Roger Voss (WE): Crisp and also fruity, this is a lively, bright Champagne. Touches of red fruits are integrated with the grapefruit flavors and tight acidity. The wine has softness at the end and is ready to drink.

The history of Château Durfort-Vivens is linked to the Durfort-Duras family. The consecration of Château Durfort-Vivens took place in 1855 with the obtaining of the prestigious title of Second Cru Classé. The owners who have succeeded one another until today have never ceased to improve the quality of the wine and extend the reputation of the château. The vinification is in cement and wood vats. Aging in 40% new barrels for 18 months. The result is a Margaux full of finesse and freshness.

The bouquet of Durfort-Vivens 2014 opens with clear aromas of black fruits such as cherry and blackberry to evolve towards more subtle aromas of truffle. In the mouth, the wine is revealed, silky and elegant. It is definitely a wine that carries the colors of the prestigious Margaux appellation.

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

This is a classic Scotch ale, and although it's not cheap, it's definitely worth trying at least once. This is a beer to be enjoyed and savored with each sip, and not mindlessly guzzled, lest you miss the gorgeous subtleties and nuanced notes that make it so darn good. Lightly roasty caramel malts are the backbone here, with accents of dried figs and dates, fresh butterscotch sauce and soft whole baking spice. The palate is full and creamy, with great weight to the rich malt flavors, and soft hints of hops, cocoa nibs and earthy bark unfolding on the close.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a 14-year-old Speyside single malt finished in Caribbean rum casks, offering a smooth, creamy, and sweet profile. It features rich notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla, balanced with tropical fruit hints (like passion fruit and mango) and a warm, lingering finish. It is known for its sweet, dessert-like, and slightly spicy character.

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is a premium Fine Champagne Cognac known for its rich, smooth, and oak-forward flavor profile. It was created to celebrate the royal approval granted by King Louis XV of France in 1738, allowing Rémy Martin to plant new vineyards.

Luscious fragrance of apricot and ginger jam, peaches and cream, honeysuckle, and orange blossom with a lovely light touch of warming spice. An assertive and imposing texture with a rich palate of candied and tropical citrus fruit, while a layer of new Hungarian oak adds toasted, woody notes.

Astrum Sauvignon Blanc, produced by Crama Ceptura in Romania and imported by Astrum Wine Cellars, is a vibrant, crisp, dry white wine with aromas of tropical fruits like passionfruit and gooseberry, citrus, and white flowers. It features fresh, tangy acidity, and herbaceous notes, often with a hint of salinity on the finish, and is a good pairing for seafood and goat cheese.

Ron Zacapa XO is a premium Guatemalan rum, a blend of rums aged between 6 and 25 years using the Sistema Solera method. It's known for its complex flavor profile, achieved through aging in a variety of barrels: American whiskey, charred American whiskey, Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry, and finally, cognac casks. This results in a rich, smooth rum with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and sherry.

GEORGIAN VALLEYS KHVANCHKARA is a semi-sweet red wine from Georgia, specifically from the Khvanchkara appellation in the Racha region. It's known for its deep ruby color and a velvety, balanced sweetness, with ripe fruit tones and a captivating aroma. The wine is made from a blend of two indigenous Georgian grape varieties, Aleksandreuli and Mujuretuli.

Mildiani Mukuzani is a red wine from the Kakheti region of Georgia, made with Saperavi grapes. It often exhibits notes of red fruit (cherry, strawberry, etc.), spices (black pepper, chocolate), and aging (vanilla, tobacco). The taste is described as balanced, rich, and complex, with above-average acidity and ripe tannins.

The process for Nelson Brothers Reserve begins with selecting the finest aged bourbon barrels from the Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery inventory, creating the perfect foundation of flavor and fragrance. These exceptional barrels are expertly batched into a high-proof blend rich with rye, and infused with notes of dark cherry, caramel, and spice. The result is a premium, balanced bourbon that is sure to astonish and delight anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.

