Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
SPIRITS KRÜ 82 Vodka, Netherlands ($16.99) The pineapple-lemon nose is alluring, with a mellow cocoa border. One the palate, a hint of jalapeño caresses the cocoa, softening any bite with a whoosh of creaminess.The middle exhibits a wash of lemon oil, minerality and tapioca. It finishes as clean as mountain air with a feisty spray of white pepper. 92 WESTERN SPIRITS Broken Shed Vodka, New Zealand ($35) I've never mixed milk chocolate and anise, but the nosing of this premium spring water–based vodka from New Zealand kept me interested far too long! Finally tasting it, it slid its way down with a bit of a bite and a grind of black pepper. But the overall profile is pleasantly weighty and creamy, with a hint of red fruit to keep it high toned. 89 Canadian Club Dock No. 57 Blackberry Whisky, Canada ($16) While more blackberry than whisky wafts from the glass to the nose, it is a clean aroma, accented with lemon oil and chamomile. The 80-proof spirit makes an entrance like a skater on ice, gliding and circling with honeyed spice on the blades.Violets and blackberry linger on the finish—and finally a whisky minerality appears. 92 BEAM INC. MHW LTD. Abreojos Silver Tequila, Mexico ($30) A startling eye-opener aromatics (abreojos does mean "open your eyes"!) with striking citrus clarity—a cris just-squeezed lemon and lime sensation that actually tickles the nose. Well, that and a charm of white pepper and white chocolate.The equally sensational syrup of white pepper, green tea and keylime pie cascades down the middle of the tongue and down the throat with a coating effect. 93 ABREOJOS SPIRITS The Bitter Truth Spiced Navy Pink Gin, Germany ($38) An 80-proof German spirit that melds bitters with traditionally crafted gin brings in caraway, spiced pink grapefruit, fennel and jasmine to the juniper berry status. Light-hearted and gentle on the palate; rose petals and orange bitters meander on the finish. 91 DOMAINE SELECT Sacacuento Mezcal Añejo, Mexico ($72) Clean and elegant on the nose with single malt whispers of peat and heather and a touch of smoky caramel. On the palate pungent lime and soft clay intermingles with baked agave and singed caramel.The finish is a pudding of vanilla, oatmeal and burnt hemp. 94 PREMIUM MEZCALES Imported by Vineyard Brands, Inc. Birmingham, AL. january 2013 / the tasting panel / 65