K&L Wine Merchants - Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Reviews

Izarra Verte (Green Chartreuse Substitute) Basque Liqueur (700ml)

Review Date: 04-09-2026

The soft, green color of this Basque liqueur belies its robust nature. That minty note gives way to a clean, almost candy cane flavor, courtesy of the balsam herb's spearminty-tasting leaves. A hint of cardamom adds a gentle aroma and soft, warm spice backbone, while the celery is clearly noticeable in all its slightly bitter, chlorophyl-like glory. Izarra shares a similar flavor profile to the more muscular and viscous Chartreuse, thanks to many similar herbs and spices. But it certainly asserts its own identity, bringing a softer profile to cocktails like the Bijou, the Last Word, and the Alaska when used in place of Chartreuse. Drink it as a post-prandial digestif, add a dash to a gin and tonic, or let it add some zing to a swizzle.

Price: $59.99

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Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle English Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 02-03-2026

As a kid, I couldn't wait for the yearly bake sale at my school because invariably someone always brought a lemon bundt cake with sugar icing dripping down the sides. This memory flashed into my head when I got my first whiff of Sipsmith's Lemon Drizzle. This is a delicately finessed gin. While you might expect it to be sweet because of the name and the aroma, it retains its London Dry foundation and lightly kisses it with the bright zing of citrus. The bitterness of lemon peel comes through, while the addition of lemon verbena adds just a hint of sweetness. The reason this gin works is because it doesn't stray too far from its classic roots. For me personally, with the ABV on the lower at 40.4%, I would skip the martini and choose something that doesn't rely on such a boozy kick. It makes a lovely, light Gin & Tonic, and it would also work in any variation of a gin sour like a French 75. This is one spirit where you can have your cake ... and sip it too.

Price: Hidden

Pages Verveine du Velay Verte 110 Proof Herbal Liqueur (700ml)

Review Date: 01-25-2026

Bitter liqueurs have been around for centuries, albeit as medicine before we figured out that they are a seriously satisfying recreational pleasure. Verveine du Velay shares many characteristics with Izarra and Chartreuse, thanks to its herbal ingredients. Its creamy mouthfeel and higher ABV of 55% help it go head-to-head with Chartreuse as a cocktail substitute. Where Verveine differs is in its more floral, citrusy quality. Lemon verbena is a key ingredient, but I always get lured in by hints of chamomile tea (that floral element), as well as a woody mace flavor.

Price: $49.99

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