Review Date: 1-7-2013

This is my favorite blanco. It's got tons of character and at this price it may be the best tequila in the store.

Review Date: 12-27-2012

Tasting this whisky again brings me right back to the foot of Ben Rinnes, where we found this astounding cask among several of it's siblings of the same vintage. Many of the other '79s showed promise, as we were looking for something special the showcased the GlenFarclas spirit without the characteristic sherry character. This is truly one of the most elegant malts I've ever come across. After 32 years and at the surprisingly low 41.7%, this whisky has SO much life it's incredible. It starts malty, with an ever so slight earthiness. It truly reminds me of standing in the gorgeous GlenFarclas warehouses where this spent the last 32 years. With a bit of air, GlenFarclas' true character comes out. Typical of the famous distillery, herbs and mint, tons of fresh fruit. White peach skins, mango ripe and uncut, subtle tropical flavors that just make you want to guzzle this stuff. On the palate, you get cake frosting and more of that fruit. There is absolutely NO HEAT at all. The first sip finishes slowly, but lingers on the mid-palate, this malty fruitiness that you want to last forever. It obliges nicely. It's not over the top whisky, it's not in your face or 75% ABV. It is absolutely a pleasure to drink, potentially dangerously so. We may never see another quite like this one, so get on it!

Review Date: 9-5-2012

Some people search for certain batches of the Aberlour A'Bunadh, but honestly I rarely taste the Aberlour's various batches without thinking, "Dang!" This is always a monster. If you like Sherry influence, power and intensity in your single malt, this is the product for you. You might just get lucky and get a batch that one of the critics rates extremely highly, but either way you'll have a sold cask strength dram to rely on.

Review Date: 9-5-2012

The use of first fill white oak barrels is notable as we don't have any sense of over charred barrel or "whiskiness" that some others have. The anejo's 1 year significantly softens the lowland bite of this great product adding rich sweet vanilla tones, while remaining unobtrusive. A fine product.

Review Date: 9-5-2012

The 123 Repo adds a hint of Oak Spice to the already lovely blanco. Very subtle use of oak doesn't over sweeten or overpower the character of the distillate.

Review Date: 9-5-2012

A classic lowland tequila made in a sustainable way, this shows plenty of the rich earthy spice that you'd expect from a lowland, but balanced with plenty of fruit. Plus it's ORGANIC!

Review Date: 9-5-2012

This light rum from Trinidad is fine for mixing and uses fresh pressed cane instead of molasses. Aging for 1 year in french oak, it has a light golden hue. A refined and low intensity style different from many other "agricole" rums.

Review Date: 8-19-2012

What the what? These 150 year old vines are still producing ridiculous wines. Ultra-rich, yet seamlessly elegant. A fine contrast to the Molly Dooker style of knock you out Shiraz we're used to my Australia.

Review Date: 5-2-2012

Wow what complexity for $35. The nose is nutty toasty rich with some hints of pumpkin seed and spice. Strong smashed apple and fabulous lift. Totally on point for the price.

Review Date: 9-12-2011

McCarthy's is known world wide for being one of America's finest craft distillery. His forte is fruit based liqueurs and he's been able to successfully compete with French producers with significantly more capital and about 200 hundred more years of experience. The Cranberry liqueur proves that Steve is also one of the most innovative producers of liqueurs around. His skill and commitment to quality is truly on show here, as he develops a perfectly balanced and incredibly complex liqueur from these angry little cranberries.

Review Date: 9-12-2011

A delicious and delightfully guilt free product from the wonderful GREEN BAR COLLECTIVE, our local purveyor of the greenest spirits around. The nose is sweet red flowers and fruit. The palate has great lift and acidity. The perfect mix of flowery, fruity, tart and tangy. Great for mixing - think an oz or two in your prosecco or added to your favorite gin...

Review Date: 8-28-2011

The Italian classic has been making a comeback recently and deservedly so. Bottle a laughable 11%, Aperol backs all the punch of its big brother Campari without the headaches. Traditionally served in a Spritz, add 2-3 oz of Aperol to a glass full of ice. Top with Prosecco and an orange wheel. Enjoy over and over!

Review Date: 8-28-2011

Haiti's largest export is rhum. Barbancourt is essentially the ONLY rhum being exported from the troubled island nation. It is a testament to their commitment to quality. Made in a very similar style to the AOC rums of it's neighbors Martinique and Guadeloupe, Barbancourt 5 Star is one of my favorites. Fresh and light on its feet, you have all the intensity of a great Agricole rhum without the funky undertones. One of the best values in the store.

Review Date: 8-28-2011

I'm picky about my triple sec. Most people look at triple sec like a filler, something that doesn't really have to be of the highest quality. I say to them, "look again!" Trying triple sec of varying quality side by side will immediately tell you that this assumption is flawed. Combier is one of the finest triple sec available and should be considered as such. This makes every difference in your drink so don't skimp.

Review Date: 8-28-2011

My favorite mezcal at any price, the Tobala is an incredibly rare agave the grows only in the shaded areas of the Oaxacan highlands. This producer is known to use tropical fruit in addition to agave to get the right balance for this spice fruit forward Mezcal.