1 | Spirits | Page 166

"Firewater of the God" The spirit of the agave plant in its natural environment.El Mal Pais has evolved to signify the cures of ailments from common cold/flu to prostate cancer and alleviate the pain of childbirth. Laborers also drink it for added strength.

This vatting carries a big peaty (often called “phenolic”), beachy oceanic slightly ashy selection of Malts from the island of Islay, from where the Laing family hail - and no wonder! - as we have included Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen in the "recipe". Ally these lusty and robust Malts selected for BIG PEAT with the fact that no chill filtration takes place – a more old fashioned traditional approach – and you will detect a massive amplification of the anticipated sea-faring qualities on the nose, palate, and finish. These are particularly appreciated when consumed leisurely in the same style these Malts have waited for you in the cold, dark and windswept warehouses of Islay.

"After resting for 12 years in the barrel, Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky has reached its point of ideal balance. It has been determined that 12 years of aging is required to bring together the right mix of flavor, aroma and finish characteristic only to Gibson’s Finest. Precise blending of the well-aged deep and mellow corn base whisky with the bold, spicy rye and malt whiskies brings together an ideal symphony of taste experiences. From the selection of grains and fermentation conditions, to craftsmanship and diversity in distillation, through to expertise in aging and blending, every step in the crafting of Gibson’s Finest supports the superior taste of the finished whisky."

Aged four years in a combination of new and ex-Bourbon barrels, this is a well priced, super aged Anejo that is worthy of consideration with a fine Cognac or Armagnac.

Based on brandies distilled from pinot noir. Very complex, very elegant, very smooth. The pinot noir shows up in the incredible finish—subtle yet wonderfully rich fruit. In our blind tastings, you have to spend about double – Delamain Trés Vénérable, say, or Ferrand’s Abel – to match it. In 1999, Robb Report picked this as the world’s best distilled spirit, period.Ten barrels/year (fewer than 400 cases).

Pure apple brandy, fermented, distilled and aged in single American oak casks, all done on site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.