blend. The palate delivers on the nose, with the spice being more predominant in a long finish! Very nice!!
91	Chateau du Breuil	15YR	$95	41.00%	Calvados	3	91,00	Tony	Chateau du Breuil is a Pays D’Auge Calvados, and lovely apple notes lead the way on the nose. As it opens, some spice, light baked pear, and perhaps some light oak spice appear, turning it into a baked apple pie with some pear notes. The palate delivers on the nose, with a little more of the spiciness. This is just showing the aging potential of Calvados, and is an excellent representation!
92	La Vallee De La Framboise	Le Brochu Raspberry and Black Currant	$30	23.00%	Liqueur	3	90,00	Tony	Le Vallee De La Framboise’s Le Brochu Raspberry and Black Currant Liqueur is produced in Quebec, CA from a blend of 80% Raspberry and 20% Black Currant. The nose is just a lovely bouquet of fresh raspberry and black currant. The proportions of fruit used are just right, and very well balanced, with the blackcurrant complimenting the raspberry. The palate is reminiscent of the nose, but with more sweetness than I was hoping for. The finish is medium – long, and very pleasing. My only knock is the sugar added, although not over the top.
93	Ole Smoky	Apple Pie	$20	35.00%	Moonshine - Flavored	3	81,00	Tony	Ole Smoky Apple Pie Flavored Moonshine has some nice apple and a little spice initially on the nose, but as it opens, the apple pie is more noticeable at the rim of the glass, but with more sweetness than I was expecting. The taste is an apple pie with apple and some baking spices, but with far too much sweetness, and borders heavily on being a liqueur.
94	EH Taylor	Small Batch	$55	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	2	765,00	Tony	EH Taylor Small Batch is rumored to be around 7YR, and once it opens, the nose is lovely with nice fruit notes integrated with the nice oak spice. The mouth-feel and taste is overwhelmed with alcohol and oak spice, sadly! This tasted younger than its rumored age.
95	Drop Shop	Orangecello	$30	35.00%	Liqueur	4	97,00	Tony	Lovely fresh orange on the nose, and as it opens, the rim becomes that orange peel! Just lovely orange flavors! The mouth-feel and taste are alive with the orange, but also with what I believe to be a Vodka base? Very well-balanced, with no artificial tasting flavors or sweetness, and in a lengthy finish! Outstanding!
96	West Fork Whiskey	Old Hamer 80 Proof	$30	40.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	785,00	Tony	Distilled, aged, and bottled by MGP from a mash of 99% Corn and 1% Malted Barley. It was aged for a minimum of 2YR. This is really young all the way around, on the nose and taste. The low ABV makes it somewhat easily drinkable, but it’s not complex, and could use more ageing, and some secondary grains. I do see potential with it.
97	Spirits of French Lick	Mattie Gladded 4YR BIB	$45	50.00%	Bourbon - Straight	5	92,00	Tony	This is a High Rye mash comprised of 55% Corn, 35% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley. Unlike some other high rye bourbons, this lives up to its billing! The nose reveals some nice notes of dried fruits, some corn, maybe some chocolate, and the alcohol is reigned in nicely. The taste and palate confirm some chocolate, along with those dried fruits, baking spices, and some gentle oak, in a medium – long finish. I love how the oak and alcohol are both reigned in, and doesn’t blow up your palate, with the finish lingering more in your throat. This is the type of stuff that people should be trying, rather than searching for supposed unicorns!!
98	The Botanist	The Botanist	$40	46.00%	Gin	3	945,00	Tony	The Botanist is distilled from 100% Grain Neutral Spirit, and from 31 botanicals, including 22 that are hand-foraged on the island of Islay in Scotland. Surprisingly juniper strong on the nose early, with some lemon and orange citrus, along with some subtle grass or hay. As it opens, those citrus notes come forward. The juniper leads the way again on the palate early, with citrus, spices, and floral notes following. The finish is clean, and very long. This is an outstanding and complex gin, but I personally don’t enjoy it like I had hoped neat.
99	Audry	Reserve Speciale	$111	40.00%	Cognac	3	88,00	Tony	A Fine Champagne aged 25 – 30YR. This Cognac takes some time to reveal itself, but once it does, gentle oak, citrus, and nut aromas appear. The palate delivers fruit, some caramel, light honey, and finishes with more oak spice than I was expecting, which is a little milder as it opens more! A very nice Fine Champagne Cognac.
100	Asbach	Freieitsbrand 1989 25YR	$275	41.00%	Brandy	3	94,00	Tony	Asbach Freiheitsbrand was a limited edition release of Asbach commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and contains a piece of the wall. The nose leads off with lush raisin, some nice dried fruit, and some mild oak. As it opens more, the raisin really dominates the nose, almost reminiscent of a Spanish Brandy. Fruit, oak spice, and cinnamon cap things off in a long finish. A truly commemorative edition, and an outstanding Asbach!!
101	Stagg Jr	2020 Batch 13	$50	64.20%	Bourbon - Straight	3	81,00	Tony	Stagg Jr is bottled uncut, unfiltered, and at barrel proof, which is quite evident from start to finish. Wood and ethanol dominate the nose initially, with some fruit appearing as it opens. For me, the nose was the star of the show, as without water, the alcohol and wood are overpowering, with some fruit, chocolate, and other spice fighting to be present on the palate. I have to assume that the accolades this bourbon gets is with water added, because I’m just not seeing it without
102	Fireball	Fireball	$14	33.00%	Flavored Whiskey	2	665,00	Tony	Fireball started as part of a Canadian line of schnapps manufactured by the Seagram company in the 1980s, pretty much just cinnamon and a little sugar added to standard Canadian whisky. In 1989, the Sazerac company purchased the brand and the formula, re-branding it as “Dr. McGillicuddy’s Fireball Whisky.” There, the liquor remained until 2007 when it was again re-branded “Fireball Cinnamon Whisky”. Intense cinnamon right from the bottle, like an atomic fire ball in the glass. As it opens, the whisky struggles to fight through the cinnamon and sweeteners. The taste is syrupy cinnamon sweetness, as in overly sweet, more so than some liqueurs.
103	GlenDronach	18YR	$160	46.00%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	935,00	Tony	This bottling of GlenDronach 18YR was from some of the last batches that had 20+ YR old juice in it. The nose leads off with big fruit, raisins, dried fruit, and some chocolate. As it opens more, some nut appears in just a lovely nose! The palate brings fruit, some wood and spices, and cinnamon is present in a long finish! This expression is a significant improvement over some that I had over 10 years ago! An exemplary 18YR sherried Scotch!
104	Ardbeg	Grooves	$135	51.60%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	91,00	Tony	Ardbeg Grooves, an Ardbeg Day 2018 release, was aged in heavily charred ex-wine casks. The nose is a mix of a fading bonfire and sea spray, with some fruit mixed in. The palate opens big and salty, with typical Ardbeg smokiness and BBQ smoked meats, but with some salted fruits and oak in the mix. The finish is a very long seaside bonfire. I think this would’ve scored higher if the wine cask influence had shined through more, but is still a very good dram!
105	Weller	Full Proof	$50	57.00%	Bourbon - Straight	3	82,00	Tony	Weller Full Proof is named so because it is bottled at the same proof as the barrel entry proof, 114 proof, is non-chill filtered, and is aged between 6 – 10YR. A somewhat mild and sweet nose, with some fruit, caramel, charred wood, and vanilla. The palate brings a bit of heat, and some hot cinnamon spice and oak. Those three really dominate the palate. Without water added, I found the nose to be the most enjoyable of this experience.
106	Panama-Pacific	9YR	$30	47.30%	Rum	4	92,00	Tony	Panama-Pacific uses yeasts extracted from pineapples to ferment the sugars into a low-alcohol mash which will then be strengthened through distillation using a historic Coffey still. Tropical fruit, vanilla and molasses are all present on the nose. The palate is robust with vanilla, molasses, butterscotch, and some light oak and spice. This is a well-balanced rum, with a long and warming finish. This is a rich, but not overly sweet rum, and at a higher abv than most.
107	Machetazo	Espadin	$42	45.00%	Mezcal	3	93,00	Tony	Machetazo Espadin Mezcal is produced from 100% Espadin Agave. Floral and spicy notes on the nose initially, with some subtle smoke at the rim of the glass. As it opens more, the smoke becomes more apparent, but everything is nicely balanced. Spice, agave, and smoke are all nicely balanced on the palate as well, and in a long and powerful finish, as you would expect. This is a very nice Mezcal, where none of the flavors try to dominate.
108	Hoku	Sakura Shochu	$35	22.00%	Shochu	4	95,00	Tony	Shochu is typically a Japanese distilled beverage primarily produced from, but not limited to, rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. Hoku Sakura Shochu, an American Cherry Shochu by Royal Hawaii Spirits, is distilled from grain, and infused with Cherry flavor. A cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus. The most well-known species is the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is commonly called sakura. Dark cherry initially on the nose, especially at the rim, with a little spice as it opens. A lovely balance of the base spirit and cherry, without any sweetness on the palate, and delivers a long finish! An outstanding American Shochu!
109	West Fork Whiskey	Old Hamer Small Batch Cask Strength	$40	57.50%	Bourbon - Straight	3	74,00	Tony	Distilled, aged, and bottled by MGP from a mash bill of 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley, and aged for 3+ YR. Corn and ethanol dominate the nose early. Any secondary flavors are fighting the ethanol, even as it opens more. The taste follows the nose, with little to no complexity, a little heat, and perhaps some oak spice. This is why there are secondary, or flavor grains in bourbon, and that there is a category for Corn Whiskey
110	Chateau des Plassons	Napoleon	$115	40.00%	Cognac	3	88,00	Tony	Chateau des Plassons Napoleon is produced from 100% Bons Bois, and is 15+ YR old. Some vanilla and gentle spice open on the nose, with some pear and light oak following. The palate brings some lovely spices, including cinnamon, and some floral notes, predominately violet, and with a long finish. Another lovely Bons Bois Cognac
111	Baron de Lustrac	1980, 30YR, Bas Armagnac	$120	42.00%	Armagnac	4	915,00	Tony	Baron de Lustrac is a Merchant, or Broker, and this 1980, 30YR Bas Armagnac was distilled at Domaine Croix de Pelanne from 100% Baco Blanc. Lovely dried and burnt fruits lead off the nose, with some fig appearing as it opens. Deep, dark fruit and some oak spice on the palate in a very long finish. The tannins from this bold Armagnac gives your mouth a little pucker. Very nice indeed!
112	Ardbeg	Auriverdes	$100	49.90%	Scotch - Single Malt	3	85,00	Tony	Ardbeg Auriverdes was the 2014 Ardbeg Day Release. The nose is refined, and not your typical Ardbeg, with a little more sweetness, is a little grassy, and perhaps some bacon with a little milder smokiness. The palate delivers more typical Ardbeg smokiness and oiliness, but doesn’t seem to have the same balance as you would expect. I would dare say that this Ardbeg also has some Laproaig and Bowmore characteristics.

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