French Spirits

Producer Description 

Bursts of summer florals typical of this region. Linden flowers, elderflower and apple blossom are followed by ripe orchard fruits. Freshness and youth. On both the nose and palate, enjoy the combination of fruits and floral - pears, apples, and a hint of linden flowers. 

Light yellow colour, vine flower and fruity taste (pear, apple). Powerful but round and smooth, Light and delicate tannins.

Expert Review - 1996

Ultimate Beverage Challenge  89 Points | Very Good, Strong Recommendation.

Producer Description 

Fully respect each vintage’s respective terroir and ensure its perfect expression.
No blending of domains or vintages in order to preserve the specificities,
No « reduction » that would dilute the alcoholic or aromatic strength and the nuances of the terroir by adding « petites eaux » in order to not betray the typicalities.

Each Bas-Armagnac is strictly itself, with the name of the domain of origin, its vintage and the bottling date which tells its real age as eaux-de-vie stop aging once bottle.

The color of this 1996 vintage is gold with pretty brown highlights. Nose: The nose is very fruity carried by notes of quince, fig, orange jam and verbena. Tannins on the palate that are still young but very delicate. Finale: A beautiful length in the mouth characterizes this Darroze 1996 Armagnac.

Bas-Armagnac, whose capital is Eauze, is to the west of the appellation. It runs in the Landes and the western part of the Gers. It represents 67% of the areas identified in Armagnac. In this part of the land, the soils are sandy loam, called “tawny sands”. Bas-Armagnac eaux-de-vie are delicate and very fruity.

Producer Description 

Water, alcohol, sugar, raspberries and burnt sugar are blended together in refrigerated vats. When the alcohol content reaches a desirable level, the mixture is then filtered and bottled. Color Deep ruby, viscous Bouquet Intense raspberry fruit, nearly a sweet syrup, with oriental spice tones Taste Lush and intensely sweet but just tart enough from the raspberry fruits.

The Hardy XO Rare Cognac is part of the 'Tradition' Range by the House of Hardy. The blend is superbly aged with a beautiful amber color and incredible smoothness of taste. A real treat for all the senses, it delights with it's good looks, tantalising aromas, ever-evolving palate and satisfyingly long finish.

Presented in a contemporary decanter-style bottle, it displays beautifully atop a drinks cabinet.  As with all Hardy Cognac, this represents exceedingly good value for money. It's one of the signature aspects of their offerings - almost unbelievable high quality for the price.

 Luxurious blend of Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie aged up to 25 years. With rich notes of dried apricot, vanilla, toffee, and a smooth, lingering finish, this refined Cognac makes a memorable gift for any occasion.

Christian Drouin Calvados Coeur de Lion Sélection — Pays d’Auge, Normandy | 375ml

In the heart of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge — the most prestigious appellation within Calvados — the Drouin family has been distilling apple and pear spirits for generations. Christian Drouin is one of the region’s most respected names, celebrated for Calvados of exceptional finesse and authenticity, crafted from hand-selected fruit grown in the estate’s own orchards. The Coeur de Lion Sélection is the entry point into the Drouin range and a beautifully balanced introduction to the world of Calvados: the sharp freshness of perry pears combined with the smoothness of cider apples, distilled in a column still and aged in old, lightly used casks that preserve the subtle balance of fresh fruit without imposing heavy wood character. The 375ml format is the ideal size for gifting, exploring, or keeping on the bar. 

The nose is inviting and fragrant: fresh apple, ripe pear, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is smooth and beautifully balanced, with crisp perry pear and ripe cider apple framed by a clean, fresh, gently warming finish. Approachable, versatile, and genuinely delicious — equally at home as an aperitif long drink, a cocktail base, or a culinary ingredient.

• Producer: Christian Drouin, Coudray-Rabut, Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France
• Expression: Coeur de Lion Sélection
• Style: Calvados AOC — apple & perry pear, column still, old cask aging
• Size: 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, ripe pear, floral notes, smooth, clean warming finish
• Best Served: Long drink over ice with tonic; aperitif; cocktails; gourmet cooking (tarte tatin, cream sauces, pork dishes)

A Pays d’Auge Calvados of rare freshness and balance — Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion is the benchmark for what approachable Normandy Calvados can be.

Pastis de Marseille Prado 45 1.0 Liter

Experience the authentic taste of Pastis from Marseille with Prado 45, a classic French anise-flavored spirit that holds a significant place in the culture of southern France. Pastis Prado was founded in 1923 when pastis was extremely fashionable in France. Smooth and refreshing, it is a popular expression of pastis in its birthplace, Marseille. This particular version, Prado 45, captures the essence of Marseille with its unique blend of herbs and spices, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned pastis lovers and newcomers alike.

Heritage Since 1923

Pastis Prado was founded in 1923 during the height of pastis fashion in France. With nearly a century of tradition, Prado represents authentic Marseille pastis-making heritage. Each bottle embodies the spirit of Mediterranean summer and the social rituals that have surrounded pastis drinking for generations.

What is Pastis?

Pastis is a classic French anise-flavored spirit originating from Marseille in southern France. Often enjoyed as an aperitif, it's typically served with water and ice. The charm of Pastis lies not just in its flavor but also in the social rituals that surround its drinking. As the ice melts and water is added, the drink transforms into a pale, cloudy liquid through the signature "louche effect," inviting conversation and connection among friends.

Expertly Crafted Recipe

Prado 45 stands out due to its expertly crafted recipe, which balances the flavors of star anise, licorice, and other botanicals. This drink is produced using traditional methods, ensuring that every sip offers a taste of authenticity and heritage. The smooth and refreshing finish makes it perfect for warm evenings on the terrace or gatherings with friends.

Flavor Profile

Primary Flavors: Star anise, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and spices
Character: Smooth and refreshing with rich, aromatic complexity
Finish: Smooth and refreshing, perfect for aperitif service

1.0 Liter Format

Each bottle contains 1.0 liter of rich, aromatic liquid that embodies the spirit of Mediterranean summer. The larger format is perfect for entertaining, ensuring you have plenty to share with friends and family during gatherings and celebrations.

How to Serve Prado 45 Pastis

To truly appreciate Pastis from Marseille like Prado 45, it is essential to serve it correctly:

• Traditional Method: Mix one part Pastis with five parts cold water
• Louche Effect: Watch as the drink achieves its signature cloudy appearance while softening its strong flavors
• Serve: Over ice for a refreshing aperitif
• Garnish Options: Add fresh herbs like mint or a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist

Perfect Pairings

It's not uncommon to pair this beloved beverage with small appetizers, enhancing the overall experience:

• Olives and tapas
• Savory seafood dishes (steamed mussels)
• Mediterranean appetizers
• Light snacks and hors d'oeuvres
• Commonly used for cooking in savory seafood dishes

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet moment, Prado 45 enhances the experience with its delightful allure. This versatility makes Prado 45 an ideal choice for any occasion, be it casual get-togethers, warm evenings on the terrace, or formal celebrations. Perfect for both seasoned pastis lovers and newcomers exploring French aperitif culture.

Authentic Marseille Experience

As a popular expression of pastis in its birthplace, Marseille, Prado 45 offers an authentic taste of southern French culture. The drink invites conversation and connection among friends, embodying the Mediterranean lifestyle and the timeless tradition of the French aperitif hour. Experience the heritage, authenticity, and social charm that has made pastis a beloved part of French culture since 1923.

Mathilde Framboise · Maison Ferrand · France

Mathilde Framboise is a French raspberry liqueur made by Maison Ferrand. Its deep plum-skin color and berry-compote aromas introduce a rich, fruit-forward style, with raspberry-preserve flavors and a plush mouthfeel.

The 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge review highlights subtle nutmeg and a soft finish, while Wine Enthusiast finds sweet cherry-pie and strawberry-jam notes with a warming hint of vanilla. Try it over ice, add a splash to sparkling wine for a raspberry variation, or follow Wine Enthusiast’s suggestion and pour it over vanilla ice cream.

Expert Reviews

2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 95 Points · Finalist, Great Value — Dark, ripe stewed raspberries and fruit make up the nose with a hint towards sweetness. The palate reveals a delectably fruit forward flavor of raspberry preserves and subtle nutmeg with plush, full-bodied mouthfeel and a pillowy soft finish.

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points — This raspberry liqueur has a deep plum-skin hue and berry compote aroma. The relatively sweet flavor suggests cherry pie filling and strawberry jam, finishing long and warming on a hint of vanilla. Ideal to pour over vanilla ice cream. Made by Maison Ferrand.

Serving suggestions

Use it to bring raspberry flavor to gin or vodka cocktails, or serve a small pour over ice after dinner. For dessert, try vanilla ice cream, chocolate pastries or fresh berries.

At a glance

• Brand: Mathilde
• Producer: Maison Ferrand
• Expression: Framboise
• Origin: France
• Style: Raspberry liqueur
• Size: 750ml
• Appearance: Deep plum-skin hue
• Aromas: Berry compote and ripe raspberry
• Palate: Sweet, fruit-forward, with a plush mouthfeel
• Serving suggestions: Over ice, in cocktails or over vanilla ice cream

A richly fruity raspberry liqueur for cocktails and dessert.

Producer Description 

Cultivated in France, Spain, and Morocco, each strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry is picked at peak ripeness to maximize sweetness, color, and fragrance. This helps us craft a berry flavored vodka characterized by a playful fruitiness and an ultra-smooth finish

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Signature liqueur of summer cocktails, this liqueur expresses all the aromatic palettes of passion fruit! A great success for the Master Liquorists of Maison Massenez, rewarded with a Bronze medal at the London Spirits Competition 2022. 

Producer Description 

This special and rare cuvee has been bottled especially for Christmas from its oak cask.

This Petite Champagne originates from an old family reserve handed down from father to son beginning with the house's creation in 1872 by Edouard Normandin's great, great grandfather, Jules Normandin.

Normandin Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favor the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character.

Producer Description 

A subtle blend of more than 20 French eaux-de-vie : golden amber in color with a refined bouquet of oak and hints of honey, hazelnut, almond and walnut. The taste is smooth, round and well-balanced.

Drinking recommendations: Raynal VSOP can be savored in a snifter glass, neat or on the rocks, yet its strong aromas enable any blend with mixers such as soda, water or fruit juices. Depending on your mood, you can also enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails with Raynal VSOP.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast: 96-100 Points | A blend of original Benedictine and Cognac. Smells assertively of herbs, honey, quinine and baking spices with added aromas of black tea and tobacco. Entry tastes of tea, sage, fennel and a touch of quinine; the Cognac emerges at midpalate, lending a layer of elegance and genuine distillate presence. Finishes like a champion, long, semisweet, intensely herbal, mildly spicy and satiny. 

Producer Description 

B&B Liqueur is comprised of two parts - subtle, spiced Benedictine Liqueur and fine French cognac. It's a balance of flavors in a pour that tastes smooth yet finishes bold. The rich, noble notes of B&B are perfectly enjoyed neat in a snifter, yet are equally appealing in a fine selection of cocktails.

Winemaker Description 

This sippable, dark gold Cognac offers aromas of butterscotch, dried apricot and golden raisins. The flavors grow even bolder and rounder on the exit, warmed by a cinnamon spark.

Floral, fruity aromas lead to hints of toffee, anise.

Distilled entirely from fruit grown in Cognac’s Petite Champagne appellation & aged a minimum of 7 years in French oak, this is an elegant, fresh brandy from a historic family-owned house. 

Producer Description 

Created by Pierre Frapin 100 years ago, Fontpinot cognac has always been a delight to demanding epicureans. As opposed to a ubiquitous passion for planning, roots of the pleasure of tasting continue to work serenely and unstoppably at Frapin. To celebrate the centenary, Cognac Frapin is publishing a limited-edition anniversary packaging. Inspired by the original version, the label brings up to date the symbols of ownership and the colors popular during the Roaring twenties. The bottle is presented in a rough wooden box inspired by the straw-lined crates used at the time.

A real treasure of Cognac Frapin, Fontpinot XO can lay claim to the Chateau appellation because it is made exclusively from grapes harvested, distilled, aged, and bottled at the Chateau Fontpinot. Distillation over lees and a long aging in dry cellars provide its distinct character.

With an average age of over 20 years, this expression has a nose of candied fruit, marzipan, and rancio. The long aging brings toffee, almond butter, and spice to the palate before a long, elegant finish.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 96 Points | Delamain’s youngest offering, at 20 to 25 years old, is also one of the standard-bearers of Grande Champagne (the blend was created in the 1920s and hasn’t changed). Light amber, with a delightful nose full of pear, marmalade, quince and orange blossom. The pear and quince carry onto the palate, where a distinctive membrillo-like flavor emerges — a unique note I find in a number of Delamain expressions. There’s gentle spice and warm citrus on the palate, gliding to a long, delicate finish. The definition of elegance.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Bold and butterscotchy, this easy-drinking Cognac also has dried fruit and nutty tones, plus a saline touch that's reminiscent of salted caramel. There's a spicy flourish on the relatively dry finish. Delamain notes that it is one of the only Cognac houses to exclude VS and VSOP expressions from its portfolio, 'its range starts where others end, with an X.O.

Producer Description

A blend of long-aged XO Grande Champagne Cognacs, Delamain Pale & Dry benefits from a lengthy two-year marriage period in cask after assemblage before being bottled, resulting in a beautifully smooth roundness and flavour integration on the palate.

The Anjou pear is one of France’s great culinary treasures — cultivated in the Loire Valley and Picardy, essential to classic French pastries and desserts, and possessed of a sweetness that is at once delicate and unmistakable. Grey Goose has made it the soul of La Poire, capturing the flavor of a perfectly ripe Anjou at the precise moment of its fullest expression.

Built on the same foundation as the iconic original — soft winter wheat from the Picardy region, distilled and blended with spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue in the Cognac region — Grey Goose La Poire applies the same rigorous production process to a single, luminous flavor. The result is not a syrupy approximation of fruit, but a vodka of genuine freshness: bold, clean, and true to the pear itself.

On the nose, the Anjou pear arrives with clarity and confidence — ripe, floral, and bright. The palate follows seamlessly: smooth and lush, with the characteristic elegance of Grey Goose and a long, naturally sweet finish that lingers without heaviness. Sophisticated enough to sip chilled, versatile enough to anchor a cocktail.

• Producer: Grey Goose
• Flavor: Anjou Pear
• Base: Soft French Winter Wheat
• Origin: Picardy & Cognac Region, France
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Format: 750ml

Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled, neat, or over ice. Exceptional in a Pear Martini, French 75 riff, or a simple spritz with elderflower tonic. Pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruit.

Producer Description

Made solely with the two best 'cru' of Cognac, Grande and Petite Champagne, 'Composition' reveals a truly magnificent terroir driven taste profile. Fresh, elegant, suave and aromatic. 'Composition' is an artistic visionary work with a natural balance of strength, smoothness and all the attributes you can expect from a Cognac carefully crafted by the Tesseron family house.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Big, sweet and boozy, this VSOP offers rich caramel aromas and flavors alongside lots of spice and a mouthwatering saline tang on the finish.

Gabriel Boudier · Crème de Framboise · Dijon, France

Gabriel Boudier Crème de Framboise brings raspberry flavor to aperitifs, wine, and Champagne. Part of Maison Boudier’s crème de fruits range, it follows the methods used for the house’s original crème in the Crème de Cassis de Dijon tradition.

Character & Style

The supplied Wine Enthusiast excerpt describes a blend of Scottish and Burgundy raspberries, a deep dark-cherry hue, and a mouth-filling cherry-berry preserves flavor. This 40-proof raspberry liqueur offers a flavorful accent for a sparkling-wine aperitif or a fruit-forward cocktail.

Producer Description

Maison Boudier
In the Creme de Cassis de Dijon tradition, the Creme de fruits range is dedicated to lovers of variety and different flavours. They are all produced using the same methods as the original creme, a guarantee of quality and the commitment of Maison Boudier. This raspberry liqueur adds subtle embellishments to your aperitifs, wines and Champagnes, and a more colorful taste.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast · No Score Supplied
Made with a harmonious blend of Scottish and Burgundy raspberries, this liqueur sports a deep, vivid dark-cherry hue and a mouth-filling cherry-berry preserves flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Add a small measure to chilled white wine or Champagne, tasting and adjusting to your preferred balance. For a dessert suggestion, try a little over vanilla ice cream or alongside a chocolate dessert.

Details

• Producer: Gabriel Boudier
• Expression: Crème de Framboise
• Style: Raspberry liqueur
• Origin: Dijon, France
• Fruit sourcing described in the review: Scottish and Burgundy raspberries
• Strength: 40 proof / 20% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml

A raspberry addition to the aperitif glass, cocktail cabinet, or dessert course.

Massenez Crème de Mûre · France · 750ml

Massenez Crème de Mûre is a French blackberry liqueur with a deep purple color and a pronounced berry character. Its fresh-fruit and jam notes make it a flavorful addition to a home bar, whether enjoyed on its own or used as a blackberry accent in cocktails.

Tasting Notes

Powerful blackberry aromas suggest fresh fruit purée and jam. The palate is round and pleasant, with fruit freshness supporting its aromatic intensity and a touch of seed bitterness at the finish.

Producer Description

Deep purple color. Frank and powerful olfactory attack. Impressions of puree of fresh fruit and jam. Round and pleasant mouth bring by the freshness of the fruit. Aromatic power of the blackberry. Bitterness of seeds at the end.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Try a small serving chilled or over ice. For a cocktail, use it as the blackberry component in a Bramble-style drink with gin and lemon, or add a little to sparkling wine. At the dessert table, try it with berry tarts, dark chocolate, or vanilla ice cream.

Details

• Producer: Massenez
• Country: France
• Style: Crème de mûre blackberry liqueur
• Appearance: Deep purple
• Flavor focus: Blackberry, fresh fruit purée, and jam
• Finish: A touch of seed bitterness
• Bottle size: 750ml

Producer Description 

Violet color with slight grenat shades. Very bright. Floral aroma. Spring flavors with floral notes (violet, rose…). Very aromatic tasting notes, floral and creamy. 

French wheat vodka at a price that makes it easy to stock generously. Pinnacle starts with select wheat grain from the Brie region — the same fertile corner of northern France known for its exceptional terroir — five-times distilled to 190 proof, then carefully filtered through charcoal before being brought down to 80 proof with naturally filtered water from northern France. The result is a clean, smooth, and genuinely versatile spirit: neutral enough to disappear into a cocktail, refined enough to sip over ice. The 1.0L format makes it a smart buy for home bars and entertaining alike.

• Base: Wheat grain (Brie region, France)
• Distillation: 5x distilled
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Format: 1.0L
• Country: France

Serving Suggestions

Perfect in martinis, vodka sodas, Moscow mules, or any cocktail where clean spirit is the foundation. Excellent chilled and served neat.

Producer Description 

Mathilde Cassis · France · 32 Proof

Mathilde Cassis is a French blackcurrant liqueur made with Noir de Bourgogne and Royal de Naples blackcurrants. Noir de Bourgogne brings aromatic intensity, while Royal de Naples contributes a soft, sweet flavor, giving this cassis a richly fruit-focused character.

Tasting Notes

Sweet blackcurrant and spice define the profile, with a thick, jammy texture and a juicy, rich palate. It is a flavorful addition to a home bar for drinks that call for a concentrated dark-fruit accent.

Expert Review

Tasting Panel, 94 Points: Deep, thick, and jammy, with notes of sweet black currant and spice; juicy and rich.

Serving Suggestions

Try a small measure with chilled dry white wine for a Kir-style serve, or with sparkling wine for a festive variation. Adjust the amount to taste. For dessert, drizzle a little over vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a berry tart.

Details

• Brand: Mathilde
• Country: France
• Style: Blackcurrant liqueur
• Blackcurrant varieties: Noir de Bourgogne and Royal de Naples
• Alcohol: 16% ABV (32 proof)
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Review: Tasting Panel, 94 Points

Mathilde Pêche · French Peach Liqueur · 36 Proof

Mathilde Pêche brings together two peach varieties: vine peach and white peach. Produced in France by Maison Ferrand, this peach liqueur combines the intense fruit character of vine peaches with the fragrant, soft character of white peaches.

Peach Character

Vine peaches are small, juicy fruits with richly flavored red flesh. White peaches contribute a pleasant fragrance and a soft mouthfeel. Together, they give Mathilde Pêche an orchard-fruit focus that makes it a useful addition to a home cocktail bar.

Serving Suggestions

Try it chilled, over ice, or as a peach accent in sparkling-wine cocktails. For a simple serve, add a small measure to sparkling wine and adjust to taste. It also makes a fruit-forward addition to a bourbon cocktail or a companion to almond pastries and creamy desserts.

Details

• Producer: Maison Ferrand
• Brand: Mathilde
• Country: France
• Style: Peach liqueur
• Fruit: Vine peach and white peach
• Alcohol: 18% ABV (36 proof)
• Bottle size: 750ml

Gabriel Boudier · Dijon, Burgundy, France · 40 Proof · 700ml

Gabriel Boudier Maraschino Cherries Liqueur puts the flesh of the cherry at the center of the experience. From Dijon in Burgundy, this French liqueur offers a fruit-focused addition to the home bar in a 700ml bottle.

Tasting Notes

Hints of almond and chocolate on the nose evoke Black Forest gâteau. On the palate, the flavor of cherries takes the lead, returning through a long, lingering finish.

Original Tasting Note

This liqueur of maraschino cherries stands apart from others because the emphasis in the mouth is the taste of the flesh of the fruit. On the nose, one finds hints of almond, chocolate and very soon one thinks of a gâteau: Black Forest gâteau. In the mouth, the flavour of gourmet cherries returns and remains long on the palate.

Serving Suggestions

Try a small pour chilled, or experiment with it in cocktails where you want a cherry accent. For a dessert pairing, consider chocolate cake or a cherry-based dessert.

Details

• Producer: Gabriel Boudier
• Style: Maraschino cherries liqueur
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Origin: Dijon
• Alcohol: 40 proof (20% ABV)
• Bottle size: 700ml

Massenez Liqueur de Vanille · Alsace, France · 750ml

Massenez Liqueur de Vanille brings rich, aromatic vanilla to the glass with a smooth, inviting character. From the Massenez distillery in Alsace, this French vanilla liqueur connects the house's interest in cocktails and gastronomy with a flavor suited to both the bar and the dessert table.

Tasting Notes

Aromatic vanilla leads the profile, with a velvety texture and a deep vanilla flavor. Enjoy it on its own to explore its character, or use it as a vanilla accent in cocktails and culinary creations.

Notes from the Existing Listing

Massenez Vanilla, is a perfect blend of rich, aromatic vanilla. Smooth and inviting. Enjoy it on its own, mix it into cocktails, or use it to add a twist to your desserts and culinary creations.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Try a small serving chilled or over ice. For a cocktail, experiment with a little in a coffee-based drink or alongside rum, adjusting the amount to taste. At the dessert table, pair it with chocolate pastries or drizzle a small measure over vanilla ice cream.

Details

• Producer: Massenez
• Country: France
• Region: Alsace
• Style: Vanilla liqueur
• Flavor focus: Rich, aromatic vanilla
• Bottle size: 750ml

Giffard · Roussillon Apricot Liqueur · France · 25% ABV · 750ml

Giffard Roussillon Apricot Liqueur captures ripe stone-fruit character with rich sweetness and a lively tart edge. Made with Rouge du Roussillon apricots, it brings a distinctive fruit note to a cocktail or a small pour over ice.

Producer & Fruit

Giffard & Cie produces this liqueur in Avrillé, near Angers in France’s Loire Valley. The Rouge du Roussillon apricot variety is prized for its delicate, juicy flesh and aromatic character. After harvest, the fruit’s flesh and skin are macerated to capture their flavor and color.

Tasting Notes

Ripe apricot aromas open into fresh green notes and hints of sweet spice, vanilla and caramel. Baked apricot and caramelized fruit lead on the palate, with subtle almond and honeyed tones. A tart, apricot-compote-like edge balances the sweetness, while the medium-length finish carries honey, dried apricot and gentle citrus acidity.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy a small pour neat or over ice, or use it to add stone-fruit flavor and body to cocktails. Try a Charlie Chaplin with apricot liqueur, sloe gin and lime juice, or combine with sparkling wine and a touch of lemon for a lighter serve.

Suggested pairings include almond tart, fresh goat cheese and dark chocolate. Vanilla and caramel desserts also complement its fruit-forward character.

Details

• Producer: Giffard & Cie
• Style: Apricot liqueur
• Production location: Avrillé, near Angers, Loire Valley, France
• Fruit variety: Rouge du Roussillon apricot
• Method: Maceration of apricot flesh and skin
• Alcohol: 25% ABV / 50 proof
• Bottle size: 750ml

Expressive apricot flavor for a versatile cocktail shelf.

Giffard · Lichi-Li Lychee Liqueur · France · 750ml

Giffard Lichi-Li brings the fresh, floral character of lychee to your cocktail glass. This French liqueur highlights the fruit’s distinctive aromas, making it an inviting addition to lychee martinis, long drinks, and other fruit-forward cocktails.

Fruit & Character

Originally from China, lychee is now grown in China, India, Madagascar, and Thailand. Beneath its thick pink-red skin lies white-translucent flesh that is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. Lichi-Li showcases the fruit’s fresh and floral notes.

Original Product Description

Lychee is a small fruit of a large tropical tree with evergreen foliage (9-15m) and flourishing in summer. Originally from China, it is now grown in China, India, Madagascar and Thailand.

Beneath its thick pink-red skin, the flesh of the fruit is white-translucent, juicy, sweet and slightly tart. The fruit can be eaten simply peeled, or cooked, but also prepared in juice as is, or mixed into a drink.

With its fresh and floral notes, Lichi-Li Giffard Liqueur reveals the typical aromas of the fruit in your cocktails.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy pure over crushed ice, in long drinks, or in cocktails. Try it as the lychee component in a lychee martini.

From the Existing Listing

Lychee martinis are on the verge of becoming the best-selling cocktail at Pineapple Club, a buzzy bar in Manhattan’s East Village.

Nazar Hrab, Beverage Director: “The only drink we sell more of is the espresso martini,” says Beverage Director Nazar Hrab.

Details & Storage

• Producer: Giffard
• Style: Lychee liqueur
• Country: France
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Allergens: None listed in the existing product information
• Additional product information: Lactose free, gluten free, vegan, no preservative
• Storage: Close the bottle tightly after use. Store in a dry, cool place, preferably away from light.

A fresh, floral accent for a fruit-forward home bar.

Bring a taste of Normandy to your glass with Busnel Calvados Pays d’Auge VSOP, a French apple brandy from the Pays d’Auge region.

Produced by a house whose history dates to 1820, this VSOP expression reflects Busnel’s longstanding Calvados tradition. Pour a glass after dinner and take your time discovering this classic Normandy spirit.

• French apple brandy from Pays d’Auge, Normandy
• VSOP expression
• 700ml bottle

Producer Description 

Dark, burnt caramel color. Bright aromas of orange zest, molasses, ginger spice cake.

Warm flavors of bittersweet orange marmalade, mulling spices, and rich caramel with a bitter finish.

Produced by the Bigallet distillery according to the original recipe since 1875, China-China Amer is an incomparably rich and complex, 80 proof, orange-based, bittersweet liqueur peppered with botanical infusions.

The intense orange aroma and flavor in China-China comes from Bigallet's proprietary process of distilling fresh orange peel macerations. This intense orange distillate is blended with earthy and bitter gentian, tart chinchona bark, velvety anise, spicy clove, and a handful of other secret, Alpine herbs and spices. The flavors are married with rich caramel to balance the natural bitterness, and the dark, orange glow of China-China is born.

Memo Summary Notes

Bigallet China-China Amer is a legendary French bittersweet liqueur that has been produced in the French Alps since 1875. Often described as the "French answer to Amaro," it is an essential ingredient for serious home bartenders, primarily because it is the closest widely available substitute for the elusive Amer Picon

Producer Description

Our Armagnacs are aged in barrels crafted by our local coopers and made from Gascon oak, which comes from the nearby Southwestern forests. With this experiment, we desired to enhance the remarkable aromas typical of Gascon oak with a double maturation in new barrels.

Distillation: single distilled in a traditional Armagnacais column still to 58% vol.
Maturation: Aged a minimum of 4 years in two maturations, earning the name “Double Oaked.” The first aging is done in heavily toasted new Gascon oak; the second in new Gascon oak with a special toasting level.

Tasting Notes: The palate is rich with toasted bread, cacao, spices, and roasted flavors.

Enjoy: neat, paired with dessert, or in an Old Fashioned Cocktail.

Memo Summary Notes

The Dartigalongue Double-Oaked Bas-Armagnac is an innovative expression from the oldest house in the Bas-Armagnac region (founded in 1838). This specific bottling is widely considered a "bridge" spirit, specifically designed to appeal to bourbon drinkers through its unique aging process and high-toast profile.

The "Double-Oaked" Process:  

Stage 1: Aged for at least 3 years in heavily toasted new Gascon oak barrels. This provides the "char" and deep color typical of American bourbon.

Stage 2: Transferred to a second new Gascon oak barrel with a lighter, custom toast level to refine the texture and add layers of spice.

Memo Summary Notes

The Calvados Lelouvier Vintage 1988 is a rare, single-harvest apple brandy from one of Normandy's most respected "négociant-éleveur" houses. Lelouvier is famous for sourcing exceptional small-batch distillations from the Domfrontais and South Normandy regions and aging them to perfection in their own cellars.

Pairing: This is a classic "digestif." It pairs beautifully with aged Camembert or Pont-l'Évêque cheese, or a high-quality dark chocolate tart.

Producer Description 

Over one century and four generations, the Tesseron family have developed a treasury of knowledge, tradition and family secrets to create a collection of exceptional XO cognacs. With this unique heritage as their guide, Alfred and Melanie Tesseron, the current keepers of the family flame, are driven by a passion and their desire to share it with you.

Tesseron Passion XO Cognac is a unique blend created from the grape variety grown in their vineyards, Ugni Blanc. It is light and balanced with notes of spices.