TCV Craft Spirits Book

Absinthe / Pastis

ST. GEORGE SPIRITS CALIFORNIA American Absinthe Verte

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. Absinthe Verte #477846 / 750ml / $56.99 Created following the traditions of 19th Century European master distillers, this is a clean, straightforward and 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

#836240 / 200ml / $16.67 #930972 / 750ml / $49.99

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.

The history of absinthe is a cocktail of myth, conjecture and controversy. A turn-of-the- twentieth-century favorite of artists and writers, the spirit was banned in the United States in 1912 because it was believed to be hallucinogenic. Just a few years ago, it once again became legal in America to buy the high-alcohol, anise-flavored liquor.

The term “absinthe” comes from Artemisia absinthium, the scientific name for its key ingredient, wormwood. Long before distillers discovered it, the herb was used for medicinal purposes.

The production of absinthe is much like that of gin: High-proof neutral spirit is infused with a blend of botanicals, including wormwood, and redistilled. Traditionally, the alcohol is infused a second time before bottling to intensify the flavor and create the signature green color. Many modern producers skip this final step and use dyes instead.

Amari / Fernet / Aperitivo

BOOMSMA HOLLAND, FRIESLAND Clerkampster Cloosterbitter Liqueur #772731/ 750ml / $19.99

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 #888180 / 750ml / $19.99 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.

CARDAMARO ITALY, PIEDMONT/ASTI Vino Amaro #677448 / 750ml / $21.99

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 Best Buy Wine Enthusiast

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