It has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of black fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a smooth and velvety texture, and flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. The wine has a long and persistent finish with a touch of oak. It is a great pairing for grilled meats, stews, and strong cheeses. Overall, Montes Wings Carmenere is a well-balanced and elegant wine that showcases the unique character of the Carmenere grape.

Bobal is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain. It is known for producing wines that are deep in color, with high acidity and tannins. The grape is often blended with other varieties, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha, to create complex and balanced wines. Bobal is also used to produce rose wines, which are light and refreshing with notes of red fruit and floral aromas. The grape is resistant to disease and can thrive in hot and dry climates, making it a popular choice for winemakers in the region. Overall, Bobal is a versatile grape that produces wines with a unique character and flavor profile.

The delicate flavor combines notes of dried fruit and vanilla, followed by emotional accents of cherry, black plum and chocolate.

90/100, Wine Enthusiast

"This well-rounded, fruity and generous-tasting wine gushes red and black cherries, cola and clove accents on a full-body with soft tannins. Aged in American oak, it's one of the better Pinot offerings from the broad California appellation. Jim Gordon"

100% Malbec. Dark red colour. A very fruity nose, both powerful and elegant, it is perfectly round and soft on the palate with great fruit intensity. Enjoy this wine by itself, or pair with cheese, pizzas, grilled meat or pastas.

Tasting notes Colour: Medium-high depth wine, ruby red colour with roof tile rim, which denotes its long barrel ageing and its peaceful bottle ageing.

Nose: Powerful on the nose with primary aromas of ripe fruit accompanied by complex spicy and balsamic notes and a slight touch of vanilla.

Palate: Balanced on the palate, it is a round and unctuous wine with ripe and sweet tannins, providing the wine with a long aftertaste: an elegant Rioja classic.

Masumi Sparkling Origarami is a sparkling sake made by Masumi Sake in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is made using a blend of Miyamanishiki and Yamadanishiki rice varieties, and is bottle-fermented using the traditional Champagne method. The sake has a delicate aroma with notes of apple and pear, and a clean, refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness and effervescence. It is a versatile sake that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including seafood, sushi, and light desserts.

On the nose, bright red cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate with notes of clove and dark chocolate. On the palate, those aromas carry through with well-added balance and integrated tannin structure. Pair with your favourite cut of steak, lamb, or roast meat.

This sun-dappled wine is loaded with aromas of baked apple, sweet spice from French oak and lemon zest. Broad and mouthfilling, the palate focuses on ample flavors of pear, dried yellow flowers and roasted honey, finishing with a clean slate of acidity.

Gold Bars' 'Rickhouse' Straight Bourbon Whisky is a bourbon with a mash bill of 80% corn and 20% rye. It is a bold, rich and spicy bourbon with pronounced vanilla and smoke. Smoky aromas of grilled meats, campfire, caramel, brown sugar and coffee. Smooth with a nutty, vanilla-bean finish. Non-chill filtered, it's bottled at 103 proof or cask strength or 51.5% abv. Enjoy on the rocks, or to enhance any bourbon based cocktail. 

Nose: The Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey offers a rich and inviting aroma with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. There is a hint of dried fruit and a touch of spice that adds complexity to the nose.

Taste: On the palate, this bourbon whiskey delivers a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The flavors of sweet caramel and vanilla are prominent, accompanied by a subtle undertone of dark chocolate. The oak influence is well-balanced, providing a pleasant depth to the overall taste.

Palate: The palate of Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey is characterized by a harmonious blend of flavors. The initial sip reveals a burst of caramel and toffee, followed by hints of ripe red fruits and a touch of baking spices. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a warm and lingering sensation of toasted oak and sweet vanilla on the palate.

Loch Lomond 14 Year Old Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a masterfully crafted expression that showcases the distillery's signature versatility and skill in whisky making. This peated single malt, aged for 14 years, captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands, combining the natural peatiness of the region with the unique character of Loch Lomond's distillation process. It offers a golden amber color and an inviting nose that blends the smokiness of peat with the sweetness of vanilla, complemented by hints of green apple and a touch of citrus. The palate is rich and smoky, yet balanced with a sweet maltiness and notes of ripe fruits, leading to a long, warming finish that leaves a memorable impression of complex peat smoke and a subtle sweetness. This whisky is a celebration of the craft of peated whisky production, appealing to both peat enthusiasts and those seeking a rich, nuanced Scotch experience.

