Notes: This is a new grappa to the market produced by a relatively new producer (established in 1969). Distilled in a copper pot still in small batches from Tocai grape pomace. They also produce a number of other grappas and quite a few wines .

Appearance: Crystal clear, bright, no sediment whatsoever, or separation. Nice body to it. On swirling, it leaves a a thin clear coat on the inside of the glass, with scalloping then droplets and legs forming legs forming after a bit.

First Impression: Cut grass, citrus, minerals, light floral scents. Very smooth creamy and integrated bouquet ( did not smell like lighter fluid unlike a cheap grappa).

Taste: Grapes, lemony, buttery almonds, sweet cream-like entry, nicely lingering drying finish, with a stony, mineral quality to it intermixed with smoothness. Slight woody/stemmy and seed notes notes but in a nice way – part of its charm. Reminds me of a Provencal Melopepo liqueur ( a mix of almonds and melon – delicious).

Drinks: Of course my Sicilian friends (especially the older ones) have grappa with their morning coffee before hunting (or a lot of other mornings too).But the kind they use. . .well. . . coffee helps mask the taste. I would not want to do with this grappa. This one is good enough to enjoy sipping, on its own so you can appreciate all it’s nuances. Makes for a wonderful variation on a Pisco Sour or Sidecar. I think it will make a highly versatile mixer to use in many cocktails calling for Pisco, Brandy, or even whiskey.

Cigars: Something smooth, complex but unobtrusive like a Davidoff, Ashton, or Rocky Patel.

Bottle: Distinctive, tall, cylindrical clear glass bottle with simple clear labels and a cooper gold screw cap closure .

Other : Makers of a number of other products – most of which are not imported to the U.S. Also this spirit is part of remarkable portfolio of the Domiane Select Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection along with the following spirits we have already reviewed Averna Sambuca , Averna Limoni , Castarède Selection Armagnac, Castarède VSOP Armagnac,Deaths Door Vodka , Deaths Door Gin, G Vine Floraison , G’Vine Nouaison , Rhum J.M Blanc ,Rhum J.M. Gold , Rhum J.M VSOP , Rhum J.M. Vieux , Stranahan Colorado Whiskey, Suprema Grappa along with others we have not yet reviewed but hope to in the future, given the quality of what we have already reviewed.

We applaud Domaine Select in spearheading a conscious decision to assemble a portfolio of artisanal spirits and to provide distribution and access to such a group of spirits to the trade and consumers. If only other companies did such a thing we would all be drinking in a better world.

Final Thoughts: A very smooth and excellent grappa altogether.If you have had the usual commercial or private grappas this will be a eye opener or revelation to you. Nicely done, fragrant and almost buttery in body with nice citrus, melon, woody, and mineral notes you are in for a treat.

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