Grand Marnier (75cl, 40%)

French orange liqueur blending cognac and bitter orange distillate, created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. The cognac component makes up 51% of the blend, from Ugni Blanc grapes across five Cognac crus, double-distilled in copper pot stills. The remaining 49% is a distillate of citrus Bigaradia, whose peels are sun-dried, macerated in neutral alcohol for about ten days, then distilled. After blending, the liquid rests in large oak vats for one to six months. On the nose, orange zest leads, followed by warm vanilla, toasted oak and brandy richness. The palate brings sweet orange, aged cognac weight, toasted hazelnuts, toffee and caramel, with bitter orange pith keeping the sweetness in check. The finish is long, with cognac warmth and candied orange peel, plus subtle tannic structure from oak.