1792 Full Proof Review

                    

     

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.