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Pisco 100 Acholado
Distiller Score 87
Rustic and full of character, this is all about the earthy, resinous side of Pisco. Pine needles, cedar-closet-planks, and some faint gasoline aromas, almost suggest a funky aromatic grappa, if not for the signature dried apricot and sultana raisins on the palate.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac
Distiller Score 90
Rich fruit, oak, and hints of butterscotch are found on the nose with a soft, sweetness on the initial entry to the palate. Notes of dried plum, raisins and caramels start things off. As the spirit moves off the palate, it becomes drier, with white pepper, oak, and some vanilla along with a lightly floral note. The finish is satisfying and generous, with oak, raisin, hazelnut and dark chocolate flavors evident.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Berta Grappa di Nebbiolo da Barolo
Distiller Score 92
The nose is pretty typical of a high quality, aged grappa. Tar, sandalwood, grilled lemon, raisins, sweet pipe tobacco, and white tea are most apparent. The palate is slightly austere but extremely compelling. Dried dates, candied lemon zest, tobacco, pennies and black tea leaves seduce the taste buds. This deeply satisfying grappa culminates in a very long and dry finish.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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La Diablada Puro Moscatel Pisco
Distiller Score 96
There's an elegance found on the nose with rose petals (and the green leaves of the flower) and red fruit. The aroma is nuanced and not in-your-face. The flavors follow suit with a gentle cooked pear and amber honey sweetness. The finish is herbal (think shiso/perilla leaves) and a hint of green olives. This is a stunning pisco and worth the trip to Peru to get.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Roger Groult Calvados Reserve 3 Ans
Distiller Score 87
With its moderate price and fairly young age, Roger Groult's 3 year old Calvados is a natural choice for cocktails, but don't let that put one off of sipping it neat. It has the bright, crisp acidity of fresh apple flesh, along with woodsy tannins and just a hint of vanilla. It's a fantastic value for the price, making it an easy addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Lepanto O.V. Gran Reserva
Distiller Score 89
Milk chocolate and brown sugar are the scents you'll pick up on the nose along with figs. The brandy is tangy and lively on the palate with marcona almonds and dried fruits. The brandy ends lean, dry, and with a smoky, woody finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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St. George Pear Brandy
Distiller Score 90
Yes, St. George Pear Brandy tastes and smells like fresh pears, but that's not the only thing. The nose is earthy and full of frankincense, cut grass, green banana and preserved lemon. The palate is fresh and laced with dried guava, cedar, soil and eucalyptus. It is an excellent example of pear eau de vie and worthy of being one of St. George Spirits' hallmarks.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Osocalis Rare Alambic Brandy
Distiller Score 91
Osocalis Rare Alambic Brandy is what you get when you take the sensibilities of classic Cognac and add to it the “freedom” of the new world. The nose is quite aromatic with candied orange peel, leather, baking spice, and potpourri. The palate is a whole new ride with honey, dried apricot, golden raisins, burnt sugar and cacao on finish. This is well worth investigating, especially for the hardened Cognac aficionado.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Zumwohl Kirsch
Distiller Score 91
'Zumwohl' is a toast to good health, but drinkers should be wary of taking this cherry schnaps as a shot. Bottled at a whopping 132 proof, it carries a lot of heat. But it carries a lot of flavor, too: cherries, obviously, but also nutty notes of almond and a notably medicinal taste. It's an intense spirit -- not for the faint of heart! -- and it's sure to be a unique addition to any liquor library.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Copper & Kings Floodwall Apple Brandy
Distiller Score 86
The nose showcases mushy apples, brown sugar, oak, and spice with walnuts and prunes coming in the background from those sherry casks. The palate offers spicy oak, with a light rancio and nuttiness, and more of a whiskey vibe, with the apple brandy itself somewhat being lost. Finish starts hot, with notes of fresh apple cider, caramel and smoke. Let it open up after pouring a glass, and it'll be richer, sweeter, and fuller.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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BarSol Supremo Mosto Verde Italia Pisco
Distiller Score 91
Distinctly herbal, resinous notes emerge from brooding, cerebral spirit. Saffron, laurel, and amaretto give way to a sensation of the palate that borders on medicinal, almost suggesting a pomace brandy rather than one made from wine. Texturally cohesive and obviously well-made, but lacking in cheery, vibrant fruit, this is not for Pisco beginners.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Tariquet Bas-Armagnac VSOP
Distiller Score 85
The aroma for Tariquet Bas-Armagnac VSOP seems more spice-driven than the VS bottling, but also is showing some licorice, leather, and dark fruit. The palate is a bit oily, but lacks a bit of body. the dried fruit and spices seem to be combined such that it displays as one unit, but the alcohol seems somewhat out of balance with the rest of the brandy. That said, the finish is pleasant enough; would seem to be a better way to kick-off the night rather than with to end, especially with some paté and charcuterie.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno