Availability:
American Gin
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Aviation Batch Distilled Gin (700ml)Portland, Oregon, UNITED STATES$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 42%A unique partnership between Lee Medoff and Christian Krogstad of House Spirits Distilling in Portland, Oregon, and mixologist Ryan Magarian of Liquid Kitchen in Seattle. Believed to be the first collaboration of its kind, the gin employs a traditional Dutch copper pot still all-Rye grain base, which brings it's own zest, spiciness and weight compared to corn or wheat base counterparts, combined with a more even handed blending approach (i.e.- less juniper than a London Dry Gin). Other botanicals include cardamom, coriander, lavender, aniseed, saraparilla and dried orange peel.
Chris Carllson of Spiritsreview.com commented: "While taking an old style genever or American style base they have added a deft sense of blending, maceration and distillation to create a truly outstanding Gin. This is the gin to use to resurrect those classic pre-Prohibition American cocktail recipes such as the Alamagoozlum and a host of others, that simply cannot be done with a London Dry...a must have for the discerning gin connoisseur."
Tasting note: Clear. A sweet star anise top note descends the liquorice octave to fennel and sarsaparilla over hints of dill, caraway and rye bread. Soft, glycerous entry leads into a broad, semi sweet rye, caraway, anise flavour profile with citrus zest adding freshness. Excellent balance. White pepper to finish refreshed by sarsaparilla and caraway through the aftertaste. A solid alternative to traditional Genevers. 42% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The bouquet emits earthy/mineral-like and fruity scents of slate/stone, wax and orange zest. The palate entry is very citrusy and tart; at midpalate the flavor profile turns astringent and bitter with major grain and citrus fruit influence. Concludes zesty, acidic, fresh and clean. A floral/citrusy style that’s completely different from London Dry's. 85-89 points. - www.wineenthusiast.com
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Bluecoat Elderflower Gin (750ml)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 47%Tasting note: This pale green-yellow gin opens with scents of lemon peel, followed by softer notes of elderflower. The palate accents peppercorns, orange zest and elderflower, finishing oily yet fresh, citrusy and gently bitter. Not gin-like at all, rather, leans in the direction of a good triple sec. 47% Alc./Vol.![14829100_1.jpg]()
Bluecoat Barrel Reserve American Dry Gin (700ml)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 47%A very popular addition to our Gin shelf last year was Bluecoat, named after the Bluecoat militia that fought the American War of Independence. Botanicals include organic juniper berries, American citrus peels, coriander and angelica root distilled with third-party sourced grain neutral spirit in a copper pot still made in Scotland by Forsyths of Rothes. This latest expression is finished in charred American oak barrels for a minimum of three months providing a unique, well rounded and complex spirit without compromising the latent botanical notes. Beautifully packaged in a cobalt blue bottle, this will be a great gin alternative to classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Martinez and Old Fashioned. 47% Alc./Vol.![445588484_1.jpg]()
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Bluecoat American Dry Gin (700ml)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 47%Tasting note: Brilliant rain water clear appearance with a silvery blush. Presents an intriguing aroma offering juniper, baked citrus and potpourri on the one hand, alternating with a sweeter and more unusual aspect that includes almond and jaffa-like notes. A light, mildly oily entry leads into a medium dry, peppery profile that's almost vodka-like with featherweight flavours of juniper and citrus, concluding delicately lemony, peppery, warm, lean and dry; traces of almond in the aftertaste. 47% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Named after the Bluecoat militia that fought the American War of Independence, botanicals including organic juniper berries, American citrus peels, coriander and angelica root are distilled with third-party sourced grain neutral spirit in a copper pot still made in Scotland by Forsyths of Rothes. The cobalt blue bottles have distinctive etched detailing and gold lettering: each is filled by hand and sealed with a cork stopper.Appearance: Clear and transparent. Aroma: Clean, juniper and fresh coriander nose with alpine fresh piny, lemony aromas. Taste: Soft, very slightly sweet, peppermint fresh cleansing palate with pine, zesty lemony and liquorice. The high strength adds black pepper spirity notes. Aftertaste: Lemony, pine fresh finish with lingering sage, naan bread and black pepper flavours.
4.5 stars - www.diffordsguide.com![5434525772_1.jpg]()
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- Nick's Import
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Uncle Val's Peppered Gin (700ml)UNITED STATESReduced from $99.99$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 45%If you're wanting to depart from the gin mainstream, this leaves traditional botanicals to one side in place of black pepper, red bell pepper, and pimento. Tasting note: Opens with suggestions of liquorice root and peppered cucumber. Second pass ups the pepper but introduces light citrus peel and juniper to the mix. Creamy entry follows through with black pepper, cucumber and a smoked meat-like finish that's more reminiscent of mezcal than gin. Concludes citrus like with lingering white pepper and smoke. Odd but fun. Would make a novel contribution to Bloody Marys. 45% Alc./Vol.![1026846_1.jpg]()
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Breucklelen Distilling Glorious Gin (700ml)Brooklyn, New York, UNITED STATESReduced from $125.00$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 45%Breuckelen Distilling began crafting gin and whiskey during the summer of 2010, producing spirits entirely from scratch under one roof in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. A complete hands on approach sees them mill, mash, ferment, distill, mature, fill, and even label each and every bottle. They have a commitment to use only New York grown grains, and won’t buy bulk distilled spirits and sell them as their own. It's a commitment that means availability will always be unpredictable.
'Glorious Gin' is distilled from wheat grown in upstate New York. The base spirit is then redistilled in the presence of juniper, lemon, rosemary, ginger, and grapefruit.
Other reviews...Distilled from 100% New York wheat, this brisk, perky gin is bright and sweet, and it offers notes of candied lemon peel and rosemary, plus a warm touch of anise. 45% Alc./Vol. 89 points - www.wineenthusiast.comsize>
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Brooklyn Gin (700ml)New York State, UNITED STATES$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%Brooklyn Gin is yet another, quality small batch offering from the ever expanding craft distilling movement currently taking place in the States.The grain base is 100% corn sourced from upstate New York. Eleven botanicals are employed, five of which are fresh citrus peels. Much of the production process is done by hand – including the cutting, peeling and pulping of all the citrus fruits and the cracking open of the juniper berries.
Tasting note: Clear / bright appearance. Grainy, new-make like opening whiffs are atypical; shifts to pine sap and herbaceous, mildly peppery notes in the second pass. Light to medium bodied, mildly junipery and gently peppery profile is medium dry, crescendos at the finish and shows good length. Subtle juniper and dried citrus peel notes continue into the warming fade. 40% Alc./Vol.![343526675_1.jpg]()
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Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin (750ml)Virginia, UNITED STATES$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 46%London Dry with a Virginia accent. A new American gin, made from the same spirit as used for Catoctin's organic rye, which gives it a sweet velvety base. Organically grown botanicals include juniper, coriander, anise, cinnamon, orange peel and five other secret spices. Tasting note: Clear. Unusual new-make profile is hardly definitive as gin with subdued scents of ryvita biscuit, sour dough and white pepper; virtually zero botanicals detected. Significant exposure draws out lemon peel and muted piney juniper. Dryish, moderately peppery mid palate finds the rye base to the fore with botanicals in retreat; Finish is more typically ginny with a liquorice root, light juniper and pepper burst. Concludes crisp, vibrant and long. Atypical yet appealing. 46% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Clear color. Attractive, fruity, spicy aromas and flavors of fresh baked fruitcake, gingerbread, dried pear, and candied violets with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a licorice, brown spices, honeyed raisin rye-safflower toast, and floral honey finish. A rich, flavor packed gin for craft cocktails.
92 points Gold Medal, Exceptional. - tastings.com "While gins can be all over the map these days, Watershed comes across with clear focus. Beautiful juniper nose and taste, with practically no alcohol harshness... Incredibly balanced... I just wanted to sit back and enjoy it... London Dry with a Virginia accent. "
– Forbes Magazine, 2015![45151000_1.jpg]()
- Nick's Import
Cold River Traditional Gin (750ml)UNITED STATES$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 47%First released in 2010 by Maine Distilleries in Fryeburg, Maine, North America. Made using a potato base spirit, triple-distilled in a copper pot still and diluted with water from the nearby Cold River. Botanicals include juniper, coriander, lemon and orange peel, cardamom, angelica root and orris root. Other reviews... On tasting Cold River Gin, it kicks-off with an assertive strong juniper hit, complemented by coriander and citrus notes titillating behind. Rooty and cardamon laden spice also plays it’s role to bring the gin to a peppery finish, all of which playing around on what feel like a creamy base. It’s a more traditional London gin than new American style but it manages to be both unique and captivating. One for those who like “ginny” gins for sure. 47% Alc./Vol. - www.ginfoundry.com![1026949_1.jpg]()
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Few Barrel Aged Gin (700ml)Evanston, Illinois, UNITED STATES$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 46.5%Paul Hletko, who launched 'Few Spirits' in 2011 is a man in pursuit of flavour. Hence, his new micro distillery is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't make - vodka.
Apart from whiskey, three different gins are now being made using a base of corn, wheat, and non-malted barley (the base spirit is actually his new make whiskey), while some of the 11 botanicals used include juniper, citrus (lemon and orange peel), Tahitian vanilla, cassia, grains-of-paradise and homegrown hops.
Wait a minute! Hops in the gin?
It turns out that Hletko’s been home brewing for 20 years and was inspired by New Holland’s 'Hopquila' (a sort of whiskey-tequila hybrid spirit with pronounced hops character). This is his barrel aged expression.Tasting note: Flawless bright gold appearance. Opens with juniper mixed with peppermint infused honey. Short aeration accentuates pine sap and muted white pepper notes. Cough lozenge-like but in the most attractive sense. Medium dry, with firm but controlled spices; shows solid concentration. The wood influence has been judged to perfection as the freshness of the juniper and pepper is never lost. Fisherman’s Friend flourishes on the finale. Excellent persistence. A first rate winter styled gin to enjoy on its own. 46.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Bright pale amber color. Aromas of pickling spice, acacia honey, spicy roasted apples and pears, and pineapple bread with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a long, interplay of spices, herbs, pine, dried fruits, and flowers. Beautiful and delicious bourbon notes. A whisky lover's gin for sipping or cocktails. 46.5% Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 94 points (Exceptional) - www.tastings.com![634324891930_1.jpg]()
- Nick's Import
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Few Breakfast Gin (700ml)Evanston, Illinois, UNITED STATESReduced from $99.99$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 42%Released in 2015, a gin that "targets the brunch market". Botanicals include Earl Grey tea, lemon, juniper and a flourish of cinnamon on the finish with other more traditional gin ingredients added to Few's corn, wheat and barley spirit base. 42% Alc./Vol.![1026947_1.jpg]()
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Few American Gin (700ml)Evanston, Illinois, UNITED STATESReduced from $99.99$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 40%Paul Hletko, who launched 'Few Spirits' in 2011 is a man in pursuit of flavour. Hence, his new micro distillery is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't make - vodka.
"It's the opposite of what I want my spirits to be," says Hletko. "Few Spirits is about quality and flavor, and enjoying a drink. Taking the flavour out of the grain by distilling it into vodka is the opposite of what we want."
The Few distillery is located in Evanston, which was founded as a dry community. In fact it's been free of alcohol for more than one hundred years. Though the city did legalise drinking in the late 1990s, it took the perseverance Hletko to reverse the antiquated liquor laws.
The name F.E.W is a word play around the quantity the distillery started out making (a few bottles). It will probably remain that way for some time as Hletko maintains a grain-to-glass approach and doesn’t buy in neutral grain spirit.
Three different gins are now being made using a base of corn, wheat, and non-malted barley (the base spirit is actually his new make whiskey), while some of the 11 botanicals used include juniper, citrus (lemon and orange peel), Tahitian vanilla, cassia, grains-of-paradise and homegrown hops.
Wait a minute! Hops in the gin?
It turns out that Hletko’s been home brewing for 20 years and was inspired by New Holland’s 'Hopquila' (a sort of whiskey-tequila hybrid spirit with pronounced hops character).Suffice to say, Few's gins will be polarising, and will probably find more appeal amongst those who enjoy old-school Genevers rather than fans of typical London Drys.
Tasting note: Flawless crystal clear appearance with a silvery blush. Like Few's 'Standard Issue', this is not an overtly 'gin-like' aroma, rather the base spirit makes a significant contribution. It offers up crusty sour dough notes while the juniper / citrus peel / potpourri combination has been integrated with a soft touch. A delicate entry moves on to a light to medium weight profile with subtle flavours of citrus peel, juniper, lavender and tingling spiciness. The aftertaste is clean, dry and floral / rose hip like. What some might categorise as a 'modern' gin, this has few associations with any London Dry style that we've encountered. Try it if you enjoy Genevers. 40% Alc./Vol.
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Finn's Barrel Finished Gin (750ml)UNITED STATES$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 45%Produced by the Chicago Distilling Company (founded in 2010), Finn's gin is made from a corn based neutral spirit which they buy in to macerate botanicals such as Sichuan peppercorn, dried orange peel, green cardamom, hibiscus, juniper, coriander, cassia and cubeb. Following maceration, Finn's is re-distilled to recover the clear gin spirit. The barrel aged version sees the gin finished in a combination of virgin & ex bourbon casks for a 1-3 month period. Tasting note: The deep brassy gold colour is bright and clear. Slightly subdued but with pleasing scents of pencil shavings and saw dust alongside subtle notes of apple sauce, cinnamon, lemon meringue and woody juniper. Silky, medium bodied delivery offering delicious flavours of apple strudel, cinnamon and ripe juniper followed by a delicate pine and menthol lozenge finish. Excellent length. Beautifully balanced wood aged gin with the barrel input deftly handled. 45% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal 2015 American Craft Spirits.![5117400504_1.jpg]()
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Finn's Gin (750ml)UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 45%Finn's is produced by the Chicago Distilling Company (founded in 2010) and is made from a corn based neutral spirit which they buy in to macerate botanicals such as Sichuan peppercorn, dried orange peel, green cardamom, hibiscus, juniper, coriander, cassia and cubeb. Following maceration, Finn's is re-distilled to recover the clear gin spirit. Tasting note: Brilliant, crystal clear appearance with aromas of lemon sorbet, juniper, sawn pine and subtle liquorice root. Palate features very pure, soft flavours of lemon tart, background piney juniper and a fresh grassy finish. Shows good length. Endlessly mixable gin with enough personality to enjoy on its own. 45% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition & Gold Medal 2014 American Craft Spirits![45645188877_1.jpg]()
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Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin (700ml)UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 47%Tasting note: Crystal clear. Love this big gin nose with its vibrant juniper, pink grapefruit, white pepper, tumeric, pine needle and dried peel notes. Understated entry develops peppery juniper and subtle anise flavours followed by a dry, clean chalky finish and a very delicate chamomile tea fade. Great stuff! 47% Alc./Vol.![87907690769_1.jpg]()
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Koval Dry Gin (500ml)Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 47%Distilling whisky since 2008, Koval are now offering two gins (this and a barrel aged version), both organic and grain-to-glass, certified Kosher and beautifully presented to boot. The labels are designed with argyle die-cutting and bronze foil patterns while the gin itself is made with a variety of woodland spices, juniper and wildflowers. Expect golden citrus flavours combined with white pepper and a round, floral body. Tasting note: Slightly viscous / ideal clarity. Complex aromas of dried juniper, crushed tea tree leaf, balsa wood, peppermint, white pepper and lime peel following through to a dryish, medium bodied gin; fresh and keenly balanced with flavours of woody juniper, menthol, delicate lime, pepper and a drying, sawn pine aftertaste. Distinctively styled with a strong pine / juniper emphasis. 47% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... This certified organic gin unfurls bold pine and spearmint aromatics, plus a hint of lime peel. The rounded palate echoes that pine and hint of lime, but it's the anise note that really builds and reverberates into the drying finish.
88 points - www.wineenthusiast.com Double Gold Medal - 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition![3443523222_1.jpg]()
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Koval Barreled Gin (500ml)Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 47%A follow-up to Koval Dry Gin which debuted in 2015, this expression includes the same botanicals (rosehip, juniper, angelica root and coriander), but adds a new level of depth from the spirit's six months resting in Koval's x-whiskey barrels (Bourbon, mostly). Like its sibling, this comes brilliantly packaged with argyle die-cutting and bronze foil patterns through the label. Tasting note: Brilliant pale gold. Beams from the glass. Excellent aromatic lift with pine sap and rooty / white pepper notes combined with peppermint chocolate and muted cough lozenge sweetness. Middle-weighted with a silky, woody-juniper entry followed by butter menthol lozenge and hints of vanilla in the finish. Beautifully composed, very elegant barrel aged gin. 47% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... The gin's pine is present, to be sure, but it's balanced with a web of sweetness and spice — sort of like your spice rack teamed up with a touch of butterscotch and wandered into the forest. Add an ice cube to round off the gin's hot edges, and what's left is a perfect sipper that can please gin and whiskey drinkers alike. - Josh Noel, Chicago Tribune![1026848_1.jpg]()
Leopolds American Small Batch Gin (700ml)Denver, Colorado, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%Launched in 2002, Leopold’s American Small Batch Gin is made by distilling each of the 6 botanicals (juniper, orris root, cardamom, coriander and hand-zested Valencia Oranges and Pummelos) separately and then blending the six distillates together to make this hand-bottled, labelled and numbered gin.
If gin can be produced by adding the botanicals to the still before distilling the entire steep in one run, you might ask, why distill separately? Leopold's explains:
"...not all botanicals (juniper, coriander, etc.) have the same boiling point, so when a distiller distills all the botanicals together, searching for the best juniper flavor, for example, he/she is overboiling the coriander.
When botanicals are overboiled, tannin-like flavors are extracted, drying out the final Gin. We take a different tack by placing each individual botanical in the still and distill them off separately. We carefully make cuts like you would for a whiskey: heads, hearts, and tails. The heart portion is when, as an example, the fruity-floral nose of the juniper is at its cleanest. After the heart has been collected, the refined juniper nose gets muddled and cloying, smelling and tasting a bit like pine trees. We discard this portion, favoring the cleaner hearts portion, and this lends our spirit its rounded, clean finish that is unlike any other gin in the world. We apply this method for the rest of our botanicals: Orris Root, Cardamon, Coriander, and hand-zested Valencia Oranges and Pummelos, carefully extracting the best aromas that these botanicals have to offer. The result is a softer, brighter, and more approachable spirit.
Other reviews... Clear. Aromas of vanilla taffy, dusty tissue, ground pepper, and faint juniper follow through on a round entry to a dry light-to-medium body with faint golden raisin, pine needle, and spice notes. Finishes with a white peppercorn, citrus pith, anise powder, and talcum powder fade. Try in Bloody Marys.40% Alc./Vol. 88 points (Highly Recommended)
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
- www.tastings.comsize>![54614188_1.jpg]()
- Nick's Import
New Amsterdam Straight Gin (1000ml)California, UNITED STATES$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%Named for "New Amsterdam", the original European name for New York when under Dutch rule. This is a lighter styled gin with subdued juniper input. Other reviews... For those who prefer a sweet cast to their gins, this one is a winner. The grapefruit-like, almost candy-like scent leads into pleasantly sweet and citrusy flavors, which finish with a faint floral note. Blends particularly well into lightly fruity and citrusy cocktails and gin-based punches. 95 points - www.wineenthusiast.com Clear with a silvery cast. Aromas of frosted orange cake and spiced custard with a fruity medium body and a wisp of lemon verbena, juniper jelly, powdered sugar, and orange gelatin on the finish. Tasty, juniper light gin. International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
RATING: 88 points (Highly Recommended) - www.tastings.com![54345643_1.jpg]()
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Tuthilltown Half Moon Orchard Gin (1000ml)Gardiner, New York State, UNITED STATESReduced from $110.00$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 46%Half Moon Orchard Gin is a new release from Tuthilltown Spirits, New York's first whiskey distillery since Prohibition and creators of the highly revered 'Hudson' range of whiskey's.
The Gin is named after the vessel in which Henry Hudson first explored the River now bearing his name. In that same spirit of exploration, the Tuthilltown team have created a base of near neutral spirit from both Wheat and the Hudson Valley’s ubiquitous Apples (it's an 80 / 20 ratio). “We’re in the heart of the American apple industry so it’s natural for us to turn to apples to create an original New York gin”.Botanicals include: Juniper, cardamom, coriander, almond, elderberry, bitter orange peel, bergamont, lemon peel. Gold Medal Winner: 2015 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.
A deliciously different gin to reinvigorate G & T’s and much more besides.
Tasting note: Clear slightly viscous appearance has a slivery blush. An initial juniper focus is added to by subtle grape / stewed apple / cider-like scents. Further inspection finds a lemon meringue sweet spot in the mix as the juniper retreats. The palate opens pleasantly spicy and vibrant, continuing into a concentrated, medium dry profile with citrus fruit competing with the juniper and pepper. Finishes crisp, dry and with a cleansing acidity bordering on being mildly tart. Shows excellent persistence. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other Reviews...Clear. Intriguingly dense aromas of dried fruits, juniper candy, and exotic Asian herbs and spices with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a vibrant violet gelato, coriander cookie, and citrus buttercream accented finish. Very tasty and balanced. - www.tastings.com.au
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 93 points (Exceptional)
