The Spirits Business held its annual award event The Liqueur Masters in October 2019 to rank a wide range of liqueurs on product quality in their respective price ranges. Though individual rankings were not revealed, here are 5 liqueurs that won awards, judged by the bar manager of 1947 Sergei Kuritson, head bartender of Mandarin Bar Marco Stella, and the deputy editor and the editor of The Spirits Business – Melita Kiely and Amy Hopkins.
1. Fair Café Liqueur
Securing the master title, the coffee liqueur wowed the judges with its strong roasted-coffee flavour and aroma, and roasted hazelnut aftertaste. The Fair Café Liqueur is bottled at 22% ABV, and uses high quality coffee beans from Mexico and sugar from Belize and Paraguay. No wonder it secured the high rank at the event!
2. The Nines Sweet
The herbal liqueur was ranked high for its well-balanced but delicious smooth aniseed flavour, which had slight notes of coffee to it. A selective combination of 27 leaves, roots and fruits are gathered to produce a bottle of The Nines Sweet liqueur.
3. Mozart Dark Chocolate
The Mozart Dark Chocolate was appreciated for its rich cocoa flavour. The taste is so delicious that the liqueur was referred to as ‘chocolate sauce for grownups’ by one of the judges at the event. To produce this delectable liqueur, cocoa beans are blended with dark chocolate at the manufacturing unit. Yum!
4. Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur
The minty liqueur is bottled at 50% ABV, and emanates an aroma of peppermint and chocolate. Its appetizing taste reminded the judges of mint chocolate ice cream. The liqueur is said to make for an excellent aperitif.
5. Ballycastle Strawberry & Cream Liqueur
Popular with festive cocktails and boozy desserts, the Ballycastle Strawberry & Cream Liqueur won the hearts of the judges with its rich creamy texture and dessert-like taste. It is produced at 15% ABV, flaunting a blend of double cream and strawberry flavourings.
I wish I could get a bottle of the Ballycastle Strawberry & Cream Liqueur on my way back home after work today. But which liqueur, mentioned above, do you find the most interesting?
