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Taylor's Picks


Pere Magloire Fine VS Calvados  France

Tasting Notes: Continuing the "try something new" series, this fine VS calvados by Pere Magloire is an interesting addition to your bar! Apple brandy made from fermented apple cider (sometimes with pear juice as well), aged in French oak barrels for two years. Single, continuous distillation in copper stills to give it its golden yellow color. Fresh apple and pear on the nose that develops into green apple pie, vanilla, and honey favors. Younger calvadoses (like this one) are typically better for cocktails but I still found it smooth over ice. If you are an apple lover, I recommend giving this a try next time you are on the lookout for something new!

Price: $48.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Fernet-Branca Amaro  Italy

Tasting Notes: In honor of April bringing in a fresh spring feel, my pick of the month is one of the most unique liqueurs I think everyone should experience at least once. Fernet-Branca is an amaro from Milan, Italy composed of twenty-seven different herbs and spices such as cinnamon, saffron, and chamomile to offer a lovely complex flavor profile. It is herbal, spicey, and a bit minty. It's a hard one to describe but one worth trying. Coined as the "bartender's handshake", Fernet-Branca is an overlooked spirit by most but well loved by those in the industry for its complexity and uniqueness it brings to cocktails or simply on its own. Upon researching, I've seen it be mixed with tonic water, used in moijtos, and more, but it's most popular ice-cold and neat as an aperitif after dinner. I invite you to give it a try next time you're looking for something new!

Price: $31.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Signal Hill Whiskey  Canada

Tasting Notes: Whiskey with Canadian history behind it! Canadian grains, Newfoundland water and a three-barrel aging approach deliver a complex and smooth flavor profile with honey, vanilla, dried fruit and a hint of spice. Two grain whiskey made from corn and barely gives the whiskey a subtle sweetness similar to a bourbon profile. Aged first in new white oak, then to first-run bourbon barrels, and finally Canadian whiskey barrels. Finally the whiskey is bottled within sight of Signal Hill in St. John's where the final battle of the Seven Year War happened in 1762. Signal Hill is also named after the first transatlantic wireless transmission was received there in 1901. A wonderfully unique whiskey tied to a beautiful Canadian landmark! Drink your way and enjoy.

Price: $47.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Gemtree Dragon's Blood Shiraz  Australia

Tasting Notes: Certified biodynamic and organic, Gemtree's dragon's blood shiraz is a bold wine with lots of personality. Juicy red berries on the nose, develops into deep blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate flavor notes, with white pepper and an earthy finish. French oak aged softens out the tannins, making this wine easy to drink on its own or enjoyed paired with steak dinner. This wine is truly an Aussie shiraz, and a gem worth trying.

Price: $26.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Magnum Cream Liqueur  Scotland

Tasting Notes: Magnum Cream Liqueur is an award-winning fusion of Speyside single malt scotch whisky and cream, crafted and bottled in Edinburgh, Scotland. Made with only high quality Speyside scotch and cream, this liqueur really stands out among the others both for its delicious flavor profile of caramel and ginger, and for its sleek (and recyclable!) bottle design. Enjoy it on its own over ice or in hot beverages this chilly season!

Price: $43.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Ardbeg 10 Year Single Malt  Islay, Scotland

Tasting Notes: Ardbeg says it best themselves, revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. In my opinion, the Ardbeg 10 year is the best example of a fantastic Islay scotch. Non-chill filtered aged in ex-bourbon casks give smoky dried fruit, green bell pepper, and intense peat on the nose. Accompanied first with peat, black pepper, and cinnamon-spiced toffee. Balanced with salinity and smooth buttermilk. Most notably, the smoke is persistent yet softly accentuates the softer notes to get cappuccino and toasted marshmallow notes. On the finish is dry espresso, and toasted nuts. An excellent entry into the world of Ardbeg's revered scotches. Pour your way and sip by the fire with spiced holiday treats this season!

Price: $103.99

 

Taylor's Picks


Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere  Chile

Tasting Notes: Known for their wines and history, Carmen was the first Chilean winery established in 1850! Carmen's carmenere has always been a go-to red wine for its rich notes of blueberries, spices, and tobacco. Soft touches of pepper and paprika create complexity. Fermented in steel tanks then matured in French oak for 14 months finishes this wine at 14.0% The wine has persistency and great length! Big and bold wine perfect for the bold, hearty meals this chilly season! Enjoy now or age to 2028-2030.

Price: $19.99

 

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