Luxe Beat Magazine JUNE 2014 | Page 29

New York International Spirits Competition: 2012 Double Gold Medal 5. If Your Father Is A Pirate (Or Wishes He Was) Kirk and Sweeney Rum Steve says, “One, get him this rum. Two, don’t tell him where you got this rum. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Kirk and Sweeney earned its name from a wooden schooner best known for smuggling rum from the Caribbean to the United States during Prohibition. While today’s imports are legal, they are no less desirable. This 12 year old spirit is aged in oak casks and scored 95 points from Wine Enthusiast [which also named it a Best Buy].” Tasting Notes: Aroma of earthy sugar cane and vanilla. The initial flavors of sweet nectar and honey give way to notes of oak and toffee. The finish, which is bold and ripe, ends with a smooth vanilla kick. Awards & Accolades Wine Enthusiast: 95 points Top 50 Spirits of 2013 Liqour.com: One of the Best New Rums of 2013 6. If Your Father Is Intense Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Steve says, “Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky is known as one of the most intense, smoky single malt whiskies ever made. Powerful aromas of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea are signature to this Scotch, which comes from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Aged for a minimum of 16 years, this whisky was named the “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.” Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea. Notes of peat, rich smoke 1 and salty tang, which are balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and honeyed oak. Finish is incredible and intens