“Through the Grapevine” Fanny Fougerat Single Cask Cognac
For four generations, the Fougerat family has produced single-cask Cognac for larger, blended brands like Martell. But in 2013, 33-year-old scion Fanny—one of the French region’s few female master distillers—broke out and began selling her own undiluted Cognacs. Her most recent release, a vintage 1994 bottling from the Borderies cru, is bold and so very pretty, with layered notes of spice, candied citrus, and vanilla, and a floral, honeyed finish. Drink it on its own, or alongside buttery apple desserts. $185; 750 ml
Cumbé Aguardiente
Popular in and around the Andes, Colombia’s aguardiente is traditionally an anise-scented liqueur made from distilled sugarcane juice. The makers of this version, however, took a cue from the craft spirits boom by aging the alcohol for several weeks in Colombian white oak barrels before bottling. Cumbé fulfills the same breath-freshening and stomach-calming role as ouzo or sambuca, but with a faintly oaky freshness, a lower ABV, and a less syrupy texture. Enjoy it over ice, with a twist of grapefruit, or stirred into a dainty old-fashioned. $35; 750 ml
Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur
This dense, bittersweet liqueur from Austin Evans and Richard Patrick Jr. of Cathead Distillery in Jackson, Mississippi, is a surprising and elegant winter tipple. On the palate, it delivers all that one looks for in an Italian amaro—bitter herbal and woodsy notes, earthy caramel sweetness—along with chicory root’s peculiar, chocolatey depth. Sip it neat, or add a splash to your usual after-dinner brew for a boozy riff on New Orleans–style chicory coffee. $36; 750 ml —K.C.
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