Barack Palinka Pecsetes Apricot Liquor: Until recently in North America, most of us used apricot brandy in baking, but this one is at its best in a glass as a digestif. Zwack aims to create a product that is identical year in and year out.

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

Christian Drouin Coeur De Lion Sélection Calvados: On the Coeur de Lion estate, Christian Drouin Jr. has planted a new orchard in order to preserve the leading varieties of apple from the Auge region, including some that are specific to the Pont-l'Évêque area. Pressed when fully ripe, once only so as to yield nothing but pure juice, and fermented in large oak barrels, these apples produce a rich fruity cider for distillation. This spirit is very good as an after-dinner digestif. Plus, try this sauce: a splash of Calvados with cream and mild soya sauce; heat gently and use as a sauce for roast beef.

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

G.e. Massenez Calvados Vieux: Apple genie-in-a-bottle packaging is really eye-catching (trivia question: how do they get the apple in the bottle?). Attractive medium-gold colour with aromas of apple-cinnamon, cloves, pie crust, caramel and even hints of yellow pear. Dry with a subtle, elegant apple-cinnamon replay. Chill it slightly and serve it as a digestif, or enjoy it with fresh cinnamon scones or baked apples. (Trivia answer: They grow the apple inside the bottle, right on the tree branch!) (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2012)

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

G.e. Massenez L'authentique L'originale Poire Williams Eau-de-vie: TASTING NOTE: While the package is striking -- a pear-shaped bottle with a real pear inside -- this beautifully pure spirit transcends marketing. The aromas are intense, an orchard-full of ripe pears with notes of white blossoms and sweetgrass. It's dry and full-bodied with a smooth, mouthfilling texture and intensely pure, ripe pear flavours with a touch of spicy white pepper leading to a long, lingering finish. Makes for an impressive digestif. (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2012)

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

Josef Hoermann Obstbrand Apple/pear Eau-de-vie: Clear and simple, a delicate duet of ripe pear and apple cidery aromas. Sweet upfront, with silky, mouthfilling quality leading into a gently spiced finish. I like the thought of this with a pear/ginger tart or an old fashioned apple pie. I've always thought this was a great deal. Score - 86. (Patricia Noonan, Dec. 2006)

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

Josef Hoermann Williams Feiner Birnenbrand Pear Eau De Vie:

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

Kirschwasser Black Forest Staufen (schladerer):

Tags: Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Spirits

Lecompte 12-year-old Pays D'auge Calvados: TASTING NOTE: Layered, bakery-like aromas include fragrances of apple fritter, dough and cane sugar; flavor profile boasts a keen, apple juice tartness and baking spices. Excellent, Highly Recommended. Score: 93 (F. Paul Pacult, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2011) In 2008, tastings.com gave this same Calvados a score of 96.

Tags: Brandy, Eau-De-Vie, Fruit, Other Brandy, Spirits