A Muddled Thought

A few months ago I came across Cielo, and decided to take a look at their Anejo offering.

Created from blue Waeber Agave originating in the Jalisco Region of Mexico, each pina (or the heart of the agave)is harvested at the end of ten years.

Utilizing a process that first involves steaming the agave to release its nectar prior to distillation in pot stills, Cielo distills its tequila offerings three times.

This yields an Anejo that has notes of butter and caramel on the nose, with a flavor that incorporates a balance of cocoa, toffee, banana and mild notes of spice.

Score: 9/10

After sampling the Cielo Anejo, we decided to take a look at how it would work in cocktails.

2 Oz Cielo Anejo
½ Oz Pineapple Juice
2 Dashes of Grapefruit Bitters
½ Oz Sloegin
½ of Maraschino (Maraska)Liquor

If I was going to use one word to describe Riazul Anjeo it would be superb- simple as that.

It is without a doubt, Riazul is one of the most impressive tequilas I’ve come across, and probably the most impressive Anejo variety I’ve yet to review.

I like to compare my experience of Riazul with that of a blind date. Up until a few months ago, I hadn’t heard of Riazul. So, when I received a sample of their Anejo I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I was left wondering what was in store for me.

So as if to say I was on a blind date, I walked into the restaurant and met my date. At first glance, I admired the look of my date, who happened to have just the right amount of curves. But is she more than just gorgeous, does she have any substance?

Let’s get back to the tasting notes, because if I tried to continue the date analogy it might begin to read like a Penthouse Letter- and, well, that’s not what we do here.

Once I got past the intense yet simple elegance of the bottle of Riazul Anejo, I decided to inspect further.
After opening the bottle, I was hit with a brilliant intense nose of agave, pineapple, honey and hints of sweetness. So far, I was thinking this would remind me of many other tequila’s I’ve tried in the past.

So, I moved in closer for a taste. Immediately upon tasting it I was hit with a symphony of notes of heavy milk chocolate, followed by caramel, coconut and espresso. In simplest terms, I was blown away, while a newer competitor to the tequila market, if these guys decide change anything they should be dragged outside and flogged. This is the first review where I can say that between a price point and flavor profile it is a perfect spirit.

To add to my love letter to Riazul Anejo towards the end of my initial tasting, I felt like having a cigar, specifically a Partagas Black. After a few puffs, I took another sip of the Riazul Anejo and was hit with the flavors of crème, cake and tiramisu.

I sent the above tasting notes to the president of Riazul, Iñaki Orozco explaining how in love I was with his Anejo offering and asking how they got it so right.

He took it upon himself to educate me slightly on the process behind this phenomenal spirit.
Riazul begins with Blue Agave- browned in the highlands of Jalisco, a region known as Los Altos. Riazul harvests from a private 1600 acre supply of agave, which is grown red volcanic soil rich with minerals and iron.

Moving on to distillation, Riazul produces small batches between 2000-2500 liters out of 5000 liter copper pot stills. After two distillations, Riazul Anejo is aged for 24 months in 180 liter French oak barrels originating from the Citeaux forests of Burgundy. Riazul advised they’ve chosen these barrels in particular to allow the opportunity for further notes of honey, vanilla, dried fruit and spices to develop.

Even with all the background information on how and why, with a spirit this impressive, I still feel that something is left out of the story. Some secret they haven’t revealed as of yet. However they did it, Riazul accomplished this but they’ve managed to produce an anejo tequila that is on par with, if not better than, most extra anejos.

Final Rating- 10/10

Due to the Riazul Anejo’s incredible flavor profile, we decided to see how it worked in cocktails.

The Sweet and Sassy
2oz Riazul Anejo
Los Amantes Joven Mezcal(One Bar Spoon Rinse Coupe Glass)
¼ Line juice
Half spoon agave tequila
1/2 oz Batavia arrack
Egg White

Add all ingredients and dry shake with eggwhite

Then shake with ice

Top with:
3 Dashes Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
2 Dashes Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters

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So what’s the secret behind Partidas Reposado?

Partida starts their tequilas off by using 100% blue agave grown in the heart of the Tequila Region of Mexico. The land Partida uses lies right outside the village of Amatian, and exists within the grip of a dormant volcano, this enhances the the soil with additional minerals and a richness adding to a better quality agave crop.

Unlike some other tequila producers, Partida draws only from their own fields, allowing for full quality control of each agave plant. This is followed up by the process of slow cooking the pinas for a period of twenty hours in steel ovens prior to distillation.

Once the phase of distillation is begun, Partida is distilled twice. Once to remove purities and then a second time to achieve as close to perfection as is possible.

This entire process from hand picking the agave to distillation demonstrates itself in the impression Partida’s Reposado leaves with you.

After being aged in American Oak Barrels for six months it inherits flavors of mild cocoa, subtle notes of orange marmalade, honey, agave and nuts(possibly almonds?) with a sweet and very smooth finish.

Yet again Partida scores high merit with another one of it’s offerings. First with its Blanco, then with its Anejo, and it’s Extra Anejo and now with its Reposado offering.

A remarkable, flavor rich spirit, Partida Reposado is a must try for any tequila fan.

Final Score: 9.5/10

We decided to see how Partida Reposado worked in cocktails, but wanted to try something other than the traditional margarita and being inspired(very loosely) by several different cocktails such as the Last Word that shouldn’t work together but do, here’s something that somehow just melds together and works. We’re still not sure how and why but the flavors actually do work together.

“Ugh my head hurts”

2 large dashes Bittermens mole bitters
Fernet Branca-1/4 oz
Green Charteuse-1/4oz
1/4 Pineapple Juice
1/4 Bar spoon(or drizzle) of Agave Nectar
Partida Reposado 2oz
Rinse a coupe glass with absinthe(Lucid was used)
A spray bottle was used to apply lightly.

Several months ago we took a look at the Tanteo Tequila lineup of jalepeno, tropical and chocolate infused blanco tequilas. Since then we’ve been wondering about the potential of the product line in cocktails.

With notes of agave and sweetness on the nose and just the right amount of hints of spice, black pepper and cilantro embodied in each sip, it’s one of those products that can add life and a bit of kick to cocktails. While it has notes of spice and a significant kick, the Tanteo Jalepeno tequila works differently in cocktails than muddling actual jalepeno in cocktails. In small amounts such as 3/4 of an ounce it gives cocktails a nice spicy flavor that lies within each sip without overpowering the cocktail.

Without any further ado, here a few cocktails utilzing Tanteo Jalepeno Tequila as a component.

“The Blackberry Bliss”-

½ oz Tanteo Jalapeno
2oz Bombay Gin
¼ Lime Juice
Bar spoon Agave Nectar
¼ Acai Veev
Muddled Blackberries

“The Smokey Pom”-

Rinse a chilled Coupe Cocktail Glass with Tanteo Jalepeno Tequila

2oz Metaxa 5 Year
1/2 oz St. Germains Elderflower
1/2 oz Mezcal(Scorpion was used)
Muddled Cucumber
1/2 oz Pom Juice

“Outside Rangoon”-
2 oz Rangpur Gin
3-5 Mint Leaves
1oz Simple Syrup
A small amount of Tanteo Jalapeno Infused Tequila(Less than a ¼ oz)
¼ Fresh Lime Juice
Muddle Mint Leaves and Simple Syrup
Add rest of ingredients, shake with ice.
Serve in chilled martini glass.

The bottle of Los Azulejos that I received was a work of art. Delivered in a porcelain bottle that when placed against other tequilas it stands out by itself. It gave me the impression that it was the little bottle “that could” and that it stood among other bottles exuding pride above all else.

After a bottle looked this stunning, I had even higher hopes for what this tequila would taste like, luckily I wasn’t disappointed.

Los Azulejos ages their Anejo for 14-18 months in oak barrels originating from the Bordeaux region of France which gives it a very interesting and impressive flavor profile.

Upon bringing the glass to my nose, I was presented with heavy notes of agave and spice.

Once tasted, flavors of cinnamon, spice and agave attack your palate, followed by mild notes of spiced chocolate and vanilla intertwined.

Upon further tastes, the spice began to mellow and the sweetness began to take over.

Loz Azulejos Anejo retails for $69.95 per bottle.

Rating 8.5/10

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think Mezcal?
Is it just smoke and a harsh almost unbearable flavor? Well not all mezcals are created equally. Del Maguey is working to change your perception of mezcal to something that can be sipped that hides a rich variety of flavors as opposed to something that should be shot at the end of the night.
So much in fact that the slogan of Del Maguey is “Sip it. Don’t Shoot it”.

Del Maguey uses a process involving roasting the hearts of the agave(otherwise known as maguey) over hot stones in a pit that’s located in the ground and covered with soil. Once this process is completed, the agave is then made into mash and is fermented in wooden vats and subjected to a series of two distillations in copper or wood-fired clay stills.
Each variety of Del Maguey mezcal bears the name of the Mexican village it originates from. As each bottling originates from a different village using a process that can be traced back to the 16th century, bottlings of Del Maguey are only available in small quantities This makes each sip more enjoyable when you think to yourself how lucky you to be enjoying a product of such high quality.

So now we move on to the fun part. Tasting the Del Maguey mezcal.
We decided to take a look at two of Del Maguey’s products.

First up is the Del Maguey Crème De Mezcal.

This bottling is incredibly unique as it combines unfermented agave syrup(Miel de Maguey) and a mezcal originating from San Luis Del Rio.
When tasting it neat you’re introduced to notes of sweet yet smokey caramel , citrus, espresso and minor hints of cocoa.

With such a copious amount of flavors as well as the perfect balance between sweet and smoky, Del Maguey Crème De Mezcal just calls out to be used in cocktails.

So we decided to try it out and came up with the “Sunny in Seattle”.

Sunny in Seattle

1/2 oz Del Maguey Crème De Mezcal
½ oz Espresso Syrup
1 ½ oz Cruzan Black Strap Rum
Fresh Lime Juice from half of a lime
1 Dash Peychaud Bitters
2-3 Regans Orange Bitters
Garnish with Burnt Orange Zest

Next we took a look at Del Maguey’s Chichicapa Mezcal.

Introduced by Del Maguey in 1995, it originates from the village of Chichicapa. The village of Chichicapa is located in a valley surrounded by mountains with a desert climate that is filled throughout with banana trees, guava and other tropical fruit which adds to the profile of the soil used in creating the Chichicapa Mezcal.

Hints of smoke throughout each sip, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the spirit and allows you the chance to taste other flavors. Sweet, with hints of sweet agave, that ends with a note of refreshing mint.

This is a stronger spirit than the Crème De Mezcal, and if not sipped straight it would work well when paired with spicier components such as peppers, and could also be balanced with ingredients such as Aperol or Grand Marnier.

Let me introduce you to something unheard of before, a silver-aged tequila. The first of its kind. Maestro Dobel is anything but traditional. Similar to blanco tequila in its clear appearance, that’s where the similarities to other tequilas end. On first glance it appears to be just that, a beautifully crafted blanco tequila. Don’t let that fool you. The beautifully crafted bottle hides within it a unique combination of Reposado, Anejo and Extra-Anejo tequilas that are then combined and aged in Balkan oak casks. Following up this aging process, the tequila is then filtered using a proprietary filtering system that results in a clear spirit, without affecting the flavor or complexity of the spirit. The final product is then bottled, numbered and signed by hand.

Upon placing a glass of it under your nose, you’re hit with hints of vanilla, coconut and agave. Taking the first sip of Maestro Dobel I was very impressed. Once you begin tasting it you start to experience notes of vanilla, agave, minor hints of chocolate and are reminded of something resembling a Mexican cream soda if one had ever existed.

While Maestro Dobel retails for $74.99, it is something that should be at least experienced once, whether at a bar or restaurant even if you don’t go right out and purchase a bottle. Maestro Dobel definitely stands alone and defines this new category of silver-aged tequila.

Rating: 9/10

Summer has finally arrived! Why not celebrate the glorious weather by hosting a fabulous fiesta right in the comfort of your own home? Partida makes it easy with the Partida Margarita Fiesta Kit. Each week Partida Tequila, ranked one of the top 5 spirits of 2009, will be giving away a handsome tote bag filled with cocktail accessories to help you create your very own signature Partida Margarita.

Entering is as easy as sipping a glass of Partida Tequila.
http://www.partidamargarita.com/fiestakit/

Each week until Mexican Independence Day (September 16th), a name will be chosen from a random drawing. One weekly winner will receive the Partida Margarita Fiesta kit valued at $150, which includes the following:

1 Handsome Partida Tote Bag
1 Stylish T-Shirt
2 Old Fashion Glasses
1 Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
1 Bottle of 100% Organic Agave Nectar
1 Lime Squeezer
1 Cocktail Recipe Booklet
5 Partida Margarita Buttons
(Contest valid only in California, Florida, New York, and Texas)

For select winners, a member of the renowned Partida Bartender Ambassadors group will visit the winner’s home to mix cocktails and demonstrate how to make the best Partida Margarita. “With home entertaining at an all-time high, this contest is a great way for consumers to make their own Partida tequila cocktails and try their hand at making the delicious, all-natural Partida Margarita,” said Gary Shansby, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Partida Tequila.

The recipe for the Partida Margarita (www.partidamargarita.com) is:
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice (app. the juice from one lime)
• ¾ oz. pure, organic Partida agave nectar
• ¾ oz. pure spring water
• 1.5 oz. Partida Tequila Blanco, Reposado or Añejo

For more cocktail recipes utilizing the Partida 100% Organic Agave Nectar, visit www.partidatequila.com

About Partida Tequila
Partida Tequila is an authentic, all-natural, estate-grown premium Tequila, made from 100% blue agave in Amatitán, the heart of Mexico’s historic Tequila Valley region. From cultivation and harvest to cooking, distillation and aging, Partida maintains exceptional standards of quality and consistency, making Partida “the finest tequila that money can buy,” according to F. Paul Pacult, the leading spirits authority in America.

The Partida Estate produces four distinctive Tequilas: Blanco (not aged), Reposado (aged six months), Añejo (aged 18 months) and Elegante (aged 36 — 40 months). Partida Tequila is now distributed in Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom as well as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, DC and Washington State. Partida will continue to expand aggressively and strategically in the United States.

Gran Centenario has several tequila’s in their lineup ranging from a Blanco to a Extra Anejo as well as a hibiscus infused reposado variety known as Rosangel. Today we take a look at Gran Centenario’s anejo variety. Gran Centenario starts off with agave that’s only been harvested after the ten year mark. The pina is then cooked for seventy two hours as opposed to the usual forty eight that most tequila’s are. This additional cooking time provides the opportunity for additional flavors to come out of the juices.This is followed up with aging the tequila in French limousin oak for up to three years.

This unique aging process delivers a product with an interesting balance of flavor tones.

With the first sip, the tequila introduces a refreshing feeling, that’s followed up by undertones of pepper, cinnamon, mild vanilla, cocoa with a end note of mild smokiness.

Taking all the flavors that are incorporated into Gran Centenario’s Anejo, we decided to see how it would work in some cocktails-

A Day in the Agave Garden
2 oz Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila
Bar Spoon agave nectar
Handful of Mint Leaves
Blueberries
¼ oz ST Germain
Muddle mint, blueberries and Agave Nectar
Add rest of ingredients and shake with ice.

Who doesn’t love Jessica Rabbit?

1 ½ Plymouth Gin
¼ Gran Centenario
½ Canton Ginger
¼ Simple Syrup
¼ Lemon Juice
3 Dash Rhubarb Bitters
2 Dash Grapefruit Bitters

Spring Time in Jalisco
2 oz Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila
1oz St. Germain Elderflower
3 Dash Grapefruit Bitters
¼ Bar spoon Agave Nectar
1 oz Citadelle Reserve Gin
1 Dash Aromatic Bitters
Muddled Slice of Cucumber
2 Mint Leaves(Do not change this amount)

Sammy Cabana
2oz G’vine Florision Gin
½ oz Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila
3 Dash Regan Orange Bitters
½ Oz Agave Nectar
Muddled Raspberries

With Fathers day coming up, A Muddled Thought decided to put together a list of suggestions for those looking to get Dad something other than a tie or a shirt he’ll never wear. Something that he can enjoy after a long day at work or share with friends or if you’re lucky you, who after giving him one of these spirits will be his favorite kid.

We’re going to start from the top price point and work our way through to around the $30 mark.

First up, something that’s a bit on the rare side, A bottle of Partida Elegante Extra Añejo Tequila.

With one of the most unique and complex flavor profiles of any tequila we’ve tasted or reviewed, this makes great gift for that dad that appreciates aged bourbons and scotches but is looking for something different, while retaining that same aged complex taste.

Partida Elegante features a flavor profile that never stops surprising you, with tastes ranging from a deep chocolate, notes of banana, ripe fruit, touches of cinnamon and even a bit of orange zest.

Partida Elegante retails for $350 and is limited to a release of 1200 bottles.

Next up we have a bottle of Dalmore King Alexander 1263 Scotch. Just as the Partida Elegante holds a unique place within the tequila market, the Dalmore holds a unique place among scotches.

Using a combination of scotch aged in French cabernet sauvignon barrels, Mediterranean Madeira drums, Matusalem Sherry butts from Spain, Marsala barrels from Sicily, Port pipes from the Douro and sweet Bourbon barrels hailing from Kentucky, the process behind Dalmore 1263 takes scotch from each of these batches and melds them together to create a one of kind taste.

As you sip King Alexander 1263, you begin to notice the flavors that each differently aged scotch brings to the table. Featuring flavor tones of caramel, an occasional light coffee taste, hints of sherry,

As the final product is a combination of several differently prepared batches that’s intertwined into the final product of, Dalmore King Alexander 1263 is a barrage of flavors, each subtle yet managing to stand out and make for a one of a kind experience.

King Alexander 1263 retails around $200.

If your father happens to appreciate and enjoy fine champagnes rather than dark spirits, the next item on our list would make a great choice.

The name Charles Heidsieck is synonymous with fine champagne. As the founder of one of the five grand champagne houses (Marques), Heidsieck has been creating champagne since 1851. Allowing his products to mature in 2,000 year old roman chalk cellars, he was able to turn out some of the finest champagnes available during his time.

Fast forward to more modern times, and these same chalk cellars are being used to create Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1995. The name “Blanc des Millénaires” originates from these same cellars. The name when translated means “white of the thousands year old” . Each bottle is aged in these chalk cellars for a minimum of ten years, making the latest available vintage that of only 1995.

With a clean finish, and notes including spices and fruit, this will make any father’s day even more memorable for the dad that likes champagne.

As our first three products were standouts in each of their categories, we continue that trend with Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe. While Absinthe has only been available in the United States for the past two years, it’s popularity has continued to grow, as has the amount of choices. One standout has been Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe. Created by Viridian Spirits, the company also behind Lucid Absinthe, the first absinthe to hit the US after the ban was removed, Nouvelle is based on a recipe that originated in New Orleans back in the mid 19th century.

When nosing this absinthe, you pick up a balance of anise as well as mild vanilla. Due to its higher than normal 136 proof it’s best to add water via the traditional way, until it louches(becomes a milky white liquid). Once water has been added, the end result is a slightly sweeter than most absinthe, with defined tastes of anise, mint and still a touch of vanilla.

The first bottle of absinthe we’ve come across that’s actually corked, it seems to stand alone among absinthes.

Nouvelle Orleans retails between $95-$110. It’s uniqueness among absinthes, makes it the perfect gift for the dad whose into all sort of spirits and is looking to try something new.

Also along the same price range as the Nouvelle Orleans, is Mount Gay Rum’s 1703 release. A limited release, Mount Gay 1703 is a complex creation consisting of a blend of Mount Gay’s finest rums varying in age from ten years to thirty years allowed Mount Gay to create a very unique flavor profile. As you begin to sip the 1703 you feel the tinge of sugar cane hit your tongue, a cornucopia of tastes including toffee, ripe bananas and mild spice follow this initial sensation. Put down the muddler, this is not a rum to be used in mojitos but rather to be enjoyed on it’s own, either with an ice cube or two or neat.

And what a Father’s Day review be without a single malt scotch?

Aged 14 years, in a distillery that dates back over two hundred years, Oban gets it’s singular character from a process that uses a light peat smoke to dry the barley. This results in a taste that incorporates notes of vanilla, caramel and after adding a splash of water some and corn, all the while also featuring a mild smokiness.

Oban is priced at $54.99 and is available at most spirit resellers.

