Bourgoin Maree Haute XO

The age requirement for VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) cognac is 4 years. The overachievers at Domaine Gilles Brisson age their VSOP for a minimum of 5 years resulting in a richer cognac that’s ideal for sipping, while sticking in a range that makes for guilt-free, spirit-forward cocktails. A great first bottle for those coming over from the big cognac houses (kick off your shoes, we think you’ll like it here).

Frapin Very Special Old Pale Cognac hails from Grande Champagne. A district, or cru, within the Cognac region of France. If Cognac is Brooklyn, then Grande Champagne is Bed-Stuy. Except here they’re producing grapes instead of lyrical geniuses. We taste Werther’s Caramels (shoutout Grandma) and dried apricots.

We believe Pisco is as underappreciated a spirit as Giancarlo Esposito is an actor. It’s pure, bright, and mixes great in cocktails (the Pisco not Giancarlo). And once you've had it, you'll ask yourself, "where have you been all this time?" We taste citrus and jasmine.