SANJAY O’VACY declare thespirits class of 2015asthebest andbrightest yet. from thelate Lincoln Henderson. with toffee and spice. Another astonishing bottle: Angel’s Envy Finished in Port Wine Barrels, asip-worthy magnumopusBourbon a widerange of companies, thiswas therumthatFrancisco “DonPancho” Fernandez yearned to bottle—and it’s delicious,redolent M Then again,there’s always next year. It’s difficult to not bein awe ofthese distillers. Andasacritic, I’m deeply appreciative oftheir work. It’s also impossible notto Consider, for example, DonPancho Origenes Reserva Rum Aged 30Years. After more than50 years asahired gunmakingrum for The best choices for your cocktail and glass this year. represents theapex of my experience.” this year inparticular, I’ve beenlucky to sample ahandfulof spirits from distillers who’ve declared, “Thisbottle an even 100?Thatwas thehard part. aking thedecisionto doubleourannualTop 50Spirits list was easy. Narrowing thelist of stellar spirits down to Never before have there beenso many great spirits from which to choose. Itseems like Isay thatevery year, but 1 SPIRITS 00

of TOP BY KARA NEWMAN 2015

TOP 100 SPIRITS 2015

American Born Moonshine Dixie (USA; Windy sings with honeysuckle sweetness up front, turn- Mulligan’s Bourbon (USA; Golden Bever- 90 Hill Spirits, Nashville, TN). A dead ringer for ing smoky, then fruity, with Sherry-like accents that Bourbon 92 age Group, Ballwin, MO). Despite the hokey Other American Southern-style sweet tea, this has just a hint of alco- eventually fade into a smooth vanilla-caramel exit. golf logo on the bottle, this four-year-old Kentucky hol to it. This dark amber whiskey has a steeped-tea Matured in former Bourbon and Sherry casks. Best Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel (USA; Bourbon was a pleasant surprise. Bottled in Mis- Whiskey scent and flavor and goes down ridiculously easily. Buy. 97 Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY). This souri and sold by Mulligan’s Grill, a golf-themed bar abv: 41.5% Price: $25 abv: 46% Price: $45 limited-edition bottling of rare extra-aged Bourbons and grill in Ellisville, MO, this is a light, balanced Hillrock Single Malt Whiskey (USA; Hillrock becomes more concentrated and rich when allowed sipper that features bold caramel with hints of or- 97 Estate Distillery, Hudson Valley, NY). This The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve (Scotland; to open up in the glass: look for coconut, vanilla, oak ange and grapefruit peel, almost like a head start on bold and flavorful sipping whiskey is made from New 95 Whyte & Mackay Americas, North Miami, FL). and a dry finish accented with cocoa and leather. citrusy cocktails. Best Buy. York State-grown malt smoked for eight hours over Aged in a series of barrels—first American oak, then Just a splash of branchwater, and this is a sipper to abv: 40% Price: $24 Scottish peat (an 18-hour version is in the works transferred to a former oloroso Sherry cask and fin- savor. too). Bold smoky-sweet campfire notes lead into tof- Canadian Whisky ished in used Cabernet Sauvignon barriques—this abv: 45% Price: $200 Parker’s Heritage Collection 2014 Release fee, chocolate and espresso before drying to a gentle Scotch is intended “to complement a fine cigar,” but 92 (USA; Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY). exhale of smoke. Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel Canadian it would be an outstanding dessert accompaniment Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon (USA; Jim This 13-year-old straight-wheat whiskey is a limit- abv: 43% Price: $100 98 Whisky (Canada; Diageo, New York, NY). One too. Look for dusty cocoa and lots of Sherried dark 94 Beam Distilling, Clermont, KY). This high- ed-edition release to raise funds for ALS research, of 50 component whiskies that go into the standard fruit, like figs and dates, wrapped in caramel and rye, 100-proof Bourbon features a brown-sugar in honor of Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey (USA; Swift Crown Royal blend, this complex, delicious sipping baking tones that linger on the spicy finish. aroma and bold, mouthwatering notes of cocoa, Parker Beam. It’s full of luxe caramel charm, with 95 Distillery, Dripping Springs, TX). Light gold in whisky starts out with maple and vanilla aromas abv: 44% Price: $125 hazelnut and toffee, finishing long. Smoother than vanilla, crème brûlée and a touch of orange peel. It’s the glass, this single malt made in Texas from Scot- that then transition into enticing notes of tropi- expected from a high-proof whiskey, it holds up bottled at cask strength; be prepared to add plenty of tish malted barley is scented with apples, pears and cal fruit and Sherry on the palate. It finishes long, Glenfiddich The Original Single Malt Scotch to dilution, still showing lots of flavor even with water to enjoy, otherwise it’s quite fiery. Woodford Reserve Rye (USA; Brown-Forman, vanilla. On the palate, these notes are echoed along warming and spicy. 