Agárdi Pálinka Hungarian Gypsy Sour Cherry Fruit Brandy 375mL

Terrific nose of fresh sour cherries, black cherries and cherry skins with violets, cracked pepper and an enticing touch of marzipan. There's a darker fruit character underneath—almost cherry preserves—but without actual liqueur-like sweetness. Medium-bodied and beautifully focused, with tart cherry fruit immediately giving way to cherry stone, almond, pepper and subtle earthy spice. The combination of bright fruit and kernel character gives this considerably more complexity than simple cherry eau-de-vie. Dry and warming through the finish, with black cherry, marzipan, pepper and a faint bitter-almond note lingering beautifully. Distinctive, savory and deeply Hungarian.