2 | Spirits | Illinois, $20 to $50

From right here in Chicago, a beautiful, aromatic London dry gin.
"Vibrant aromas of fresh herbs and spices, piney juniper, and twisted lemon peels jump from the glass. A silky entry leads to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body of bold cracked juniper berry, pink peppercorns, lemon curd, clove, and pastry frosting flavors. Finishes with a long interplay of resiny juniper, sweet citrus and brown spices. A superb gin that virtually bristles with fresh, 3-D flavors. Very impressive!"

"Yellow straw color with a chartreuse cast. vibrant and stimulating aromas of pink peppercorns, cardamom, lemongrass, medicinal roots and herbs, and sandalwood follow through on a silky entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with a touch of tilled earth a long, spicy fade. Excellent flavor, purity and depth."

"Fruity spicy rum cake and buttery praline aromas with a silky, off-dry medium body and a frosted rye pastry, Asian spice, and earth driven finish. Very nice vibrancy and complexity; sure to be a hit in crafty cocktails."

Inspired by the botanicals of the French Caribbean and modeled after the great amaros of Italy, celebrated mixologists Adam Seger, Chicago and London’s Joe McCanta infuse organic rum with fair trade hibiscus, organic ginger, green cardamom and kaffir lime to create the beautifully balanced spirit called hum.

Tatsting Notes: floral bouquet, sage, coffee, lemon on the mid pallet with sweet blueberries into lavender on the finish.

Tasting Notes: Rose, sweet lemon, fresh raspberry jam on a long finish.