MD - Spirits Portfolio

BRANDY GRAPPA

MAROLO ITALY, PIEDMONT Since 1977. Marolo’s grappas are a mirror of the incredible richness and diversity of the territory and viticulture. Not a neutral, standardized, industrial product, but a spirit able to

NARDINI ITALY, VENETO Nardini Spirits has amassed two centuries of distilling expertise and through rigorous quality control - from local vine to bottle, Nardini grappas are not only excellent, but completely consistent, year after year. Many producers rely on spectacularly ornate glass bottles to sell product—Nardini is about what’s inside and prefers classic simple elegance and tradition. Nardini Grappa White Label 100PF / 375ML Far and away Italy’s best-selling premium grappa, Nardini Bianca remains unchallenged as the connoisseur’s benchmark. Authentically high in strength, ‘Bianca’ fills the palate with an exciting sparkle, then—largely thanks to its fine balance and extraordinary distillation quality—surprises the drinker with its remarkably gentle follow through. Nardini Infused with Rue Grappa 86PF / 1.0L Each bottle of Ruta (Rue) features a large sprig of rue, a bitter herb that gives this unusual grappa a delightfully astringent flavor. Nardini Mandorla Grappa 100PF / 375ML While almond aroma is well to the fore, Nardini employs a cherry distillate to balance the nut’s naturally bitter flavor. Mandorla has a slightly sweet aftertaste, making it a natural first-time grappa for those new to the spirit. Excellent in a sour or an Alexander. “Strongly Recommend” Ultimate Spirits Challenge ‘17 “Superb” F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal ‘05 Nardini Riserva White Label Grappa 100PF / 375ML Grappa Riserva is a fine grappa, made from the pomace of Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot and Friulano grapes from the alpine foothills of Friuli. Smooth, complex flavors result from an average of five years aging in Slavonian oak barrels.

narrate the grape from which it came. Marolo Camomile Grappa Milla 80PF / 750ML

Milla is a liqueur made from the infusion of Camomile flowers in the grappa. The Camomile flowers are picked when fully ripened then left to steep for eleven months in the grappa. Marolo Grappa di Barolo 12 Yr 100PF / 50ML Aged 12 years in small oak barrels, this grappa of Nebbiolo pomace bursts with notes of candied orange peel, raisins, banana brûlée and a long, spicy finish of pepper, licorice, tobacco, and clove. Marolo Grappa di Barolo 15 Yr 100PF / 200ML The aromatic profile is dominated by spices (clove, pepper, liquorice, tobacco, nutmeg, anice). The sensations linked to the pomace used for this grappa didn’t disappear along the years, but they match with prune, candied and dry fruit like nuts and almond. Marolo Grappa di Barolo 20 Yr 100PF / 200ML The prolonged aging gives to this grappa an extremely dark color, together with a smoothness and a moderate sweetness. It’s a meditation grappa, perfect with bitter chocolate or with an important cigar. Marolo Grappa di Moscato 84PF / 375ML From Moscato d’Asti pomace. White in color, intense, aromatic, clean, pleasant; soft taste rich in aroma. Marolo Grappa Moscato ‘Dopo’ 84PF / 375ML Aged 5 years in barrels, previously used to age passito wines from the Sicilian Island of Pantelleria. Aromas of great elegance, and flavors of tropical fruits, peach, candy, and raisins, along with hints of apricot and figs.

BASSANO MULE INGREDIENTS 40 Ml Grappa Bianca Nardini

20 Ml Lemon Juice

120 Ml Ginger Beer

Garnish: Fresh Mint Leaves

PREPARATION Pour the grappa and the lemon juice into a mug filled with ice. Add the ginger beer and stir gently before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Grappa: Italy’s Firewater The potent firewater called grappa (literally “grape stalk”) was originally produced in the mountainous Friuli region, and has anesthetized generations of Northern Italians. Grappa is made from the fermented leftovers of the grape-crushing wine process. While it may not sound that delectable, the clean and fragrant flavour of the drink is utterly enchanting. The firewater was long known as aqua vitae, the “water of life,” for its purported medicinal and restorative properties. Over the ages it was believed to do everything from reviving the vital spirits, warming the belly (undoubted), relaxing the brain, sharpening the intellect, and clearing the vision to removing bodily impurities, repairing memory, prolonging life, and even curing the plague. The only benefit now touted—aside from inflicting raging intoxication— is its role as the ultimate digestivo —TRAVELBRAIN.US

MARYLAND SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

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