Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/86618
SPIRITS FAIR. Goji Liqueur, France ($23) Delicately fl oral, the cherry/plum accent from these macerated Himalayan health berries have a minty twang that makes it a lively, light and delicate sip. Only 44 proof. 90 FAIR TRADE SPIRITS Tequila REVOLUCION Añejo, Mexico ($55) A heady array of fl owers, with scents of Hawaii: an exotic version of the Reposado with the same base of sweet tonality from the Silver. Incense (patchouli, jasmine and gardenia) wafts up from the glass and on the palate it turns round and plush, not unlike a Sauternes with a salty, caramel fi nish. 94 TEQUILA REVOLUCION Cognac Campagnère XO Extra, France ($200) A mature, deeply resinous spirit where cedar and raisins marry in a dark chocolate truffl e spice. The smoke and peat on the nose lures you away from France but the luscious smoothness and fathomless depth sends you back, reeling, to Cognac. 98 TESSENDIER USA EG Windsor Earl Grey Tea & Sage Vodka, USA ($37) Bergamot is a given in many gins, but to pick it up in this black tea vodka allows it to fl ow within a creamier texture. The California-grown sage notes are at once aromatic and earthy, the bittersweet herb sits calmly on the tongue through to the fi nish of this beauty. 92 ENLIGHTENED GRAIN SPIRITS Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($25) The nose has the scent of an old, rare book in grandpa's closet, waxy yet surprisingly fragrant with orange peel and cedar chest. It's love at fi rst bite as the pepper jolts the tongue and then mellows with a sweet toffee nougat gracefulness. 93 HEAVEN HILL october 2012 / the tasting panel / 57