While the next product, isn’t exactly a spirit, it does go great with some of our other suggestions. So picture this, your trying to enjoy a nice single malt scotch or small batched bourbon, and you prefer it to be chilled but rather not dilute the taste with 2-3 ice cubes. What’s the solution?

Well the inventor of “Sippin on the Rocks” , Dan Boyd ran into this very same problem, which gave him the idea for this amazing product. Sippin on the Rocks consists of two polished granite rocks that after being placed in the freezer for four hours, chill the spirit of your choice without diluting it. As shown below they come in storage box, along with sipping glasses, and the option for a personalized nameplate.

Sippin on the rocks is available at http://www.sippinontherocks.com

Just to keep this list as comprehensive as possible, we’ve included one more tequila that might be worth introducing to Dad this year. Corzo Añejo, Tequila. Originating from the highlands of Los Altos, the agave plants are often sweeter in this area of Jalisco, Mexico. Following up the plant selection process, Corzo incorporates classical music throughout the course of fermentation. These unique touches, result in an añejo, that’s incredible smooth as you sip it, with flavor tones of pineapple, agave, a spicy vanilla and honey.

And just in time for father’s day Corzo is offering an engraving option for each bottle. So with each sip, dad can be reminded on how you feel about him.

More information about the free labeling process from Corzo is available at http://www.corzo.com/labels/

A bottle of Corzo Anejo retails for $56.99

For the Dad who enjoys cognac, we have something that might fit the bill, a bottle of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. Comprised of a blend of 65 % grande champagne grapes with the other 35% made up of petite champagne grapes and aged between 4-20 years, it’s different from your usual cognac, as it’s reminded us of a bourbon in it’s flavor profile which consisted of notes of cinnamon, chocolate, orange zest and berries with a very smooth finish.

When we initially tried this it caught us by surprise as we weren’t prepared for all these flavors showing themselves in a cognac. It was a very pleasant surprise that any cognac aficionado and even some bourbon fans will appreciate.

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal retails for $50

What spirits gift list wouldn’t be complete without at least one gin?

Citadelle, who happens to be part of the Cognac Ferrand , makers of cognacs, such as Pierre Ferrand, Landy, and Claude Chatelier among other products such as plantation rums produces a limited and numbered variety of it’s gin dubbed Citadelle Reserve. Taking Citadelle gin and then aging it in cognac barrels for a period of six months, allows the gin to develop new flavor nuances such as notes of cinnamon, and chocolate. The aging process also adds a bit of spice, and a tinge when hits the tongue. As the process is complex to create each bottle of Citadelle Reserve, only a small batch of about 5600 bottles is produced each year. Each bottle is numbered and only available at limited locations.

Citadelle Reserve retails for $36.99 and is available for purchase from Astor Wines and Spirits of NY.

And to go along with Sippin on the Rocks we have, two more brown spirits that would work with the rocks, if you like your scotch and bourbon chilled.

And for something else a bit different, how about a bottle of single malt scotch that retails for under $40 and still manages to have interesting and enjoyable flavor notes? Originating from Dufftown, Scotland which also happens to be the whisky capital of the world, it’s positioned as an introductory scotch, though it’s anything but that. With hints of vanilla, honey and occasional orange it balances the flavors to create just the right amount of sweet when opened up with a splash of water. Aged at 12 years and priced at $35.99, it makes a great gift for any dad, whether there an old or new scotch lover.

First, there’s Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon. A bourbon that incorporates a mashbill comprised of 60 % corn, 35% rye, and 5% barley malt and is combined with another recipe that contains 75% corn, 20% rye, and another 5% barley malt. Using these two mashbills in conjunction with two secret yeast formulas create a bourbon that’s both full of fruit notes as well as spice notes. These provide Four Roses with an end product that has both spicy texture and allows it to feature a flavor profile that includes mild notes of coffee, cocoa and hints of vanilla. With a splash of water the flavors expand to incorporate notes of caramel, nuttiness and some mild spice as it hits your tongue.

Four Roses Small Batch retails for $27.99.

While creating this list, our goal was to include as many unique spirits and categories as possible that any father would enjoy and appreciate, and with each sip think of that child that gave this gift.

This article is dedicated my Dad, Howie Wolin who passed away in 2007.