02 « BIG IDEAS FOR QUICK CHANGEs
04 « OVERHAULING THE BOTTOM LINE
AS THE UNDISPUTED master of the spirit world, few people have more reason to take themselves seriously — yet don’t — than F. Paul Pacult. He has the keenest palate, most discerning nose and possesses an intimate familiarity with every liquor and liqueur ever poured from a bottle. In 2000, Pacult founded the San Francisco World Spirits Competition with Anthony Dais Blue. It quickly became the preeminent event of its type both in terms of number of products entered and international stature. Winning a gold or double gold medal in San Francisco soon was seen as the pinnacle of achievements.
But professionally driven people like Paul Pacult are rarely satisfied with the status quo. He perceived how the judging process could be refined and significantly improved. So in 2009, Pacult resigned his position with the SFWSC and founded the Ultimate Spirits Competition along with industry veteran David Talbot and Spirit Journal managing editor Sue Woodley. The inaugural event was held in March at the Astor Center in New York. More than 500 of the world’s finest spirits, liqueurs responded to the challenge and entered the competition.
According to Pacult, the primary goal behind the new competition was to “establish a new platinum standard of integrity, reliability, and most important, meaningful and relevant results to international beverage competitions in order to recognize the highest degree of product quality.” He achieved the goal by unveiling a new competitive evaluation system, instituting a rigorous judging regimen and implementing multiple safeguards throughout the review process to prevent over-inflated scoring and judging inconsistencies.
Pacult also ensured the success of the Ultimate Spirits Competition by retaining the services of most respected spirits experts in the industry. The panel included such luminaries as Dale DeGroff, Andy Seymour, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Steve Olson, Doug Frost, David Wondrich, Gaz Regan, Audrey Saunders and assistant judging chairman Sean Ludford.
Before scrolling down and perusing the results, consider the exactitude of the scrutiny to which the products were subjected. Each spirit entered was reviewed under ideal conditions over a
The best of the best in each category at the Ultimate Spirits Competition were bestowed the “Chairman’s Trophy Winner.” Products scoring 95-100 were honored with the rating of “Category Benchmark/Ultimate Recommendation,” while those with aggregate scores of 90-94 earned the designation “Excellent/High Recommendation.” Products that scored between 85-89 were designated as “Very Good/Recommendation” and those with aggregate scores between 76-84 were cited as “Enjoyable/Commendable.”
Because of space limitations, we’ve only included products that were awarded 90 points or higher. We’ve also gone through the results and created a roster of the products priced $20 or less and those priced between $20 and $30 that earned the highest scores. In our opinion, crafting a world-class spirit and attaching a modest price tag to it is especially noteworthy. A complete list of the results is available at ultimate-beverage.com.
In the spirits industry accolades are dished out like Jello and claims of excellence often have little foundation in fact. The Ultimate Spirits Competition is on pace to change all of that. For those of us who make our living on either side of the bar, it’s something of a cross between the Better Business Bureau and the Seal of Good Housekeeping.
Thanks Paul, can we buy you a drink? —RP
2010 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Results
Highest Scores — Products Priced $20 or Less
| Score | Product | Abv. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | Deraka Vodka | (Canada) | 40% abv | $11.99 |
| 90 | Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Straight 4 yr old Rye Whiskey | (USA) | 50% abv | $12.99 |
| 91 | Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP American Brandy | (USA) | 40% abv | $14.00 |
| 91 | Don Q Anejo Rum | (Puerto Rico) | 40% abv | $15.99 |
| 97 | George Dickel No. 12 10 yr old Tennessee Whiskey | (USA) | 45% abv | $17.00 |
| 92 | Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon | (USA) | 40% abv | $18.99 |
| 91 | Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka | (Finland) | 37.5% abv | $18.99 |
| 90 | Beefeater Gin | (United Kingdom) | 47% abv | $19.00 |
| 94 | SKYY Vodka | (USA) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 93 | Tanqueray London Dry Gin | (England) | 41.3% abv | $19.99 |
| 92 | Harlem Kruiden | (Holland) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 92 | Cerro Azul Anejo | (Mexico) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 91 | Jim Beam Kentucky Straight 4 yr old Rye Whiskey | (USA) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 91 | St. Remy XO French Brandy | (France) | 40% abv | $20.00 |
| 90 | Plantation Grand Reserve 5 yr old Rum | (France) | 40% abv | $20.00 |
2010 Highest Scores — Top Twelve
| Score | Product | Abv. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97 | George Dickel No. 12 10 yr old Tennessee Whiskey | (USA) | 45% abv | $11.99 |
| 97 | Broker's Gin | (England) | 47% abv | $12.99 |
| 97 | Tres Agaves Anejo, 100% Agave Tequila | (Mexico) | 40% abv | $14.00 |
| 97 | Cognac Frapin Chateau Fontpinot XO Cognac | (France) | 41% abv | $15.99 |
| 97 | Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection Rum | (Barbados) | 43% abv | $17.00 |
| 97 | Chateau du Busca-Maniban Hors d'Age 15 yr Armagnac | (France) | 40% abv | $18.99 |
| 97 | The Macallan Fine Oak 21 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky | (Scotland) | 43% abv | $18.99 |
| 96 | Orzel Vodka | (Poland) | 40% abv | $19.00 |
| 96 | Midleton Very Rare 2008 Irish Whiskey | (Ireland) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 95 | St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur | (France) | 20% abv | $19.99 |
| 95 | Boulard Grand Solage Pays d’Auge Calvados | (France) | 40% abv | $19.99 |
| 95 | Nonino Grappa Il Merlot | (Italy) | 41% abv | $19.99 |
Highest Scores — Products Priced Between $20 and $30
| Score | Product | Abv. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Macchu Pisco Pisco | (Peru) | 40% abv | $22.00 |
| 93 | J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum | (Jamaica) | 63% abv | $22.99 |
| 92 | Bacardi 8 yr old Rum | (Puerto Rico) | 40% abv | $22.99 |
| 93 | Speyburn 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky | (Scotland) | 43% abv | $24.99 |
| 93 | Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon | (USA) | 45% abv | $24.99 |
| 92 | Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage 10 yr old Bourbon | (USA) | 43.3% abv | $24.99 |
| 92 | Bauchant Orange Napoleon | (France) | 40% abv | $24.99 |
| 91 | Appleton Estate Reserve Rum | (Jamaica) | 40% abv | $24.99 |
| 91 | Flor de Cana Grand Reserve 7 yr old Rum | (Nicaragua) | 40% abv | $24.99 |
| 90 | PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur | (USA) | 17% abv | $24.99 |
| 92 | Wild Turkey Bourbon | (USA) | 50.5% abv | $25.00 |
| 91 | Citadelle Gin | (France) | 44% abv | $25.00 |
| 93 | The Glenlivet 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky | (Scotland) | 40% abv | $28.00 |
| 93 | Mathilde Raspberry Framboise | (France) | 18% abv | $28.00 |
| 92 | Tanqueray No. Ten Gin | (England) | 47.3% abv | $28.99 |
| 96 | Beefeater 24 Gin | (United Kingdom) | 45% abv | $29.00 |
| 96 | Orzel Vodka | (Poland) | 40% abv | $29.99 |
| 92 | Appleton Estate 12 yr old Rum | (Jamaica) | 43% abv | $29.99 |
| 91 | Coole Swan Irish Cream | (Ireland) | 16% abv | $29.99 |
| 90 | Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon | (USA) | 45% abv | $29.99 |
| 95 | Chivas Regal 18 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky | (Scotland) | 75% abv | $30.00 |
| 93 | Vermont Spirits White Vodka | (USA) | 40% abv | $30.00 |
| 93 | Plymouth English Gin | (United Kingdom) | 41.2% abv | $30.00 |
| 92 | Bulleit Blue Label Bourbon | (USA) | 40% abv | $30.00 |
2010 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Results
Vodka & Aquavit
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
96 Orzel Vodka (Poland); 40% abv, $29.99
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Skyy Vodka (USA); 40% abv, $19.99
Finalist – 93 Vermont Spirits White Vodka (USA); 40% abv, $30
Finalist – 91 Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka (Finland); 37.5% abv, $18.99
91 Stolichnaya Elit Vodka (Russia); 40% abv, $59.99
90 Deraka Vodka (Canada); 40% abv, $11.99
90 Purity Vodka (Sweden); 40% abv, $39.99
Gin & Genever
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 Broker’s Gin (England); 47% abv, $22
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 96 Beefeater 24 Gin (United Kingdom); 45% abv, $29
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 93 Citadelle Reserve 2009 Gin (France); 44% abv, $40
Finalist – 93 Tanqueray London Dry Gin (England); 41.3% abv, $19.99
93 Plymouth English Gin (United Kingdom); 41.2% abv, $30
92 Tanqueray No. Ten Gin (England); 47.3% abv, $28.99
91 Citadelle Gin (France); 44% abv, $25
91 Oxley Classic English Dry Gin (England); 47% abv, $53.99
90 Beefeater Gin (United Kingdom); 47% abv, $19
90 G’Vine Floraison Gin (France); 40% abv, $35
Tequila, Mezcal & Agave-Based Spirits
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 Tres Agaves Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $38
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 95 Sombra Mezcal (Mexico); 40% abv, $44.99
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Don Pilar Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $45
