The Drinker's Guide: Top-Shelf Spirits for Your Liquor Cabinet

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BITTERS
The Bitter Truth Original Celery Bitters $17 for 200 mL
“You have to have Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters. But for something more esoteric, celery bitters from The Bitter Truth has an amazing savory quality. In a Bloody Mary, it doesn’t make the drink saltier—it just makes the celery flavor brighter.” —Tona Palomino, beverage director at Trenchermen
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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GIN
Oxley Classic English Dry Gin $50 for a liter
“This gin is made in really, really small batches, and they distill every element in below-freezing temperatures. I taste notes of cocoa and vanilla—not things you normally get with gin.” —Revae Schneider, owner of Femme du Coupe, a home-bar consulting company
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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LIQUEUR
Green Chartreuse $60 for 750 mL
“This Chartreuse is made by French monks from more than 130 Alpine herbs. It has some of the same fennel flavor as absinthe but with equal notes of mint and bay leaf. One of my favorite things to do is add a splash of it to a Collins drink.” —Kyle Davidson, former bartender at The Publican
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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RUM
El Dorado 12-Year-Old Demerara Rum $33 for 750 mL
“My favorite rum cocktail is a rum old fashioned—you use rum instead of brandy or whiskey. For that, I like this El Dorado, which has exciting flavors—smoky oak, dried fruit, and roasted walnuts.” —Ed Hamilton, author of The Complete Guide to Rum
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
5 / 9

TEQUILA
El Tesoro de Don Felipe Reposado Tequila $50 for 750 mL
“El Tesoro’s Reposado is what I drink at home. It’s got enough character for sipping on ice or drinking it neat with a little lime. Its complexity punches up a margarita or Paloma.” —Jerald O’Kennard, director of the Beverage Testing Institute
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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TONIC
Q Tonic $8 for a four-pack
“This is not one of those grossly bitter, sugary tonics. It is light, so it doesn’t kill gin, and mild enough to let vodka shine through.” —Tim Williams, owner of Pour Souls Cocktail Club, which offers cocktail-making classes
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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VERMOUTH
Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth $35 for a liter
“The oldest sweet vermouth in the world and arguably the best. Because it has strong cherry notes, it tastes great in a Manhattan, Martinez, or Negroni. Drink it on the rocks with an orange twist.” —Toby Maloney, head mixologist at The Violet Hour
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
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VODKA
North Shore Distillery Vodka $30 for 750 mL
“This vodka is clean and crisp, with nice balance and a touch of grain flavor. I’d use it for a martini or any mixed vodka cocktail—perhaps a Vesper with vodka, gin, and Kina Lillet.” —Josh Pearson, head bartender at Sepia
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park
9 / 9

WHISKEY
W. L. Weller 12-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
$28 for 750 mL
“This is a wheated bourbon, and only a handful of distillers use wheat in their mash instead of rye. The absence of rye gives this whiskey sweet vanilla and candy flavors, making it less fiery and bitter. Drink it neat with maybe just a little water.” —Charles Cowdery, author of Bourbon, Straight
Photograph: Michael Boone; spirits courtesy of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lincoln Park

BUY BETTER BASICS: Local connoisseurs on the best whiskey, gin, vodka, and more

By Lena Singer

January 16, 2012, 2:43 pm

SEE ALSO: Chicago’s Best Craft Beer »

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