Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
january/february 2015 / the tasting panel / 89 91 James Oliver Rye Whiskey, USA ($30) Medium amber color ; smooth and toasty with dried fruits and malted rye; lush and mellow with sweet floral notes; long, rich and balanced. INDIO SPIRITS 92 Michter's Limited Release Bourbon Whiskey Toasted Barrel Finish, USA ($45) Amber color ; toasted, sweet oak, spicy and dense with rich, intense, lush and hot style; concentrated barrel flavors and a long, flavorful finish. CHATHAM IMPORTS 91 HM The King Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($25) Amber color ; soft and mellow with sweet notes; lightly toasty with dried fruit and floral notes; spiced and balanced, long and likable. BRANDED SPIRITS USA LTD. 92 West Cork Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($40) Medium amber color ; dry toasty flavors of oak and soft spice; grassy, smooth and smoky with aromatic, balanced flavors; long and generous. M.S. WALKER INC. 92 Bigallet China-China Amer Liqueur, France ($40) Deep mahogany color ; sweet and aromatic with notes of bitter orange peels, herbs and spice; creamy, thick and dense; rich and long. BACK BAR PROJECT 92 Bully Boy Distillers Hub Punch, USA ($29) A rum infused with orange, fruits and botanicals, based on an 1879 New York hotel recipe and intended to be diluted with ginger ale and soda. Intense and bursting with cherry, orange, plum and multiple botanicals; delightfully refreshing and potentially habit-forming; destined to be the focus of many a party. BULLY BOY DISTILLERS 92 Château du Tariquet XO Armagnac, France ($60) Medium amber color ; soft, toasted vanilla nose; silky texture and bright toasted flavors with elegant, smooth aromatic notes; toasty, dry and refined; long and balanced. ROBERT KACHER SELECTIONS 91 Bossard VSOP Rare Reserve Cognac, France ($50) Deep amber color ; soft, toasty, earthy nose; silky, light texture with lovely soft flavors; bright and elegant, long and balanced. TRIPLE CROWN IMPORT CO. 90 Gran Gala Orange Liqueur, Italy ($22) Creamy texture with generous orange peel and spice tone; sweet and hot, yet nicely balanced; long and rich on the finish. GEMINI SPIRITS & WINE CHATHAM IMPORTS 91 HM The King Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($25) Amber color ; soft and mellow with sweet notes; lightly toasty with dried fruit and floral notes; spiced and balanced, long and likable.