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Asian Spirits
Reviews for 2019

February 2019 - Asian Spirits

February 2019 - Asian Spirits
This month's Spirit feature is Asian Spirits

Asian Spirits Reviews

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Teeda Japanese Rum
95 points
$36.95
Teeda
Japanese Rum
Light gold color. Minerally aromas of sweet plantain, hot copper, panela, tonka bean, and elotes with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long toasted mango muffin, mango-infused caramel, pineapple smoothie, and lychee finish. A distinctive, chewy rum with pervasive notes of dried mango; memorable daiquiri riffs incoming.
95 points $36.95
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Date Tasted:
Etsu Handcrafted Gin
94 points
$39.99
Etsu
Handcrafted Gin
Clear color. Aromas and flavors of dried lime, lemongrass, sancho pepper, eucalyptus, bay, and juniper with a supple, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, complex, medium-long finish with overtones of jasmine and leather conditioner finish. A masculine of center gin with pervasive notes of dried herbs.
94 points $39.99
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Date Tasted:
Kirishima Shuzo Akane Kirishima Shochu
93 points
Kirishima Shuzo
Akane Kirishima Shochu
Clear color. Floral aromas of violet, tea rose, pear blossom, mixed melon, and cherry with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, long floral waters, pink peppercorn, and fresh sweet potato noodles finish. Swap this Asian spirit for pisco or gin in craft cocktails or just sip the vividly floral tipple on its own to experience an avant garde approach to shochu.
Awards: 2018 Best Shochu
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Kirishima Shuzo Kuro Kirishima EX Shochu
92 points
Kirishima Shuzo
Kuro Kirishima EX Shochu
Clear color. Savory, smoky aromas and flavors of baked sweet potato, preserved lime, black snake, alliums, and marinated mushrooms with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a graceful, complex, medium-length finish that exhibits overtones of roasted carrot, pickled ginger, and mint finish. A chewy, savory Shochu that will make a great dinner pairing; lots of nuance to explore.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Kirishima Shuzo Kuro Kirishima Shochu
91 points
$19.99
Best Buy
Kirishima Shuzo
Kuro Kirishima Shochu
Clear color. Savory aromas and flavors of marinated mushrooms, soy-glazed seaweed snack, salted pretzels, and bell pepper with a satiny, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-long finish that presents accents of fresh bread and caramelized shallots finish. A food-enhancing shochu with lots of umami notes to explore.
91 points $19.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Grace Cor Cor Red Okinawan White Rum
91 points
$47
Grace
Cor Cor Red Okinawan White Rum
Clear color. Smoky aromas of mesquite, smoked tomato, ham-studded baked buns, tamarind chutney, black beans, and clove with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, complex, medium-length shaved coconut, ghee, rice pudding, and candied mango finish. A arak-like rum with piles of smoky, funky notes that will be a secret weapon to add nuance in cocktails; one of the most distinctive rums you’ll try.
91 points $47
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Date Tasted:
Takahashi Brewery Ginrei Shiro Shochu
90 points
$22
Best Buy
Takahashi Brewery
Ginrei Shiro Shochu
Clear color. Aromas of rice candy and watermelon cooler with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a medium-long bubblegum, agave nectar, white pepper, and aniseed finish. A silky, fruity shochu with a friendly personality; a nice transition for sake drinkers.
90 points $22 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Tanduay White Rum
89 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Tanduay
White Rum
Clear color. Aromas of raw coconut, spritz of lime, white pepper, and cumin with a satiny, soft, dry-yet-fruity light body and an even, brisk sweet cream finish. A clean Cuban-style rum with endless cocktail possibilities.
89 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Helios Distillery Kura The Whiskey
89 points
$70
Helios Distillery
Kura The Whiskey
Clear color. Aromas of honey on whole wheat toast, peat, sliced asian pear, cherry wood, and tobacco with a silky, crisp, dryish light body and a tingling, breezy clover blossom, toasted rice, charred bell pepper, and burnt sugar finish. A smoky malt for superb highballs.
89 points $70
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Date Tasted:
Ramallah Golden Arak
88 points
$20
Best Buy
Ramallah
Golden Arak
Clear color. Aromas and flavors of black licorice, fresh tarragon, and clove with a velvety, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, cheery finish with accents of cracked black pepper finish. A nicely spiced arak with velvety texture and in-check heat.
88 points $20 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Kirishima Shuzo Aka Kirishima Shochu
88 points
$21.99
Kirishima Shuzo
Aka Kirishima Shochu
Clear color. Aromas and flavors of golden apple, summer peach, and candied banana with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish conveying notes of flint finish. Lightly fruity and with a smoky edge, this shochu offers a mellow libation to keep the night going.
88 points $21.99
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Date Tasted:
Kweichow Moutai Legendary China Collection Baijiu
88 points
$420
Kweichow Moutai
Legendary China Collection Baijiu
Clear color. Savory aromas of pickles, tempeh, fish sauce, marinated carrots, and honey-mustard with a satiny, vibrant, sweet-and-sour light-to-medium body and a warming, compelling, medium-length spiced tea with cream, soy glazed peanuts, dark roasted coffee, and fermented honey finish. A balanced Baiju with a full spectrum of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
88 points $420
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Date Tasted:
Charm Soju
87 points
$2.99
Best Buy
Charm
Soju
Clear color. Aromas of powdered sugar, water chestnuts, and banana leaf with a supple, crisp, fruity light body and a smooth, breezy pickled pear finish. A clean, mild, easy-drinking soju.
87 points $2.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Kirishima Shuzo Shiro Kirishima Shochu
87 points
$19.99
Kirishima Shuzo
Shiro Kirishima Shochu
Clear color. Aromas of bitter melon, smoke, apple, sugar snap peas, and sun dried tomato with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a peppery, breezy toasted cereal and black pepper finish. A food-friendly, slightly smoky shochu.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Tanduay Dark Rum
84 points
$12.99
Tanduay
Dark Rum
Dark amber color. Aroma of amaretti cookies with a satiny, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length butterscotch, frozen custard, cola, and caramel apple finish. A sweet rum that will work in a variety of mixed drinks.
84 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Cremisan Wine Estates 35 Year Old Brandy
83 points
$100
Cremisan Wine Estates
35 Year Old Brandy
Amber color. Aromas of caramel, spumoni, pear tart, and persimmon with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, rapid marigold, toasted coconut, and iced tea finish. A sweet and mixable brandy with rum-like flavors.
83 points $100
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Date Tasted:
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