K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/2/2022 | Send Email

Such a pretty and inviting nose on this Grand Cru from Franck Bonville. There's a gentle florality to it, but around that is softly wafting around a core of pear and a melange of citrus. The palate is clean and crisp and the fruit shines through from the first sip, the minerality shines through and contributes to the lingering and satisfying finish. All of Franck Bonville's wines have been a pleasant surprise and this is no exception!

Price: $53.99

JS: 92

RP: 92

Wiston Estate Brut West Sussex England

By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 11/1/2022 | Send Email

Sparkling wine....from England...? Don't worry, I had the same question when I was sat with this glass of Winston Estate's Brut, and was happily surprised at the result! With an attractive nose of bright cereal grain, and a *sharp* slice of acid on the palate, my eyes were opened to the possibilities tucked away within the UK. An exciting and accessible way step out from the "comfort zone" of French Champagne, Winston Estate offers a glimpse into the shrouded world of English wine. Take a chance, cross The Channel, and Winston will welcome you with open arms.

Price: $39.95

DC: 96

WE: 95

VN: 92

Wiston Estate Brut Blanc de Blancs West Sussex England

By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 11/1/2022 | Send Email

Flint, slate, chalk - these notes of minerality confidently lead this English sparkling out of the glass, paving the way for tart shamrock apples and a driven acidity. Made from 100% chardonnay in the classic Blanc de Blanc fashion, this statement stands tall across the English Channel, gazing into the distance at its French cousins - a distinctive take on sparkling, Winston brightly shines a light into the oft-forgotten world of English wine, inviting you to shift the way you think of sparkling, and broaden your horizons into new territories.

Price: $49.95

2019 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 10/30/2022 | Send Email

The pedigree of Brane Cantenac's 2019 is unmistakable right out of the gates. The color is brilliant, while the aromas are an endless mix of violets, graphite, and plum. The palate is ethereal and balanced, with bright acidity lining deep flavors of blackberry, cassis, and a hint of leather. There's a hint of wild fruit coming in from the Merlot, but for the most part it is pure classic Cabernet. I can't wait to see how this develops over time, and many Bordeaux enthusiasts will be thrilled to have this 2019 in their cellar for the years to come.

Price: $99.99

Allimant Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Brut

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 10/24/2022 | Send Email

Allimant Laugner produces one of our most sought after rosé sparking wines ever outside of Champagne! Their blanc is just as delicious "inside secret" of ours, but I decided to let he word out. Perfect for an elegant aperitif, parties or anytime when a celebration is called for. Enjoy.

Price: $21.99

Del Maguey "Vida" Mezcal (750ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/22/2022 | Send Email

I see so much of this Mezcal go out the doors here. It isn't just the very affordable price. It is the quality and taste! There is a nose of white pepper, wet stones, orchard scents, faded campfire and wet stones. A lot going on. On the palate, quite clean with minerals, tip of the tongue spiciness, pear, white fruits and light menthol and smoke. Easy to drink! Perhaps a little too easy.

Price: $34.99

Rey Campero Espadin Candelaria Yegolé Oaxaca Mezcal (750ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/22/2022 | Send Email

This excellent Mezcal has a clean clay nose with minerals, salt, soy bean and mineral oil. There are initial flavors of pepper, vanilla cream and bright citrus. It finishes with ashy flavors and light menthol. An excellent sit around and sip it Mezcal.

Price: $39.99

Lagavulin 8 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 10/17/2022 | Send Email

Joyous, irresponsible, youthful, naïve - this 8 year statement from Lagavulin eschews their normal concentrations on balance and complexity, and instead opts for objective heat and energy. With the hue of sun-scorched straw, this whisky makes no attempt to hide behind convolution - up front and very assertive on the nose, like lemon peels being dredged through kerosene (in the most praise worthy way possible), an engaging tone of oiled leathers being lost to a house fire, all along side a massive wash of Hebridean salt air. With no exaggeration, this to me is my favorite scotch of all time; it is deeply honest with zero intention to fool you or hide behind any secondary notes, saying what many scotch's never want to hear "I am young, and I am damn proud of it".

Price: $67.99

WE: 90

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 10/5/2022 | Send Email

The bright burnished copper color here is a bit misleading - as soon as you smell the glass you know you're dealing with a spirit that is older and carries more weight than you'd expect from color alone. Darker barrel notes are immediately present, first scent feels like the middle of a rickhouse - dark, dusty, and distinctly woody. And yet, it also sings of ripe fruits and summer days, right off the bat, good fortune indeed. Sweet spices like cinnamon, mace, and nutmeg intermix with fresh and candied apples and the crushed stones of stone fruits giving a beautiful candied marzipan/amaretto note. The legs in the glass are thick and slow to move - exceptionally beautiful like little diamonds tumbling in slow motion back into the honeyed elixir below. The palate is sweet and carefree. Brandied cherries, Werther's Originals, apple pie, candied ginger. It's like an old time candy shop in a bottle. Then a wave of the more serious woody/dusty notes comes through to maintain balance and harmony. At 51% ABV it is perfect on it's own. A splendid first batch from the inimitable Pablo Moix and hopefully just a sneak peak of what is to follow.

Price: $84.99

Louis Roederer "Collection 242" Brut Champagne

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/30/2022 | Send Email

Louis Roederer Collection 242 is a gorgeous Champagne. The aromatics on this is more than one could expect but would not be surprised at. So many layers of orchard fruit and tropical fruit. Combined with petite bubbles, this drinks like a fine wine. Finishes dry and with some much dimension, an absolute reliable champagne that is sure to please any connoisseur.

Price: $54.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/30/2022 | Send Email

Laurent Perrier La Cuvee is a timeless Champagne that delivers wonderful flavors thru and thru. Crisp green apple, D ’Anjou pear, baked into a buttery tart garnished with candied ginger bits. There is a charming texture and flintiness that makes this a unique Champagne that is consistent and genuine.

Price: $59.99

2016 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 9/29/2022 | Send Email

One of our favorites and I have at least twn vintages in my cellar. Superb minerality in this wine which is very precise and focused. So fresh and lively. Layers of ripe fruit and some latent tannin underneath. Lovely and usually priced correctly.

Price: $99.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/28/2022 | Send Email

The Brut reserve is such an enjoyable Champagne for everyday drinking. Full of bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures makes this just a mouthful of deliciousness. The tastes of yellow apple, flint, black peppercorn is all so enjoyable. Drink, enjoy, repeat.

Price: $64.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/28/2022 | Send Email

This is as delicious as I have always remembered. Wild strawberry tartness, juicy peach, hibiscus petals florals, and finishing with a soft mousse of red berries. There is a reason this is our top-selling rose Champagne it is just so delightful to drink.

Price: $94.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/28/2022 | Send Email

This has a lovely freshness to it that blends flavors of citrus, under-ripe tropical fruit, and dried ginger in the finish. This is mostly Pinot Meunier has enticing florals and for me this is a special cuvee that lends a cherry note that is delightfully playful on the palate. Finishing dry overall, and a great aperitive for the beginning of a meal or a toast.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Adrian Gomez | Review Date: 9/25/2022 | Send Email

This is an incredible bottle of bourbon with a profound nose of vanilla, caramel and maple syrup, Following up the nose with a well balanced body of salted caramel, cherry and spices, finishing off the the pallet with plum and toasted sugar. Every sip brings out and accentuates each flavor profile making this one of the most easy drinking and crushable bourbons I've ever had.

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 9/23/2022 | Send Email

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aromas are reminiscent of spirits enjoyable in the autumn and fall seasons. An upfront nose of maple, praline, candied apricot, and apples in a buttery tart lightly dusted with fennel pollen. Displays roundness in the fore front and along the cheek then on the backend and finish there are hints of pink peppercorns giving this a lovely spice element. There is certainly a mouthful of flavors that fit together equally, and you can unquestionably taste quality and precision that the Rare Character’s team intended in this bottling. Enjoy as a sipper preferably on the couch watching your favorite fall movie, mine would be Knives Out. Cheers!

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 9/23/2022 | Send Email

This is one of the best sour mash bourbons I have ever tasted! The higher proof and oily texture give this bourbon more body, making it pleasant, balanced, and complex. Aromas of caramel, stone fruit, curacao, and oak spice shine, and a little water opens this bourbon up nicely. A great sipper that would pair fantastically with a cigar.

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Austin Jenkins | Review Date: 9/23/2022 | Send Email

Wow, it's not very often we get to encounter something so "new" and so refined. New is in quotation marks for the sake that Fortuna has a preexisting history. With that being said however this bottle is nothing to scoff at. The aromas just off the initial pour alone are enough to get the mouth-watering; brown sugar, and maple, with the most subtle char. The flavors are heavy on the warming-spice side but not so intense to the point of misbalance, it's chased by caramel for a long-lasting finish -- the texture is extremely silky. Even now as I'm writing this I'm considering going back for a second dram. This is a legendary bottle produced by a soon-to-be (if not already) legendary team. I foresee this bottle sweeping out in the coming days. And considering at the time of posting this the juice was bottled only one day ago, so get it while it's hot -- or rather, get it while you can.

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 9/23/2022 | Send Email

This Bourbon is full bodied and expressive. In the nose there are sweet caramel- like classic Bourbon aromas. In the mouth it is big and sweet but there is a pleasant balance to it. There is a mouth coating finish. A splash of water opens it up and brings out a little more sweetness. It is good with and with out water.

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/22/2022 | Send Email

Is Forunta the next craveable hard-to-get Bourbon? Hard to say, it is a compelling and rich style, with a panoply of baking spices intermingled with flavors of dulce de leche and caramel. That creamy and smooth palate lingers on the brain. So, sure, very craveable and very well balanced. Hard-to-get? Probably after you taste it and try to come back for more.

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Illya Haase | Review Date: 9/22/2022 | Send Email

I love Bourbon! I also learn towards high proof and a high rye mash bill. But, sometimes one comes across my desk and shakes me out of my preference. The Fortuna shattered that preference! One word Balance. Water need not apply. From start to finish for me it's near perfection. It opens up with white honeysuckle just like the kind that we used to pick off the bushes in Kentucky. Fresh cut wood and roasted peanuts. Candy caramel and butterscotch. That is just the nose. First sip is lively and bright with tastes spearmint and baking spice. Mid palate is heavy with wonderful array of creamy caramel and bright cherries. Balanced flavors, where nothing over takes the other. The finish is long with that KY hug right down in the chest. Even though it is not a crazy high proof it has an amazingly lengthy finish. I can hear it now. Well, "it is only a 6 year." Like I say all the time "don't really care how old it is, it has to be good!" And Damn this is Good!

Price: $84.99

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 9/21/2022 | Send Email

The story behind the Fortuna brand is only eclipsed by the incredible quality of the spirit in the bottle. Re-established by Pablo Moix of the preeminent Rare Character bottler, the original brand was once one of Kentucky's most sought-after. Phil Hollenbach created the brand to share his "good fortune" with the world and now we're extremely grateful and lucky to do the same. Each tiny 6-barrel batch is hand blended by Pablo. While he can't tell us who is distilling for him, he can tell us who is NOT. The product is produced "on the shelf," referring to the famous limestone shelf that makes bourbon country, and its water, so special. It's not a sweet mash or a pot still, so not being sourced from any number of new distillers. So that leaves one of the legacy distillers, which to be honest is absolutely incredible on its own. There are no new brands that get access to stocks from legacy distillers, even ones that seem to have access from certain places, are working through limit brokered stocks. But beyond the access that Fortuna has garnered, the incredible breadth of tasting knowledge and experience that Pablo is unprecedented. Here, Mr. Moix tries his hand at blending, and I have to say he's hit an absolute home run. Guided by samples of the original stocks, which come out of his personal collection, Pablo carefully mingles these stocks with the goal of capturing the original character of this ancient whiskey brand. I can't believe anyone else is taking so much time and energy to put together such a delicious product. Let's taste it! Right out of the bottle the nose is absolutely singing. Big, sweet aromas of marzipan, vibrant red cherry, caramel candies, Seville orange oil, roasted clove and fresh ground cinnamon. The nose is absolutely enchanting and exemplifies the goal of recreating the flavor profile you might expect from a pre-pro bottling. It even seems to have that little twinge of dustiness that I always associate with whiskies that have been in the bottle for many decades -albeit not to an overwhelming degree. On the palate, an extremely velvety texture and rounded mouth feel, with even more cherries -candied now, gingerbread, sweet vanilla bean, brown sugar syrup, baking spices of all kinds. The finish is long and very easy. No tannin or burn coming through whatsoever, but the ultra-sweet caramel character is slight spicy bite. The key take away here is BALANCE! SO many whiskies we drink these days are just absolute bombs, this has all the presence and character of the great small batches from the big dogs but adds a level of nuance and complexity that's rarely seen in modern bourbon. I guess that's why they call it Rare Character. We're all so FORTUNATE to have Pablo bringing these incredible barrels to our shelves and proud to be Fortuna's first customer in California.

Price: $84.99

2016 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino

By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 9/13/2022 | Send Email

The nose of this wine is bold and saturated, bursting with savory wild cherry, salted plums, mushroom, and leather that seem to say power incarnate, but in a restrained, country gentleman manner. On the palate, the density of the 2015 vintage takes over. It is discreet power: full yet never heavy, it just shows a subtle energy. The flavors show Poggiarellino's trademark Marasca cherry that emerge from a pool of plummy depth. Hints of cola, leather, and wild herbs segue across your tongue, while the wine's central backbone is always apparent. Gentle hints of tannin only emerge in the end. The finish replays much of the Marasca cherry, with subtle earthy spice lingering on for some time. A long life ahead for this wine that will really begin to open in 2025 but is delicious now.

Price: $39.99

JS: 93

Mii no Kotobuki "Pastoral Beauty" Hojo Biden Yamahai Junmai Sake (720ml)

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 9/10/2022 | Send Email

Red licorice is a heavily present on both the nose and pallet. The Junmai is clean, vibrant with vanilla, almonds, and honey. It is a bit higher at 16-17% giving this sake a richer mouthfeel as well. It is produced in Kyushu, Japan and uses Itoshima Yamada Nishiki rice, a delicate long grain, that can be a tad tricky when it come to growing in the Fukuoka prefecture. Mii No Kotobuki does an excellent job producing this small batch sake.

Price: $29.99

Mii no Kotobuki "Pastoral Beauty" Hojo Biden Yamahai Junmai Sake (720ml)

By: Austin Jenkins | Review Date: 9/10/2022 | Send Email

The boquet on this sake is insane! Red licorce, crushed almonds, and goat cheese layered atop soft notes of berries and melon. Flavor/texture profile is rich and creamy. An insane value considering how high quality this offering is!

Price: $29.99

Mii no Kotobuki "Pastoral Beauty" Hojo Biden Yamahai Junmai Sake (720ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/10/2022 | Send Email

Super fragrant nose of goat cheese, almonds and red licorice. On the palate, dry and sweet at the same time. Vanilla and savory roasted nuts on the palate with raspberry and a light touch of spice. It lives up to its name...it's really lovely.

Price: $29.99

Jack Daniel's "Barrel Proof" Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey (375ml)

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 9/10/2022 | Send Email

We've been effectively out of stock of the 750ml for months. When it does come in, it is usually a case or two and it's gone in a flash. This single barrel barrel proof bottling of Tennessee's most famous distillery makes abundantly clear why Jack Daniel's remains one of the the most popular American made whiskies in the world. Despite the difficultly of finding it at the moment in the more traditional 750ml format, we've managed to secure nearly every 375ml bottle currently available in California. If it were possible to bottle this liquid under a Kentucky Bourbon label, I would bet large sums of money that it would take home every medal and top spot honor on the year end lists. It would be obscenely marked up at every corner liquor store. It would be the prized tater in all the locked cabinets of unopened bottles of America's finest hooch. Bizarrely, and fortunately for fans of drinking good liquor, this oddly large shipment of half bottles has made its way to our shelves - and at less than the 1/2 the cost of the 750ml to boot! So, git it while the gittin' is good. Stocking stuffers, client gifts, apocalypse booze bunker restock, locked display cabinet, whatever you need fine hooch for, now is the time to put these away. Please note proofs will vary by bottle. Bottle tasted for this review was 131.4 proof. Here it is: Color - Macallan 18. Nose: Maple sugar, cinnamon, pepper, saw dust, cherry cola, fresh cream, ripe corn. There is a sexy savory note just under all the sweeter barrel and corn notes that is hard to pinpoint. Tarragon? It feels fresh and lively. It plays wonderfully well with the robust dark cherry notes that seem to tickle even the most jaded palates. If you've ever had the pleasure of walking around a Jack Daniel's barrel house on a very hot humid Tennessee day, it smells EXACTLY like this. You can almost taste the whiskey in the air. The palate is big. It's burly. It's in your face. But somehow it still treats you like an old friend - kindly, but with a little razzing. Caramels and butterscotches come rolling out. Sweet Coca-Cola spices zip around like you dropped a Mentos in your mouth while drinking it. The finish is lengthy, reprised sweet and savory, and inviting of another sip. Or bottle, cause ya know, they're small. Take 2.

Price: $29.99

WE: 94

Jack Daniel's "Barrel Proof" Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey (375ml)

By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 9/7/2022 | Send Email

Is it just me, or is this really approachable for sitting at 131.4 proof? It might just be me. The nose is treacle, caramel syrup on vanilla ice cream, rich coconut, and juicy crushed cherries. A little spice box and balsa wood adds weight and depth, and there's a hint of something savory just before the dessert aromas return. There's much more spice on the palate, but again this doesn't hit me as alcohol burn - it's quite enjoyable like finding extra chili peppers in your Mexican or Thai food. Black cherry dominates the palate for me with a bit of medicinality, then more caramel and notes of burnt sugar like the crusty top of creme brulee. Barrel spice and varnish make for a drying and somewhat tannic finish, but it stops short of being excessive. With water (let's be honest that's how a lot of folks with want it), banana arrives on the scene with dried coconut flakes, and the spice gets more oriented towards black pepper. The caramels come through more as well, while the texture is more rounded and the finish less tannic. Big black pepper and cinnamon stick hang out for a very long finish. That's good Jack!

Price: $29.99

WE: 94

Yamada Shoten "Everlasting Roots" Tokubetsu Junmai Sake 900ml

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 9/3/2022 | Send Email

This is one of the best value sake for a 900mL bottle! The creamy, savory texture dances beautifully on the pallet along with cloves, citrus, nutty aromas, touch of smoke, and earthy notes. This sake is richer and drier and would pair well with hearty meats and cheeses.

Price: $29.99

Jack Daniel's "Barrel Proof" Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey (375ml)

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 9/3/2022 | Send Email

This single barrel is quite enjoyable. The aromatics of this whiskey come off strong with notes of cinnamon, toasty oak, cloves, toffee, and chocolate. It is not too intense on the pallet, and you get subtle hints of citrus, banana chips, caramel, and baking chocolate. It rounds out mid-pallet with a lingering white peppercorn heat on the finish.

Price: $29.99

WE: 94

Jack Daniel's "Barrel Proof" Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey (375ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 9/3/2022 | Send Email

I tasted this with and without the addition of water. Without water, the rich and concentrated promise of this whiskey shows. With water, it really opens up . The nose is expressive with rich caramel notes. In the mouth, it is rich, round and lusty with a long finish.

Price: $29.99

WE: 94

Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 9/2/2022 | Send Email

It is incredibly refreshing to see a new Bourbon brand come to market and move away from the "my great great granddaddy moonshined back in the day' BS story that so many brands cling to. While ultimately at K&L we try to make the bulk of our decisions about what to sell based solely on the quality of what is in the bottle, a nice package and story is always good to be able to add in. Fortunately, here with Frank August, we've got the whole kit & kaboodle. First off, the package is extremely elegant and thoughtfully designed (the special glue on the back label peels off to make reuse as a vase or decanter extra easy). The whiskey itself is also shockingly elegant and thoughtful in its blend. Bottled at a respectable 100 proof, it's no punch you in the teeth bruiser, but instead is packed with flavor and nuance. The color is lovely - a golden amber. The nose is bright and clean. It has a great deal of sweetness mixed between fruit, candied sugars, and wood equally. A flash of cherry and stone fruit, maybe even a blackthorn's sloe berry with its bright tang, caramels, molasses, brown sugar syrup, and a wood profile that isn't all varnish, but rather freshly hewn green branches and a kiss of dried vanilla. The palate carries much of the nose into it, but also adds a bit more herbal complexity on the edges and a sweeter midpalate than you might expect. Molasses and tarragon both come to mind as does fresh Granny Smith apple. The finish is medium in length - lingering pleasantly, but never cloying or aggressive with just a kiss of heat. In short, this is one of the finest entrants and well conceived Bourbons to enter the scene we're likely to see. It bucks the trend of going for broke on a hazmat proof single barrel in favor of thoughtfully executing a quality dram. A delightful surprise and fine addition to any bar of collection.

Price: $74.99

Boulard-Bauquaire "Trepail" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Vieilles Vignes

By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 8/30/2022 | Send Email

Clean citrus, light floral notes, and just a touch of yeast make for a fresh and focused nose on this Champagne. On the palate there's more yellow fruit, concentrated nectarine, and lemon zest. What a wonderful and classic old vine Blanc de Blanc.

Price: $44.99

Huchu Homare (JoTo) Watari Bune Ferry Boat "55" Ibaraki Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 8/28/2022 | Send Email

Best served cold or room temperature, this wine opens up beautifully in the glass with pineapple, overripe melon, and wild flowers. You get a zesty acidity that lingers on the pallet. Definitely worth the try!

Price: $39.99

Limit of 3 per customer

Smith & Cross "Plummer & Wedderburn" Traditional Pure Pot Still Jamaica Rum

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 8/21/2022 | Send Email

Smith & Cross is the classic 100% pot still Jamaican rum. This is an essential rum to try for those unfamiliar with Jamaican rum. This classic Jamaican rum has high funky esters with complimentary notes of grilled pineapple, caramelized banana, green apple, tangerine, tobacco, and vanilla bean. Smith & Cross is full of flavor and wonderful to sip and enjoy on its own, but at 57% ABV (navy strength), it packs a punch. Smith & Cross is sublime in a Daiquiri or fantastic in other rum-based cocktails (Mai Tai or Kingston Negroni for example), so grab a bottle and enjoy!

Price: $34.99

WE: 95

Dewazakura "Mountain Cherry" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/20/2022 | Send Email

This very pretty sake has scents of pineapple cream, stone fruits and poached pears. In the mouth, a nice tang of acidity in forefront, followed by flavors of lush yellow pear, peach pie (including pastry notes) and bit of vanilla bean. Very floral and very pretty.

Price: $74.99

Planteray "Stiggins' Fancy" Pineapple Dark Rum (750ml)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 8/19/2022 | Send Email

Stiggins’ Fancy is a game changer for your next cocktail! This pineapple dark rum is one of my favorite rums to use in cocktails, and the sky is the limit on what you can do with it. What makes this rum so special is its delicious, fresh pineapple flavor that does not overpower the smooth and flavorful base-rum. It really shines when partnered with Plantation’s O.F.T.D rum (in most tiki cocktails). Jungle Birds, Mai Tais, Daiquiris, and Zombies… name any rum-focused cocktail and it will add depth and complexity. This rum is truly special, so grab a bottle or a case and enjoy!

