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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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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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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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A & G Cherry Brandy Reserve
Distiller Score 86
The first thing one notices pouring this brandy is the opaque red/brown color that suggests a very active barrel or perhaps the edition of fruit juice or wine. The aromas are quite invigorating with a crunchy cherry preserve character and a bit of a nuttiness reminiscent of toasted almonds. The palate shows lively acidity which balances the sweet stone fruit and barrel elements quite nicely. The finish is snappy, with acid providing a needed crispness and allowing the rich, sweet red-fruit and sherry elements to linger without being cloying.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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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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Chateau de Montifaud Napoléon Fine Petite Champagne
Distiller Score 92
The nose offers floral notes, with vanilla, plum, raisins, and honey. The palate is smooth, and layered but cohesive, with strands of honeyed fruits, vanillins, and oak. A moderate length finish begins with rich crème brûlée and brown sugar, along with dark red fruits and maple syrup. This is followed by a spicy, oaky side with touches of black pepper comes on at the tail end.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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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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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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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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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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Schoharie Mapple Jack
Distiller Score 87
Dried apple, oatmeal-cinnamon cookie, and a touch of peppermint form the core of this spirit's flavor profile. Though technically a liqueur due to the addition of some maple syrup, the sweetness is barely apparent on the palate and there is almost no discernible maple aspect. The maple syrup's main contribution seems to be the pleasantly viscous texture and some shades of toffee and cardamom on the finish.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts