Monthly Staff Picks

February 2012

Tom's Pick:

Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or Single Malt Scotch

Glenmorangie uses some of the tallest stills, initially they where old gin stills. These stills yield some of the most refined spirits.  The Nectar D'or and their other core line of barrel finished Scotches start with the classic ten year old, which is delicate yet explosive in volume and flavor. The Nectar D'or is finished for the remaining two year in Sauternes casks (dessert wine). The end result is a perfectly enhanced and amplified version of the original ten year old.

Color:
  Copper, roasted honey

Nose:  Honey, Lemon tart, Apple strudel, Almond paste, Bourbon

Palate:  All aromas are present and accounted for as they roll out in order; painting the tongue with flavor.

Finish:  Green Apple skin, lightly tart and gently bitter. As it opens in glass and saturates the senses it becomes some how creamy.

Delicious and Decadent.  Cheers!

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Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or

Erin's Pick

The Botanist Gin

 For all you single-malt scotch lovers, we have a gin that's right down your alley. This month, I chose to explore a unique product from my favorite Islay distillery. Notorious for their progressive Hebridean methods of production, and their shameless experimentation, Bruichladdich has breached the gap and created a dry artisan Gin. Using the famous “Ugly Betty” still, which demands a higher pressured and slower process (17 hours!), the Botanist includes several essential ingredients including coriander and orris root, as well as 22 native botanicals. This product is unique as the first and only Islay gin, which is due to the conditions of the island off the coast of Scotland that are partial to some of the worlds greatest single malt scotches.  

The color is extraordinarily clear, as the filtration separates any lingering herbs. This does not take away from the final experience. 
The nose is strong of florals, lacking the intense juniper that most gins yield, but its uniqueness arises as light sea foam and citrus build. 
The palate holds characteristics reminiscent of a meadow near an ocean, not overbearingly salty, but with birch, elderflower, apple, and heather. 
The finish is not as long as I expected, but with flavors of Cinnamon and lemon peel, and ends on a slightly peaty note, a final signature of the distillery.  

Try neat or in a Gin Martini!

   

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Botanist Gin

 

Trudy's Pick

Herradura Anejo Tequila

Herradura Anejo is rich amber in color.  It gives off the aroma of spice, toasted oak and nutty notes.  It tastes like caramel and vanilla accompanied by the slight bitterness of cooked agave and subtle notes of dried fruit. The finish is smooth and creamy.  Herradura Anejo has been compared to some of the best whiskies in the world by even the most discerning palates.  It is excellent neat or on the rocks but can also be enjoyed in a margarita.  This margarita more closely resembles a whiskey sour rather than a standard margarita.

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 Herradura Anejo

Nick's Pick

Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

This is hands down one of the best bourbons that I've tried to date, and for the price it cant be beat. The nose has hints of vanilla and orange peel, which can definitely be tasted on the first sip. Next comes the strong oak flavor which transforms into a long, lingering finish with notes of cocoa and spice. A must try for any whiskey drinker!

Purchase Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey »

 

Eagle Rare 10yr