Price: $29.99

Seikyo Takehara "Mirror Of Truth" Junmai (720ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/6/2022 | Send Email

The soft and subtle nose on this sake has scents of cantaloupe, green melon and jasmine. On the palate, pear, clean clay, light (white) pepper and more melon, as well as a light touch of minerals. It is quite rich and mouth-coating. Not too dry and not overly sweet. Strikes a good balance in between. Wonderful for the price!

Price: $24.99

Konteki "Tears of Dawn" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 7/30/2022 | Send Email

Banana cream and anise seeds are present throughout the pallet. This Daiginjo is light and dry with a smooth finish. It is recommended to be served cold between 40-60 degrees. Fresh oysters and fish go well with this sake.

Price: $39.99

Konteki "Tears of Dawn" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 7/30/2022 | Send Email

This super creamy smelling sake has scents of ripe banana and red licorice. There is also a light background scent of sautéed mushrooms. On the palate, it is initially on the plush side but, this is followed by a nice dryness and mineral bite. The banana scents carry over onto the palate with vanilla bean cream flavors and pear. Very smooth and easy to drink. Nice, long finish. An excellent sake, especially at this moderate price.

Price: $39.99

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaican Rum (750ml)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 7/27/2022 | Send Email

Appleton 21 is a rare and special rum that makes for a spectacular addition to any rum enthusiast’s collection. Appleton 21 is one of the smoothest rums on the market. When comparing it to Appleton 12, it is smoother, more delicate, with increased complexity. Aromas and flavors include creme brûlée, tangerine peel, vanilla bean, allspice, Demerara sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, alligator pepper, and browned banana. Keep this one out of any cocktails and enjoy it on its own, neat, as it should be.

Price: $139.99

WE: 97

Appleton Estate 12 Year Old "Rare Casks" Jamaican Rum (750ml)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 7/27/2022 | Send Email

Appleton 12 is a personal favorite of mine and is my go-to first recommendation for anyone getting serious about rum. Appleton 12 is a bourbon drinker’s rum as it is smooth with less perceivable funkiness. Jamaican rums are known to be funky, but Appleton’s funky twang is much tamer than other Jamaican rums. It is apparent on the first sip that this rum has done some barrel aging, but it is not overpowering. Appleton 12 has notes of caramel, toasted hazelnut, green apple, vanilla, caramel, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Alligator pepper. Appleton 12 is a workhorse too. It is not only a great sipper, but it works great in cocktails. It can shine in many cocktails, but I enjoy it when make a top-shelf 1944 Mai Tai.

Price: $49.99

WE: 95

G4 "de Madera" Blanco Tequila

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/23/2022 | Send Email

Tequila is simultaneously one of the most exciting and most frustrating categories in the spirits landscape. While on the one hand it seems there is an endless supply of Tequila - after all, every A, B, C, or D list celebrity is starting their own brand, the fact is, quality Tequila is harder than ever to come by. The reason for this is mostly tied to production methods. As Tequila has skyrocketed in popularity the biggest producers have invested enormous sums into making Tequila as efficiently and cheaply as possible from inexpensive, under ripe agave fortified with additives after distillation, in order to meet that demand. While the technological accomplishments are impressive and the results passable (or even sometimes quite good), it's unlikely to come as a surprise that the loser in this equation has been heritage, tradition, flavor, and quality. Fortunately there are still lots of producers and brands out there that do keep these elements as their guiding light. You just have to know where to look for them. G4 is one such brand - produced by the uncompromising Felipe Camarena at El Pandillo Distillery. While the core lineup of G4 Tequilas are excellent, the Blanco De Madera is phenomenal. This limited edition bottling is an additive free Blanco bottled at 45%ABV which was uniquely fermented in wooden vats. The color is crystal clear. The nose, in a word, sublime. It is fruity, rich, intense, herbaceous and inviting. Ripe fleshy tropical fruits like pineapples, guava, papaya and mango mesh with freshly cooked agave, citrus and sweetgrass set off by a touch of mint. The higher proof bottling carries the aromas brilliantly all the way to the back your nose so that you feel you're almost tasting it before you even take your first sip. It morphs slowly in the glass. It's worth making a big pour and taking your time to savor it over an hour or two. The palate is full and rich, yet very lively, again thanks to the higher proof (and the lack of sugary additives). The flavors come in waves. First sweet - a reprise of a bountiful tropical harvest. Then herbal - fresh and cooked agaves and that unique flavorful sweetness of agave syrup, but in the haunting way in which the flavor and intensity of the fruit carries through distillation - like a fine eau de vie. A little spicy kick in the final wave and carried into the finish. It's beautiful and clean; precise, yet rich. A spectacular limited edition Tequila that we were actually able to secure a decent quantity on instead of just sadly informing people it's already sold out. I'm sure it won't be long before we have to change our tune and tell people it's gone, but we will certainly keep singing the praises of quality like this whenever we can get it.

Price: $54.99

Barbancourt 5 Star 8 Year Old Haitian Rum (750ml)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 7/23/2022 | Send Email

Rhum Barabancourt 5 Star is a classic Rhum Agricole from Haiti that is well worth checking out! This rhum has pronounced minerality and vegetal/grassy characteristics that are joined harmoniously by notes of vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which come from its time in French oak casks. Barbancourt is made using pure sugar cane juice, which gives the rhum a lighter body (like the rhums of Martinique) when compared to molasses-based rums. The 5 Star is a great, affordable introduction to Rhum Agricole because it does not have a high level of funkiness that is typically synonymous with the Rhum Agricole. Besides being a great sipper, this rhum can be used to add complexity to most cocktails calling for a Rhum Agricole. I personally enjoy it in a Ti’ Punch.

Price: $34.99

Tedorigawa "Silver Mountain" Yamahai Junmai Sake 720ml

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 7/16/2022 | Send Email

This sake has a very clean that has plenty of steamed white rice scents with cream and pine nuts, as well. In the mouth, it is relatively weighty, with pure, thick flavors of unroasted nuts, honeycomb and exotic spices. The real surprise here is the acidity, which lingers on the finish and at the back of the throat. I think that this one deserves a full meal with distinct pairings.

Price: $34.99

Yellow Spot 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

By: Hope Cooc | Review Date: 7/10/2022 | Send Email

Out of all the Spot Whiskeys made by Jameson out there, I have got to say that this one is my personal favorite. The sweet corn, sweet bread, nuttiness dances ever so playful on the pallet. It is made using both malted and unmalted barley in a single pot and finished in Malaga casks. In the beginning, it starts off hot, but with a little decanting this whiskey opens up beautifully and ends with a soft finish.

Price: $99.99

WE: 94

Casco Viejo Blanco Tequila (1L)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/7/2022 | Send Email

This Tequila delivers a lot for the money. The nose is inviting with subtle citrus and savory notes. In the mouth the Casco Viejo Blanco is clean and pure with citrus and savory flavors. While it is delicious enough to drink alone, it will be great in cocktails.

Price: $21.99

2010 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Gran Reserva Rioja

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/27/2022 | Send Email

Another lovely release from Senor de Lesmos. "Old school" nose with black fruits, tobacco, earth, leather, and sandalwood. Quite a bit different on the palate. It is full and rich, with dark red fruits, baking spices and mellow oak. Soft and supple with fine-grained tannins. Bordeaux fans will love this one. A great little Reserva for under thirty dollars! Kirk needs to talk them into selling us mags of this!

Price: $29.99

2010 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Gran Reserva Rioja

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 6/27/2022 | Send Email

This winery produces year after year excellent well priced wines. The 2010 is no exception. The nose is interesting and complex, a pleasant introduction to what is to come. In the mouth it is full bodied and dry, with notes of earth. A great food wine, it will go well with hearty foods.

Price: $29.99

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