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Imbue Distillery All Seasons Gin Liqueur (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 35%Tasting note: [Batch 2] Reminiscent of a whisky liqueur, this viscous, heartwarming, golden coloured elixir exudes aromas and flavours of honey, aniseed, marzipan and dried herbs with notes of Christmas spice cake through the aftertaste. Delicious as is, or mix it with ginger beer and fresh citrus for a spicy spritz. 35% Alc./Vol. - Gordon & Macphail Discovery Caol Ila 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 43%‘Discovery’ is the second range to launch as part of the updated G&M portfolio, with the packaging taking a major leap forward. Designed to help whisky drinkers begin an exploratory journey, the whiskies are grouped and colour-coded under three flavour profiles - ‘Smoky', ‘Sherry’ and ‘Bourbon’. The first expressions to be released include Balblair, Tormore, Miltonduff and Caol Ila, all matured in Gordon & MacPhail’s own hand-selected casks. Citrus and tropical fruit notes are typical from maturation in bourbon barrels. Add Caol Ila's peaty, cured meat notes and you get one genuinely fruity/smokey lipsmacking dram. Notes from the bottlers... Aroma: Sweet and savoury: dry-cured meats glazed with luscious apricot jam combines with rich vanilla notes. Flashes of softly swirling peat smoke complement the delicious sweetness. Taste: Bursting with juicy tropical fruit - pineapple, kiwi, and banana - brushed softly with icing sugar. Light touches of malt and vibrant lemon peel balance the sweetness. Finish: Long and luxurious with hints of sweet marshmallow toasting over gently smouldering bonfire embers. 43% Alc./Vol.
- G.E. Massenez Liqueur de Curacao Triple Sec Liqueur (500ml)Alsace, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 35%
Oranges, the exotic fruit that forms the basis of all Triple Sec, were originally from the Indies and China. The crusades introduced them to Europe from Palestine via Portugal. The original orange “curacao” was made with fruit from the Island of Curacao. However, the term now embraces a wide variety of liqueurs made from oranges and other produce as well (examples from Cointreau, Combier and Bols come to mind.) Water white and highly rectified, White Curacao Triple Sec is created using only the peel of the orange, soaking it in water followed by distillation and rectification.
Uncompromising on quality, G.E. Massenez is today universally acclaimed for his 'eaux de vie' (fruit brandies) as well as his crème liqueurs. The company has won many awards at international exhibitions. 35% alc/vol
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2016 Suntory Yamazaki Sherry Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 DozenABV: 48%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product shown.
Other reviews... A work of art. 96.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019
...I tried this alongside the ‘legendary’ 2013 which, while good, remains too tannic for me. This though, has refinement and some complexity, with roasted tea, scented wood, resin, new brogues, and then the fruity Yamazaki undertow. In time you’ll get perfumed, incense-like sherried elements. It’s the finish where things take off into rose petal, strawberry, and Yamazaki’s pineapple signature. Water increases the tannin. Better than 2013, but still only for sherry bomb and tannin lovers. Non chill filtered.
89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dave Broom (Summer 2016) - Mistral Reservado 40 Pisco (750ml)La Serena, CHILE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%Closure: Screw CapChilean Pisco is a distillate mainly of grapes from the Moscatel family, which are grown primarily in the semi-arid "little North" zone of Chile. Chile claims Pisco as its own, protecting its quality through strict adherence to regulations which permit production and processing only in the administrative regions of Coquimbo and Atacama.
This reservado is aged in American oak barrels giving the product an amber color and a soft wood flavour and aroma. The main grape varieties used are Pedro Ximénez and Muscat of Alexandria. Expect delicate notes of vanilla and chocolate. Enjoy on the rocks, with lemon or fruit juice or in your favourite cocktail. 40%Alc/Vol
- Routin Red Vermouth (750ml)FRANCE$41. 99Bottle$503.88 DozenABV: 18%One of the distillery’s oldest products, Vermouth Routin Original Rouge is among Philibert Routin’s most famous creations. For more than 130 years his original blend of 24 plants and spices has been religiously followed in order to create this signature apéritif. Original Rouge owes its unique flavour to a proprietary aging process: 50% of the finished product is aged in oak barrels to balance the flavour range. Key ingredients include wormwood, cloves, lavender, coriander and vanilla infused into local white wines. Accompanied by chocolate and nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), it will work well as an ending to meals. Other reviews... The rich date and fig scent is echoed on the palate. Look for hints of cocoa, dried fruit, fresh fig, orange peel and vanilla, winding into a gently spiced finish. Recommended for mixing into any drink made with brown spirits, especially whiskey. Best Buy. 18% Alc./Vol.
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Jim Beam White Label Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenABV: 37%Originated in the 1780s by Jacob Beam, a Kentucky farmer, who operated a grain mill and ground grist for locals - a portion of which was always reserved for the families private use - to make whisky. It was in 1795 the Jacob finally began commercial production, however it was not under the Beam Label. Consistency of style has been maintained by using the same yeast cultures for over 60 years, derived from an original culture made by Jim Beam himself on his back porch. Beam Bourbon is the product of six generations of distillers with only one enforced break in production between 1920 and 1933 when prohibition was introduced to the U.S. It was following prohibition, (during which time the distillery had been shut and sold to the U.S. government) that the bourbon was named "Jim Beam" after the head of the Beam family. To drink Beam then is to taste something of its American heritage. White Label is aged for four years and appreciated for it's pleasant sweet/sour and mellow, nutty character, making it one of the biggest selling Bourbons globally. 37% alc./vol.
Other reviews... Charmingly floral nose with a soft rye undercurrent. Sweet corn arrival then soft oaky-vanilla notes on the palate. Hints of soft liquorice and then much drier mouthwatering vaguely malty tones on the finish. This whiskey has improved enormously in recent years. Still light and easy going, there appears to be an element of extra age, weight and complexity. 85 points - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006
[40%ABV bottling] ...Grain in several forms begin this experience. First it's raw corn kernels, freshly buttered popcorn, boiled oats, rye toast, and cornbread. Then oak, raisins, and slight hints of vanilla develop, but the concentrated cornbread dominates after its appearance. However, though at a low proof, water is needed to cut the heat. Recommended with ice, water, and/or cola. 80 points - whiskyadvocate.com
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Glenfarclas 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 43%Big age statement + Large format = Guilt free dramming. No longer available overseas and rumoured to be discontinued.
A large format Glenfarclas that delivers quaffing excellence, reflecting the philosophy of distillery manager, John Grant: "Whisky is for drinking!" And if you think the packaging is a little 1970s, it's also deliberate: “It’s not over packaged" explains Grant, "it just comes out in a plain carton – and we have lots of it. We make a reasonable margin, and I’d rather people drank it than collected it”. Normally duty free exclusive. At this price, John, we salute you!
Tasting note: Bright amber gold. Nosing reveals husky malt with some sherry influence evident. Second pass finds hints of mulch, honey, vanilla and dried fruits (raisin / fig). Medium dry and in the moderately Sherried vein; mid palate builds with suggestions of honey drizzled muesli; firmish tannins and warming spices carrying the finish. Ends aperitif-like and fine, medium long. 43% Alc./Vol
Other reviews... Tight, nutty and full of crisp muscovado sugar. 84 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015
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Casamigos Blanco Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 40%A new celebrity affiliated brand launched by George Clooney and Rande Gerber. The tequila is produced at the same distillery that makes well-known labels 'Avion' and 'Clase Azul'. Casamigos' first advertisement made an impact, featuring Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Kevin Bacon and others found in bed together after a night of imbibing, an image that sums up the 'relaxed' style of the collection. Aged for two months, the blanco pours with a clear / silvery blush. Intense aromas are waxy, peppery in the openings developing crushed chilli, mustard seed, dill pickle and semi-ripe pineapple. Entry is surprisingly rounded, vanilla-accented with beeswax, brine and a sappy agave, peppercorn burst to finish. Pineapple, gelato and light butter menthol lozenge aftertaste. Ends light, keenly balanced and fresh. Very accessible, this edges towards reposado. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Co-owned by actor George Clooney and nightlife impresario Rande Gerber, this blanco is smooth and light. The aromas are restrained, but on the palate look for mild agave sweetness backed by lemon zest, ginger and white pepper sparks, plus a candied lemon-peel note on the gentle exit. 92 points - winenthusiast.com
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Big Tree Claude Navy Strength Gin (700ml)Macedon, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 58%Big Tree Distillery was established by a gin-loving husband and wife team devoted to bringing you truly home-grown spirits from the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. Three gins are on offer - 'Seasonal', 'Elegant Dry' and a Navy Strength edition named 'Claude'. All are created using (mostly) local ingredients and fresh rainwater from the farm. Where possible the team pick and forage some of the more interesting botanicals as locally as possible with the help of a gin loving botantist. Bottled at high ABV, Claude includes a touch of Southern Sassafras foraged from the Victorian mountains. Tasting note: [Batch 2] Super-dense and juniper-heavy on the nose; pine forest floor, orris and liquorice root as well as hints of grapefruit and dried herbs. Never lets up. Huge yet impeccably balanced in an intense citrus / juniper / herbal and liquorice accented attack with Fisherman's Friend rounding off a cascade of profound ginny flavours. Ends oily, peppery, prolonged. Tremendous stuff. 58% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Double Gold Medal, World Spirits Competition. -
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Starward Two-fold Australian Whisky (700ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 40%The first general release from Starward in years. Like some previous editions, this was matured in Australian red wine barrels (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir). The difference here is ‘Two-fold’ incorporates a 35% wheat component with the barley. The lighter, softer wheat spirit allows a little more of the barrel character to shine through. 6000 bottles are initially on offer (with a large volume destined for the US) - that's double the number of bottles of the inaugural Solera single malt Starward. The distillery's own allocation appears to have sold out online, and Proprietor David Vitale is already starting to wonder whether he's made enough... The hope is this will last through till Christmas!
Tasting note: Brilliant copper. Reminiscent of the standard issue Starward, only softer and slightly sweeter with notes of banana cake, toffee, vanilla-wafer biscuit and light cocoa. The sweetness is tempered by spices and delicate tannins in the mouth, with hints of dried banana, vanilla and a touch of creamy soda to finish, the distillery's characteristic notes retained. Eminently drinkable, this rolls out like a good Canadian blend. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The temptation, when tasting a spirit for the first time, is to scrabble through your flavour memory banks looking for comparisons with spirits you've tasted in the past. With this new whisky, that proved to be a fruitless exercise because it really doesn't taste quite like any other I've tried before. It ticks the general whisky boxes of flavour and style expectation without evoking bourbon or scotch. And while it has unmistakably grain-based spirit characters on the nose and the palate, there are some quite distinctive, unexpected characters in there too: aromas of fresh toast, some dried fig, a hint of ripe banana, then a soft, pretty, creamy vanilla texture on the tongue, finishing with a little tannic grip and savoury complexity. As I say, a very good whisky, especially at this price.
- Max Allen, The Financial Review - G.E. Massenez Creme de Cassis de Dijon (Blackcurrant) Liqueur (500ml)Alsace, FRANCE$45. 99Bottle$551.88 DozenABV: 20%
Cassis is the French word for blackcurrant. The blackcurrant itself is of Nordic origin. It was only towards the beginning of the eighteenth century that Europe embraced it, both as a garden plant and for its medicinal qualities which earnt it the description of “elixir de vie.” However, as far back as the sixteenth century monks from the famous Dijon region of France are recorded to have been growing blackcurrant bushes. The drink they made from it was offered as a universal cure-all for everything from snake bite to depression. While this is clearly fallacious, it is common knowledge that black currants are rich in vitamin C and the liqueurs made from them are enjoyable and healthy digestifs. It is most commonly produced by macerating the berries in grape brandy.
Raspberries and other wild berries have a very low sugar content and fermentation alone produces practically no alcohol. They must therefore macerate in eau de vie for at least one month. Every 100 kg of fruits must macerate in 25 litres of eau de vie with an alcohol content of 50 % as laid down by legislation. Slight fermentation takes place during this period. The mixture is then distilled.
This Creme de Cassis from G.E.Massenez (based in the the famous liqueur producing town of Dijon, capital of Burgundy) is of uncompromising quality. G.E. Massenez is today universally acclaimed for his eaux de vie (fruit brandies) such as wild Rasperry and Williams Pear as well as his crèmes liqueurs : Peach, Blackcurrant etc...The winner of many awards at international exhibitions, including the World Oscar for quality in 1980, Massenez Creme de Cassis has an alcohol content of 20%.
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Arette 100% Agave Reposado Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$104. 99Bottle$1259.88 DozenABV: 38%Rested for ten months in old oak barrels. Pale straw gold. Opens with interesting aromas reminiscent of split green wood, dried eucalyptus leaf, dill pickle and brine. Soft, moderately oily mouthfeel follows through with a medium bodied, semi-sweet, smoky beeswax and dried herb profile and delicate black pepper aftertaste. Complex and well rounded. 38% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Look for spicy aromas that channel fresh and pickled jalapeño peppers. The palate has a slick feel and opens with citrusy astringency. Comforting almond is accented with mouthwatering cayenne and clove fireworks on the finish. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com
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Ron Abuelo 7 Year Old Rum (700ml)PANAMA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 40%Tasting note: Burnished copper. Nosing hints at molasses, maple syrup, vanilla custard and buckwheat pancake. Cream textured with good weight and a silky, mouth coating, vanilla confectionary, clove, white pepper and maple syrup profile. Nice length and balance. 40% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Made with a blend of rums aged seven years, this silky spirit has an amber color and warm toffee aroma. On the palate, this rum is relatively dry, with clove and cinnamon spice and a lingering vanilla note. Good alcohol balance, just enough for structure.
93 points - www.wineenthusiast.com Double Gold Medal 2010 - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Bunnahabhain Moine Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 46.3%A limited edition, single batch Bunnah' from Master Distiller Ian MacMillan (not to be confused with another Bunnahabhain whisky of the same name which was from an Oloroso sherry cask). Non chill filtered and bottled at 46.3% Alc./Vol. for maximum flavour, expect an unusually smokey expression for this distillery “...refreshing with peat, smoke, iodine, diesel and sea air finishing long and smoky with tar and iodine”.
- Deau Louis Memory Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$560. 00Bottle$6720.00 DozenABV: 40%Classified as an 'Hors d’Age' Cognac, meaning "beyond age", this category falls under the XO denomination, but refers to Cognacs with an average age of thirty years (XOs require a minimum of ten). Hors d’Age at fifty years or even one hundred years old are not uncommon - in short, they're often the oldest Cognacs on the market. A portion of the eau-de-vie in Deau's 'Memory' dates back to 1916. Bottled as a tribute to Louis Deau who settled in the cognac region during the XVIIth century, its deep amber colour and endlessly unfolding aftertaste have left many afficianados judging it to be the jewel in the Deau portfolio. 40% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal Concours de Mondial de Bruxelles 2019
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The GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 46%The GlenAllachie have done it again! The 12 Year Old has won the award for World's Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, an honour it previously received in 2021 for Batch #4 of its 10 year old Cask Strength release. Billy Walker considers the 12 year old to be the heart of the core range with some of the very best virgin oak, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximenez casks selected. It is slightly less robust than the ten year old, though just as deeply coloured and easily one of the more flavour-packed 12 year olds going around, opening with notes of chocolate box and Turkish delight followed by a medley of dried fruits, cocoa, clove, honey and vanilla, plus no shortage of concentration on the palate; A saturate of dried fruits and spices, orange oils, citrus blossom, chocolate box and dried apricots combine with fine astringency for excellent sweet-dry balance. Overall, fresher, and with a little more 'breed' than the brawny 10. If you enjoy exuberant sherried styles, then this will be right up your alley. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... "A nose of rich sultanas, flapjacks, and milk chocolate, alongside acetone notes. On the palate, dried apple, gourmet chutney, orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon emerge, complemented by vanilla custard. The finish is medium-long, oily, and slightly warm, making for a very enjoyable dram." - World Whisky Awards 2025
This core expression offers aromas of raspberry jam, baked orange, plum, peppercorn, dry autumn leaves, and a hint of leather, making it an attractive prospect among the various 12 year old sherried Speyside single malt options around. Medium-bodied and juicy, with summer red berries, baked orange, vanilla, ripe cherry, marmalade, and gentle peppery spices, the flavors round off with aniseed, strawberry, and cherry lip balm. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...This is from one of Billy Walker's batches, but there already appears to have been quite a few of them and I couldn't tell you which one this is. Most seem to mention a mixture of Oloroso, PX and virgin oak. Colour: amber - surprisingly dark. Nose: very nice, rather classical on fudge, Dundee cake, shoe polish, mixed peppercorns and a slightly sticky jammy quality - sticky dark fruits I suppose. Feels like quite a sherry-dominated batch. Mouth: some active oak, but also rather a lot of dark grained breads, stout beers, molasses, dates, treacle cake and walnuts. Herbal bitters too, along with some strong fresh black coffee and bitter chocolate. Bish bash bosh! Finish: medium, quite bready, dark and savoury. Umami paste, forest mushrooms and leathery notes. Comments: the oak is there, draping everything in perhaps a notch too much spice, but there's many gooey sherried treats to enjoy underneath. Not sure all batches have been up to this spec though. 85 points - whiskyfun.com
- Bundaberg Rum Coffee and Chocolate Royal Liqueur (700ml)Bundaberg, Queensland, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 20%Closure: Screw Cap
An unfamiliar product in the Bundaberg range. Bundaberg Royal Liqueur is a composition of Bundaberg Rum, coffee and chocolate. Its unfamiliarity is due to its limited availability (usually sold only within the distillery walls).
In fact the last time we saw this product was early 2001!Enjoy the way you would any cream liqueur.
- Goslings Black Seal Rum (700ml)BERMUDA$83. 99Bottle$1007.88 DozenABV: 40%A family business for over two centuries, Gosling's was founded in 1806 by James Gosling and is Bermuda's oldest business house and largest exporter of locally made product. Originally called 'Old Rum', the company's flagship 'Black Seal Rum' was not sold by the bottle until after World War One, when it was packaged in Champagne bottles (the most widely available bottle at the time) and sealed with black wax, hence the name which has stuck. Over the years, Black Seal Rum has become synonymous with the Bermuda region - it is an essential ingredient in the local fish chowder, adds the island flavour to the 'Bermuda Rum Swizzle', as well as being the tempest in Bermuda's favorite cocktail, the 'Dark 'n Stormy'.
At the World Spirits Championships, the largest international spirits judging in North America, Black Seal scored 96 out of a possible 100 points and was awarded the Platinum Medal. The judges described Black Seal as "Superlative...Deep, assertive and highly flavored. Very fragrant with herbal sharpness. At the finish there is a softness and elegance. A most complex, unusual spirit." 40% Alc./Vol.
- Bronze Medal: 87 Points - International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2019
- Platinum Medal: 96 Points - Beverage Testing Institute
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Quarisa Johnny Q MoscatoSouth Eastern Australia, AUSTRALIA$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenABV: 9%Closure: Screw CapThis is quite a fizzy Moscato exhibiting a very pale straw colour and watery hue. The nose displays lifted ripe grapey aromas followed by some tropical fruit notes and a hint of sherbet. Sweet fruity palate entry and light body weight with grapey tropical fruit flavours and a touch of orange blossom. Clean finish with aftertaste of grapey tropical fruits.
Drink now (2012).
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Santiago Queirolo Pure (Pura) Quebranta Grape Pisco (700ml)Ica Valley, PERU$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 42%Closure: Screw CapA spirit fermented and distilled from grapes, Pisco was initially developed by Spanish settlers in Peru around the sixteenth century as a cheaper alternative to their imported national spirit, ‘Orujo’ (a transparent spirit obtained from the distillation of the pomace of the grape, usually bottled at roughly 50% alc/vol). Pisco is produced in the wine making regions of both Chile and Peru; however, questions persist as to their points of difference. Generally speaking, Peruvian Pisco is considered to be superior. Its focus is on utilizing traditional methods to produce an artisanal product which pre-dates Pisco produced in Chile. Chilean Pisco, on the other hand, is the big corporate brother of the Peruvian, with an industry geared for high end production and export. In summary, although both styles are essentially forms of grape spirit, the end product is markedly different.
Defining Peruvian Pisco are particular methods of production, provenance, establishment of vines, the use of specific varietals and storage techniques. In all, it involves a series of considerations more comparable to the production of a fine wine. The Ica Valley is one of Peru’s best Pisco producing regions. The desert conditions are ideal for varietals such as Quebranta, Common Black, Mollar, Italia, Muscat, Albilla and Torontel to thrive. Famous distilleries located in the Ica Valley include Tacama, and the featured Quierolo brand.
There are four traditional styles of Pisco produced:
1. Pura (Pure): Made from using only a single grape variety, these usually include non-aromatic varieties such as Quebranta or Common Black. Famous for producing the ideal Pisco Sour.
2. Aromatic: Made from Moscatel varietals, these include Muscat, Torontel and Italia.
3. Mosto Verde (Green Must): Distilled from partially fermented must, this must be distilled before the fermentation process has completely transformed the sugars into alcohol.
4. Acholado: Blended from the must of several grape varietals.
Prior to distillation, the wine is placed into large containers known as ‘botijas’, (also known as pisqueras). These are made of clay, sand, manure and water, lined with a fibrous material such as straw to shape. These containers are placed outside whereby the heat of the sun acts as catalyst for fermentation. Oppose this to the Chilean styles which are matured in oak, producing a toastier spirit which is bottled at varying strengths according to the style. Peruvian Pisco must be bottled at the natural strength off the still.
Tasting note: Clear, brilliant, slightly viscous appearance. Strong yeast, fruit bread and caper-like aromas. Entry is smooth, warming and mildly tingly with olive bread and fruity flavours (plum, grape) laced with white pepper. Good concentration and balance. Slightly waxy, oily texture. Finishes clean and dry with a delicate salty, green olive and spice aftertaste. 42% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Mild tropical fruit aromas introduce this pisco. The palate doubles down with coconut and dried pineapple. Assertive ginger heat, lemon drops and a faint white floral exhale make for a relatively sweet, candied finish. 95 points - wineenthusiast.com
Cocktail Recipe: The Classic Pisco Sour
-3 parts Pura Pisco
-1 part granulated sugar
-1 part lime juice
-1 part egg whiteShake vigorously with ice until frothy and strain into a small wine glass and Garnish with ground cinnamon.
- Gekkeikan Sake (720ml)Kyoto, JAPAN$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenABV: 14.5%
Japanese rice wine is not a liqueur, although it is often brewed to liqueur-like strengths by simultaneous processes which convert sugar starch to sugar and then to alcohol. The ferments are Koji and Sake yeast. Gekkeikan claims itself as the largest selling sake in the world.
The company is based in Fushimi, Kyoto, and was founded in 1637 by Jiemon Ōkura. One of the world's oldest companies, it is today a member of the Henokiens group. The name 'Gekkeikan' literally means "laurel wreath". 14.5% alc./vol.
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Widow Jane 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)UNITED STATES$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 45.5%"Good, honest, rock solid Bourbon" - Jim Murray An unusual find in Australia, this is a sourced bourbon using whiskeys from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana assembled in Brooklyn in five barrel batches which means each release will present a slightly different flavour profile. It's named for its water source which comes from the "Widow Jane Limestone Mine" in Rosendale, New York, prized for being even richer in minerals than the pure waters of Kentucky.
Tasting notes: [Barrel not specified] Deep copper. Nosing after air contact yields drier-styled notes of dark rye bread, white pepper, light vanilla and dustings of milk chocolate. Well integrated, minty rye enters before vanillan oak. Applemint and hints of iced tea through the drying finish. An elegant, light and refreshing style with impressive length. 45.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... Good, honest, rock solid if oily, old-fashioned Bourbon. 90.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
DOUBLE GOLD - San Francisco Spirits Competition.
Ultimate Beverage Challenge 93 points The nose of this bourbon is reminiscent of maple kissed breakfast pancakes with a side of bacon. The palate presents and astoundingly smooth profile, where rich flavors of plantains in browned butter, cocoa nibs, and orange marmalade sing in harmony. A warm, pleasing finish begs another sip. - (Apr 2018)
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Inner Circle Black Dot Cask Strength Rum 75.9% ABV (700ml)Queensland, AUSTRALIA$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 75.9%The repackaged Inner Circle Black Dot is a new recipe, as well as new label and bottle shape. Deeper and darker than Green Dot, the high ABV is immediately apparent: prickly wafts carry aromas of cinnamon, vanilla wafer, sticky date and peppercorns. Tastes like more column still than pot still with a supernova of bittersweet flavours that's somehow light on its feet: Vanilla cream and dark chocolate on entry, the mid-palate is oily and mouth coating then finally estery through the finish. The aftertaste is fairly brisk for all its strength. 75.9% Alc./Vol. Pot distilled at Beenleigh distillery.
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Amara Blood Orange Liqueur (500ml)Sicily, ITALY$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 30%Blood Orange peel meets a herbal and sugar infusion in a new expression of the liqueur from Mount Etna, Sicily. Tasting note: Bright amber / polished copper. Perfumed with lifted scents of candied orange / jelly bean. Further exposure suggests blood orange chocolate. Creamy sweet entry offers a silk-textured orange zest profile with mild acidity relieving the sugars. Finish is semi-sweet, broad, a little over-confected and subdued. Try with chocolate, pastries & cakes. 30% Alc./Vol. -
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Highland Park 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND$8499. 00Bottle$101988.00 DozenABV: 43.2%Note: Packaging may vary from image.
Described in Whisky Magazine as “an incredibly well drinking Highland Park… sharing some of the 18 Year Old’s refinement but taking it into a different league”, the presentation and quality should put this firmly on collector's radars. -
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Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat (500ml)Rutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 17%Closure: StelvinThis magnificent fortified pours with a thick oil like viscosity. The colour is much deeper than the classic Muscat displaying a totally opaque black sienna brown core with a deep olive green walnut brown hue. The nose is a sniffers paradise, almost hypnotising the olfactory senses with intoxicating aromas of raisins and honey infused with marzipan followed by finely integrated spirit, hints of Christmas cake and marmalade with spicy rancio end notes. Thick oil like texture, the palate painted with incredibly rich and concentrated flavours of honeyed raisins, marmalade, refined spirit, Christmas cake, toffee, rancio characters, marzipan and spice. Good balanced freshness on the finish and beautifully integrated spirit. Exceptionally long conclusion of honeyed raisins, marmalade, Christmas cake, marzipan and rancio characters that stay in the mouth long after swallowing. A vinous steal by any measure.
Alc 17%Other reviews….
Like 100 Christmases in the one glass. Ancient material blended across decades and decades, delivering immense depth, layering and complexity. Smells of dark toasted wood, dark chocolate, currants, raisins, plum paste and alluring, fragrant spices. The palate has a smooth, pillowy texture, rich and spicy raisins and ebb and flow of dried-plum flavors, emanating warmth in treasured layers. Drink now. Screw cap.
100 points
JamesSuckling.com
This has a tsunami of luscious spices, raisins dipped in chocolate, and dried fruit flavours, yet has enhancing freshness, length and a bright finish, rancio in high relief. This Rutherglen muscat has to be given 100 points.
100 points
James Halliday, The Weekend Australian, March 2019 -
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2018 La MondotteSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$560. 00Bottle$6720.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Mondotte strolls nonchalantly out of the glass with expressive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by suggestions of candied violets, licorice, hoisin and black truffles with a waft of ground cloves. It's medium to full-bodied with seriously impressive tension and wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins supporting the generous black fruit preserves layers, finishing with amazing length and loads of panache. It will require a good 4-5 years to unlock some of its finer nuances, then drink this powerhouse over the next 25+ years. Drink 2025-2050.
97+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 2018 La Mondotte melds together the richness of the vintage with the bright, chalky notes that are such a signature of this tiny estate. Inky dark fruit, graphite, crushed rocks, lavender and spice gradually open in a dense, layered Saint-Émilion loaded with personality. I can't wait to see how it ages. Drink 2026-2043.
96+ points
Antonio Galloni - VinousBlackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.
98 points
James SucklingComing from a cool terroir situated near Pavie Decesse and based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Mondotte reveals a dense purple hue to go with a rich, yet classic, regal, full-bodied style delivering impressive blue fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and liquid violet aromas and flavors. It's concentrated and powerful, yet it's the balance, purity of fruit, and quality of tannins that set it apart. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it's going to evolve for 30+. Drink 2026-2056.
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck - Chestnut Teal Limited Release Apera (750ml)Mildura, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenABV: 17.5%Named after the native duck found along the Murray River, this medium sweet style was originally produced by Mildara Wines in the early 1950s but ceased in 1998. Ahead of its 65th birthday, the Australian icon has been relaunched by two sherry advocates, Darren Rogers and Peter Stone. “Our hope is that Chestnut Teal will continue to be appreciated as not only an icon of the Australian wine industry, but as a wonderful drink for any occasion,” Mr Stone said. He adds, “It was the weapon of choice after work every night.” The aim has been to recreate the drink in the most authentic manner possible with reports suggesting it looks and tastes identical to the original article. Expect a sweet wine with a drying finish, with flor sherry notes integrated with nutty rancio and a rounded mouthfeel. A lovely aperitif served at room temperature or slightly chilled. 17.5% Alc./Vol.
- Aalborg Nordguld Aquavit (700ml)DENMARK$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 40%Aalborg Nordguld Aquavit is a rich, unique taste being the world's only aquavit distilled with amber - the Gold of the North.
The amber oils used during distilling give body, a touch of resin and pine and a hint of citrus to the taste. In addition to this, Aalborg Nordguld is made from classic aquavit spices including fennel. To top it all off, it's then matured in Spanish sherry casks to obtain a smooth and harmonious texture. The perfect accompaniment to a good meal or with coffee. - Don Julio Anejo 100% Agave Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 38%Closure: Cork
At the age of 17, Don Julio Gonzalez opened his first tequila distillery in 1942 in Atotonilco el Alto in Jalisco. His name has been synonymous with luxury tequila ever since. The distillery hand selects every one of its blue agaves at the peak of their sweetness and ripeness—waiting up to 12 years before harvesting. Rich clay soils and larger planting spaces help to ensure maximum nutrition and sunlight, resulting a sweeter Agave for premium tequila production. The Agaves are then slowly cooked in masonry ovens at Don Julio's 'La Primavera' Distillery, where the juice that is obtained is subsequently double distilled.
Other reviews... Aged for eighteen months in oak, the Anejo yields initial aromas of dill, brine and bitter green vegetables but the bouquet becomes muted with aeration. The palate entry is a tad sharp and acidic, but that smoothes out at midpalate as tastes of honey, saltwater taffy and pickles take charge. Ends spirited and pungent. 38% Alc./Vol. 85-89 points - wineenthusiast.com
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Eden Mill Hop Gin (500ml)SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 46%A combination of brewing and distilling. Galaxy hops are a core ingredient, alongside juniper berries, angelica and coriander. Tasting note: Brilliant pale gold. Moderate aromas of mango lassi and dried apricot over hints of coriander. Oily textured but also delicately bitter with dried mango, apricot and vaguely herbal flavours. Concludes dry, fleeting. Odd. 46% Alc./Vol. -
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Dal Zotto Pucino ProseccoKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2016)ABV: 10.5%Closure: Crown SealPours with a buoyant white mousse. Water like base wine colour with a greenish tinge around the edges. Very fine bead showing excellent persistence. Top notes of apple and pears are followed by some lemon sherbet. The palate has good fruit and a zippy mouthfeel with flavours of pears and baked apples to the fore over some sherbet and citrus. Dry finish with crisp acidity. Aftertaste of pear, baked apples, sherbet and citrus.
Drink now.
Alc 10.5% -
- 90
Havana Club Anejo 7 Year Old Rum (700ml)Havana, CUBA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 40%Cuba has a long tradition of rum-making dating back to when Christopher Columbus introduced sugar cane to the island. The crop flourished in the favourable climate and fertile soil. Production of sugar soon followed and by 1620 there were 50 sugar refineries in Cuba. By the 1800s, the rum-making process had been refined with the introduction of copper stills and the concept of ageing the spirit in pots buried in the earth and wooden barrels. The second half of the 19th century saw the production of a more delicate rum, aged in white oak casks, developed initially “for the elite” on the instruction of the Spanish Crown.
The Seven remains the pride of the Havana Club portfolio, composed of rums aged for a minimum of seven years, some substantially older. What's so likeable about Havana 7 is its point of difference: This is a relatively dry, "generously light" style offering flavours of muted vanillas, light molasses, dried fruit cake and crisp oak. It's a suave spirit with enough depth and presence to enjoy simply over ice, but its individuality is its forte. Being less sweet lends it to super-refreshing cocktails. Swap it out over white rum in a Mojito with confidence. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This is a perfect example of Cuban style rum (fitting since it’s actually from Cuba): There’s a huge amount of rich caramel character on the nose, with a light wood backing. Take a sip and you get a rush of heat, then smoothness: Sweet molasses and caramel, cane sugar, and a bit of cinnamon character in the finish. Very light on the wood, it veers into sweet vanilla — but it’s never cloying and never overly sugary. I’m deeply intrigued by the older Havana Clubs, though I can’t much imagine this being significantly improved by any additional time in oak. Best of all is the price, though you’ll have to buy it out of the country until the embargo is overturned. Come on, Obama! - drinkhacker.com
Gold Medal, Dark Rum up to 7yo - 2014 The Rum Masters (The Spirits Business)
... A nicely done expression that captures the depth and complexity that a rum can achieve while still maintaining a freshness and a definite Cuban terroir. - spiritsreview.com
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2016 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Volnay Caillerets - Clos des 60 Ouvrees Amphore Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$270. 00Bottle$3240.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Healthy dark red. Aromas of purple berries, black cherry and licorice convey a musky quality as well as a subtle liqueur-like aspect. Fat and very ripe but not a sweet style; in fact, this is less expressive and complex than Landanger's other two amphora wines in 2016. Suggestions of black pepper and herbs carry through to the finish, which conveys an impression of thickness but is still quite primary and undeveloped, even a bit pinched. Here I much prefer the "regular" version of 60 Ouvrées.
89-91 points
Stephen Tanzer - VinousOnce again there is a distinctly restrained character to the pure and exuberantly spicy dark currant and raspberry aromas. There is terrific punch and delineation to the classy and refined medium weight flavors that flash plenty of minerality on the ever-so-slightly drying finish that I ascribe to the recent bottling.
94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound - Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub Bitters (146ml)New York State, UNITED STATES$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenABV: 44%This latest incarnation from the Bittermens stable is best introduced buy the producers who have an obvious preoccupation with all things spicy... "...at Bittermens, habaneros appear in everything from cream sauces to omelets at home. However, we have found that when people try to make spicy cocktails, much of the time the flavor falls short. The problem as we see it isn’t the heat – it’s how the heat is incorporated into the cocktail. Infusing jalapeño peppers into tequila is perfect if you want a tequila drink. However, simply putting commercial hot sauces, sambal or sriracha into a cocktail usually throws off the cocktail’s balance. The way that most hot sauces are made is by blending peppers with vinegar, salt and other spices. Vinegar, eh? That sure sounds like a shrub to us. Shrubs are classically refreshing fruit and vinegar-based syrups that were sweetened and diluted to make a beverage since revolutionary times. Instead of making a berry shrub or an orange shrub, why not make a hot pepper shrub? We’ve fortified the shrub with alcohol (to better extract the flavors from the spices) and made it much more concentrated, so you only need to use drops instead of ounces to get the desired effect… which, in this case, is a good ol’ bit of heat." No tasting notes available.
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2016 Chateau Lafaurie-PeyragueySauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkSince new owners took over at Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey in 2014 it has undergone a complete renovation of the cellars and winemaking facilities, along with a decrease in yields to ensure only the best grapes go into their top label. Their renewed attention to detail is also evident in the new bottle design, introduced from the 2013 vintage and featuring a smart engraved logo. The 41 hectare vineyard is planted on clay over limestone soils, with a varietal mix of 93% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle.
Other Reviews....
Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Lafaurie-Peyraguey gives up bold notions of fresh pineapple, green mango, lemon meringue pie and yuzu zest with touches of beeswax, lime blossoms, toasted almonds and cedar chest. The palate is all class with fantastic poise, purity and precision giving the tropical and citrus layers loads of sparkle through the long finish. Drink 2021 - 2049.
95+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (Mar 2019)The 2016 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is stunning. Unctuous, layered and supremely beautiful, the 2016 has so much to offer. Baked apple, dried lemon peel, and a host of exotic floral notes all grace this exquisite Sauternes from Silvio Denz. The 2016 is rich and quite deep, and yet retains a striking sense of grace. In a word: gorgeous. Drink 2020-2036.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2018)The breathtaking nose of this Sauternes is like an essence of fresh pineapples with hints of lemon balm and floral honey. Then comes the most extraordinary marriage of creaminess and freshness that gives the palate a fluffy texture. Vibrant acidity makes this taste almost weightless at the very long, brilliant finish. Drink or hold.
98 points
James Suckling (Jan 2019)Vying for the top Sauternes in this report, the 2016 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is made by Valérie Lavigne and is 93% Sémillon, 6% Sauvignon, and 1% Muscadelle that was harvested between September 29th and November 4th. Brought up in one-third new oak, it boasts a beautifully honeyed bouquet of orange blossom, brioche, crushed rocks, and flower oil. Thick, opulent, and straight-up sexy on the palate, it has balancing acidity and a great, great finish. Drink this brilliant Sauternes any time over the coming two decades or more. Drink 2019 - 2039.
97 points
Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019) -
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The Gospel Straight Australian Rye Whiskey (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 45%Where Sazerac, Pikesville and Rittenhouse have become household names in Rye whiskey, you can soon add another. The new project of distilling duo, Ben Bowles and Andrew Fitzgerald of ‘Melbourne Moonshine’ fame has been four years in the making. Simply known as “The Gospel” it’s the country’s first distillery exclusively dedicated to rye. Set in the backstreets of Melbourne’s Brunswick and built around a six-metre-high continuous column still and bespoke copper pot still, The Gospel also have the backing and expertise of industry big guns, including x Starward and Hippocampus senior staff.
Running at five barrels a day, production can be tailored to the team’s exacting standards – which is evident from the first taste. The rye itself is dense and intensely flavoured and comes from a single farm in the Murray Mallee. A precision, temperature controled mash tun and agitator gets the very best out of the grain (a variety known to push distilling skills to the limit). The wash passes through the custom column still in a ‘stripping run’ before being finished in the pot still. All important maturation is two years on-site in 200 litre virgin American oak barrels ranging from #2 - #4 level char.
From the inside out, The Gospel is a whiskey that shows serious attention to detail (who wouldn’t want a bottle that looks this good on their bar?). The bouquet opens oily and grain-focussed; buttered dark rye bread, dustings of cocoa, hints of muddled mint and purring spices build over deeper oak sugars. Crisp on entry with a medium-bodied, creamy-yet-peppery attack. Oily rye glides across wafery vanillas as the spices intensify. Beautifully controlled, and with serious length and staying power. The finish offers hints of apple mint, wood spice and dark chocolate. With or without dilution, it’s an essay in understatement and elegance for the genre – and dangerously drinkable - also a release that firmly places Australia on the rye whiskey world map. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 'Straight' is an American whisky designation that means a spirit has been matured for at least two years. Those carefully seasoned and toasted American oak casks do most of the talking, offering notes of polished furniture and dried thyme. The higher ABV here is barely perceptible on the nose, but it helps this whisky stand up well to dilution in cocktails and gives this product a much lengthier finish and grippy texture than its younger sibling, Solera. This whisky makes a fantastic premium cocktail, so in that regard, they've nailed the brief and at a reasonable price. 93 points - Fred Siggins (2025), winecompanion.com.au
...Perfumed and wonderfully peppery on the nose, full of pleasing, punchy rye spice aromas with deep liquorice tumbling through. Dry and remarkably layered, with well-defined flavours of cognac, green tea, and menthol adding complexity on the palate. The finish is long, sweet, and satisfying with a refreshing hint of mint complementing indulgent chocolaty tones. Devine! 96 points - Gold - International Wine and Spirits Competition 2024.
...For the price, probably one of the most impressive Australian whiskies to be released in recent years. It's a clinic in balance: the oak and the spirit dance around each other, never collide, and neither tries to dominate. And the rye spirit is, well, something else – totally unique. If you're not accustomed to rye and its bold flavours, this'll be confronting. But intelligent cask management has shaped this into something that's just a joy to drink. Fantastic for mixing, too – bring on the bouldevardiers! - ozwhiskyreview.com.au
Gold - 96 points International Wine and Spirits Competition 2023.
Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022.
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Bols Corenwyn Genever (1000ml)Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 38%Corenwyn is an alternative spelling of the generic 'kirenwijn', a high-malt Genever specialty. The style, 'corenwyn' translates as 'grain wine', referring to the high proportion of malt wine (at least 51%) used in the blend. Only Bols is permitted to use Corenwyn as a brand name because it was Lucas Bols himself who first created the drink back in 1575. Then, the term was reserved for the very finest distillations of grain. Today the spirit is distilled in copper pot stills in a four-stage process, the last of which has the spirit pass over juniper berries to extract flavour and aroma. Two years ageing in oak casks bestows a pale gold colour and a nutty, slightly fruity characteristic making for a fine aperitif, but also an excellent accompaniment to cold dishes (especially seafood). Corenwyn continues to be sold in traditional handmade stone jars. 38% Alc./Vol. - Deanston 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 46.3%New as of 2015, the unusually long maturation for this Deanston was rounded off by a finishing period in first fill bourbon casks. Non chill filtered and bottled at proper strength: 46.3% ABV. Expect a richer distillery expression, amplified in every way. Extremely limited Australian allocation.
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2018 Yarra Edge Single Vineyard ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2019-2023)ABV: 13.2%Closure: StelvinAged on lees in 20% new barrels for 10 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Delicate citrus and nectarine scents overlay hints of honeysuckle, subtle biscuity nougat and spice notes. Elegant with a fine creamy feel the palate has flavours of white peach and dried honey sitting over cashew, biscuity nougat characters and spice. Clean dry finish with a creamy textured conclusion.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.2% -
- 91
Silent Pool Gin (700ml)UNITED KINGDOM$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 43%Established in 2014 as a sustainable project, Silent Pool Distillery is named after a nearby natural spring lake which is also the distillery's water source. Located in the southeast of England in the Surrey Hills countryside and produced entirely on site by Cory Mason, the gin employs 24 botanicals including lavender, chamomile, citrus, kaffir lime, local honey and juniper. Unlike many other gins, Silent Pool is distilled using a column still. Mason comments, "Through precise control over a series of plates and cooling pipes, we are able to separate the exact flavour we want from each botanical that we use. In this way, we can break down the botanical, and capture only the section of it that we want to use in our gin. The operation is run on a reclaimed wood-fired steam boiler from the 1970s, previously used to power a crane on Liverpool docks. Sustainable hardwood is sourced from the local Albury forest and gives the whole operation a very low carbon footprint as well as truly local credentials. Tasting note Medium intense, peppery whiffs building with fresh juniper, lemon/lime peel, lavender and chamomile tea. Very piney on entry, with lemon and lime accented through the middle. Finish is drying, with lively spices and gentle cinnamon warmth. Ends pure, fresh and mildly sappy with pine and lavender lingering in the aftertaste. A well balanced sipper for elegant Martinis. 43% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... 4.5 Stars - www.diffordsguide.com Gold Medal World Spirits Awards 2016 -
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2016 Chateau Malescot Saint-ExuperyMargaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenClosure: CorkThis Margaux third growth property has been bought and sold numerous times over its history, but it was after the purchase in 1955 by the Zuger family that the fortunes of the property took a turn for the good. At the time the property was in poor shape, with only 7 hectares under vine. Now the 23.5 hectares vineyard is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, and is easily delivering at its classified level and often more. Malescot-St.-Exupery should be on the radar for every lover of rich and expressive Cabernet. And perhaps the reason they aren’t as highly collected is that it’s really been just the last few years they’ve elevated their wines to new levels. The consistency of the wines from 2014-2019 is remarkable, and to date the wines have been extremely well priced.
Other Reviews....
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Malescot St. Exupery sings of cassis, fragrant earth, tobacco and lilacs with a compelling waft of mocha. Medium to full-bodied and strutting loads of expressive fruit layers at this youthful stage, it's framed by ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing with great length and depth. Drink 2021-2045.
95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Dec 2018)The 2016 Malescot Saint Exupéry has a well-defined bouquet of ample red currant, cranberry and strawberry fruit laced with rose petal and hints of graphite. There is something almost Saint Julien–like about the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, graphite-infused black fruit, and quite linear and poised, but it conveys a genuine sense of energy and tension toward the classic finish. A magnificent Margaux. Drink 2022-2048.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (Dec 2018)The 2016 Malescot Saint Exupéry is fabulous. Powerful and explosive on the palate, the 2016 offers serious intensity, but it also appears to be holding back quite a bit of its potential. Moreover, what impresses me most is that in 2016, intensity is delivered more with finesse than with the brutish power that is such a signature of Malescot. Deep and resonant, but also remarkably polished, the 2016 Malescot is a winner. Hints of iron, smoke, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth add nuance, but it is the wine's sense of poise that is most remarkable. I loved it. Tasted three times. Drink 2024-2046.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2018)A stunning red with currants, blackberries, roses and violets. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and polish and finesse to the powerful tannins. A real stunner. Better than 2015. Take a serious look at it, beginning 2024.
97 points
James Suckling (Jan 2019)The ruby/plum-colored 2016 Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry comes from vines in the heart of the Margaux appellation and is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s a total rock star of wine and has fabulous notes of crème de cassis, barbecue smoke, graphite, and sandalwood that build beautifully with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, layered, and seamless, it’s incredibly impressive and I’d wager up with the finest vintages ever from this estate. Give it a few years and enjoy over the following 20-25. Bravo! Drink 2019-2044.
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019) -
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Lark Distillery Forty Spotted Gin (700ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 40%Named after the Forty-spotted Pardalote, the island's rarest bird, and produced at the Lark Distillery, this gin matches traditional gin botanicals with Tasmanian pepperberry. Tasted from a 20ml sample, the nose suggests lemon meringue and lime peel over light juniper and hints at white pepper. It's reflected in a pure, uncomplicated, creamy-textured profile with an attractive lemon / lime accented finish. Use this as an all-purpose mixer or in casual G&Ts. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This gin is pretty floral and slightly perfumed, think lavender and violet, followed by a whiff of sweet orange, berries and juniper. The palate is spicy, with soft juniper notes. Overall it's pretty clean, but it would've benefited from a little more balance. 78 points - distiller.com
- Barenjager Honey Liqueur (700ml)GERMANY$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 35%
No longer reserved exclusively for bears, Bärenjäger is a traditional German Honey Liqueur made according to the authentic East Prussian “Bear Trap” recipe. Produced and bottled in Germany and made from all natural ingredients, it's best served cold and enjoyed straight. 35% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Delicate, lightly honeyed and not overly sweet scents with a buttery/creamy quality. Palate entry is gooey, concentrated, chewy and numbingly sweet; the midpalate phase heightens the impressions of the entry. Aftertaste is scoop-out-with-spoon thick and tonsil-screamingly sweet. 85-89 points - wineenthusiast.com
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- Nicks Import
- Packaging may vary
Bokma Jonge Genever (Jenever) (1000ml)Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 35%Closure: Screw CapJonge Genever is one of the more popular distilled spirits in the Netherlands. Its basis is a "Malt wine," distilled from a mixture of wheat, corn, rye, and barley. The production of this malt wine mirrors the production of Scotch whisky through the first distillation, which the Scots call "low wines" and the Dutch call "malt wine." An essential ingredient is juniper berries. Distillers make the final product in several stages, using herbs, neutral spirits, and different quantities of juniper berries according to each distilleries secret recipe.
There are two main types of Genever: ‘Oude’ (Old) and ‘Jonge’ (Young). This is not a matter of aging, but of distilling techniques. Around 1900 the Coffey Still (Patent Still) made it possible to produce an almost neutral tasting high-grade alcohol, independent of the origin of the spirit. A worldwide trend towards lighter tasting spirits as well as lower prices, led to blended whisky in Great Britain, and its counterpart in the Netherlands was 'Jonge Genever'. During the World Wars, lack of imported cereals and hence malt, forced the continued promotion of this Gin. People started using the term ‘Oude’ for the old-style Genever and ‘Jonge’ for the new style, while still employing juniper berries, it contains more grain instead of malt and can even contain plain sugar-based alcohol.
Originally a family operated business, Freerk Klazes Bokma gained the rights to establish a distillery in 1894. Later in 1971 Bokma entered into a joint venture with Heineken enhancing its distribution network which enabled Bokma to become one of the Netherlands most beloved spirits.
An interesting fact when contemplating the use of genever, In 1862 a celebrity bartender by the name of Jerry Thomas produced the world's first cocktail and bartending book titled "The Bar-tenders Guide or How To Mix Drinks". In there appeared recipes based around four basic cocktail spirits being brandy, rum, whisky and not surprisingly, Genever the classic predecessor of London Dry Gin.
Enjoy Jonge Genever straight from the freezer, in a cocktail or traditionally with a cold lager beer as a chaser; referred to as a kopstoot ("headbutt").
Below are a few cocktail recipes to try at home
Recipe: Dutch Trade Winds
60ml of Bokma Jonge Genever
15ml shot of Dutch Curacao
15ml shot of lemon juice
Sugar syrup to tasteShake with crushed ice and serve in a chilled cocktail glass.
Recipe: Amsterdam
In a shaker with ice cubes:
45ml of Bokma Jonge Genever
15ml cocktail glass of triple sec
15ml cocktail glass of orange juiceShake well and serve in a chilled cocktail glass
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Martell XO Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 40%This is Martell’s pride and joy. Every drop is made from rare eaux-de-vie, aged in the Paradis and Purgatoire cellars for 15 years.
Other reviews... The opening whiffs find scents of pears, grapes, and mature oily, buttery, aromas; in the second sniffing round the spirit is pleasantly prickly with loads of character. Palate entry is sweeter and fruitier than the Cordon Bleu; round, luxurious and slightly coffee-like in its bittersweet approach at midpalate. Ends with an inoffensive little numbing sensation. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com
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Emilio Lustau Jarana Light Fino SherryJerez,$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenABV: 15.5%Closure: CorkA powerful, salty fino made from the Palimino grape. Only the most delicate soleras that remain under flor are bottled as fino. Bright deep straw colour with pale gold hue. Magnificent nose with aroma of nuts, flor yeast and salted roast almonds. The palate is a delight with very distinctive flavours that make this sherry a superb aperitif. The taste of salt hits the palate first and is beautifully integrated by background flavours of flor yeast and almonds. Excellent length, followed by a crisp acid finish and a very long salted almond aftertaste.
Drink now. (2002)
Alc./Vol. 15.5%RATING: 96/100















