"Slaty minerals, fruitiness, and floral hints on the nose suggest plenty of rye in this satisfying, complex dram. More mineral notes emerge on the crisp, sweet palate, along with citrus elements, burley tobacco, hints of wine, dark chocolate, mild vanilla, and subtle oak. A soft peppery spice bursts onto the mid-palate and throat. A bit austere but with toffee sweetness and mild fudge. Mouth-filling, though a bit dry." - Whisky Advocate

Blue Run High Rye Bourbon is distilled and aged to perfection in Kentucky, the heart of America's whiskey-making tradition. The exceptional high rye mash bill imparts a distinctive spicy note that harmonizes beautifully with the underlying sweetness of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The result is a rich, full-bodied whiskey with a complexity that reveals new layers of flavor with each sip.

Nose: Aromas of honey, citrus zest, and a hint of sea salt.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of vanilla, toffee, and ripe fruits.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied with a waxy texture, followed by notes of lemon, oak, and a subtle coastal brininess.

KAH Tequila Blanco is a double distilled, un-aged Tequila crafted from 100% Blue Agave and bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). It offers an initial sweetness followed by a burst of peppery spice. Silky and delicate, it envelops the palate with a sachet of spices, creating a memorable tasting experience.

Cascahuín Blanco tequila is crafted from carefully selected blue weber tequilana agaves sourced from the valleys area, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the region. The production process begins with the use of a masonry oven for cooking the agaves, followed by the extraction of juices through mills, where water from the own well is incorporated. During fermentation, natural yeasts from the yeast pie are utilized in both masonry and stainless steel fermenters. For distillation, a double distillation process is conducted, first in a stainless steel alembic with a copper coil, followed by a second distillation in a small 350-liter copper still with a copper coil. The tequila then undergoes maturation in spent American oak barrels, previously used for tequila for over 20 years, with a resting period lasting from 6 to 8 months in the barrels.

El Tequileno Platinum Blanco is a premium tequila made from 100% blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It is a clear, unaged tequila that is double-distilled to create a smooth and clean taste. The aroma is fresh and fruity with notes of citrus and agave, while the taste is crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness. This tequila is perfect for sipping neat or as the base for a delicious cocktail. It is a versatile and high-quality tequila that is sure to impress even the most discerning tequila connoisseur.

The El Dorado 12 Year Old Special Reserve Rum is blended from aged stocks (the youngest being no less than 12 years old) from the original Wooden Enmore Coffey still, the original metal Diamond Coffey still, as well as from the ancient Port Mourant double wooden pot still which was used to produce ‘navy’ rum for the English Admiralty. All of the Demerara Rum produced by El Dorado is aged exclusively in American oak (bourbon barrels).

Nose: Sweet, toffee, vanilla, spices, oak. Hints of smoke.

Palate: Cocoa, caramel, prunes, spices, vanilla.

Finish: Long, sublimely smooth, hints of smoke on the tail.

"Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata (Koshi area) of Japan, which is famous for its “Three White” treasures namely snow, rice and sake. Quality whisky selected from all around the world is reserved in bourbon and sherry casks for more than 3 years and later finished with precious Mizunara oak in Japan. “Shinobu” in Japanese means forbearance, which is considered an important trait of Japanese culture; thus, the name reflects the spirit of making good whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Vanilla, plums, minty.

Palate: Slightly sweet, spices, vanilla, citrus, smoky oak.

Finish: Medium, sweet, woody, minty, slight bitterness.

Nomad is a unique whisky. A collaboration between sherry producer González Byass and Whyte & Mackay master blender Richard Paterson. A blended Scotch whisky aged for more than five years in sherry butts is shipped to Jerez for further year's ageing in PX casks.

Woodford Reserve Wheat is based on historical recipes but influenced by the iconic core Woodford Reserve Bourbon brand. With wheat as the dominant grain at 52 percent, followed by malt (20%), corn (20%) and rye (8%) - this whiskey was created by renowned Master Distiller Chris Morris.

Woodford Reserve — a super-premium bourbon created 23 years ago in Woodford County, Kentucky — has looked to history for inspiration in its products, but it is ultimately a modern bourbon focused on flavor. Each of the four Woodford whiskeys, along with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, brings a different flavor profile to the palate. Bourbon is a balance of many flavors, rye is spicy, malt is nutty, double oaked is sweet and wheat is fruit-forward.

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is a great introduction for those looking to experiment with Scotch whisky. It is aromatic with wild herbs, heather, honey and orchard fruit notes. The round and creamy palate tastes of honey and ripe apples, with vanilla, hazelnut and toffee flavours, followed by a rich and lingering finish.

Rhiannon is the 7th chapter in Penderyn's Icons of Wales Series. Finished in sherry wood, the whisky is named after Rhiannon, an enchantress and horse goddess who could outrun any pursuer while riding slowly. Rhiannon in Welsh means 'Great Queen' or 'Divine Queen.'

On the nose, soft notes of raspberries and strawberry liqueur, as well as some melted butter, cassis, and candy canes. Hints of peanut skins and pastries. Needless to say, it is very sweet. The taste has more sweetness on arrival and is pretty much a continuation of the nose. Plenty of berries, but also some caramel sweetness. The wood has also infused some spiciness. The finish has a lingering sweetness and is somewhat drying.

Langpai Tequ T8 is a strong-aroma baijiu that is processed old mud pits. Baijiu has a very long fermentation period, from weeks to months or longer. This type of fermentation leads to a spirit very high in esters, hence the very sweet flavors.
Notes:
Nose - pronounced, banana, pineapple, melon, and coconut. Palate - pronounced, mouth filling & dry, flavors of melon, elderflower, pineapple, mango and candied fruit. Finish - long, very complex
Strong Baijiu takes some time to get used to because the flavor profile is quite different. The closest example I know of is Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum. This is a potent very high quality Baijiu full of flavor.

A massive success as the island representative in Diageo's 'Classic Malts' series, Talisker 10yo's profile keeps increasing as more fans discover its intense coastal spicy, peaty character. A truly elemental malt.
Producer's Tasting Notes
APPEARANCE
Brilliant gold
NOSE
: Powerful peat-smoke with sea-water saltiness, the liquor of fresh oysters, a citrus sweetness.
PALATE
A: rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. At the back of the mouth is an explosion of pepper.
FINISH
:Huge, long, warming peppery finish with an appetising sweetness.

The Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve is an exquisite Champagne that epitomizes the finesse and elegance of the Billecart-Salmon house style. This non-vintage cuvée is a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, sourced from the finest vineyards in the Champagne region. It presents a delicate mousse and a beautiful pale gold color in the glass, with an inviting nose of fresh citrus, orchard fruits, and floral notes, complemented by a subtle yeasty undertone that hints at its time spent aging on lees. On the palate, the Brut Reserve offers a perfect balance between richness and acidity, with flavors of ripe pear, apple, and a touch of lemon zest, leading to a crisp, clean finish that is both refreshing and lingering. The fine bubbles and elegant texture make this Champagne a versatile choice for a variety of occasions, from celebratory toasts to pairing with a wide range of dishes. The Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve is a testament to the skill and tradition of the Billecart-Salmon house, offering a sophisticated and thoroughly enjoyable Champagne experience.

Mionetto Prosecco Brut is a sparkling wine with a straw yellow color and a delicate and persistent perlage. On the nose, it has aromas of citrus, green apple, and acacia flowers. The palate is dry, with flavors of green apple and peach, and a crisp acidity that makes it refreshing and easy to drink. The finish is clean and lingering, with notes of citrus and white flowers.