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The word "Napoléon" on a bottle of Cognac typically refers to the length of time spent aging, and this liqueur is indeed made with ten-year-old Cognac, but Napoléon in this case also denotes the liqueur's historic past. The drink, mandarins macerated in alcohol and then added to Cognac, was custom made for the emperor himself when he came across the chemist Antoine-François de Fourcroy. Years later the recipe was handed down, and the Distillerie de Biercée crafted the blend into a liqueur, meaning the liqueur has been pleasing palates for over two hundred years, the public for 124. Citrus-flavored liqueurs bring balancing acidity to many mixed drinks, and yet only a couple of brands exist in the higher-end category. Implementing two separate macerations, one with freshly chopped mandarins and the other with dried mandarin skins; prior to distillation, each of the orange batches is combined with additional botanicals, of which constituents remain a humble secret. Mandarine Napoléon (SRP $37.50) attributes its well-balanced and smooth palate to the addition of a variety of spices and plants. When enjoying Mandarine Napoléon, you can pick up hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and cardamom. The use of well-aged Cognac defines the liqueur as a blending ingredi- ent as well, adding richness in texture to any cocktail. The fact that Mandarine Napoléon has a ten-year-old Cognac base also translates to a liqueur easily enjoyed on its own. Further, to remove the threat of any medicinal after-burn, the proprietary practice of adding black and green tea during the maceration process minimizes that effect. Revealing a lushness on the palate, a balanced citrus profile and a long and smooth fin- ish, at 38% ABV, Mandarine Napoléon performs both as a superior blending component and as a singularly enjoyed liqueur, depending on the mood. —A. G. CATEGORY REPORT july 2016 / the tasting panel / 107 A Regal Liqueur with Mandarine Napoléon TA S T I N G N O T E S The brilliant orange-rust hue has a natural shine in it—and the bright orange notes have an authentic perfume of fresh squeezed Mandarin tangerines. The medium-bodied palate is exotic and exquisite, with a dot of spice to the citrus that sparks the tongue with zest. —M. M. Why we like Mandarine Napoléon for summer: It's the perfect bright citrus to use for mixing refreshing cocktails. ROYAL DUTCH DISTILLERS Imperial Margarita 1 oz. Mandarine Napoléon 2 oz. 100% agave tequila 1 oz. fresh lime juice ½ oz. agave nectar Shake ingredients with regular ice and pour over top of fresh ice in a rocks glass or strain into a Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. The refers is indeed in this drink, Cognac, he came Years de Biercée liqueur years, many in the macerations, the other each botanicals, secret. attributes smooth a variety When Napoléon, hints clove of well-aged of well-aged of liqueur ent as texture remain a humble $37.50)