Finalist – 94 Del Maguey Tobala Mezcal (Mexico); 47.4% abv, $125
94 Partida Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $58
94 Partida Elegante Extra Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $350
94 Don Eduardo Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $44.99
93 Azunia Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $57.99
92 Republic Silver, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $38
92 Partida Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $50
92 Cabo Wabo Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $44.99
92 Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila; 40% abv, $350
92 Cabo Wabo Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $49.99
92 Cerro Azul Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $19.99
91 Jose Cuervo Traditional Silver, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $24.99
91 Ambhar Plata, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $45
91 El Mayor Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $32.99
91 Charbay Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $58
91 Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila; 40% abv, $120
90 Excellia Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $70
90 Corzo Silver, 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% abv, $49.99
Rum, Cachaça & Sugarcane-Based Spirits
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection Rum (Barbados); 43% abv, $100
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 95 Zafra 21 yr old Rum (Panama); 40% abv, $40
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 93 J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum (Jamaica); 63% abv, $22.99
Finalist – 92 Bacardi 8 yr old Rum (Puerto Rico); 40% abv, $22.99
92 Appleton Estate 12 yr old Rum (Jamaica); 43% abv, $29.99
92 Depaz Blue Cane Amber, Rhum Agricole (Martinique); 45% abv, $39.99
91 Pampero Anniversario Rum (Venezuela); 40% abv, $40
91 Don Q Añejo Rum (Puerto Rico); 40% abv, $15.99
91 Appleton Estate Reserve Rum (Jamaica); 40% abv, $24.99
91 Flor de Caña Grand Reserve 7 yr old Rum (Nicaragua); 40% abv, $24.99
91 Mount Gay Extra Old Rum (Barbados); 43% abv, $45
90 Rhum JM VSOP, Rhum Agricole (Martinique); 45% abv, $57.99
90 Agua Libre Rum (USA); 56.8% abv, $60
90 Plantation Grand Reserve 5 yr old Rum (France); 40% abv, $20
Whisky — Scotland
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 The Macallan Fine Oak 21 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $219.99
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 96 Johnnie Walker Gold Label Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $80
Finalist – 95 Royal Salute 21 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $160
Finalist – 95 Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $199.99
95 Chivas Regal 18 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 75% abv, $30
95 anCnoc 16 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $59.99
95 Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 54.2% abv, $74
95 Benromach 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $45
95 Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $59.99
95 Highland Park 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $104.99
95 Isle of Jura Superstition Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $50
95 The Macallan 1824 Collection: Select Oak Single Malt Scotch; 40% abv, $53
95 The Macallan 1824 Collect.: Estate Reserve Single Malt Scotch; 42.8% abv, $165
95 Tobermory 15 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46.3% abv, $115.99
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
94 Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $60
94 Ardbeg 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $54
94 Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 43% abv, $99.99
94 Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 46% abv, $79.99
94 Isle of Jura 16 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $65
94 Old Pulteney 21 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $120
94 The Balvenie Signature Batch 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 43% abv, $85
94 The Macallan 1824 Coll.: Whisky Maker’s Single Malt Scotch; 42.8% abv, $99.99
93 Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $38
93 Dewar’s 1840 18 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $79.99
93 Buchanan’s Red Seal Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $145
93 Balblair 1991 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $124.99
93 Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 51% abv, $65
93 Glenfiddich 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 51% abv, $65
93 Glenmorangie Original 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $39.99
93 Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $49.99
93 Ledaig 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $39.99
93 Old Pulteney 17 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $99.99
93 Speyburn 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $24.99
93 The Balvenie Doublewood 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $45
93 The Dalmore King Alexander III Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $250
93 The Glenlivet 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $28
93 The Macallan Fine Oak 17 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 43% abv, $124.99
92 Chivas Regal 25 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 75% abv, $299
92 anCnoc 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $39.99
92 Bruichladdich Rocks Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 46% abv, $44.95
92 Glenfiddich 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $85
92 Glenfiddich 21 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $130
92 Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 46% abv, $49.99
92 Highland Park 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $45.99
92 Isle of Jura 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $40
92 The Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph 1991 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 57% abv, $85
92 The Dalmore 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $50
92 The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 yr old Single Malt Scotch; 40% abv, $45
92 The Glenlivet 18 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $60
92 The Glenrothes 1978 31 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $449.99
92 The Macallan Fine Oak 15 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $79.99
91 Sheep Dip 1990 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $70
91 Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $87
91 Grand Old Parr 12 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $35
91 Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $237
91 Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist Ltd 1990 Release Single Malt Scotch; 46% abv, $84
91 Glen Grant 10 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $44.99
91 Glen Grant 16 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $79.99
91 Old Pulteney 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $39.99
91 The Glenrothes 1994 16 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $79.99
90 Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $220
90 Dewar’s 1240 12 yr old Blended Scotch Whisky; 40% abv, $39.95
90 Glenmorangie Astar Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 57.1% abv, $79.99
90 Highland Park 15 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $69.99
90 The Balvenie Portwood 21 yr old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 43% abv, $180
Ireland & Wales: Whiskey — Ireland & Wales
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
96 Midleton Very Rare 2008 Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $145
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 95 Connemara Old Peated Single Malt 12 yr old Irish Whiskey; $93.99
Finalist – 95 Bushmills 1608 Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 46% abv, $100
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Redbreast Pure Pot Still 12 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ire); 40% abv, $60
93 Powers 12 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $35
92 Bushmills Single Malt 16 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $65
92 Jameson 12 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $49
91 Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $32
90 Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky (Wales); 46% abv, $69.99
90 Bushmills Single Malt 21 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $120
90 Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $250
90 Jameson 18 yr old Irish Whiskey (Ireland); 40% abv, $99
Whisky/Whiskey — America & Canada
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 George Dickel No. 12 10 yr old Tennessee Whiskey (USA); 45% abv, $17
Finalist Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 95 Sazerac Kentucky Straight 18 yr old Rye Whiskey; 45% abv, $69.99
Finalist Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon; 45.2% abv, $32.99
Finalist – 93 Crown Royal XR Canadian Blended Whisky (Canada); 40% abv, $165
93 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon (USA); 45% abv, $24.99
93 Four Roses Marriage 10 yr old Bourbon (USA); 54.8% abv, $79.99
93 Pappy Van Winkle Kentucky Straight Bourbon 20 yr old; 45.2% abv, $99.99
93 Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon (USA); 50% abv, $150
93 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight 12 yr old Bourbon; 62.7% abv, $69.99
92 Bulleit Blue Label Bourbon (USA); 40% abv, $30
92 Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage 10 yr old Bourbon; 43.3% abv, $24.99
92 Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon (USA); 40% abv, $18.99
92 Hirsch Selection Small Batch Reserve 4 yr old Bourbon (USA); 46% abv, $35.99
92 Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon (USA); 50.5% abv, $45
92 Wild Turkey Bourbon (USA); 50.5% abv, $25
92 Wild Turkey Single Barrel Bourbon (USA); 50.5% abv, $60
92 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey; 67.4% abv, $69.99
92 Crown Royal Cask No. 16 16 yr old Canadian Blended Whisky; 40% abv, $100
91 Four Roses OESQ, Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Bourbon; 59.2% abv, $54.99
91 Tuthilltown 4 Grain Bourbon (USA); 46% abv, $49.99
91 Wild Turkey Tradition 14 yr old Bourbon (USA); 50.5% abv, $125
91 Jim Beam Kentucky Straight 4 yr old Rye Whiskey (USA); 40% abv, $19.99
90 Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon (USA); 45% abv, $29.99
90 Old Forester 2009 Birthday 12 yr old Bourbon (USA); 48.5% abv, $39.99
90 Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Straight 4 yr old Rye Whiskey; 50% abv, $12.99
90 Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Single Malt (Canada); 40% abv, $49.99
France: Cognac
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 Cognac Frapin Chateau Fontpinot XO Cognac (France); 41% abv, $95
Finalist – 96 Landy XO Cognac (France); 40% abv, $119.99
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Pierre Ferrand Selection des Anges 30 yr old Cognac; 40% abv, $145
Finalist – 93 Hennessy XO Cognac (France); 40% abv, $150
93 Delamain Extra 40 yr old Cognac (France); 40% abv, $329.99
93 Delamain XO Pale & Dry Cognac (France); 40% abv, $99.99
92 Remy Martin 1989 18 yr old Cognac Grande Champagne (France); 45% abv, $300
92 Pierre Ferrand Ambre 10 yr old Cognac (France); 40% abv, $45
92 Louis Royer Preference VSOP Cognac (France); 40% abv, $44.99
91 Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac Fine Champagne; 40% abv, $50
91 Pierre Ferrand Reserve 20 yr old Cognac (France); 40% abv, $65
90 Louis Royer Force 53 VSOP Cognac Fine Champagne (France); 53% abv, $49.99
90 Sequinot Napoleon Cognac Grande Champagne (France); 40% abv, $78
90 Hennessy Privilege VSOP Cognac (France); 40% abv, $50
90 Distillerie du Peyrat VSOP Cognac (France); 40% abv, $60
France: Armagnac
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
97 Chateau du Busca-Maniban Hors d’Age 15 yr old Armagnac; 40% abv, $112.99
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
Finalist – 96 Cles des Ducs VSOP Armagnac (France); 40% abv, $32.99
Finalist – 95 Chateau de Laubade 1960 Armagnac (France); 40% abv, $360
Finalist – 95 Marie Duffau Hors D’Age 12 yr old Bas-Armagnac; 40% abv, $54
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
93 Chateau de Laubade VSOP Armagnac (France); 40% abv, $49.99
93 Larresingle XO Armagnac (France); 43% abv, $94.99
92 DeLord XO Bas-Armagnac (France); 40% abv, $57
91 Delord Napoleon Bas-Armagnac (France); 40% abv, $38
France: Calvados
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
95 Boulard Grand Solage Pays d’Auge Calvados (France); 40% abv, $44.99
Finalist – 95 Roger Groult 8 yr old Calvados, Pays d’ Auge (France); 44% abv, $65
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 91 Coeur de Lion Hors d’Age 15 yr Calvados, Pays d’ Auge; 42%, $148
Brandy, Grappa & Eau-de-Vie
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
95 Nonino Grappa Il Merlot (Italy); 41% abv, $54
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 94 Macchu Pisco Pisco (Peru); 40% abv, $22
Finalist – 93 Giovi Clear Brandy of Cactus Pear Italian Brandy; 45% abv, $115
Finalist – 93 Bartlett Spirits of Maine Distillery Apple American Brandy; 40% abv, $34.99
91 St. Remy XO French Brandy (France); 40% abv, $20
91 Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP American Brandy (USA); 40% abv, $14
90 Campo de Encanto Acholado Pisco (Peru); 42.5% abv, $35
Liqueurs, Absinthes & Other
Chairman’s Trophy Winner Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation —
95 St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (France); 20% abv, $34.99
Excellent, Highly Recommended —
Finalist – 93 Herbsaint Original Liqueur d’Anis (USA); 50% abv, $34.99
Finalist – 93 Mathilde Raspberry Framboise (France); 18% abv, $28
Finalist – 92 Bauchant Orange Napoleon (France); 40% abv, $24.99
92 Cointreau (France); 40% abv, $36.99
92 Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe (France); 65% abv, $64
92 Harlem Kruiden (Holland); 40% abv, $19.99
91 Chambord Black Raspberry (France); 23% abv, $32.99
91 Coole Swan Irish Cream (Ireland); 16% abv, $29.99
90 PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur (USA); 17% abv, $24.99
90 Cointreau Noir (France); 40% abv, $59.99
90 Solerno (Italy); 40% abv, $36.99
90 Galliano Liqueur (Italy); 42.3% abv, $32.99
90 La Muse Verde Absinthe (France); 68% abv, $62
