QWS Craft Spirits Book

PORTFOLIO CRAFT SPIRITS A REMARKABLE COLLECTION OF HAND-SELECTED CRAFT SPIRITS FROM THE PORTFOLIO OF QUALITY WINE & SPIRITS

Categories

Absinthe, Pastis, Anisette

1

Amari

2

Brandy

4

Brandy: Armagnac & Calvados

5

Brandy: Cognac

6

Brandy: Eau-de-Vie

7

Brandy: Grappa

7

Brandy: Pisco

7

Gin

8

Liqueur

11

Rum

16

Rhum Agricole/Cachaça

18

Tequila/Mezcal

20

Vermouth & Aromatic Wine

25

Whiskey: American & Canadian

30

Whiskey: Scotch & Single Malts

36

Whiskey: Irish Whiskey

39

Mixers: Bitters, Aromatics & Flavoring

40

Mixers: Non-Alcoholic

42

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CRAFT SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

Content

Absinthe, Pastis, Anisette

1

Corsair Distillery ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 La Muse ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Leopold Brothers ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Marie Brizard ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Paolucci ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 St. George Spirits ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Amari

2

Amaro ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Boomsma ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Cappelleti .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Cardamaro ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Leopold Brothers ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Montenegro ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Paolucci ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 St. George Spirits ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Vallet.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Brandy

4

Convidado de Baco ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Vecchia Romagna .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Brandy: Armagnac & Calvados

5

Chauffe-Coeur Calvados FRANCE......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Dartigalongue BAS-ARMAGNAC, FRANCE.............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Les Domaines Grassa FRANCE............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Marie Duffau BAS-ARMAGNAC, FRANCE................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Noble Dame FRANCE................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Brandy: Cognac

6

Bache-Gabrielsen COGNAC, FRANCE.................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Cognac du Peyrat COGNAC, FRANCE.................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Brandy: Eau-de-Vie

7

Blume Marillen ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Purkhart................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 St. George Spirits ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Brandy: Grappa

7

Poli Distillerie ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Brandy: Pisco

7

Macchu. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7

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Gin

8

Bellringer ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Boomsma ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Cardinal ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Corsair Distillery ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Hammer & Son ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Hans Reisetbauer ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Hayman Distillers ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Leopold Brothers ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Pine Barrens ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Ransom ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Sterling. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10 St. George Spirits .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 The Derby Cocktail (Cold Glass)......................................................................................................................................... 8 Allen’s .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Averell Damson ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Clément ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Duggan’s .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Espresso ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Fruitlab ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Grand Poppy ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Hamilton ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Jules Theuriet ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Kronan ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Leopold Brothers .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Marie Brizard ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Nux Alpina ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Paolucci.............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Poli Distillerie ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 pür•likör........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Rothman & Winter............................................................................................................................................................. 14 Salers Gentiane .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 St. Elder ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 St. Elizabeth .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 St. George Spirits .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Taylor’s ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Zirbenz ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Arehucas ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Corsair Distillery ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Crusoe ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Denizen ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Exposicion......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Hamilton ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Lemon Hart ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Scarlet Ibis ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Smith & Cross ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Sterling ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Thomas Tew .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Van Oosten ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 11 16

Liqueur

Rum

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CRAFT SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

Rhum Agricole/Cachaça

18

Clément Rhum ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 La Favorite ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Neisson Rhum ................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Novo Fogo......................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Pitú ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Tequila/Mezcal

20

3-4-5 / Tres, Quatro y Cinco ................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 ArteNOM........................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Casa Pacific........................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Cimarron............................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Del Maguey....................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Don Amado....................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Don Diego Santa............................................................................................................................................................... 22 Fidencio ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Fortaleza............................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Fuentesca. ......................................................................................................................................................................... 23 IXÁ ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Mina Real........................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Old Mexico ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Puro Verde ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Bonal ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Boyd & Blair .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Byrrh ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Caperitif ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 Cappelletti ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Cocchi ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Deep Blue.......................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Dolin.................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 High West .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Jewel of Russia ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Leopold Bros ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Mattei .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Miro .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Quady .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 25

Vermouth & Aromatic Wine

Vodka

27

Square One........................................................................................................................................................................ 28 Sterling. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 29 St. George Spirits.............................................................................................................................................................. 29 TRU ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Vixen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

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Whiskey: American & Canadian

30

Bourbon Club ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Corsair Distillery................................................................................................................................................................ 30 Deadwood......................................................................................................................................................................... 30 High West .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31 Hunter & Scott ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 High West .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31 James E. Pepper ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Leopold Brothers............................................................................................................................................................... 32 Medley Brothers ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Nelson’s Green ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Pine Barrens .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33 Ransom ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Reservoir Distillery .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Rough Rider .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Sonoma County Distilling .................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Wathen’s ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 WhipperSnapper ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Exclusive ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Great King Street .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Isle of Skye ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Kilchoman .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Kinahan’s ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Muirhead’s ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 Stag’s Head........................................................................................................................................................................ 38 St. George Spirits .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Classic Cask................................................................................................................................................................ 36 The Compass Box ............................................................................................................................................................. 36 39 The Pogues ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39 The Wild Geese ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 West Cork .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39 Wolfburn ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38 36

Whiskey: Scotch & Single Malts

Whiskey: Irish Whiskey

Mixers: Bitters, Aromatics & Flavoring

40

Amargo ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Bar Keep ........................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Bittercube Bitters .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Dr. Adam............................................................................................................................................................................ 40 Fee Brothers .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41 Scrappy’s Bitters ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

Mixers: Non-Alcoholic

42

Barritt’s............................................................................................................................................................................... 42 High West .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Jack Rudy Cocktail Co....................................................................................................................................................... 42 Nikolaihof ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Petite Canne ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Rhum Clément ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

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CRAFT SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

Absinthe, Pastis, Anisette

MARIE BRIZARD BORDEAUX, FRANCE Anisette #30133082 / 750ml

CORSAIR DISTILLERY KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE Absinthe Red Superieure, Domestic #30109685 / 750ml Traditional spirit, with a modern twist—a unique interpretation, combining a traditional absinthe recipe and ‘fine-tuning’ it with unconventional ingredients like citrus, tarragon and red Hibiscus flowers. Corsair Red is a distinctive expression that will also add a unique element to both classic and modern cocktails. Gold Medal 2011 Int’l Review of Spirits Awards “Craft Distillery of the Year” Whisky Magazine;

Best seller of the Marie Brizard line. An exclusive recipe handed down from generation to generation uses green anise from the high plains of the Mediterranean and more than 10 other plants, fruits and spices, to create a blend of natural aromas and flavors of the South and the Orient. 93pts “Best Buy” “Top 50 Spirits 2014”, Wine Enthusiast 91pts The Tasting Panel 5 Stars Highest Recommendation Spirit Journal PAOLUCCI ITALY Produced since 1873 by Italy’s Paolucci family according to traditional methods. Whether you prefer traditional clear or the Black Sambuca, Paolucci Sambuca will satisfy the most sophisticated palate. Sambuca White Liqueur #30133095 / 750ml This clear Sambuca is made from the essential oils of star anise and elderberry, with an appropriate sweetness.

LA MUSE ARTEZ, FRANCE Verte French Absinthe Traditionelle #30132338 / 750ml

Estate-grown, freshly cut organic Grande Absinthe (wormwood) is infused in alcohol minutes after harvest. Star anise, lemon balm, sage, fennel, hyssop and other botanicals are separately infused and added to the Grande Absinthe infusion for the final blend. LaMuse Verte is bottled without sugar, synthetic anise, preservatives or artificial color and is the only absinthe made with totally fresh cut organic absinthe leaves. The black bottle protects this all natural absinthe. “It’s one of the rare absinthe on the market with a historical alcohol content of 68%.” 97pts Extraordinary 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

“Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast Sambuca Black Liqueur #30133093 / 750ml

This family recipe is distilled from a unique blend of ingredients including anise, elderberries, elderflower and sugar. A deliciously smooth finish with intense flavors. Paolucci Black Sambuca uses the essential oils of licorice and Witch Elder Bush to impart its rich flavor, but with a drier finish.

LEOPOLD BROTHERS DENVER, COLORADO Leopold Brothers is an award-winning, small-batch distillery in Denver, where Todd and Scott Leopold are bringing oldworld methods to craft spirits with rich, complex results. Leopold Brothers hand-crafts artisanal products from their state of the

ST. GEORGE SPIRITS CALIFORNIA American Absinthe Verte #30134388 / 200ML / 750ml

art, fully sustainable eco-distillery. American Absinthe Verte #30132399 / 750ml

Developed over many years of experimenting with botanicals and distillation techniques by Master Distiller Lance Winters. Grape based spirits infused with 14 different botanicals including Wormwood, Star Anise & Fennel. 120 Proof. The first 1,800 bottles sold out in 6 hours! Made with only the highest quality natural ingredients, this is a striking expression of absinthe. “St. George Absinthe is arguably the best absinthe going today...”, DrinkHacker.com Highly Recommended “Well done. ...handmade in small batches and it shows.

Created following the traditions of 19th Century European master distillers, this is a clean, straightforwardand refreshing absinthe: pale straw yellow-green liquid with a wallop of licorice aroma and flavor and medium body. Adding ice water coaxes out more complex lime and cinnamon scents, as well as lemon, orange and anise notes on the finish. “Excellent Absinthe” Wormwood Society Silver Medal International Wine & Spirits Competition

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coffee beans are meant to represent health, happiness and prosperity

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Amari

AMARO ITALY Santa Maria al Monte Naturale Liqueur #30138806 / 1L

CAPPELLETI TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE, ITALY The production of a rabarbaro liqueur by the amari and aperitivi producer Cappelletti dates back almost a century.

Alta Verde Amaro #30202182 / 750ml

Santa Maria al Monte, founded by Nicola Uignale in Genova in 1892 and at 40% alcohol, is deeply complex with loads of spicy detail in the mouth and a long, bitter close. It offers amazing intensity and length. While a fernet-style liqueur, it beautifully balances bitterness, herbaceousness, and sweetness and while compellingly complex, this liqueur distinguishes itself with pronounced mint on the finish. Try serving neat, added to coffee or mineral water. Sfumato Rabarbaro #30185713 / 750ml The profile of this amaro marries a dark smokiness with nuanced bitter woodsiness from alpine herbs and notes of sweet alpine berries. The taste is delicate, sweet berry fruit and bitter rhubarb. The production of a rabarbaro liqueur by the Trentino-Alto amari and aperitivi producer, Cappelletti, dates back almost a century. Straight or on the rocks, this makes a wonderful digestif. This herbal bitter is produced by Dutch genever distiller Boomsma. Cloosterbitter is based on a 15th century recipe, made with a blend of 17 herbs and plants found in the Frisian meadows during the month of May. Delicious chilled on the rocks, in a mixed drink or in cocktails. “Tangy and sweet in the mouth, the ethereral softness complements the gentle herbal flavor that elaborates each sip before finishing with a touch of bitterness.” 91pts Excellent Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016 Frisian Beerenburger Herbal Bitter #30187126 / 750ml An 11-herb tincture similar to Cloosterbitter but the botanicals are different. Full-bodied herbal bitter made by adding herbs to genever with notes of coriander, licorice, gentian, juniper berry and laurel. Has a smooth, yet bitter, finish. It is bracing neat, chilled and on the rocks—also a perfect bitter component in a whiskey-based cocktail. BOOMSMA HOLLAND, FRIESLAND Clerkampster Cloosterbitter Liqueur #30149802 / 750ml

Amaro Alta Verde’s hallmark flavor was common long ago throughout the Adriatic, though seldom found in the last half century. The principal ingredient, assenzio, is a variety of wormwood. A blend of alpine herbs, citrus and spice frame and lighten the classic bitter profile. Best enjoyed with citrus and tonic or soda, or just alone over ice with a big squeeze of lemon. In cocktails, Alta Verde adds depth and a drying effect to balance sweeter drinks. Pasubio Vino Amaro #30202185 / 750ml Pasubio was one of the first amaro recipes created by Guiseppe Cappelletti at the beginning of the 20th century. One of the most beloved of Cappelletti Amari, it is an ode to the mountain range just south of Rovereto. Flavors of pine, blueberry, smoke and alpine plants give a true expression of place. The deep favors and lush texture are the result of its preparation on a rich wine base.

MONTENEGRO BOLOGNA, ITALY Amaro #30133840 / 750ml

Traditional Amaro produced since 1885. Made using over 40 herbs from around the world, bottled at 23% vol, Amaro Montenegro uses a distinct soaking and distillation process which results in a liquor sweet in taste with a slightly bitter finish. The outstanding character is the sweetness of tangerine/mandarin peel. Best straight, with seltzer and lemon rind, or in various combinations in modern cocktails. If you need to express citrus notes in

your cocktail this is the Amaro to choose. 97pts “Top 50 Spirits 2014”, Wine Enthusiast

AN ITAL IAN INSTITUTION. Few things are more Italian than a glass of amaro. Dating back centuries, this herbal liqueur was first crafted by monks believing it had supernatural powers. Amaro Montenegro quickly became a cultural icon with legendary Italian Poet Gabriele D’Annunzio famously calling it the “liqueur of virtues.”The delicious amaro could barely keep up with demand, expanding to a new distillery in 1906. Production briefly stopped duringWWII, but quickly resumed thereafter. #1Amaro in Italy

CARDAMARO ITALY Vino Amaro #30105131 / 750ml

Producer Giovanni Bosca uses estate wine as the base for his Amari. After infusing the wine and other botanicals with cardoon and Blessed Thistle, the distillate rests in new oak for at least six months. 34 proof, low for typical Amari, and less bitter than many with a smooth, nutty, candied winter spice quality to it. Cardamaro is one of the most unique and interesting Amari available. An absolutely fantastic price for a high quality, delicious Amari and a perfect gateway into the world of Italian bitters. 91pts Excellent Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016

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CRAFT SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

LEOPOLD BROTHERS DENVER, COLORADO Aperitivo #30149279 / 750ml The Leopold brothers have gone back to the drawing board and created an all-natural version of the bitter aperitivo that uses real cochineal to color the liquid and brings a much bolder, bitter flavor. Sweet and bitter, with a citrus overlay, more earthy and floral than other aperitivos on the market. It mixes like a DREAM into a Negroni and works wonders in an Americano. If you think you’ve got

PAOLUCCI ITALY Amaro CioCiaro #30133092 / 750ml

Considered Italy’s finest Amaro, by America’s most prominent mixologists, Amaro CioCiaro, from an authentic 1873 family recipe, is made from a mixture of carefully selected herbs and natural ingredients. It just may be the closest substitute you’ll find for the original Amer Picon. Easily drinkable by itself, it won’t take over in a cocktail, plus…a very nice Amaro for the price. 60 Proof 90-95pts Superb “Best Buy” Wine Enthusiast ST. GEORGE SPIRITS CALIFORNIA “Bruto Americano” Aperitivo Bitter Liqueur #30187731 / 750ml Ready for a bigger, better, bitterer bar? Say hello to Bruto Americano! With a bracing dose of bitterness, a bright pop of citrus, and intriguing sylvan notes, Bruto is a bitter aperitivo liqueur that makes us as proud as it does thirsty. Bruto comes from a variety of herbs, roots, and other botanicals and includes gentian root; California-grown Seville orange; balsam fir and Cascara sagrada from the California buckthorn. Bright, citrusy, bitter hints of fruit and light sweetness. St. George produces a particularly amazing interpretation of this style. For back bars and cocktail programs—the world is wide here. “Your Negronis and Spritzes just got more interesting” – Drink Me; Featured in Tales of the Cocktail. “Sublime” – Imbibe VALLET MEXICO Henri Vallet begin crafting these classic bitters in the 1860s, when he emigrated to Mexico from France during the country’s brief French colonization period. When the imperial emperor was eventually deposed, Henri Vallet remained in his adopted homeland and by the 1880s he had established local prominence as a skilled distiller of elixirs and liqueurs. Fernet Vallet 70pf #30201875 / 750ml / 6cs Fernet-Vallet is a 70 Proof fernet liqueur made from a maceration of aromatic plants, roots and spices including cinnamon, clove, quassia wood, gentian root and cardamom. An intensely herbal, woodsy digestif, Fernet- Vallet enjoys popular usage throughout Mexico in the preparation of both classic and modern cocktails. Amargo Angostura Vallet 90pf #30201859 / 750ml / 6cs Amargo-Vallet Angostura is a 90 Proof bitter liqueur made fromAngostura bark and amaceration of cherry fruits, cloves and other roots and spices. Herbal notes of bittersweet dark chocolate and citrus rind balance an earthly richness to create this delightful elixir.

the Negroni cocktail mastered, think again. “Fernet Leopold” Highland Amaro #30134688 / 750ml

The Leopold Brothers are at it again—this time with a fantastic new Fernet Amaro. This thing is loaded with spearmint and packs a lovely bitter finish. The nose is complex, with layers of mint, cocoa nib, lavender, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. A palate of ginger, hops, bergamot, rose, smoke, and mint make this cult Amaro worth diving into. Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

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Brandy

CONVIDADO DE BACO JEREZ, SPAIN Solera Brandy de Jerez #30135332 / 750ml Crafted by one of the largest and oldest Sherry and Brandy producers from the Jerez region of Spain. Specially selected wines have been distilled, blended and aged in American Oak casks using the traditional Solera method to create this wellbalanced brandy with a delicate bouquet, and a smooth, long-lasting aftertaste. 92pts “Best Buy” Beverage Testing Institute VECCHIA ROMAGNA EMILIA-ROMAGNA, ITALY Etichetta Nera Brandy #30134690 / 750ml Despite being from Italy, Vecchia Romagna Brandy is more like Cognac than it is Grappa. It’s been aged in oak for at least three years before being bottled. The main grape used to craft Vecchia Romagna Brandy is Trebbiano. If you like brandy, we recommend giving it a try. It’s rare to find one this good at such a fair price. 95pts “Top 50 Spirits” 2014, Wine Enthusiast 10YO Riserva #30134691 / 750ml “Rivaling fine French brandies of similar age (10 years), this riserva is scented with honey and dates. On the palate, complex flavors run to dried fruit, baking spice and caramel.” 95pts “Top 50 Spirits” 2014, Wine Enthusiast

You’ve seen them—letters like V.S., A.C., X.O. (where it does not mean “Hug, full stop, Kiss, full stop”). So what does it all mean? Before you try to rearrange the letters like some kind of Sunday jumble, just remember this: all the letters on any bottle of Cognac or Armagnac you’ll see refer to one thing: aging. V.O. (Very Old): Meaning the whole thing’s been aged a minimum of 4 years. V.S. (Very Special): AKA “three stars,” means the youngest Cognac or Armagnac in the blend must be a minimum 2 years old. V.S.O.P. (Very Special/Superior Old Pale): Means the youngest Cognac in the blend must be at least 4 years old or, for Armagnac, 5 years old (though often it’s much older); “old pale” refers to caramel coloring, which can be used to color- correct, but in “Old Pale” should be omitted. Napoleon: Apparently a favorite of Napoleon, otherwise it just designated a Cognac that’s 4 years old or an Armagnac that’s at least 6 years old. X.O. (Extra Old): It’s fun that X.O. actually just means “extra old,” because that just seems like some straight-up street terminology.The“extra”here means at least 6 years old, though starting in April 2016 the new minimum will be 10 years old. (See, it’s a bit confusing.) VSO P : A guide to the brandy alphabet

Varietal: If and when a Cognac or Armagnac is made with just one grape, it may be named after that grape varietal or include the varietal on the label. Vintage: Much more common in Armagnac, when a particular year’s harvest is all that’s gone into the bottle. Cognacs are muchmore often blended, hence all the different terminology to indicate the age of the youngest eau de vie in the bottle. Vintage Armagnacs carry a hefty price tag. Hors d’Age (“Of the Ages”): Literally a way to say “this Cognac is so old, it’d be impolite to ask.” Fair warning, Cognac and Armagnac can lose their lustre after too much aging (some say around 35 years, but Tres Vieille Cognac can be 50 years old), so do some research before any big purchases. Cru: Not a statement of age, but place, basically the growing region, which you’ll see more often on Cognac (which has six official growing regions).

Kindred Spirits: When it comes to brandies, nothing competes with France’s amber trio; Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados, each a pure product of its own terroir.

Calvados

F R A N C E

Cognac

Armagnac

Cognac comes from a sector of chalky soil near the town it’s named for, in the Charentes region north of Bordeaux. Armagnac’s territory lies south of the Garonne river in the Midi-Pyrénées region once known as Gascony, of Musketeer fame.Made with white wine from three areas—in ascending order of excellence, Haut-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Bas Armagnac Apple orchards replace vineyards in Normandy, where calvados , familiarly called calva, was named after one of the departments in which it’s made—double-distilled from apple mash fermented with yeast. First recorded in the 16th century, calva is the basis of the trou Normand, the pause during a hearty meal for a nip —FRANCETODAY.COM

— VINEPAIR.COM

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CRAFT SPIRITS PORTFOLIO