Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
102 / the tasting panel / october 2017 Italian Masterpieces: Bottega Liqueurs The Veneto region of Italy has become known as the home of grappa and prosecco, creating some of the most enticing expressions of each category in the world. It is also home to Distilleria Bottega, a distillery founded in 1977 by Aldo Bottega; his children Sandro, Stefano, and Barbara now run the business and produce Bottega Liqueurs. These expressions blend triple-distilled grappa from the distillery's Alexander Grappa line with flavors from around Italy. The Gianduia liqueur recreates the flavors of its namesake chocolate and hazelnut spread invented in Turin, Italy, during Napoléon's reign. The grappa for the Limoncino expression marries with an extraction of the rinds of Sicilian lemons, sugar, and alcohol. Utilizing the essential oils of star anise seeds, this Sambuca offers a unique flavor profile that seamlessly weaves into the modern mixology scene but can also be enjoyed on the rocks. The Bottega family finds the equilibrium between their country's tradition and the creativity needed to keep customers coming back for more. Bottega Limoncino Limoncello ($25) Lemon skins are infused into this 60-proof liqueur. The nose offers a subdued lemon aroma—demure and authentic. The liquid melts across the tongue and defines this citrus fruit as delicate, with a satin finish. 93 —M.M. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL A Balanced Offering: Bauchant Orange Liqueur In the 1970s, not many Americans had tasted an orange liqueur or even knew it existed. However, they quickly fell in love when these spirits, including Bauchant Orange Liqueur, made their debut in the States. Bauchant began production in 1883, using high-quality VS and VSOP Cognac as its base. It balances the Cognac with the addition of fruity and sweeter notes through the infusion of honey and Andalusian, Mandarin, and Tangerine oranges. Many brands only use a single type of orange, but the bitter and sweet oranges of Bauchant add more depth and result in a further developed and cohesive flavor profile. This distinction makes it ideal not only for use in cocktails like a Margarita, but also to incorporate into desserts like mousses and crêpes. Luckily for us, it looks like orange liqueur and Bauchant are in the U.S. for good—and there's nothing sweeter than that. Bauchant Orange Liqueur ($23) A blend of fine Cognac and orange essence is an aromatic charmer. Piquant and opulent, the multilayered nose offers orange rind, mango, and cinnamon apples. Bittersweet chocolate–covered oranges, white-grape raisins, and English toffee wind around the taste buds. Striking. 96 —M.M. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL