1 | Spirits | Page 137

19.5%

Unbelievable quality for the price. Outscored Delamain Pale and Dry, Martell Cordon Bleu, and four other noted cognacs in expert blind tastings (1989). Based on our first (1987) release,Lot 27 is no longer the same animal. We have learned a lot about when to harvest, how to vinify, how to distill, how to blend. Plus, we have an older cellar. We still like the youthful fruit of 5-year-old brandies (apple and pear), but we also like the deeper flavors that come from more age, trending towards plum/apricot. The blend is very rich, with 10-year-old Colombard, some Riesling, and a touch of Zinfandel. There is also a solera enrichment: Joe Corley rolls over earlier lots into the ongoing blends.

All the elegance, balance, and depth one would expect in a world class brandy. The apple character is balanced by an undercurrent of spice (mulling spice, light black pepper) for backbone and a rounded sweetness for depth. Could be the best Calvados we've ever had.

"Vibrant crushed blueberry and spice aromas. A silky,soft entry leads to a dryish medium body of blueberries, mineral oil, and whipped cream flavors. Finishes with a long, cream blueberry fade. Very pure and appealing flavor."

Knickerbocker Gin is a vibrant. aromatic spirit twice distilled and infused with flavors from more than a dozen herbs and spices. Generous amounts of juniper-berries contribute a bright citrus and evergreen body, bursting with flavor before a clean, dry finish

"Sirene is made with the traditional trinity of absinthe ingredients (anise, fennel and grande wormwood) and a proprietary blend of additional herbs and spices. Sirene is rich and nuanced, with a deeply complex yet balanced flavor profile."