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Spirit Works Sloe Gin
Distiller Score 92
If one has only had occasion to try cheap, artificially flavored sloe gins, the appeal of the spirit may be hard to comprehend. True sloe gin is in another class altogether. Spirit Works infuses real sloe fruit into their gin to give it a plummy, berry flavor. It's sweet without being cloying, and balances its fruit notes with gin botanicals and lively citrus peel. It's good enough to enjoy straight as a cordial, but would of course also do well in a classic Sloe Gin Fizz or in any cocktail that would benefit from a subtle addition of fruit.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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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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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
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6 O'Clock Damson Gin
Distiller Score 91
The fruit really comes through here with jammy aromas and flavors that have a balanced acidity. Warm textures of vanilla and sweet spices play off the natural tannins of the fruit, with a slight wintergreen flavor coming from the gin. Overall, very balanced and easy to sip, preferably in a spritz or with tonic.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Chambord Liqueur
Distiller Score 90
Chambord's reddish amber hue is about what you'd expect from something flavored with raspberries and blackberries. On the nose, its concentrated berry aroma is reminiscent of fruit leather. Its flavor, however, is more muted: It's slightly sweet, with a touch of black cherry lingering beneath berry-vanilla notes. It would add a nice fruity sweetness to cocktails, or even compliment chocolate flavors well.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Casa D'Aristi Kalani Coconut Rum Liqueur
Distiller Score 87
Unmistakably coconut on the nose, Kalani also has the distinct sugar-flecked aroma of white rum. On the palate, it’s got some heat up front thanks to the base spirit, but that quickly dissipates into an almost aggressively sweet, sugary flavor with prominent flavors of fresh coconut and a touch of almond and vanilla.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Hochstadter's Slow & Low 100 Proof Rock & Rye
Distiller Score 85
Candied oranges and orange peels jump out on the nose, with a zesty spiciness behind it. Take a sip and notice a lightly syrupy mouthfeel. The Angostura-style bitters come to the forefront initially, followed by more orange citrus, baking spices, rye spice, and orange zest. More candied citrus carries through to the finish where a lingering sweetness remains. Hard to distinguish much of the qualities of the whiskey itself, but it's an easy-sipping semi-prebuilt cocktail.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Hayman's Sloe Gin
Distiller Score 94
There's a bright plummy aroma on the nose; the botanicals present give the sloe gin depth, but don't themselves stand out. This is a really balanced sloe gin and as such, isn't sticky sweet or one dimensional. When adding to cocktails, keep this in mind. It is lovely, fruity, and just the right amount of tart. A Sloe Gin Fizz is an obvious choice, but this can be used by adding to some lemonade or, even better, in some Champagne.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Plymouth Sloe Gin
Distiller Score 88
An intense berry note is found on the nose along with a slight spiced aroma. Hard to discern exactly what spices but thoughts of mulled wine come to mind, although in a low intensity. The taste is moderately sweet with enough tartness to make it pop. Not uber complex, but it gets the job done. All about the berries, or plums in this case. Have on the rocks with some selzer or go all out and have with Champagne.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Mister Katz's Rock & Rye
Distiller Score 87
The botanicals compliment the whiskey nicely, pushing the natural spiciness of the spirit into the fore, while adding subtle texture. The cherry and citrus notes are the most prominent, with hints of cinnamon and clove. Though the rock candy adds sweetness, it's not as sweet as one might expect. Best served on the rocks or as a cocktail modifier.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Grand Marnier
Distiller Score 88
Blood oranges, lime zest, and orange juice bring the citrus on the nose, along with a floral bouquet and a hint of caramel. The palate is silky, with the spirituous cognac coming out alongside spicy oak, and both playing off the bitter-zesty orange base. The finish is short with a spicy flourish and bitter orange Champagne marmalade.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Apologue Aronia Berry Liqueur
Distiller Score 90
Bright ruby in color, this liqueur has a rich and vibrant aroma, akin to raspberry fruit leather. On the palate, it's equally vibrant, with a prominent tart and sweet aronia and cherry notes leading the way. Also present are hints of cinnamon, orange and a touch of florality. This would be a fantastic summer sip topped with a bit of soda and garnished with lemon.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald