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Domaine d'Espérance Blanche Armagnac
Distiller Score 88
The nose is fruity and quite aromatic starting out with a blast of pear which morphs into lemon zest, sweet pipe tobacco, grass, and gummy candy. The palate is not much different with more gummy candy, pears drenched in honey, ginger, grass and pineapple. In all the Blanche Armagnac is fresh and fruity with a chewy mouth feel this would make a great cocktail base but could also be great chilled as an aperitif.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Singani 63
Distiller Score 93
Even from a distance, the fragrance of the aromatic Muscat grape can be hard to miss. For those not acquainted with the grape, you will get a combination of floral and sweet green grapes akin to a dessert wine. The flavor, however is not ultra-sweet, though there is a sweetness that balances nicely with the acidity of the spirit. The finish is floral, herbal, and has a touch of white pepper. The enticing flavors stay with you for quite some time. This can, and usually is, consumed neat, but have some fun and replace your white rum cocktails with it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Martell VS Single Distillery
Distiller Score 87
A rich fruitiness shows on the nose highlighted by raspberries along with herbal and grassy notes which work together for a somewhat vermouth-like aroma. An oily palate at first shows more fruits, here with canned fruit syrup, tart cherries, raspberries and blackberries, as well as chocolate and nuttiness. Finish is short and smooth with oak and spice taking their turn in front of that distinct raspberry note.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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St. George Raspberry Brandy
Distiller Score 93
The nose is quite delicate and alluring with notes of raspberry supported by green apple, grass, frankincense and mild orange peel. The palate is just as delicate but quite encompassing with raspberry, rosewater, lemon verbena and vanilla. It is very rare for something to both be so delicate yet so packed full of flavor.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Hudson Valley Distillers Fine Shine Applejack
Distiller Score 86
This surprisingly aromatic spirit leaves no doubt it was derived from apples. Like a visit to the orchard, aromas of blossoms, peels, and sauce lead to the memory of biting into an apple fresh from the tree. On the palate, it is rich and bracing with the apple notes joined by hints of tarragon and anise. The finish is warm, dry and pleasant. This could nicely replace vodka or gin in numerous cocktails; try in a 50/50 Martini or the Aviation cocktail.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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H by HINE VSOP Cognac
Distiller Score 86
The nose is fresh and fruity with a youthful and lively aroma. Peaches, apricots, white grape juice and vibrant floral notes are found on both the nose and palate. Soft wood spices and just a gentle prickle of cinnamon along with a subtle nutty quality provide a modest depth to the cognac. As it is young, the finish is short, but that is to be expected. This is a solid cognac for cocktail use.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac
Distiller Score 89
A fair amount of apricot and pear aromas with some orange peel thrown in for good measure. Mild woody notes appear with just a dash of savory spices and black tea. The cognac continues on the palate with the fruit notes but there's a waxy component as well. The finish is more bittersweet and finishes with a slight almond note.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Clear Creek Pinot Noir Grappa
Distiller Score 95
The grappa is clear and vibrant, but the aroma is full of red fruit leaning more on the cherry notes. Much like their pinot grigio grappa, there's a slight bitterness on the palate, but the fruit lingers like it has all the time in the world.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Caravedo Pisco Mosto Verde
Distiller Score 91
Caravedo Mosto Verde has a slightly funky, earthy aroma but is otherwise mild. Its flavor is also rather subdued, with a bit pf mustiness and a touch of sweet, ripe fruits. It has a warming sensation that lingers.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Rhine Hall La Normande
Distiller Score 88
Rhine Hall's "La Normande" is a departure from their dry brandies and eaux-de-vie. This pommeau by fortifying their unfermented cider with the apple brandy and then ageing in oak barrels. The resulting cordial is sweet without being cloying, bursting with the juiciness of fresh apples and hints of vanilla and smoke from its time in wood. Its lower proof makes this very easy to drink, and very enjoyable too. A bottle of La Normande would be the perfect match for a crisp autumn day.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Harvest Spirits Cornelius Peach Brandy
Distiller Score 88
This one of a kind peach applejack is dominated by the aromas of late harvest peaches, cream, and bananas and just a hint of vanilla and spice that's a gentle reminder this started as a barrel aged applejack first. On the palate, an unexpected acidity reminiscent of orange juice plays nicely with the luscious, roasted peach flavors. At 60 proof, this drinks almost too easy with just a little heat from the alcohol. It is full bodied but not cloying sweet thanks to that subtle acidity. Opens up nicely on the rocks or with a splash of soda to reveal all of the complex spice flavors from the applejack; think vanilla, cinnamon, and hazelnut. Perfect for two-ingredient cocktails such as a Bellini variation that can showcase all the subtle flavors without masking them.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Clear Creek Grappa of Pinot Grigio
Distiller Score 93
The white grape skins come across very clearly and cleanly. On the palate, you get some bitterness...it is after all, a grappa. The product is lively and after a few sips, the essence of the fruit stays with you. Should be enjoyed slightly chilled and unadulterated; a semi-soft cheese like Taleggio would take it over the top.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno