Saturday, December 31, 2022
Top 5 Spirits of 2022
Top 5 Spirits of 2022
This is a brief list of the top 5 spirits I tried that influenced the way I look at spirits in 2022. As in, actually drank in 2022, as opposed to being released in 2022. While not necessarily a top 5 list of my highest scored spirits of 2022 - it lists some of the spirits that opened new doors to me for what flavors could be present in a spirit; wood aged or not, young or old, high proof or low proof. Some spirits take preconceived notions of all these parameters and just cast them to the side. I have not yet published reviews for them, but now you have something to look forward to in the future!
- The Masque of the Red Death - A veiled name for something I found that I haven't revealed the name of yet. I'm circulating it among a few friends to see what they think first. Very unique profile, not at all similar to any other brandy I own. Dank bourbony wood notes and a rich dark nutty sherry fruit funk palate. There's a bit of heat but it carries the flavor well. I look forward to sharing this one in the future as I gather opinions. It's not one that is talked about in international spirits groups yet, at least that I am aware of.
- Clear Creek Distillery High Proof Pear Brandy 69% ABV - Medium presence of squishy ripe pear fruit and light floral pear skins on the nose. On the palate, medium to heavy floral pear skins and light to medium ethanol vanillas. Very long finish with the light to medium presence of floral pear skin perfume. Very drinkable neat. I really want to see other types of high proof fruit eau de vie from Clear Creek in the future.
- Pere Labat 59% ABV - My first entry into the Labat family of Rhums and I am already in love. There's an initial burst of flavor and bright acidity on the palate that I love. I need an IV drip of this. Really looking forward to trying the single plot and organic variants, I'm sure they will make a future year's list.
- Baraillon 1998 41% ABV - Again, while Baraillon may not be one of the highest scored armagnacs in my mind, some of their vintages have this dirty rustic earthiness quality to it. It really adds to the flavor intensity and makes it more interesting to drink than some more singular expressions out there. This one made my list because despite the relatively young age and low proof, it punches way above its weight. It even has a hint of rancio I don't typically find in armagnac this young.
- Villa Zarri 1989 K&L Single Barrel 53% ABV - I love the mouthfeel on this, it has a very nice texture. It also has some nice dry barnyard oak notes going on. Very interesting distillery out of Italy but not much comes to the US outside of K&L selections unfortunately.
"But krin, I know you tried better stuff than this, why are you holding out on us?"
Well, my dear internet readers, you aren't wrong. But I choose for this reflectionary period to write about things that changed my opinions and preconceived notions. It's one thing to buy something I know is good and then *surprise surprise* have it be good. But it's another thing to have your views challenged and be pleasantly surprised, for example, when a 41% spirit holds your interest long enough to keep coming back to. Or that some Agricole rums have a flavor range that can rival the best funk bombs that Jamaica can offer. The world is full of surprises.
Monday, November 28, 2022
Monday, October 31, 2022
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Friday, July 29, 2022
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Monday, May 30, 2022
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Top 5 Spirits of 2021
Top 5 Spirits of 2021
This is a brief list of the top 5 spirits I tried that influenced the way I look at spirits in 2021. While not necessarily a top 10 list of highest best scored spirits of 2021 - it lists some of the spirits that opened new doors to me for what flavors could be present in a spirit, wood aged or not. I have not yet published reviews for the majority of them, but now you have something to look forward to in the future!
- L'Encantada Domaine Lous Pibous 1995 Cask 141 - A Lous Pibous bottling marked by a thick texture, fruity floral blue raspberry notes, and nearly non-existent alcohol heat. Armagnac aged entirely in new oak is certainly worth seeking out.
- L'Encantada Domaine Le Freche 1997 Cask 9 - Bold wood notes with cherry syrup and a creaminess present that I find in some Le Freches bottled by L'Encantada. This was my first Le Freche and I am hooked.
- Cyril Double Zero Eau de Vie de Cidre - This unaged apple eau de vie blew me away when I first tried it. Big apple notes carried by a coating mouthfeel and a long fruity finish. Wood need not apply here.
- Baraillon 1974 - While it may not be one of the highest scored armagnacs in my mind, this armagnac has a wonderful floral blue raspberry nose which is somewhat similar to the 1995 cask 141 Lous Pibous. It also has balanced notes of nectarine pit rancio that keep me coming back for more. This was the year I started to be able to identify similar rancio characteristics in certain well aged spirits.
- St. Lucia Master's Selection Chairman's Reserve, '100% Vendome' 13 Years Old for Hidden Harbor - This rum had notes of watch maker's oil mixed with peach pit rancio and maintained a very long dark oily finish. This convinced me of the power of the Vendome still as well as gave me a beautiful example of rancio in a tropically aged rum.
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