Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Grappa
Frank Cornelissen, a Belgian famed for the low-intervention wines he makes on Mt. Etna in Sicily, bases this grappa on the must left over from his MunJebel Rosso, a red wine made from nerello mascalese. Aged for seven years, the grappa is rich in texture and complex in flavor, the red fruit notes still vibrant, with mint, lemon and vegetal highlights. This is one to savor slowly.
Imported by PM Spirits, NY; 60% abv, $85/375ml
Mahón Gin
This gin claims its own designation of ori- gin, IGT Mahón-Menorca, in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. It’s been made since 1910, when Miguel Pons Justo began distilling it for the British soldiers who were stationed in the port. To this day, the gin’s main botanical is juniper berries harvested from high up in the mountains surround- ing Mahón. They grow so intense in flavor that they are aged before being added to the gin. The scented spirit is then wood-fired in a copper still. The result is fragrant and fruity, with a mouthfilling texture. Have it in a Menorcan cocktail like a Pomada, by add- ing some fresh lemonade and mint.
Imported by Glass Revolution Imports, Las Vegas, NV; 41% abv, $35/750ml