Distillerie G. Miclo has been making eaux-de-vie in Lapoutroie, deep in the Alsatian valleys, for over 60 years. Kirsch — cherry eau-de-vie — is the oldest of all fruit spirits, and Miclo's Grande Réserve is a benchmark example. It is made from small, sweet semi-wild black cherries, fermented whole with their stones kept intact to preserve the characteristic almond note that makes good kirsch so distinctive. The spirit is then distilled slowly in copper pot stills using a bain-marie method, with only the heart of the distillate kept. Three to four years of ageing in the cellars earns it the Grande Réserve designation.

The nose is intense and fruity, with fresh cherry and a pronounced almond quality. The palate is beautifully balanced — complex cherry, almond and marzipan, with a long clean finish. Serve it well chilled as a digestif, or reach for it in cocktails:

43% alc.vol. |  500ml and 700ml options  |  France