Tasted by Drinks Trade: Spirits & Liqueurs

Tasted by Drinks Trade is a product review series that offers honest and trade-specific commentary about the latest and most interesting products available to Australia’s liquor industry. 

In this instalment, Drinks Trade looks at three spirits and two liqueurs, all but one of which are proudly Australian products.

Espolòn Tequila Blanco (25th Anniversary Limited-Edition bottle)

Our thoughts: “A fresh and vibrant nose with a nice balance between pithy citrus and a vegetative notes, with floral honey, fresh-cut grass, toasted almonds, and lime zest. The palate has continued honeyed notes, candied orange and vanilla.  I get fruiter notes and a pepperiness and spice on the finish.” AP 

Who’s it for: “A great value blanco tequila from one of the top players in Australia.” CP

ABV: 40%

Owner/distributor: Campari

RRP: $63

Ned Presents Golden Bickie Australian Whisky Liqueur

Our thoughts: “Distilled by the team at The Ned, Golden Bickie Whisky Liqueur is filled with rich golden syrup and coconut sweetness. The finish is not cloying and overly sweet, which is a job well done by the team at The Ned.” AP

Who’s it for: “Will appeal to the Fireball and Sheep Dog consumer, and those that want layered sweetness in their whisky.” AP

“Consumers of flavoured whiskies - a local counterpoint to established classics such as Fireball and emerging players such as Skrewball.” CP

ABV: 32% 

Owner/distributor: Top Shelf International

RRP: $60

Hickson House Breaking Ground Harbour Bridge Gin (Release 01)

Our thoughts: “Tasted, we get bold juniper, blackberries and brambles. A subtle citrus backbone balances the palate and a generous, long finish carries the juniper and citrus flavours right through to the end. Delicious, and looking forward to more in this series of gins.” AP

Who’s it for: “Classic gin drinkers. Also makes a great gift option given the story.” CP

ABV: 42% ABV

Owner/distributor: Amber Beverages

RRP: $85

Tanica Native Plum Aperitif

Our thoughts: “Refreshing and moorish. This Australian native plum infused aperitif comes in at 17% abv and is designed to mix up a storm in classics like the Negroni, Paloma and a range of Spritz. On its own the liqueur has a balanced sweetness that will bring a different, more approachable, version of a Negroni or straight Tanica and Tonic. The tagline is Australian for Spritz and with its native plum backbone we can see where it’s coming from.” AP

“Lively sherbety plum fruit overlays bitter but reasonably gentle herbal. Drinks balanced and well on its own, but would definitely suit itself to bartenders looking to experiment. A real vibrancy and zing to the fruit.” CP

Who’s it for: “An up-sell/alternative to Aperol/spritz drinkers, or home bartenders looking to experiment.” CP

ABV: 17% 

Owner/distributor: Paramount Liquor, ALM and NOC Wholesale

RRP: $64

Karu Distillery Morita Chipotle Vodka

Our thoughts: “When tasted the chipotle is evident but not overpowering. It combines well with a warm and generous palate showing zesty lime flavours and some agave sweetness.

The label suggests using this in a Margarita or a Bloody Mary and I’d have to agree this would work with either. An interesting take on a NSW vodka.” AP

Who’s it for: “Home bartenders and perhaps younger LDA drinkers looking to experiment. Would be an interesting substitute for tequila in a Paloma or Margarita, or to put a Mexican twist on gin or vodka classics.” CP

ABV: 42% 

Owner/distributor:  ILG - (NSW, VIC) Paramount (NSW, ACT, SA) ALM (National)

RRP: $75

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A new permanent series at www.drinkstrade.com.au, Tasted by Drinks Trade will cover all liquor categories periodically in a format suited to trade. If interested in submitting products, get in touch with the Drinks Trade team here.