1 | Spirits | Venezuela, $20 to $50, 750 ml

Full bodied. Reminiscent of butterscotch, pipe tobacco, coffee, black walnut. Rich, creamy texture. So smooth and deep, one may be tempted to use a spoon. Has a buttery, thick feel with lovely, baked, layered flavors.

"The first couple of whiffs pick up toasty notes of caramel, almond butter, cotton candy and very old oak; with aeration, more profound aromas develop including saddle leather, vanilla, Sherry and dark caramel. Palate entry is perfectly balanced and sweet; by midpalate the flavor profile is honeyed, slightly cocoa-like, buttery to the feel and utterly decadent. Finishes long, layered, creamy and dark chocolate bittersweet." 96-100 pts.