As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our beverage preferences inevitably shift. Gone are the light, summery cocktails, making way for rich and warming drinks that align with the spirit of autumn. This season invites us to savor heartier flavors that comfort and invigorate, making it the perfect time to explore a selection of refined spirits.
As the foliage transforms into shades of gold and crimson, here are ten exemplary spirits to help transition you into the enchanting autumn atmosphere.
Chairman’s Reserve The Forgotten Casks
When you think of rum, summer beaches may come to mind. Yet, the intricate sweet and earthy notes of dark rum can beautifully resonate with the autumn chill. Chairman’s Reserve from St. Lucia offers an exquisite example of this, as its Forgotten Casks represent a unique piece of history. Some casks were saved after a fire at the distillery in 2007 and were only recently uncovered to contribute to this remarkable rum.
This spirit shines either neat or in a warming Dark & Stormy cocktail.
Courvoisier VSOP
Founded by Emmanuel Courvoisier in 1809, the renowned brand has been producing some of the finest Cognacs throughout its illustrious history. Icons like Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles Dickens have enjoyed their offerings, and even Eminem has been known to partake. Courvoisier was served at the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
This VSOP expression is outstanding, filled with rich and sweet notes complemented by dark dried fruits, baking spices, and caramel. It makes for an exceptional choice this season.
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Disaranno
This iconic Italian amaretto liqueur evokes thoughts of autumn with its rich, sweet, and nutty profile. Disaronno, noted for its almond and marzipan flavors, is delightful on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail like the sometimes-overlooked Amaretto Sour.
Its origins trace back to 1525 when it was first crafted at a church in Saronno, Lombardy. The name Disaronno means “of Saronno,” and its unique flavor comes from apricot kernels rather than almonds.
Fettercairn 18 Years Old
Fettercairn, a well-respected distillery in Aberdeenshire, is reintroducing Scottish oak into the Scotch whisky landscape. This 18-year-old release is matured in casks made from sustainably sourced, wind-damaged oak trees, creating a unique resinous quality alongside hints of menthol, eucalyptus, and tropical fruitiness.
The distillery is also committed to sustainability, having planted 13,000 saplings for future whisky production.
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Glenfarclas 105
Glenfarclas, a family-run Speyside distillery, has long been adored by Scotch whisky enthusiasts. Their tradition of aging in ex-sherry casks results in a wonderfully rich, sweet, and fruity profile that harmonizes perfectly with the cool temperatures of autumn and winter, offering a comforting experience with every sip.
The Glenfarclas 105 is exceptional, boasting a compelling cask strength of 60% ABV that intensifies its flavors, delivering excellent value for whisky lovers.
Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
The Highland distillery of Glenmorangie typically produces lighter Scotch single malts. However, their latest limited release, A Tale of the Forest, showcases a bold new direction. Inspired by the tradition of adding woodland botanicals to the peat fire during malting, this expression features pine, juniper twigs, rowan berries, and birch bark. The result is a complex flavor profile that balances sweet peat notes with earthy undertones.
Metaxa, a unique Greek spirit crafted from grapes sourced from the island of Samos, blends Muscat grapes with a secret assortment of Mediterranean botanicals. Although it shares similarities with brandy, it distinguishes itself with its herbal additions. Established in 1888 by Spyros Metaxa, this highly aromatic and smooth spirit embodies the warmth of its Mediterranean origins.
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Pusser’s Gunpowder Spiced
This expression of rum ranks among the finest in the spiced category. By marrying five West Indian rums—three from Guyana and two from Trinidad—the blend achieves a robust flavor profile, elevated by a combination of exquisite spices, all bottled at a notable strength of 54.5% ABV. The result is a warming spirit perfect for chilly autumn days.
Pusser’s has deep-rooted connections to the British Royal Navy, with the term ‘pusser’ referring to the purser responsible for distributing rum aboard ships.
Sipsmith Very Berry Gin
This newly released gin from Sipsmith is brimming with flavors reminiscent of autumn hedgerows. The infusion of blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry with Sipsmith’s signature crisp and citrusy style is a delightful revelation, perfectly suited for the season.
As a true trailblazer in the UK craft gin movement, Sipsmith emerged as London’s first new distillery in nearly two centuries in 2009, growing into a notable brand with innovative products like this Very Berry Gin.
Talisker Port Rhuige
Smoky whiskies are the ideal match for the crisp air of autumn, making Talisker an excellent choice. This distillery, located on the picturesque island of Skye, is celebrated for its distinctive peaty and peppery characteristics. Talisker Port Rhuige (pronounced ‘port-ree’) enhances these traits by maturing part of its whisky in ex-Port barrels, imparting layers of rich, red fruit notes balanced with peppery smoke.
If you find yourself in Skye, a visit to the distillery is worthwhile, especially with their newly opened visitor center.
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In summary, as the autumn season unfolds, these remarkable spirits serve as the perfect companions for cozy evenings and cool gatherings. Each offering brings a unique warmth and flavor profile that enhances the joy of this beautiful season, inviting you to relax and indulge in their splendid aromas and tastes.