94 Whisky (Scotland; William Grant & Sons, branchwater added. Launched with new orange- abv: 63.7% Price: $90 93 Louisville, KY). The latest addition to the with a lightly charred, smoky note and a touch of co- abv: 51.5% Price: $55 New York, NY). This burnished gold whisky, ideal and-green label in January 2015. Best Buy. Woodford line has a sweet aroma, evoking allspice, coa mixed with the vanilla. It has a silky, oily feel. for a dessert pairing, boasts pleasant scents of va- abv: 50% Price: $25 root beer and caramel. The palate shows plenty of abv: 43% Price: $55 Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky (Canada; nilla, apple and pear. On the palate, look for custardy vanilla and caramel but finishes bracingly dry and 97 Pernod Ricard USA, New York, NY). This full- sweetness, a faint banana note and a rich vanilla Angel’s Envy Finished in Port Wine Barrels spicy, with bitter chocolate, clove and a tongue- Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt bodied blended whisky hits all the right notes, start- fade that’s perked up by a spark of sweet cinnamon. 94 (USA; Louisville Distilling Company, Louis- numbing touch of cayenne. 95 Whiskey (USA; Westland Distillery, Seattle, ing with plenty of rich caramel and oak tones on the This limited-edition bottling was inspired by a 1963 ville, KY). Luxe and velvety, this port-finished Bour- Rye Whiskey abv: 45.2% Price: $38 WA). Made from 100% malted barley and aged in nose and palate, plus touches of butterscotch, spicy single-malt release, which Glenfiddich credits as the bon shows bold caramel and toffee up front, mor- former sherry casks, this amber whiskey has a dry, cinnamon and clove. It finishes long, slightly oily first single-malt Scotch to be released worldwide. phing into notes of sherry, honey and rounded red A Midwinter Night’s Dram (USA; High West Russell’s Reserve Rye Small Batch 6 Year Old bracing scent brushed with dried apricot and brown and mouthfilling. Sip it straight or add a splash of abv: 40% Price: $200 fruit. Plush and very soft, it needs little more than 98 Distillery, Salt Lake City, UT). This limited- 92 (USA; Wild Turkey Distilling, Lawrenceburg, sugar. Just a splash of water brings out custard-like sweet vermouth. an ice cube. edition blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in KY). The warm and fruity scent is reminiscent of notes, alongside vanilla, chamomile tea and stone abv: 43% Price: $45 The Balvenie DoubleWood Aged 12 Years Sin- abv: 43.3% Price: $46 French oak and former port barrels offers huge, fresh apples drizzled with caramel. On the palate, fruit, finishing with a wisp of smoke. 94 gle Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland; William rounded notes of rich toffee, dark fruit, orange peel spicy cinnamon leads, softening to caramel midpal- abv: 46% Price: $70 Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whis- Grant & Sons, New York, NY). Silky and downright Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon and mulling spices. It’s almost like a wintry whiskey ate and finishing with sizzling cinnamon, clove and 91 ky (Canada; Sazerac Company, Louisville, KY). succulent, this Scotch is made with two types of oak 93 (USA; Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, punch in a bottle. The language on the label winks at cayenne. Adjusted with water, a saline note emerges, St. George Single Malt Whiskey Lot 14 (USA; Dark honey in the glass, this whisky boasts maple casks—as the DoubleWood name suggests—but it’s KY). Relatively smooth for 100 proof, this light, Shakespeare, making this a special gift for a theater creating a pleasing salted caramel-like sipper. 93 St. George Spirits, Alameda, CA). St. George and cedar aromas in the bouquet. Expect lots of really all about the influence of the ex-Sherry cask. silky Bourbon shows bold vanilla and toffee, plus a lover as well as a whiskey lover. abv: 45% Price: $42 releases its single malts annually. The 2014 edition spice on the palate, including clove, cinnamon, nut- Aromas suggest golden raisins and dried apricots. mouthwatering baking-spice finish. It’s a good sip- abv: 42% Price: $80 has a golden hue and morphs from tropical notes of meg, cayenne and black pepper, all smoothed over by The silky palate starts out moderately smoky, but per with an ice cube, or mix into a top-flight old Dad’s Hat Pennsyl- pineapple, lemon peel, coconut and vanilla to lightly a ribbon of maple and honey. It finishes big, round, glides into a richer, honeyed, nutty profile that fin- fashioned. Wild Turkey Forgiven (USA; Wild Turkey 90 vania Rye Whiskey smoky to hoppy and beer-like on the finish, plus a buttery and mouthwatering. ishes with cocoa and clove accents. abv: 50% Price: $60 95 Distilling, Lawrenceburg, KY). A hybrid of Finished in Vermouth flick of ginger. It’s clean, bold and worth seeking out. abv: 40% Price: $50 abv: 43% Price: $50 six-year-old Bourbon (78%) and four-year-old rye Barrels (USA; Mountain If it’s already gone, don’t worry; Lot 15 will be re- Michter’s US *1 (22%), this whiskey offers plenty of bold vanilla, Laurel Spirits, Bristol, PA). leased in late summer/early fall 2015. Speyburn Arranta 93 Toasted Barrel Fin- with a cookie dough-like sweetness drying to a The only Pennsylvania- abv: 43% Price: $80 93 Casks Single Malt ish Bourbon (USA; Michter’s gentle spicy fade. A splash of branchwater balances style rye actually made in Scotch Whisky (Scotland; Saz- Distillery, Louisville, KY). So the alcohol heat and coaxes out more robust pops Pennsylvania is finished for 13th Colony Southern Corn Whiskey (USA; erac Company, Louisville, KY). named because after full of spice. three months in former 91 Thirteenth Colony Distilleries, Americus, GA). Single-Malt Scotch Exclusive to the U.S. market, maturation in a charred oak abv: 45.5% Price: $50 sweet-vermouth casks from This limited release 100% corn whiskey has a light, this single-malt Scotch bursts barrel, it’s finished in a new Quady Winery. The base bright honey color and vanilla-oak aroma. The palate Glenmorangie Tùsail (Scotland; Moet Hen- with baked apple, vanilla and barrel that has been toasted rye has a bananas and surprises with butterscotchy corn sweetness, lemon 96 nessy USA, New York, NY). Another delicious coconut aromas, with a light (not charred). The end re- honey character; this builds peel, baking spice and a saline tang, finishing with offering from the Glenmorangie portfolio, this whis- brush of peat. The palate sult is light but complex, on it nicely with layers of more butterscotch on the elongated finish. key is vibrantly golden in the glass. Look for light shows vanilla sweetness and featuring vanilla, buttery raisin, figs, dates and abv: 47.5% Price: $30 aromas of vanilla, custard, lemon cream pie and mouthwatering salted cara- brioche and hints of rich caramel, finishing attrac- honeysuckle, with fleeting touches of banana and mel, finishing brisk and mod- butterscotch, settling on tively spiced. Small batch. George Dickel No. 1 (USA; George A. Dickel & smoke on the back. This balanced sipper finishes erately smoky. Best Buy. fleeting baking spice and abv: 47% Price: $50 91 Co., Tullahoma, TN). Clear in the glass with a with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and citrus peel. abv: 46% Price: $40 sarsaparilla, with a notice- warm, comfortingly polenta-like aroma, this white abv: 46% Price: $99 ably buttery and oily feel. corn-based whiskey bills itself as “mellow as moon- abv: 45.7% Price: $48 light.” It’s fleetingly sweet on the palate and sur- Old Pulteney Navigator Single Malt Scotch prisingly delicate at first sip. Additional sips build 95 Whisky (Scotland; Sazerac Company, Louis- warmer, richer notes of vanilla, marshmallow and ville, KY). Though it’s not intensely aromatic, show- coconut, with faint corn sweetness on the crisp fin- ing only shy hints of caramel, fruit and smoke, this ish. Scotch is concentrated on the palate and evolves abv: 45.5% Price: $22 with every sip. Add just a splash of water, and it TOP 100 SPIRITS 2015

Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky segues into a spicy, mouthwatering finish of white Butterfly Classic Absinthe (Switzerland; DC 93 (Scotland; Diageo, New York, NY). Made and black pepper, coriander and ginger spice. Wheat Vodka 91 Craft Spirits, Monarch Beach, CA). The back- on Isle of Skye, this brisk, briny single malt carries Other International abv: 45% Price: $39 story is a little complicated: first made in Boston honey and campfire smoke aromas on the nose. On Absolut Elyx (Sweden; Pernod Ricard, New circa 1902, it’s now been resurrected in Switzerland, the palate, a salted caramel flavor unfolds, with smo- Whiskey Big Bottom Oregon Gin (USA; Big Bottom Dis- 96 York, NY). This vodka is simply clean, from thanks to a Boston-based historian. The absinthe kiness leading into the brisk finish that’s brushed 92 tilling, Hillsboro, Oregon). The aroma teases the mildly sweet aroma to the crisp finish. The pal- itself is more straightforward. It louches to cloudy with fleeting notes of citrus and rich espresso. It has Sullivans Cove Double Cask Single Malt bright grapefruit peel, otherwise this silky gin is like ate holds pleasant notes of marshmallow, grapefruit pale yellow, releasing a mild, citrusy aroma. On the plenty of alcohol punch, so be sure to add a generous 93 Whisky (Australia; Purple Valley Imports, drinking in a forest, enveloping the palate in pine peel and chalk that give way to a faint vanilla-citrus palate, the star anise flavor is assertive and bright, splash of water. Pittsburgh, PA). Hailing from Tasmania, this golden and juniper, with a white flower and white pepper exit. Made from single-estate grain distilled in a 1921 even when diluted with water, and backed by lem- abv: 45.8% Price: $66 single-malt whiskey offers aromas of pear, banana finish. The alcohol heat is too strong for straight-up copper column still, this is an ideal companion for ongrass and ginger. and honey. Light, smooth and easy sipping, the palate sipping, but tempers well in cocktails without relin- pretty much anything served in a martini glass. abv: 65% Price: $85 Glenglassaugh Torfa (Scotland; Anchor Dis- shows fruity notes alongside hints of almond, vanilla quishing flavor. abv: 42.3% Price: $49/1 L 92 tilling, San Francisco, CA). Torfa is old Norse wafer and just a wisp of smoke. abv: 45.5% Price: $30 Lucid Absinthe Supérieure (France; Hood for “peat,” and this Scotch delivers on that promise abv: 40% Price: $125 Voli Vodka (France; Voli Vodka LLC, Miami, FL). 90 River Distillers, Portland, OR). This cocktail- with delicacy and finesse. Light gold in the glass, the Captive Spirits Big Gin (USA; Captive Spirits, 91 This vodka, made from French wheat, has a friendly absinthe is mild and herbaceous, hinting at nose shows a vanilla aroma tinged with peat smoke The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Aged 18 91 Seattle, WA). Robust and substantial, this fla- hint of anise in the aroma and a slightly sweet vanil- fennel, lime peel, and a fresh hint of celery. Made and oak accents. The palate is bright and briny up 92 Years (Japan; Beam Suntory, Deerfield, IL). vorful gin combines juniper, citrus, a brush of mint la note on the palate, finishing brisk and citrusy. It with beet neutral spirits, it has a faint sweetness front, with a peat smoke character becoming more This honey-hued single malt is soft and perfectly bal- Hana Gin (USA; Branded Spirits USA, San and a mouthwatering savory note reminiscent of ol- feels light, almost airy, and will please vodka drink- that plays around the edges. Light straw in the glass, pronounced with each successive sip. That smoky- ances vanilla-caramel sweetness and peat smoke on 94 Francisco, CA). Hana is Japanese for flower, ive brine and black pepper. The finish is spicy but ers looking to sip or mix. Best Buy. louching to bright opalescent. saline balance provokes cravings for oysters and aged the nose and palate. Add a splash of branch water to as the orchid etched into the teardrop-shaped bottle balanced. A top choice for Gibsons or dirty martinis. abv: 40% Price: $25 abv: 62% Price: $60 cheeses. offset alcohol heat on the drying, spiced finish. suggests, and this gin does show subtle white floral abv: 47% Price: $30 abv: 50% Price: $75 abv: 43% Price: $250 notes. The bright, delicate aroma suggests floral and American Harvest (USA; American Harvest mild vegetal notes reminiscent of fresh snow peas. Greyling Modern Dry Gin (USA; Two Birds 90 Distilling, Rigby, ID). This organic vodka, Highland Park Odin (Scotland; Edrington Kinahan’s Single Malt The flavor is equally bright and bracing, with a fleet- 91 Artisan Spirits, Kalamazoo, MI). This well-­ made from winter wheat, veers into gin-like or fla- 92 Americas, New York, NY). The powerful aroma 90 Irish Whiskey (Ireland; ing berry sweetness and a crisp, lightly floral finish. balanced gin has a faintly marshmallowy scent. On vored vodka territory, though the producer insists it Reposado Tequila suggests gingerbread, molasses and chamomile tea. Winebow Group, New York, Nuanced and versatile enough for a wide range of the palate, anise is backed up by touches of citrus is not a flavored vodka. Though it’s neutral on the On the palate, the sticky-toffee note is enveloped by NY). This golden whiskey classic cocktails. Best Buy. and juniper that finish crisp alongside a flourish of nose, the flavor is relatively bold, suggesting melon, Tequila Herradura Colección de la Casa Reser- an intense wallop of peat. An undercurrent of Sherry offers a fresh, grassy scent. abv: 40% Price: $20 white pepper. almond and vanilla. Best Buy. 97 va 2014 Scotch Cask Finish Reposado Tequila and gingerbread sweetness runs beneath the smoke, Matured in former Bourbon abv: 41% Price: $30 abv: 40% Price: $24/1 L (Mexico; Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, KY). entwining into a mesquite-like smoky-sweet and barrels for at least 10 years, The newest addition to Herradura’s stunning col- spicy finish. A splash of water coaxes out a subtle it’s soft yet smoky on the pal- Geranium Gin (England; International Spir- Blat Vodka (Spain; Vinaio Importers, Bronx, lection of cask-finished Tequilas nods to Scotland. bacon note. Aged 16 years, this limited edition is ate, though not overwhelm- 90 its and Wine, Mt. Kisco, NY). As the name 90 NY). The producers bill this as “advanced It smells like a dessert wine, showing stone fruit, named for the Norse god Odin and comes packaged ingly so. The smoke leaves suggests, the London dry-style gin has a floral cast, vodka,” distilled from non-GMO French wheat and Sherry and honey. Those flavors are echoed on the in a wooden frame intended to evoke the contours of plenty of room to enjoy the though it’s delicate and not at all overpowering. The claiming to be “the only vodka 100% free of impuri- palate, a lingering, smoky wisp that evokes peaty a traditional Viking long ship. breezy tropical fruit, almond mild, slightly citrusy aroma leads to a light rosewa- ties.” Overall, the spirit is neutral on the nose and Islay Scotch. It’s smooth and sips well. Aged for abv: 55.8% Price: $350 and ginger notes, finishing ter sweetness on the palate, spiced up with white palate, with a tinge of marshmallow sweetness and a 11 months, then transferred to single-malt Scotch with a mellow honeysuckle and black pepper and lime peel into the brisk exit. crisp, perky finish. casks from the Highland and Islay regions for three Glen Moray Elgin accent. Sleek square bottle. abv: 40% Price: $39 additional months of aging. 