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Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
Distiller Score 96
A citrus smorgasbord with clementines, orange peel and pith, and grapefruit zest, as well as toffee, and grape jelly. The palate showcases zesty oranges with vanilla bean, along with touches of herbaceousness and spice. The finish is warming with bitter orange, tingly black pepper, and tannic black tea. A triple sec that's close to perfection.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Distiller Score 94
Aggressively elderflower and floral on the nose, with grapefruit, grape spirit, and in the background, a surprising touch of coffee grounds. The palate showcases grape jelly, rose water, lychee, apricots, honey, and key lime pie. A short finish breezes past with dreams of fragrant dewy mornings.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Amaro Montenegro
Distiller Score 96
Deep amber color. The aroma has bright citrus notes with underlying spices of cinnamon and cardamom which is very inviting. The palate is medium rich and medium sweet. There's a slight floral backnote to the spirit. The bitter intensity is on the low side making this an exceedingly approachable amaro to start with. But there's a complexity to the spirit as well making it a dynamic modifier for cocktails as well. Every home bar should have a bottle of Monte.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
Distiller Score 90
The nose is reminiscent of roasted chestnuts, cappucino, orange zest and strawberries. This amaro is on the less bitter side of the spectrum, with notes of milk chocolate, orange, fennel, coffee, prunes, dates, subtle florals, and sandalwood. The slight bitterness comes in toward the finish, but is offset by fruits and spice, making this liqueur quite versatile to easily sip neat or use in a variety of cocktails.
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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Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Distiller Score 93
The aroma of this liqueur is remarkably similar to pot of coffee brewed with fresh coffee beans. The hint of dark chocolate and cherry on the nose translates to a rich, vanilla-flecked espresso flavor on the palate and a silky texture. It's bittersweet, but not overwhelmed by a heavy sugar flavor like other liqueurs of the genre. This is a great option for coffee devotees and is just as good neat and over ice as is is in a cocktail.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Distiller Score 92
Clear and bright, this cherry-flavored liqueur has an aroma more reminiscent of an eau de vie than a liqueur. On the palate, however, its texture is creamy and viscous. Its flavor is sugary up front, with an underlying heat, and a vibrant cherry flavor that shines through. While it might prove a bit too thick and sweet to drink on its own, it's obvious why this liqueur plays an essential supporting role in classic cocktails like the Last Word and Aviation.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Drambuie
Distiller Score 95
Look for a pale yellow color, and a light orange blossom honey aroma. Herbal flavors are much more prominent upon tasting the liqueur, and are quickly mellowed by a creamy texture, juicy orange notes, and a prominent honeyed sweetness. Mix in cocktails or drink over ice.
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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Bénédictine
Distiller Score 92
A woodsy swirl of sandalwood, cedar, and pine mix with cocoa, mint, thyme, oregano and orange zest on the nose. The palate is reminiscent of melted mint chocolate chip ice cream mixed with bay leaf, raspberry, lemon, rosemary, and cola spices. It drinks rather viscous, but sweet and fresh, pleasant enough to sip neat or over ice, but best to add sweet-herbal-woodsy notes to cocktails such as a classic Vieux Carré.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Cointreau
Distiller Score 90
Cointreau is clear in both clarity and its intense orange aroma. It is full bodied and is sweet on the palate with a strong orange flavor. The alcohol strength helps to keep the orange liqueur from being cloying but the raw spirit peaks out at times. Very mild spices like cinnamon and nutmeg appear. Will add bright orange flavor to any mixed drink.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno