Smoky Spirits

Lepanto P.X.   

Mind. 15 Jahre I approx. 15 years
36% Vol.Alc.
Preis I Price: EUR 35,– (D), 52,– (A),
CHF 66,–, GBP 45.00

What makes this brandy from the company of Gonzalez Byass so special is that during the last five years it is undergoing an additional aging process in barrels of the prize-winning Noe sherry. The sweetness resulting from this is quite distinctive. It features a spiciness with round tones of wood and notes of chocolate, in scent as well as in taste. The perfect partner for it is an 858 from Arturo Fuente. Initially there are aromas of dates, then slightly caramelized sugar and a harmonious bittersweetness of the cigar take over. Together with the brandy, the earthy-spicy aromas of a Magnum 46 are transformed into aromas of strong sweetened coffee.

Brugal Extra Viejo

8–12 Jahre I 8–12 years
38% Vol. Alc.
Preis I Price: EUR 18,– (D), 17,– (A),
CHF 35,–, GBP 45.00

The variety of aromas in this Dominican rum is surprising: caramel, toffee, raisins, vanilla and touches of coffee rise from the glass. Mildness with a light sweetness is featured in its taste, accompanied by subtle notes of fruit. It is strong in expression in combination with a Corona Extra from Rafaël González. The cigar exhibits per se caramel aromas. The sweetness of the rum and the light note reminiscent of honey strengthen each other in a pleasant way. Otherwise, the sensory palette of rum remains unchanged, with only the touches of caramel from the corona becoming somewhat bitter and providing the tête-à-tête of these Caribbean sisters with the necessary spiciness.

Yamazaki

18 Jahre I 18 years
43% Vol.Alc.
Preis I Price: EUR 100,– (D), 115,– (A), CHF 146,–, GBP 60.95, USD 100.00

Wow! This whisky from the oldest distillery in Japan is so complex that one could remain quite occupied with it for an entire evening. It displays aromas of slightly burned caramel, tangerine zest, wood, roasting, and plum cake in the nose. A spicy sweetness, chocolate and a whiff of sherry melt in the mouth. The tart spicy sweetness of a Griffins Maduro Robusto combines very well with the aromas of the whisky and develops subtle notes of bitter chocolate. Try a San Cristóbal El Principe with the whisky and a little spice boutique opens up which even matches the complexity of this single malt.