1 | Spirits | $20 to $50 | Page 5

"The quintessential London Dry bouquet features notes of cedary juniper with subtle notes of citrus and minerals. The palate entry is creamy, smooth, substantial and bracing; tastes of lemon/orange peel add a perfect touch of astringency to the velvety texture at midpalate. Finishes round and full. A distilling masterpiece and the gin category’s benchmark." 96-100 pts.

Tasting age: 10 years. Amber-golden color. Subtle vanilla bouquet with floral overtones and hints of prunes and apricots. Superbly balanced on the palate.

"Clear. Polished aromas of fresh citrus, herbal juniper, flower petal and cucumber follow through on bright, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with violet, lavender, and pink peppercorn notes resonating brightly. Finishes with a delicate sweet citrus custard pastry, spice, potpourri, and mineral fade all in fine balance. A delightfully fruity, floral nouveau gin for artisan cocktails."

"Aroma includes honey, sherry, dried fruit, spearmint and nougat, black tea, cocoa butter and tropical fruit. Palate offers bittersweet chocolate, brown sugar, honey-coated peanuts, melon, Sherry and nougat. A modern-day classic. Best Buy." 96-100 pts.

"The bouquet features charred paper smells of toasted walnuts, roasted chestnuts, paraffin, cardboard, parchment, dry grain and herbs. Entry is grainy sweet and moderately oily; the midpalate stage is loaded with grainy breakfast cereal flavors and, at times, even comes off like oatmeal. Ends well on an oily, satiny note." 85-89 pts.

"A bright nose suggestive of ripe lemon zest. The palate is clean with fresh lemon notes and subtle fruitiness, indicative of the floral zestiness of the fruit"

Massive, rich, browned toffee, caramel. This is as close as it gets to a desert rum.

"Deep amber color. Spicy charred oak, sweet toffee, and pepper aromas. A rich entry leads to a dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with toffee, mocha, and white pepper flavors with a pronounced copper tang. Finishes with a sweet, charred barrel, brown, and metallic fade. An aggressive and spicy bourbon that will work nicely in a bourbon peach tea cocktail."

"The full bodied, spicy aroma offers delicate notes of juniper berry oil, citrus, orris, coriander and caraway seed. Palate entry is mildly peppery, floral and fruity; at midpalate the flavor profile focuses more on oils and juniper. A unique and great gin." 96-100

"The nosing passes find layers of aromas of honey, heather, pine needle, thyme and salty single malt Scotch whisky. Entry is thick, gently sweet but balanced by a fierce herbal quality; midpalate focuses on the whisky while the various herbs, spices and honey make merry around their whisky core. One of the best liqueurs available." 96-100 pts.