This Cognac-based liqueur incorporates 20 pounds of pears in each 750-ml bottle, yielding a rich golden hue and bold fresh-pear scent. As a digestif-worthy sipper, look for a balanced honey and vanilla flavor profile, with a suggestion of pear on the finish. Ideal for cocktails, baking or sipping straight.

— Kara Newman

Made with a blend of brandies aged 30–35 years, this shows dark amber in the glass yet is remarkably soft, balanced and easy to enjoy. The bouquet entices, with scents of caramel, vanilla and orange peel that are mirrored on the palate along with a slight saline twang that reads as salted caramel, braced by clove and cinnamon.

— Kara Newman

Heavenly!

Excellent, Highly Recommended.

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.

Excellent,Highly Recommended.

Chateau de Larressingle, located in the Ténarèze AOC of Armagnac, is a fine place to begin your explanation of this brandy category. It is a relatively small producer, but has good distribution throughout the U.S., as it is marketed by the import house of Kobrand Wine & Spirits. It’s good, solid, earthy Armagnac, a blend of choice brandies from both Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze, great for sipping, enjoying with coffee after a good meal, or to inspire a great cocktail.

— Hoke Harden

Classic French brandies make stride vis mixology and innovation... Other changes and introductions: Delamain, a family-owned house which only produces Grande Champagne Cognacs at XO range and above, repackaged its Delamain Vesper (a blend of 30-35 years Cognacs) and continued to introduce rare vintage bottlings, only recently allowed.

— Jack Robertiello

This year I was a guest of Tia Maria Liqueur and Disaronno Originale for Tales of the Cocktail, and was invited to do an Instagram Take-Over of the Tia Maria Account! I had a blast exploring the city, and finding new ways to use the classic coffee liqueur!

— Emily Arden Wells