December 23rd is Clergy Family Christmas, at least for us. The next two days will be far too busy, so I spent a good chunk of time in the kitchen prepping our annual feast- salad, roast duck, root vegetables cooked in the duck fat, and rice pudding. Now that the food's eaten, the dishes washed, and the presents opened, I find a quiet moment for the penultimate dram in my Advent calendar. And, it is no slouch. I am greeted by a rich nose, itself a feast: toasted brioche, vanilla creme patissiere, lightly toasted almond, apricot glaze. The palate is warming rather than hot, with the initial attack of fruit compote opening into vanilla and almond pastry sprinkled lightly with cinnamon and nutmeg. The ending lingers, vanilla and spice along with a bit of spirit-y heat. To all a good night indeed!