1 | Spirits | Page 20

"Nosing passes find a peppery bouquet of zesty, mildly citrusy scents of juniper, cedar, Christmas tree sap, coriander and orris root. Entry is silky, smooth, moderately sweet and keenly pine-like; the midpalate is elegant, floral, and sweet with a touch of sap. Finishes clean, citrusy and spicy." 85-89 pts. Best Buy.

"Pale amber color. Beeswax, buttery caramel apple, spicy pickles, talc, and nougat aromas follow through on soft, round entry to a dryish medium-full body with prominent suede, fig, dried pineapple, caramel, and mineral accents. Finishes with an even pleasing fade. A very classy and refined añejo for sipping."

"Clear. Mild aromas of shredded wheat, frosting aromas follow through on a supple entry to a dry, oily medium body with sweet cream, vanilla, and mineral notes on the lightly peppery fade. Very nice and smooth."

"The first couple of sniffings detect attractive, dry scents of leather and black pepper; aeration encourages sweeter, woodier aromas to emerge. The palate entry is sap- and pine-like and moderately sweet; at midpalate a flash of cocoa appears, then recedes for additions of sweet oak, vanilla, palm oil and sap. Finishes lean, moderately sweet, grainy/corny and very appealing. Best Buy." 85-89 pts.

"A one- of-a-kind bouquet that includes aromas of cooked brown rice and broccoli, brown sugar, raw cane, brine, soy sauce and vanilla bean. The palate entry tastes of bittersweet sugar cane; at midpalate the taste becomes more sophisticated, silky, honey sweet and lightly spiced. Concludes nicely bittersweet, a bit cocoa-like, and beany." 90-95 pts.