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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
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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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Starlino Rosé Aperitivo
Distiller Score 88
This liqueur is very much at the high end of the fruity spectrum of aperitivi. Aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy watermelon, raspberry, strawberry, orange and blood orange burst onto the palate. There's a hint of vanilla and a rhubarb earthiness and tartness, with a refreshing swath of mint and other grassy herbs. If using this aperitvo for a Negroni or other bitter flavor profile cocktails, one would probably need to split it with something more bitter, but that's not necessarily a bad thing as it would lighten things up and add some fruitiness. This liqueur would be delicious simply added to sparkling wine or served on the rocks with a splash of soda and fresh fruit, but it's definitely not that bitter at all for a bitter.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Paula's Texas Orange Liqueur
Distiller Score 86
Sweet orange notes on the nose, with both the peel and fruit coming through. The orange notes are more sunshiney and sweet on the palate. At 80 proof, the booze does come through. Sweet and rich, it delivers what it's meant to. All and all a good substitute for Cointreau, especially for the price.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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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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RumChata Limon
Distiller Score 89
This comforting liqueur tastes very much like lemon ice milk or sweet lemon ice cream/gelato (not as tart as a sorbet or sherbert). The lemon flavor tastes rather authentic as it combines with vanilla and silky creaminess, without any chemical harshness and a subtle note of cinnamon spiciness.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette
Distiller Score 88
This floral liqueur is violet through and through, beginning with its deep purple-blue hue. On the nose, it’s intensely floral and sweet like a violet candy. The palate is softer than expected, but still intensely sugary and violet centric. The liqueur coats the palate and lingers, evolving into a slight richness, perhaps from the brandy base. A little goes a long way, but used in moderation it can transform and add a unique hue, flavor, and richness to cocktails like the classic Aviation.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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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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Mozart Strawberry White Chocolate Liqueur
Distiller Score 88
The nose is a sweet, fruity mix of fresh strawberries and vanilla. Similarly, the palate tastes pleasantly like a not-too-thick strawberry milkshake—made with high quality strawberry ice cream—that's been watered down somewhat. The texture is rich and creamy without being too dense, with an authentic tasting strawberry vanilla flavor throughout and a subtle note of cocoa.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster