The groundhogs have emerged and foretelling shadows have been seen. Let’s celebrate the warming of 2015 with these magnificent spirits!

Aviation

What: American Gin 
Where: Oregon
Alcohol: 42%
Score: 98 Pts

Like the Howard Hughes of gin – sleek, distinguished, and intriguing with worldly spices, this is nearing perfection. Hints of cardamom pods, tarragon, all spice, and light juniper reveal themselves through its polished physique and mint leaf finish. – JA

The 86 Co.

What: Tequila Cabeza
Where: Mexico
Alcohol: 43%
Score: 94 Pts

A featherweight boxer with a mighty punch, this buoyant tequila hands out notes of smoked agave, sweet sage, and baked bell peppers stuffed with meat and paprika cream. Inviting, appetizing, and simply enjoyable. ­­–JA

Few

What: Barrel Gin
IWhere: llinois
Alcohol: 46.5%
Score: 94 Pts

Like Arnold and Danny in Twins, it just works.   Hints of juniper, tree sap, and sassafras juxtaposed with bourbon-like flavors of honey, candied peach, vanilla, and toasted almond. Its ultra-comforting body ends with a powerful kick of cayenne pepper.   – JA

Teeling

What: Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt
Where: Ireland
Alcohol: 46%
Score: 91 Pts

Consistent and to the point, this rust colored whiskey exudes its smoky atmosphere along with hints of baked cherry, vanilla oil, leather, and earthiness. Illustrating the reliability of Irish spirits, what you see is what you get. – JA

Grand Traverse Distillery

What: ‘Ole George’ Rye Whiskey
Where: Michigan
Alcohol: 46.5%
Score: 92 Pts

The Miss Congeniality of spirits, it’s hard to find something not to like about it. Its refined and satiny feel display notes of honeysuckle, dark cherry, and dusty wood before finishing with a spicy thrill of fennel and cloves.     ­-JA

McClelland’s

What: Islay Single Malt Whisky
Where: Scotland
Alcohol: 40%
Score: 93 Pts

Like something you’d find in Ron Burgundy’s liquor cabinet, its impressive balance of peat and smoke unveils aromas of white peach, cinnamon, and rich mahogany. Velvety and medium-bodied, it ends with a smoked bbq of black pepper and asparagus. ­-JA