99 Bananas Schnapps (75cl, 49.5%)

A 99-proof banana-flavoured liqueur produced by Barton 1792 Distillery in Kentucky, in a 750ml bottle. It is made from a neutral grain spirit base with banana flavouring, sugar and colouring. The distillery has roots dating to 1879 and is now owned by Sazerac Company. Within the 99 Schnapps range, Bananas is one of the most recognised expressions, with strength that lets the banana character hold up in mixed drinks. The nose is unmistakably banana, ripe and candy-forward, with a faint grainy alcohol presence. The palate is sweet and almost creamy, with concentrated ripe banana and building alcoholic warmth. The finish is surprisingly long, with lingering banana sweetness and a slight burn.