Top 5 Spirits for Fall Vibes

It’s fall again, which means PSL, chunky boots, and cozy sweaters. But it also means that we start wanting to reach for spirits that are less crisp and a little more warm and spicy. Here are Cherry’s (our amazing bar manager) picks for Fall, all under $50.

1.Long Night Mead, Black Heath Meadery $27

While it’s not a quite a spirit, Cherry chose this because “meads allow for a lot of fun spices.” This particular one is barrel-aged, giving classic wood notes of toffee and molasses. It’s also made here in Richmond, which is always a bonus.

2. Four-Port Rum, Virago Spirits $32 (on sale this month for $26)

While they normally don’t reach for rum, Cherry makes an exception for this. Another Richmond native, the Virago four-port features a blend from the Barbados, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

3. Islay Gin, The Botanist $40

“This European gin has beautiful botanicals,” says Cherry, referring to the various berries, herbs, barks, and spices used in its distillation . “Gin is my go-to,” they note, as it’s “easy to balance” in a cocktail.

4. Tequila Reposado, Espolon $35

Even at home, Cherry puts the effort in to make a superior cocktail (meanwhile, I dump some gin and ice in a glass, add an olive, and say it’s a martini). They have been pairing aged reposado tequila and its combo of savory and spicy notes, with a homemade scotch bonnet-raspberry-rhubarb syrup and a splash of club soda.

5. (Not Cherry’s Pick, but mine!) 12 Year Scotch, Dewar’s Special Reserve $35

As a whiskey fan, I like to have a neat dram in the colder weather. This blend, from Dewar’s master blender Stephanie Macleod, is so accessible to even first time scotch drinkers; smooth (read: sweet), luscious, and with just a whisper of smoke. Pour two fingers, get yourself to a fire pit and enjoy life.