91 Classic Single Malt abv: 46% Price: $69 abv: 44% Price: $40 abv: 40% Price: $90 Scotch Whisky (Scotland; Prestige Wine & Spirits Greenhook Ginsmiths Old Tom Gin (USA; Siete Leguas Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Group, St. Paul, MN). An 90 Greenhook Ginsmiths, Brooklyn, NY). This 95 Gemini Spirits & Wine, Chicago, IL). Delicate excellent value, this Speyside history-minded bottling was made in collaboration and balanced, this Tequila is pale straw in the glass, spirit offers fresh apple and with Brooklyn barmen Damon Boelte and Maxwell Absinthe with hardly any color. The nose and palate seem to tropical fruit aromatics. It’s Britten. It’s made from an 18th-century recipe, pot trade back and forth between jabs of jalapeño pepper relatively sweet up front, distilled using “exotic spices inspired by the Brit- Nouvelle-Orléans Absinthe Supérieure and smoothing vanilla-honey sweetness, even into showing maple and vanilla, ish Spice Trade,” and finally, aged for 12 months in 95 (France; Hood River Distillers, Portland, OR). the elongated fade. Sip or mix. though a citrusy note unfolds Bourbon and oloroso Sherry casks. All that adds up Grab your corkscrew to open a bottle of this ab- abv: 40% Price: $43 midpalate and it finishes to a light gold hue, light sweetness (typical of the Old sinthe, a tribute to distiller T.A. Breaux’s hometown, crisp and bracing, with a Tom style) and a pleasing, robust vanilla-mint pro- New Orleans. The light jade liquid louches to cloudy Casa Noble Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Con- faint puff of smoke. Ideal for Spirit Works Barrel Gin (USA; Spirit Works Dis- file with flecks of rosemary and lemon peel, finishing pale green, releasing gentle fennel, rosemary and 94 stellation Brands, Chicago, IL). Layering mixing whisky highballs. 94 tillery, Sebastopol, CA). Golden in the glass, long and spicy. Sip or mix. fresh basil accented with lime zest and white pepper, sweetness and spice, this bold honey-hued spirit Best Buy. this gin is scented with rich, buttery vanilla touched abv: 50.5% Price: $45 plus a long, gentle anise finish. Although it’s easy- fills the nose and mouth with brown sugar and but- abv: 40% Price: $23 Gin with honey and fresh apple. It’s slightly oily on the sipping when louched, the undiluted spirit is ideal terscotch. Clove, jalapeño and black pepper seem to palate, where vanilla sweetness is shored up with Principe De Los Apostoles Mate Gin (Argen- for prepping a glass to receive a sazerac. grow more present with every sip. Boreal Juniper Gin (USA; Vikre Distillery, mint, pine, cinnamon and cardamom. Though it sips 90 tina; Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA). abv: 68% Price: $100 abv: 40% Price: $60 94 Duluth, MN). Consider this a head start on well alone, this wheat-based gin works in cocktails, This unusual and appealing gin is made with yerba gimlets and other citrusy cocktails. With a bright, too. mate tea (“the most Argentinean drink of all,” the Brevans H.R. Giger (Switzerland; Tempus Fu- Don Ramon Tequila Reposado (Mexico; ER slightly sweet, candied lemon-peel profile, this cit- abv: 45% Price: $53 producer says) and dials back traditional juniper in 94 git Spirits, Petaluma, CA). This pretty jade 94 Distributors, San Antonio, TX). A warm hon- rus-forward gin is pleasant to sip and finishes with a favor of sprightly eucalyptus and peppermint. It’s a absinthe louches to shimmering opalescent, with a ey aroma wafts from this smooth and gentle Tequila. sprightly ginger note. Uncle Val’s Restorative Gin (USA; 35 Maple warmer expression of gin, with a supersweet, cocoa- hint of sea-foam green. Relatively bold, the pungent Well-integrated flavors of honey and bright jalapeño abv: 45% Price: $32 93 Street, Sonoma, CA). Bridging sweet and like aroma and flavor and velvety feel on the palate. anise scent is echoed on the palate, perked up by pepper finish with a prickle of ginger. Recommended savory, this gin has a citrusy fragrance, which also abv: 40% Price: $40 lively hints of fresh basil and lime peel. Finishes long for cocktails or straight-up sipping. shows up on the palate. Starting out with mild pine- and rounded, with an earthy Dutch licorice twang. abv: 40% Price: $36 apple-like sweetness and traditional juniper, this gin abv: 68% Price: $80 TOP 100 SPIRITS 2015

