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Glendalough Sherry Cask Finish Poitín
Distiller Score 82
One of these things is not like the other... the sherry adds an elegant cashew nut and raisin dimension to the Poitin's signature vegetal, berry and smoky barley notes. This version feels a little more weighty too. Not quite like drinking a fully aged Irish whiskey, but it's something people who haven't yet liked a white whiskey might make peace with.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Glendalough Mountain Strength Poitín
Distiller Score 81
This whiskey is much richer and more viscous than their lower proof Premium Irish version. It bears the same sugary, vegetal, berry, malty and smoky notes, with a heavier weight and higher octane. It's somewhat reminiscent of a high proof Old Tom style Gin, without the botanical elements. Finishes very strong, fiery and alcoholic. Even the distillery recommends adding a little water or ice to it to soften the blow.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Glendalough Premium Irish Poitín
Distiller Score 80
One can actually taste both the beets and barley right away. It has a distinguished malty, slightly smoky and sweet flavor. It also has some of that young whiskey acetone firewater quality, but it would almost be disappointing if it didn't. It would be an interesting one to try for those who like dabbling in white whiskeys.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Straw Boys Poitín Irish Moonshine
Distiller Score 81
This has a lot of good stuffing. A nice medley of aromas and flavors well known in Irish whiskey but all in their infancy. Aromas of vanilla bean, underripe plantains, and tart green apples. The palate is similar but because it is fresh distillate all the flavors seem artificial or chemical. The finish shows sulphur along with toasted grain and marshmallow.
Reviewed by Sam Davies
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Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Distiller Score 92
Aromatic aromas of pine, cedar, birch tree, jasmine, and orange peel fill the nose. The palate is a rich and full-bodied mix of jammy berries, vanilla, and cocoa tempered by woodsy notes and rosemary with bitter wormwood, grapefruit peel, and tart rhubarb. The finish is rich and balanced, with the woody-bitter notes adding a faint accent.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Savoia Americano Rosso
Distiller Score 86
The nose is quite jammy, with notes of fresh berries, orange blossom, sandalwood, and sage. The flavor is on the milder side of the bitters spectrum—more fruity and rich than woodsy and bitter, with orange, sweet spices. cocoa, and a mix of aromatic roots as its dominant flavor components. The richer, sweeter flavor finish is such that it's probably more spritz-worthy than suited for classic Negronis.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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O'Begley Poitín
Distiller Score 80
This is an intensely aromatic spirit with a unique mash bill that sets it apart from many others in the market. It is very grain-forward with a lot of minerality; a very dry, assertive spirit. Poitin is not for everyone as a straight sipper, but it could find a home in cocktails or in the glasses of adventurous imbibers.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Luxardo Antico
Distiller Score 93
Cherries are rightfully at the forefront on the nose, ahead of blackberries, vanilla, prunes, and mandarin. The palate is all syrupy cherry pie filling, along with a mulled wine quality featuring red fruits, orange zest, and spices such as cinnamon and clove. The finish lingers on the fruity interplay between tart, sour, and sweet.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose
Distiller Score 94
Really bright, intense grapefruit nose with the rose playing a very minor role here. The floral note shows up on the finish, but the grapefruit is there to stop it from heading into potpourri territory. It has a crisp, bittersweet finish. Of course you could use this in a cocktail, but it really doesn't need much more than ice and club soda to be complete.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Del Professore Vermouth di Torino Rosso
Distiller Score 88
For fans of sweet vermouth with a richer texture, this is a great one to reach for. The presence of mint is barely detectable, merely adding a needed freshness to its fruity richness that finishes with an orangey aroma. It's delicious on its own on the rocks, but for mixing, it's probably best with spirits or other ingredients that have a bit of a kick in their own right.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Wine Collective Vermu Rosé
Distiller Score 92
A pleasant scent of fresh berries, pine trees and blood orange carries the nose, with more pronounced fruitiness (watermelon, strawberry, orange, lichee) on the palate. A refreshing note of mint, earthy green tea and warm spices follow through into the finish. It's a delightful, semi-sweet sipper on its own, but would be excellent to use to lighten up summer Negronis, or even a summer version of a Manhattan, not to mention an array of spritzes.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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González Byass Vermouth La Copa Rojo
Distiller Score 92
Rich, nutty, with earthy aromatics and a hint of orange in the finish, this tawny brown vermouth drinks more like a sherry. It's intended to be consumed as an aperitif on the rocks with a twist (making it the perfect drink for Groundhog Day!) instead of mixed into cocktails. However, it does lend itself well to stirred drinks such as an aromatic style of Manhattan or a low ABV recipe like an Adonis, especially if making a lighter, more summery type recipe. This is definitely one to keep in the fridge at all times in the warmer months.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster