K&L Wine Merchants - Aaron Hughes Reviews

Ariston Aspasie "Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 07-08-2024

When I first came here to K&L the supply on this was low and its absence was spoken of in somber and melancholy tones. I can see why, now, because it's an absolutely gorgeous Champagne at an excellent price. This is a rich and brioche-y nose that straddles the line between rich and cloying with amazing finesse, always staying on the right side while remaining opulent and luxurious. Rich apple and pear with hints of cream and vanilla and lovely toast on the finish. A must-buy for anyone trying to experience the best that Champagne has to offer!

Price: $34.99

Distilleria Caffo Vecchio Amaro del Capo "Hot Chili Pepper" Amaro (700ml)

Review Date: 07-08-2024

I was introduced to the "regular" version of this product by our very own Gary Westby, who shared it as his preference for the amaro in a Black Manhattan. I bought a bottle and absolutely loved it, so when David asked if we wanted to carry this Calabrian chili version, I immediately said yes. The chilis start as a visual, the amaro having a shockingly bright red hue. The nose smells almost the same with a dusky pepperiness showing towards the end with a strong peppery clearing of the sinuses if you inhale too deeply. The palate is dense with a shining deep orange note that's surrounded by herbs, a moderate bitterness that doesn't linger too long before the spice kicks in. The weight in the mouth is fantastic and encourages swirling it around with each sip, but that's also how to maximize the spice's impact. It's just a moderate pop of spice, but feels like it has the potential to build sip after sip and finishes with a clean and sweet tingle. This is a very fun product, and I'm going to get a bottle and make... Red Manhattans with it.

Price: $39.99

Oka Yuzu Japanese Vodka (900ml)

Review Date: 07-01-2024

The base spirit for this flavored vodka is distilled completely from rice, and then the producer macerates the spirit with yuzu pulp and peels before being pot-distilled and then rested a further week on the peels. The nose is in a beautiful battle with itself, trying to show off soft and beautiful yuzu florality while also offering a punch of lemon-lime citrus. The palate has a delightful weight, making it eminently sippable, with an intense punch of yuzu shining through while the mouthfeel draws you in, the initial stage of the finish is herbal but ultimately it settles down tasting like tropical yuzu candy, despite no sweetness in the product. I've made a few drinks with this and the yuzu character always shines through beautifully, making the cocktails distinctive and that much more appealing. Truly a winner of a product.

Price: $24.99

Oka Japanese Gin (900ml)

Review Date: 07-01-2024

This rice-spirit based gin has a rich nose that's filled with yuzu, orange zest and juniper with edges of sansho peppercorn and ginger with a hint of olive rounding out the nose and keeping it from being unbalanced. The palate hits with loads of fresh citrus and an appealing viscosity, just weighty enough for an ultra-sippable martini. Finishing up with watermelon rind and more savory peppercorn and ginger around the edges, there's a pleasant bite of juniper lingering there. This is an ultra-approachable and ultra-flexible gin that would make a great addition to any bar, especially if you're planning on making a variety of cocktails.

Price: $24.99

Baron-Fuenté "Esprit" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 11-02-2022

The second Baron-Fuente "Esprit" that I recently tasted - This Champagne, as opposed to its leaner cousin, does receive a dosage. With seven years on the lees, this is an amazing value for the price. Just think about the time that has been invested into this wine before it even gets to you, and yet it's under $40. With an easy-drinking mouthfeel and still brisk acidity, this Champagne invites sip after sip, and at under $40 a bottle. It's an astronomical deal, especially when you think about the work and effort that went into producing this wine. The nose is rich and inviting with baked apples and lemon candy, the palate is clean and ends with just enough acid to make you yearn for your next sip!

Price: $34.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

Calumet Farm 16 Year Old "Single Rack Black" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 08-16-2022

I was pleasantly surprised by how fruit-forward this bourbon was - after 16 years in oak it still came off a bit spritely, there was ripe and caramel apples alongside stewed pears, orange oil and then touches of burnt sugar towards the end. The palate was savory and spicy in the best of ways, with a vanilla custard and pie spice competition happening in the back palate, somewhere in the finish there's this whisper of herby licorice that kept me searching in my glass. I always like it when a beverage evokes curiosity. The finish manages to be dry and oaky without being overly tannic, just urging you onto the next welcome sip. A couple drops of water in what was left in my glass made the florality pop on the nose and left the palate a touch sweeter. Definitely highly recommended and a beautiful sipper however you choose, I didn't think it needed water or a rock in it, but I wouldn't have objected, either.

Price: $129.99

Reisetbauer Carrot "Karotten" Eau de Vie (375ml)

Review Date: 02-16-2020

When Andrew our spirits buyer showed me that we had a carrot eau de vie, I didn't know what to think. How weird I thought to myself while smiling and nodding politely. I was a fool and this is absolutely amazing. It's everything that a carrot should and could be, but it's an eau de vie. It is the very essence of carrot, a study of carrot, a thesis on carrots written by a Professor of Carrotology. It's absolutely bizarre and yet at the same time makes complete and absolute sense. It is carrot, and my life will never be the same. Serve neat, chilled if you prefer and get ready to go for a wild experiential ride.

Price: $69.99

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