Casamigos Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Sidney 92 Frank Importing, New Rochelle, NY). Sip or Rum brûlée aromas and flavors, finishing long, with Merlet Selection Saint-Sauvant (France; mix this reposado, which is backed by actor George touches of orange peel and spice. Cognac 95 MHW, Manhasset, NY). This limited-edition Clooney. Look for pleasing butterscotch and maple abv: 40% Price: $90 XO Cognac has a maple hue and honey-almond sugar, with just enough spice around the edges to Cognac Park Borderies (France; Baron Fran- scent. The palate shows more almond plus vanilla, keep things interesting. It finishes smooth, with a DonQ Gran Añejo (Puerto Rico; Serralles USA, 98 cois, New York, NY). This silky single-vine- leading into a slightly drying finish of dusty cocoa. cinnamon tingle. 92 Addison, TX). This light and silky rum of- yard Cognac hits all the right notes, layering rounded Only 800 bottles are available in the U.S. abv: 40% Price: $50 fers vanilla and honey, brightened by tropical fruit vanilla, sherry and butterscotch with the freshness abv: 45.2% Price: $100 and finishing with pops of baking spice. Made with of apricots and white flowers. Just a touch of baking Maestro Dobel Tequila Reposado (Mexico; a blend of rums aged 3–12 years, and aged via solera spice rounds out the mouthwatering finish. Aged 15 Gilles Brisson Cognac VSOP (France; Promex 92 Proximo Spirits, Jersey City, NJ). Perhaps one method in Sherry casks, it’s packaged in a bottle re- years. 94 Wines, Fairfax, VA). Almost like dessert in a of the most fruit-forward Tequilas around, this re- sembling an oversized perfume flask. abv: 40% Price: $70 glass, this deep topaz-hued Cognac has a scent that posado is scented with strawberries and raspberries. abv: 40% Price: $60 evokes baked apple and dried orange peel. On the pal- Agave sweetness leads on the palate, bringing pep- Majeste Le Roi VSOP (France; Branded Spirits ate, more caramel and mocha emerges, flecked with per, ginger and a last lick of butterscotch. Aged six Six Saints Caribbean Rum (Grenada; Park 96 USA, San Francisco, CA). Rich, sweet and lus- baking spice and orange peel on the finish.Best Buy. months. 91 Street imports, Miami, FL). Golden and light- cious overall, this delicious, dessert-worthy sipper abv: 40% Price: $37 abv: 40% Price: $45 bodied, this small-batch rum mixes honey and oaky leads with bold, buttery caramel and milk chocolate, vanilla notes with fresh apples, pears and pineapple. before drying out to a darker toffee, espresso, cocoa Paul Giraud Napoleon (France; Robert Kacher Trianon Tequila Reposado (Mexico; CIL US, It offers pleasant sipping and a light, spicy finish. and clove finish that fades gently. Packaged in an un- 94 Selections, New York, NY). Light and deli- Partida Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Partida 92 West Palm Beach, FL). Expect lots of peppery The slow-building alcohol heat suggests this is an usual rectangular bottle. cate, this burnished-gold brandy offers notes of 94 Tequila, San Francisco, CA). Soft, light and punch on the nose and palate. A gentle agave note ideal rum to mix in tropical drinks. Best Buy. abv: 40% Price: $50 dried apricot, pineapple and toasted coconut, fin- crisp, this six-month-aged reposado is bright in the underpins this spirit, plus mouthwateringly savory Diplomatico 2000 Single Vintage Rum (Ven- abv: 41.7% Price: $37 ishing slightly perfumy, with hints of white flowers, glass and offers mild honey, pear and white flower notes—fresh oregano, sun-dried tomato, jalapeño 94 ezuela; Domaine Select Wine Estates, New Delamain Cognac Vesper XO (France; Ko- nutmeg and clove. scents. It’s soft and fruity on the palate, accented by and cayenne zing. Consider as an accompaniment to York, NY). Single-vintage rums are few and far be- Selvarey Cacao (Panama; Pacific Plate Spir- 95 brand, New York, NY). Made with a blend of abv: 40% Price: $74 ginger and white pepper. Though an easy sipper, this cheeses. tween. This one, distilled in 2000, is worth seek- 90 its, West Hollywood, CA). This chocolate-fla- brandies aged 30–35 years, this shows dark amber Tequila would elevate margaritas too. abv: 40% Price: $46 ing out. Aged for 12 years before finishing in Sherry vored dark rum is soft and delicious, with a slightly in the glass yet is remarkably soft, balanced and easy Distillerie Du Peyrat Organic Selection Cognac abv: 40% Price: $47 casks, this sipper offers rounded, lip-smacking notes nutty flavor and a dusty cocoa finish. Mix with cold- to enjoy. The bouquet entices, with scents of cara- 93 (France; Heavenly Spirits, Lakeville, MA). of caramelized brown sugar and allspice, fading into brew espresso and coconut milk for a memorable mel, vanilla and orange peel that are mirrored on the Silky and light bodied, this USDA certified-organic IXA Organic Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Riazul Tequila Reposado a rich hazelnut and toffee finish. The proof feels coffee-spiked libation.Best Buy. palate along with a slight saline twang that reads as Cognac offers warm notes of honey, baked pear and 93 Greenbar Craft Distillery, Los Angeles, CA). 