Dampfwerk Helgolander is an amaro in a category all its own. There are herbal pine elements, with cinnamon, cardamom, and tea cake. What really sets it apart is a hint of savory curry. It is a little sweet but has a bitter finish to keep it balanced. Enjoy neat, with tonic, or in an old fashioned, SALE $22.49, Reg$24.99/ 375mL . 

“La Ribotà” Ruché Chinato

La Ribota is a non-vintage fortified wine made from the Ruché grape in Piedmont, Italy.  Only 600 bottles are produced from each year’s harvest.  It is a secret recipe of the Gatti family; not previously sold to the public.  It is made with China, a tree native to Southeast Asia whose bark produces quinine (believed to settle the stomach and aid digestion), wormwood, cardamom seed, cinnamon, orange peel, among other herbs and spices are left to macerate in a base of neutral grain spirits.  Then that base is added to Eugenio’s still Ruché DOCG wine for an explosive and flavorful digestif that is truly one of the most flavorful and enjoyable liquids ever. Sip it like wine, mix it like vermouth, enjoy it before, during, and after your meal. $32.99/ 750mL

Isle of Skye 8 yr is a blend of Talisker malt (40%) and undisclosed sherried Speyside malt (60%). The result is brilliantly balanced, with hints of honey, toasted oak, and layers of peat. The entirety of the liquid is aged for 8 years and it is truly one of the best bangs for your buck. This will turn anyone into a Scotch drinker. $19.99 on sale, reg. $25.99/ 750mL

Kilkerran 12 Year

This Campbeltown malt is new to the scene but what they have is tasty today, and very promising for tomorrow.  Above all, the 12 year offering is a balanced dram of peat, caramel, sherry spice, oak tannin, and oily texture. Few bottles are better. Don’t read this, just drink it. $69.99/750mL

Kilchoman Loch Gorm

Kilchoman’s house style is medium peat that leans towards earthy. Aging their spirit in Oloroso sherry casks beautifully balances those flavors to both spark the palate and ease you into the night.  The earthy & savory smoke, combined with flavorful sherry fruit and spice results in a whisky like none other. It screams for food pairings with poultry, tart fruit, hearty vegetables, and pie. $99.99/750mL

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

This heavily peated expression was made from grains grown entirely on Islay island from local farmers.  It’s a blend of ex-Bourbon barrels (75%) and used red wine barrels ($25). When all those elements come together you have a smoky, earthy, toffee, with notes of apples. $74.99/750mL

If you’ve been to the store, you’ve probably noticed the tiny, individually wrapped bottles at the registers and wondered what is that? That’s Underberg, pronounced UNDERBERG, and it is a lifesaver in a bottle.  Made in Germany since 1846, this little bottle packs a huge punch of flavor.  It uses ingredients sources from 43 different countries and aged in Slovenian oak casks.  They are only sold in tiny, iconic 20mL bottles to combat counterfeiting.  Its dark in color, heavy in christmas spices, clove, chamomile, and licorice.  Think jagermeister mixed with whiskey, aged in oak, twice as potent in flavor, and a fraction as sweet.  Its meant to be taken as a straight shot, “after a good meal,” using just your teeth to drink it.  However, I find its flavors delightful and enjoy sipping it just as much.  When I’m feeling overly full from a rich meal, such as a Thanksgiving dinner or one of the many famous burgers around town, Underberg is the defining digestif to ward off food coma.  SALE $17.99 Reg. $19.99 12pk