1797 | Spirits, $10 to $20

"Creamy powdered sugar and talc aromas. Supple and delicate on the palate with a lightly glycerous texture and dusty minerality with hints of sweet anise and citrus. Finishes soft and clean."

"Opening nose hints of pine tar, dark caramel and maple syrup with subtle notes of brown sugar and honey. Palate entry has a silk texture; at midpalate there’s a minor explosion of dried fruit and chocolate cherry flavor. Concludes quiet and mild. Best Buy." 85-89 pts.

"The no-nonsense bouquet opens up with marshmallow, light toffee and light honey. Early taste is sweet and molasses-centric, then at midpalate there’s a spiced honey flavor that gently guides you to the creamy, cake frosting finish. I liked this affable spiced rum when I first reviewed it 12 years ago and I still like it." 85-89 pts.

"Sweet pepper, roasted pepper, spice, and black peppercorn aromas. A smooth and supple entry leads to a round off-dry and glycerous medium-bodied palate with sweet prune, roasted pepper, and delicate spice flavors. Finishes with a long sweet fruit and pepper fade. Very soft and feminine."

"The grain takes a backseat in the early sniffing stages as bittersweet bean- and kernel-like scents dominate; later whiffs merely confirm the intense bean/cocoa quality. Palate entry mirrors the bouquet to a tee; at midpalate, the kernel-like intensity turns smooth and viscous on the tongue. Ends bittersweet and oily." 85-89 pts.

"Originated in 1862, BACARDI® Superior is the original rum, aged between one to two years in carefully selected oak barrels. After ageing, the rums are blended and passed through a second charcoal filtration to achieve maximum clarity BACARDI smoothness."

"Chocolate-covered crushed hazelnuts and almonds aromas with a deft touch of mint and coconut. A rich, satiny entry leads to a plush, moderately sweet medium-full body of toasted coconut, delicate marzipan, mint leaf, and creamy nougat flavors. Finishes effortlessly with roasted walnuts and a breath of whisky. Remarkable texture and smoothness. A classic cream liqueur."

"Sweet cherry white chocolate torte aromas follow through on a silky entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with pistachio oil and faint licorice and marzipan accents. Finishes with a zippy, fruity talc and cherry pit fade. Solid dry cherry flavor for mixing." Reviewed by: Beverage Testing Institute 86pts

"Clear. Spicy aromas of star anise, cream, minerals and powdered sugar follow through to a round, silky entry and a smooth off-dry medium-to-full body with a long, lingering whipped cream, spice, rye dough, and sweet citrus fade with virtually no heat. Great subtle, pure, and spicy rye flavors with a lively texture and superb smoothness. An incredible value in a world of high priced vodkas."

"Golden color. Buttery oak and caramel aromas. Round and soft entry. Dry light to-medium body with lean oak, taffy, and spice notes. Finishes with a dried fruit and oaky spice fade with a nice touch of heat."