The 2nd release of Hine’s single-estate (Grande Champagne) Cognac, the 2006 Bonneuil is a very inviting, fruit-forward number with aromas redolent of dried apricot, sultana, baking spice-laced apple, vanilla bean and some sweet oak overtones. Warm and mildly spicy with nuances of apricot and subdued tropical notes, with cedar and floral nuances. Extremely well-balanced, with just a kiss of ground pepper end notes.
Intense, spicy, slightly woody, with fresh orange peel and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose, this is a rich, full-bodied, decadent cognac from one of the region’s major players. It’s the spiritous equivalent of lounging in a plush, aged leather armchair next to a wood-fired hearth. Silky, rich, warm and complex, this is a seductive, decadent piece of work. Some sultana, cocoa, tobacco leaf and warm marzipan on the palate. Round, spicy and long, long, long on the finish. A glass of luxury.
Full disclosure: I’ve always had a soft spot for Martell cognacs — its Cordon Bleu expression was my regular favourite when i was younger and could afford it (and when it was in the market). Recently relaunched in Canada, Martell is back. Its VSOP “Medallion” sports an engaging, complex aroma suggesting spicy, polished wood, fragrant dried fruit and toasted nuts (apricot and almond) with a dash of powdered baking spice and vanilla. Round, supple and nicely balanced, it offers up layers of spicy orange peel, vanilla custard and cocoa. Lots of sweet fruit, but dry and crisp on the finish. The perfect foil to a cold Canadian winter.
A classic London dry gin (45.2%) with very pure aromatics, led by characteristic scents of juniper. Extremely smooth and refined on the palate showing no rough edges or spirity heat, this elegant gin compares favourably with much higher-priced spirits.
Another rye-based Polish vodka which seems to share many of the positive aspects of the Wyborowa (clean, peppery, vanilla-tinged aromatics — this time with slight herbal nuances). Clean, with nice body and texture, and the pronounced peppery aromas characteristic of rye-based spirits. Distilled since 1864, the brand is partially owned — and fully endorsed — by actor Bruce Willis. Yippee ki-yay, martini lover. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
The same grain that gives rye whisky its characteristic spicy zip imparts similar spicy/white-pepper notes to this well-structured vodka, along with hints of vanilla and citrus fruit. Smooth, moderately viscous, and very clean, it finishes quite long with hints of vanilla, liquorice and spice.
Having undergone its usual aging and blending regime, Mount Gay’s newest offering is then aged a second time in charred bourbon barrels. The charred bourbon is evident in the rum’s definite smokiness, but master blender Allen Smith ensures that, in the end, it’s still most definitely rum. Vanilla, caramel, marmalade, cloves, nutmeg, and charred oak on the nose. Big and peppery, with smoky dried orange peel, caramel, vanilla bean and a hint of sweet bourbon. A nice mixer, to be sure, but try as you would a whisky — neat with a few drops of water.