91 (Mexico; Terlato Artisan comparatively high, but an ice cube or two should abv: 35% Price: $29 salted caramel, braced by clove and cinnamon. vanilla sweetness, drying to a delicately spiced fin- Bright gold in the glass, this organic Tequila shows Spirits, Lake Bluff, IL). The help restore balance. abv: 40% Price: $150 ish. Best Buy. rounded notes of vanilla and buttery brioche, enliv- enchanting aroma mixes fruit, abv: 43% Price: $115 abv: 40% Price: $34 ened by a gentle white-floral touch and a sprinkling honey and jalapeño pepper. This of baking spices. Squeeze some organic grapefruit Tequila shows lots of peppery Siesta Key Spiced Rum Distiller’s Reserve Sol- Hennessy X.O (France; Moet Hennessy USA, juice and start making all-organic palomas. spice but it’s tempered by 94 era Blend (USA; Drum Circle Distilling, Sara- 92 New York, NY). The deep fig and raisin aromas abv: 40% Price: $47 vanilla and white-chocolate sota, FL). This Florida-made rum, with honey and hint that the palate will be equally deep and dark. Bold sweetness on the long finish. spices added, shows a light touch yet is remarkably toffee, cocoa, fig and gingerbread round into a spiced, Lunazul Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Heaven Although it feels a bit hot for complex for a flavored rum. Velvety soft, with just a brisk finish. Consider as a dessert pairing. 93 Hill, Bardstown, KY). Spicy and herbaceous easy sipping, it still has finesse. touch of sweetness, it offers notes of brown sugar, abv: 40% Price: $160 aromas, plus a touch of coconut lead into this Te- Aged nine months in American vanilla, coconut and cinnamon that waft across the quila. The palate echoes that coconut, plus vanilla and French oak barrels. palate. Sip or mix. D’Usse Cognac XO (France; Bacardi, Coral Ga- and just enough baking spice heat to provide depth abv: 40% Price: $55 abv: 40% Price: $40 90 bles, FL). Deep amber in the glass, this light and complexity. Best Buy. and silky spirit has a distinctive violet note up front, abv: 40% Price: $21 melding into bold, sweet vanilla, caramel and clove. abv: 40% Price: $230 Pueblo Viejo Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Gem- 93 ini Spirits & Wine, Chicago, IL). Opening with zesty fresh oregano and sun-dried tomato aromas, this light-straw Tequila skews a bit sweeter on the palate. Vanilla and coconut flavors tighten to a sa- vory finish, showing dried herbs and black pepper. Pisco Aged nine months. Best Buy. abv: 40% Price: $23 Campo de Encanto Grand & Noble Pisco Tres Agaves Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Tres 92 (Peru; Gemini Spirits & Wine, Chicago, IL). Tapatio Tequila Reposado (Mexico; Domaine 90 Agaves Products, Berkeley, CA). Sip on this This acholado-style pisco has a distinctly fruity fra- 93 Charbay Distillers, Ukiah, CA). Though it’s Tequila and watch it evolve. At first, the aroma roars Tiburón Rum (Belize; Shark Bait, Deer Park, grance, evoking blueberries, tart plum and banana. light straw in the glass, with hardly any color, the out of the glass with bold bell pepper and caramel, 90 IL). Adorned with a shark tooth and an The palate skews more floral, with just a hint of fruit flavor is robust and complex. Scented with perky yet as it sits it morphs to delicate vanilla and fresh etched image of a shark, this small-batch rum at- Lheraud Cognac Cuvée 10 (France; Wilson and honey, tapering to a crisp, elegant finish. black pepper and spice, the palate echoes the pepper pear. It’s a similar experience on the palate. At first tracts attention. In the glass, look for bold and 95 Daniels, St. Helena, CA). Despite the sweet abv: 40.5% Price: $38 up front, followed by a fleeting meaty umami note the flavors fairly explode with loads of agave and warming notes of honey, vanilla and coconut, ideal vanilla-bean fragrance, this is a relatively light and midpalate and a long finish that boasts sparks of gin- pepper, then it finishes short, crisp and grassy. Aged for tropical libations. Made from a blend of four-, complex sipper. Look for notes of espresso, toasted Pisco Porton (Peru; Pisco Porton, Houston, ger and cayenne. Aged eight months. between six and nine months in former Bourbon Don Pancho Origenes Reserva Especial Aged six- and eight-year-old rums. Best Buy. coconut and cocoa winding into a crème brûlée fin- 90 TX). Ideal for tropical drinks and pisco abv: 40% Price: $44/1 L barrels. 93 18 Years (Panama; Terlato Artisan Spirits, abv: 40% Price: $35 ish that gently echoes the sweet aromatics. punches, this approachable, earthy-fruity pisco pops abv: 40% Price: $28 Lake Bluff, IL). Despite being aged 18 years, this su- abv: 42% Price: $137 with lots of perky banana, pineapple and lychee, prisingly easy sipper is full of rich toffee and crème TOP 100 SPIRITS 2015 sliding into a spiced finish that suggests cinnamon- bold fruit on the palate plus a subtle flick of vanilla, most like an herbaceous root beer or a light amaro, and cocoa-dusted pineapple slices. this Williams pear brandy would make a lovely des- finishing with bracing pink peppercorn. Sip over ice abv: 43% Price: $40 sert accompaniment or after-dinner sip. Gift-­worthy or experiment with Negroni variations. presentation includes a pear-shaped bottle with a abv: 35.1% Price: $40 whole pear imprisoned inside. abv: 40% Price: $70 KAS Krupnikas (USA; KAS Spirits, Mahopac, 92 NY). Made in the U.S., this honey-and-spice Clear Creek Distillery Eau de Vie of Mirabelle liqueur is modeled on a spirit often home-brewed in Cachaça 90 (USA; Clear Creek Distillery, Portland, OR). Poland and Lithuania, according to the producer. It Made with local Mirabelle plums, this clear eau- looks, smells and tastes like honey, viscous but not Avua Cachaça Oak (Brazil; Avua Imports, de-vie mixes mouthwatering stone fruit and white too sticky, and finishes long, with warming vanilla 95 Miami, FL). Two years of rest in French oak floral notes on the nose and palate, finishing clean and clove. Versatile for mixing, particularly with casks yields a pale straw hue and mellow honey- and brisk. Consider as a palate cleanser or nightcap darker spirits, or a pleasant sip straight up. banana aroma. The aged cachaça sips well, with lots after a big meal. abv: 40% Price: $40 of mouthwatering vanilla, brown sugar and crème abv: 40% Price: $31 brûlée winding into a lingering baking spice finish. New to the U.S. as of October 2014. Wolfberger Kirsch (France; Kysela Père & Fils, abv: 40% Price: $50 90 Winchester, VA). Hailing from Alsace, this harmonious cherry eau-de-vie offers bold, bright Pitu Vitoriosa Cachaça (Brazil; Winebow, and dusty cherry aroma and flavor, plus a faint floral 93 New York, NY). Aged for a whopping five note on the finish and appropriately bracing alcohol years in French oak barrels and packaged in a hefty, heat. pear-shaped bottle, this clearly is meant as a pre- abv: 45% Price: $40 mium offering. The amber spirit smells enticingly sweet, evoking vanilla, brown sugar and even traces of cola with orange peel. On the palate, it’s smooth and silky, with big, dark flavors: allspice, toffee, dark honey, toasted coconut, espresso and oak. Add an ice cube and a twist of orange peel for pleasant sipping. Liqueurs abv: 40% Price: $125 CelloVia Coconut Lime (USA; CelloVia Inc., Marie Brizard Crème de Cassis de Dijon Liqueur Sagatiba Pura Cachaça (Brazil; Campari 95 Wheeling, IL). Made with Persian lime rinds, 92 (France; The Other Wine & Spirits, Miami, FL). 92 America, San Francisco, CA). Clear in the it’s not a traditional limoncello, but it’s delicious This black currant liqueur offers a deep plum color glass, with a mild, sugary aroma, this cocktail- nonetheless. Straw-colored and bright in the glass, and concentrated dark berry aroma, plus an earthy friendly spirit shows delicate vanilla and sugar, plus it’s slightly sweet and bursting with lemongrass and hint. On the palate, it’s full bodied, with big notes fleeting floral notes, raspberry and banana. Finishes fresh lime peel. of port, cherries in syrup and raspberry jam. Though smooth. abv: 27% Price: $20/375 m pleasant to sip alone as a digestif, it’s ideal lightened abv: 40% Price: $25 up with sparkling wine in a kir royale. abv: 20% Price: $20 Soul Premium Cachaça (Brazil; Bibo Inter- 92 national, Newport, RI). Clean, versatile and Sukkah Hill Spirits Etrog Liqueur (USA; EAFD, cocktail-friendly, this cachaça offers tropical fruit 91 Los Angeles, CA). Nodding to Jewish heritage, and fresh-cut grass, accented with ginger-nutmeg this liqueur is made from lemon-like etrog fruits spice on the crisp finish. Best Buy. sourced from a California farmer. It reads like a abv: 40% Price: $25 lighter version of limoncello, featuring a bold lem- on-zest aroma and clean finish sprinkled with ginger Yaguara Cachaça (Brazil; MHW, Manhasset, and white pepper. 92 NY). Despite the wave-like dark blue bottle abv: 38% Price: $25/375 ml design, created by glass designer Bryan Clarke to resemble the art deco pattern on the Copacabana Caravella Limoncello Originale (Italy; Saz- Promenade in Rio, the spirit itself pours nearly clear, 90 erac Company, Louisville, KY). This clear, with a faint golden tinge. Look for bold, pungent pale-yellow spirit combines candied lemon peel with notes of banana, coconut and vanilla dusted with delicate, subtle fresh-herb notes on the nose and cocoa, finishing long and fruity. palate. Though sweet up front, it finishes clean and abv: 41.5% Price: $45 fresh, teasing faint hints of celery and tarragon. The producer recommends mixing one part limoncello to three parts vodka for a “limontini.” abv: 28% Price: $20

Dillon’s Rose Gin Liqueur (Canada; Dillon’s Fruit Brandies 95 Distillers, Beamsville, ON). This ruddy gin- based liqueur, infused with rose hips and petals and G.E. Massenez Poire-Prisonniere Poire Wil- sweetened with turbinado sugar, will appeal to fans 98 liams (France; Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., New of apéritif cocktails. The bold, herbal aroma and York, NY). Juicy and mouthwatering, with lots of sweet notes of burnt orange peel and clove read al-