FL - Spirits Portfolio

ABSINTHE / ARACK

LEOPOLD BROTHERS DENVER, COLORADO Leopold Brothers is an award-winning, small-batch distillery in Denver, where Todd and Scott Leopold are bringing oldworld methods to craft spirits with rich, complex results. Leopold Brothers hand-crafts artisanal products from their state of the art, fully sustainable eco-distillery. Leopold Bros. Absinthe Verte 130PF / 750ML Created following the traditions of 19th Century European master distillers, this is a clean, straightforward and refreshing absinthe: pale straw yellow-green liquid with a wallop of licorice aroma and flavor and medium body. Adding ice water coaxes out more complex lime and cinnamon scents, as well as lemon, orange and anise notes on the finish. “Excellent Absinthe” Wormwood Society Silver Medal International Wine & Spirits Competition MASSAYA LEBANON, BEKAA VALLEY While drawing on the experience of their French partners— Hebrard in Bordeaux and Brunier in Chateauneuf-du-Pape— they are at heart winemakers of Lebanon. Their ancestors and their land are their inspiration. Massaya Arak 100PF / 375ML / 750ML Exceptional! Indigenous Obeidi grapes are fermented for two weeks, then double distilled in traditional Moorish lid copper stills over vine wood embers. On the third distillation, it is macerated with organic green aniseed from the Syrian slopes of Mount Hermon, imparting distinctive aroma and flavor. It is then aged in traditional clay amphorae for two years, lending a subtle color and a notable maturity. Serve with two parts cold water. MUSAR, CHÂTEAU LEBANON, BEKAA VALLEY Chateau Musar was the first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards in 2006. Most are located in the Bekaa Valley, cradled between two mountain ranges running parallel to Lebanon’s Mediterranean coastline. From the storied Lebanese Château Musar, L’Arack de Musar is made from grape alcohol with an average age of five years. Uniquely distilled four times with the addition of anise seeds during the 4th distillation, followed by one year of aging in terracotta amphora’s which contribute to its liquorice aromas. The 4th distillation results in a pure, sophisticated, easy to drink Arack, with or without water. 4-1/2 Stars Difford’s Guide Musar L’Arack 106PF / 750ML

The history of absinthe is a cocktail of myth, conjecture and controversy. A turn-of-the-twentieth century favorite of artists and writers, the spirit was banned in the United States in 1912 because it was believed to be hallucinogenic. Just a few years ago, it once again became legal in America to buy the high alcohol, anise-flavored liquor. The term “absinthe” comes from Artemisia absinthium, the scientific name for its key ingredient, wormwood. Long before distillers discovered it, the herb was used for medicinal purposes. The production of absinthe is much like that of gin: High-proof neutral spirit is infused with a blend of botanicals, including wormwood, and redistilled. Traditionally, the alcohol is infused a second time before bottling to intensify the flavor and create the signature green color. Many modern producers skip this final step and use dyes instead. PEAKRADAR.COM

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