Other Spirits

Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel
Irish Cream Liqueur

17% ABV
$15
Website

We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

Made with award-winning, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, all-natural cream from Irish dairy farms and salted caramel flavor, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel brings a new sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream. Produced by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel is bottled at 34 proof (17% ABV) and is available in a 750 ml bottle. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July 2023 at a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose with silky cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The warm, sugary finish highlights the sea salt and rich caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish Portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile. I expect our Salted Caramel will be a go-to choice for adults looking for a fun, boozy treat – especially during the summer months.”

What Gary Says

Nose:  Creamy, caramel, butterscotch with a bit of chocolate.
Palate:  Thick and creamy mouthfeel, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla and cream.
Finish:  Long caramel crème candy.
Comments:  Honestly, these aren’t usually my thing – but after reviewing the Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream earlier this summer and enjoying that (and maybe more importantly, learning my wife LOVED it), I decided to give this a try. Glad that I did! This is really nice. Quite a bit sweeter by comparison but is dangerously drinkable. Pour a couple fingers worth over a cube and this is delightful (although doesn’t need the ice coming out of the fridge). I quite enjoyed just a bit of this over some freshly baked banana nut bread (just letting it soak in).

Rating: Stands Out

Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream

16.5% ABV
$22
Website

We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon forms the base for this smooth, rich bourbon cream that boasts authentic ingredients and an honest legacy.

“Based on the success of Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, we have elevated the proof for both the Ezra Brooks Rye and Bourbon Cream variants,” said Eric Winter, brand manager for Ezra Brooks. “Ezra Brooks 99 Rye drinkers will find the same great rye-whiskey taste, but with enhanced flavor delivered by the higher proof. Similarly, our new Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream delivers a bolder, richer expression of the bourbon-cream flavor our customers love.”

TASTING NOTES: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel blend with undertones of vanilla and sweet pecan on the nose. Buttery caramel is followed by sweet toffee and a smooth, warm finish on the palate.

INGREDIENTS: Corn, rye, malt, and natural cream

What Gary Says

Nose:  Half and half with nutty caramel, chocolate and vanilla.
Palate:  Creamy and thick with dulce de leche, bit of chocolate, butterscotch and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish:  Long and creamy with toffee.
Comments:  Full disclosure – I haven’t tried a lot of these, other than at the end of a distillery tour. It isn’t that I don’t like them, but since once opened they have to be kept refrigerated – I always figured that my better half wouldn’t be crazy about my taking up the space for something I might just reach for every now and then. Little did I know that she would be the one asking “So why isn’t this on-hand at ALL times?” She really likes it, and enjoys a couple ounces over an ice cube in the evening. Richard shared his thoughts, and said he found this by comparison to some of the others to be on the sweet side – which is precisely why my wife would likely prefer this to the other.
I found it quite nice in a Mudslide as well as dark roast coffee (although be sure to tamp down your usual sugar/sweetener volume, as this brings plenty of that to the party). And taking a cue from the wifey, I can’t argue that it is a nice evening sipper over some cubes on a hot summer night. Just be careful – as it drinks so easily, you can forget it is 33 proof (and don’t want to be rudely reminded of that the next morning!)

Rating: Stands Out

Paulet Cognac Grand Champagne XO

40% ABV
$80
Website

What the Bottle* Says

The house of Paulet was established in 1848 on an estate that has been producing Cognac as early as 1761. It is one of the iconic names in the Cognac region renowned for its quality, know how and respect for craftsmanship and tradition.

What the Retailer* Says

France- This Grand Champagne XO comes from wines issued from the first cru (growth) of the Cognac region. The distillate has a fresh minerality with pear and white flower notes, that will be enhanced during the aging in Limousin oak barrels. 2018 San Francisco Spirits Gold Medal Winner.

* I couldn’t find a website for the producer, so information is from the bottle itself and the retailer

What Gary Says

DISCLAIMER: I’m a whisk(e)y enthusiast, and not as familiar with Cognac (so read at your own risk!)
Nose:  Grapes, kiwi, tangerines, peaches, vanilla, subtle rose petals and a hint of something savory (maybe fennel?).
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet with fruit salad, kiwi, pears, peaches, stewed apples, hint of cinnamon and rice pudding.
Finish:  Moderately long, damp with cinnamon dusted apples.
Comments:  I really like this, and in fact this is my go-to Cognac when making a Vieux Carré. I started out using a VS Cognac for that cocktail, but after experiencing an XO decided to give this one a shot, and wasn’t disappointed. Although if you have a Cognac in the same price range that you think does a superior job in that cocktail, please drop me a line and let me know!

Rating: Stands Out

Germain-Robin XO California Alambic Brandy

40% ABV
$130
Website

What the Distillery Says

Germain-Robin XO is an icon of California Brandy. Distilled exclusively in Pruhlo Charentais Pot Stills and aged in Limousin Oak Barrels, XO highlights the unique flavor and characteristics of California Pinot Noir grapes.

DISTILLER’S NOTES:
The high-quality California wine grapes in Germain-Robin XO showcase unique flavors and layered textures. The signature grape, Pinot Noir, provides a dark cherry character and a rich silky mouthfeel. Colombard distillate adds a fresh apple character while Sémillon provides richness with peach and apricot notes. The balance of both fruit and oak flavors is unique to Germain-Robin XO. The vanilla and toast flavors from the French oak complement the fruit which creates layers of complexity that only can be found from sourcing great fruit. The fermentation and distillation is driven with the goal of emphasizing fruit and mouthfeel and then paired with aging in select Limousin Oak Barrels. Texturally, the brandy is extremely smooth and has an incredibly long finish.

SIGNATURE FLAVORS:
Cherry, Vanilla, Oak

What Gary Says

DISCLAIMER: I’m a whisk(e)y enthusiast, and not familiar with Brandy (so read at your own risk!)
Nose:  Grapes, apples, sherried fruit, sandalwood incense, floral, hint of green tea with subtle mulling spices.
Palate:  Bright, floral with apples, cherries, and pepper spice (tad astringent).
Finish:  Short to moderate in length, dry with unsweetened grape juice and apples.
Comments:  I haven’t had a lot of brandy, but I enjoyed this one. The nose is delightful and complex, although the palate left me wanting what the nose was advertising. Seemed like the nuance and subtle notes from the nose just got lost along the way to my tongue! This isn’t my area of expertise, so that may be typical – and as such, not knocking down my rating.

Rating: Stands Out