-
Harvest Spirits Pear Brandy
Distiller Score 93
This is a surprisingly aromatic spirit with a soaring bouquet of freshly-sliced Bartlett pears and summer grass. The palate is pleasantly juicy and round with rich orchard fruit and a touch of earthy pear skin. There is very little perceptible heat from alcohol making for a decadent after-dinner drink with a long, sweet fruit-driven finish.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Lepanto PX Gran Reserva
Distiller Score 90
Espresso, pipe tobacco and dried fruit greet the nose as figs, raisins, prunes, dates and walnuts enter the palate. The dried fruits hold a fair amount of acidity, which keeps the sticky toffee pudding flavors in check. The milk chocolate finish is almost like Nutella, but with just a slight spark of heat.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
-
Harvest Spirits Cornelius Cherry Brandy
Distiller Score 86
The Bing cherry influence can not be overemphasized, and the spirit shows a spectrum of the fruit’s flavors from the acidic crunch of the skins to the earthy, hazelnut and dark chocolate character of the pits. Unfortunately the cherry’s intensity hijacks some of the apple base that Harvest Spirits does so well. By all means, cherry lovers should rejoice and one would be hard pressed to find a more intense cherry experience.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Bonollo Grappa OF Amarone Barrique
Distiller Score 88
The dense, golden color of this grappa is a good hint to its rich and decadent character. Some of the spirit’s initial earthy flavors are there, but more present is the plush influence of oak which shows as vanilla and toasted saw dust. The time in wood has also unlocked more rich fruit flavors such as roasted fig, golden raisins, and apple crumb cake. Perhaps a bit heavy on the barrel flavors for people looking for an invigorating end to a meal, but for those who want something with a bit more pizzaz, this is a knockout.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Copper & Kings Blue Sky Mining Brandy
Distiller Score 90
Tropical fruits lead on the nose with melons and papaya. There's also grape jelly, rose water, raspberries and blackberries, and blooming flowers. The palate is rich and fruity, with more of those wine and jammy notes, and the oak making its presence felt with a drier, spicier background. A long, smooth finish shows some heat, with notes of bubblegum, more tropical fruit, and bits of pepper, spice, and oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Agnesi 1799 Brandy
Distiller Score 89
The nose offers a walk through a dewy, grassy meadow, with honey, sugar-coated grapes, and dried fruits. The palate shows more honey along with floral notes and a basket of fruits inducing plums, redcurrants, and lingonberries, as well as leather and dark chocolate. A flowery finish offers sweet agave syrup and oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Laird's Rare Old Apple Brandy 12 Year
Distiller Score 91
An apple aroma is found on the nose, but it is working towards a baked & dried fruit rather than freshly-cut apple aroma. The brandy is full and shows a nice length on the finish which is slightly woody with a touch of vanilla. The brandy finishes dry, but not too dry and shows a touch of savory flavors which couple nicely with the apples. A solid brandy to enjoy during the fall months and makes a nice gift presentation with its somewhat apple-shaped bottle.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Clear Creek Eau-de-Vie of Mirabelle Plum
Distiller Score 92
This lively spirit shimmers and has an aroma and taste of yellow plums and unripe peach. The eau-de-vie is pure and transparent with the ripe fruit and ends with a slight bitter orange taste. The length on the finish is solid and clean.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Osocalis Apple Brandy
Distiller Score 93
The apple aromas in Osocalis Apple Brandy are a nice mix of high and low notes and aren't static-- there's complexity and liveliness there. Walnuts, brown butter, and a sweet smoky quality are intertwined with the apple scents which are a mix of sweet and tart. On the palate, the brandy is soft and soothing. Brown sugar and vanilla come in to focus with wood spices helping to bring a close to the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Germain-Robin Coast Road Reserve Brandy
Distiller Score 88
There's a pleasant harmony to the aroma of oak, berries, and a light floral quality. One note doesn't overtake the other. The brandy is light and vibrant on the palate leading to a dry and spice-filled finish. A bit of roasted character emerges at the end, but just a small dose. The brandy seems like it would be better suited to have as an aperitif with snacks BEFORE dinner rather than one to have after.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Clear Creek Marc de Gewürtztraminer
Distiller Score 90
If you've not tasted gewürtztraminer wine before, the aroma on this marc is exactly what you should expect. It is a very floral and fruity aromatic grape. Lychee fruit and green grapes come to mind. The body of the marc is somewhat soft and certainly not as sweet as the aroma leads you to believe it will be. As always, this is clean and clear; a true expression of the style.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Po' di Poli Elegante Grappa
Distiller Score 91
A great “beginner” grappa that’s not just for beginners. Not to say that it is boring or simplistic because it is far from that. It is however super easy to enjoy and difficult to find fault with. The nose is classic but soft with notes of burnt walnut, tons of dried fruit, grape stems and flowers. The palate is all of the aforementioned with the addition of cedar, dried leather and dried guava. It is everything you could want from a grappa but at 40% abv it steers clear of controversy.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat