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Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur
Distiller Score 91
One whiff and there is no mistaking there's whiskey in them that creamy liqueur! Pleasantly boozy aromas of vanilla, sweet spice, and milk chocolate waft out of the glass. The palate is soft and creamy, not at all chalky like some others in this category, with sweet vanilla and spice flavors and a hint of apple. The finish is creamy enough to use as an actual creamer, adding richness and texture beverages like hot coffee and iced coffee, but is also pleasant on its on chilled or on the rocks.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Averna Amaro
Distiller Score 92
With a rich hue akin to cola with a similarly bitter and syrupy aroma, this amaro hints at roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate covered orange peel. The palate is well-rounded with chocolaty notes that lead into a tingle of cozy spices, and finishes with a lingering bite of bitter herb and molasses cookie. A good option to add depth to cocktails, to sip on its own, or simply mixed with soda water for a touch of texture and vibrancy.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Licor 43
Distiller Score 90
Yellow-golden in hue, this liqueur has a sharp, spiritous aroma that's underscored by a touch of sugar. It's much softer on the palate, however, with an extremely creamy texture and notes of brown sugar, a medley of spices, and sweet vanilla. This would be especially good mixed with brandy or poured over ice to be savored.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Cynar
Distiller Score 90
Cynar's deep amber color accurately hints at its warm, herbal aromas that are slightly medicinal. It coats the mouth with a touch of orange peel and a bittersweet chocolate spice with a slight nuttiness that lingers in a welcoming way. There's nary a wink at anything vegetal, but the warm, herbal liqueur works wonders in a Spritz garnished with lemon rind.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Aperol
Distiller Score 92
A delicate and fruity nose kicks off with strawberry and watermelon, followed by fruit punch mix. The palate showcases rhubarb and tangerines, with Jolly Ranchers, grapefruit, and lemon peel. The bitter just flashes on a short finish as the previous fruit flavors continue swirling.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Lo-Fi Aperitifs Gentian Amaro
Distiller Score 94
The nose is a combination of a grapey, jammy profile with herbaceousness in the form of rosemary and oregano, gentian, and ginger root. Bright berries and grape jelly lead on a supple palate. The bitter is very subtle here, with more of a floral profile buoyed with expressed orange peel, rose petal, and hibiscus. A short, sweet finish showcases more of that herbal-jammy duality. Delightfully tasty on its own, this is less of a traditional digestif though, and more of a very intriguing new cocktail toy to have in your treasure chest.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
Distiller Score 92
Pale yellow in color, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum smells sweet, and strongly of cloves and lime juice. On the palate, it's rich and thick, leaving a coating of slightly nutty, spiced, sugary flavor. A hint of lime prevents it from being excessively sweet, but this is a liqueur made to be mixed in cocktails like the Corn 'n' Oil rather than sipped on its own.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Saint Brendan's Irish Cream
Distiller Score 89
Though it has a sweet, vanilla-forward aroma, this Irish cream is not cloying on the palate. Instead, it has a rich, buttery texture along with a subtle, but pleasantly balancing hint of whiskey. Though there's a touch of marshmallow-like sweetness, it isn't overpowering. Saint Brendan's Irish Cream would lend nice flavor and texture to cocktails or a simple cup of coffee.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Luxardo Cherry "Sangue Morlacco" Liqueur
Distiller Score 93
As soon as you pour this richly colored liqueur into a glass, its name proves entirely appropriate. Its aroma is slightly medicinal, but juicy cherries prevail. Its coats the mouth with creaminess and flavors of sour cherry pie. It needs nothing but a piece of salted dark chocolate to keep it company.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Ramazzotti Amaro
Distiller Score 90
The orange notes jump out of the glass most prominently, but the anise and clove notes are in there as well. Anise takes over on the palate, but you can see the harmony of the ingredients working together. Spice filled with an overall wintery vibe, this is one that can stand up to hearty ingredients if mixed. Just a bit more bitter than sweet.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur
Distiller Score 93
It smells exactly like a hot cocoa—the type made with melted chocolate pieces, not a powder—that's cooled down to room temperature. Rich, authentic milk chocolate truffle flavor fans over the palate with creamy vanilla richness. There is no chemical taste or chalkiness. The slightly roasty, cocoa flavor is decadent on its own, and its cohesive texture and straightforward flavor profile make for an easily blendable cocktail mixer.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Pimm's No. 1 Cup
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is quite fruity with berries and lemon dominating the aroma. There's a gentle dark spiced element lurking in the background with cinnamon and licorice standing out. It is moderately bittersweet and just aching to be poured into a highball glass with bubbles of your choice. A Pimm's Cup is de rigueur, but consider using in warm gin punches come winter.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno