If you are looking for a delicious lower-alcohol choice, Thompson's Cider Mill Hard Cider crafted in small batches from a proprietary blend of heirloom and antique apples at Thompson's Cider Mill in Croton-on-Hudson, New York is a fabulous choice. Their award-winning ciders come in 9-flavors, in dry and semi-dry styles. Thompson's Cider Mill Hard Cider Antique Apple Blend Semi-Dry, only has 7% alcohol by volume, is delicious to drink on its own and is also delicious in cocktails. In addition to their hard ciders, Thompson's Cider Mill also handcrafts fresh cider. Cheers!

After taking a morning Thimble Island Cruise aboard the Sea Mist, we had worked up a thirst and decided to remedy that by making a visit to Stony Creek Brewery located in Branford, Connecticut. A craft brewery, their specialties include Crankys, New England India Pale Ales, Ales, Lagers, Stouts, and more to appeal to diverse styles and palate preferences. In addition to their diverse selection of beers they also have an exciting music scene with live music making it a very interesting place to visit. Cheers!

Summer is on its way, when backyard parties and trips to the beach are the highlights of the season. For easy and delectable cocktails to enjoy anywhere you go, Fifth State Distillery based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, created the ultimate summer "ready to pour cocktail" with their newest creation, Fifth State Bee's Knees made with gin, lemon, and honey. We enjoyed drinking this cocktail on its own as well as using it as a base to craft other custom cocktails and even a yummy strawberry sorbet. Cheers, it's cocktail time!

If an Espresso Martini is your go-to bar cocktail, you are in for a treat with Fifth State Distillery's Master Distiller Rob Schulten's latest creation, a ready-to-drink Fifth State Espresso Martini made with Rum. It's as easy as pouring 3.5 ounces into a shaker, adding ice, then shake and pour into a chilled martini glass. The 375-ml size makes it perfect to take along with you wherever you go, to the beach, to an outdoor concert, or simply to drink at home. With that said, Luxury Experience readers know that we always take spirits to the next level and created a few cocktails and a culinary recipe to tempt your palate, and our Luxury Experience - Espresso Martini Chocolate Tart is sure to become an absolute favorite. Cheers!

Master Distiller Robert Schulten, owner of Fifth State Distillery located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was having fun in the distillery again and created another fabulous gin, Passion Gin, to add to their award-winning line of spirits. Awarded the 2022 and 2021 Connecticut Gin Distillery of the Year by the prestigious New York International Spirits Competition, Fifth State Distillery continues to deliver excellence in every bottle. For his latest Passion Gin, Rob distills passionfruit and having tried it found it to be very versatile in a wide variety of cocktails.

Tequila lovers are in for a treat with the award-winning Tequila Código 1530 Rosa, as it is exceptionally smooth with layers of flavor nuances that make it equally enjoyable whether sipped neat, served over ice, used in cocktails, or to enhance culinary recipes. Made from 100% Blue Agave in Amatitán, Jalisco, México, this ultra-premium tequila has won a coveted space on our drinks table. We created three delectable cocktails and a culinary recipe that complement this outstanding product.

Looking for interesting flavors to create inspired cocktails? We found Wild Moon Cucumber Liqueur created by Creatrix and Infusionary Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned distillery Hartford Flavor Company based in Hartford, Connecticut to be a delectable and versatile ingredient. Wild Moon Cucumber Liqueur imparted layers of flavor to cocktail classics as well as to creative modern cocktails and was also delicious in our culinary creations. Who would think of making a cucumber liqueur? Lelaneia Dubay of course, and for that, we are grateful! Cheers and Bon Appetit!

SONO 1420 American Craft Distillers Vo Vodka is an ultra-premium vodka handmade in South Norwalk, Connecticut and is America's first distillery to incorporate hemp seed in its mashbill. Founded in 2019, the double gold award winning distillery is earning kudos and followers due to their exceptional products handcrafted in small batches. Their Vo Vodka is a mixologist's dream to work with as it is hand distilled from a blend of corn and cane and is sugar and gluten-free. It also took home a bronze medal from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Cheers!

It was a perfect Saturday afternoon in Wallingford, Connecticut at the 2022 CT Craft Beer Fest held by the CT Brewers Guild at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, learning about (and tasting) the diverse line of Connecticut Craft Beers. More than 60 craft breweries came from around the state and brought delectable samples of their artisanal products. Who knew the Connecticut Craft Beer Movement had so many tasty products?

Barceló Imperial - Ron Dominicano is a super-premium rum from the Dominican Republic and imported by Shaw-Ross International Importers. Made from fermented sugar juice, and not from molasses, this delectable rum is carefully crafted by a blend of rums ranging in age up to ten years and aged in American bourbon oak barrels. The result is a smooth and delectable sipping rum that is also an excellent choice for cocktail and culinary recipes. Cheers!

We love to use botanicals in our cocktail and culinary creations and were delighted when we "discovered" Wild Moon Lavender Liqueur created by Creatrix and Infusionary Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned distillery Hartford Flavor Company based in Hartford, Connecticut. Their luscious Wild Moon Lavender Liqueur is perfect to serve chilled or over ice, and when used in cocktail or culinary recipes adds another layer of flavor that makes the recipes uniquely tasty.

Tasting the award-winning Henri Bardouin Pastis is like taking your palate on a trip to Provence, France. Made in France since 1898, Henri Bardouin Pastis is made from a delectable blend of 65 plants to create a unique, and very tasty, elegant liqueur. We found this product to be very versatile as it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, used in cocktail recipes, added to espresso at the end of a meal, and can also be used in culinary recipes, making it a perfect liqueur to add to your liquor cabinet.

We took our palates on a trip around the world (without a need for a passport) during the impressive selection of offerings at the Whiskeys of the World tasting and pairing presented by Beam Suntory, Inc. during the 2022 Mohegan Sun, Sun Wine & Food Festival held at the Mohegan Sun located in Uncasville, Connecticut. It was an evening of tasting old favorites and discovering new ones. We also had the opportunity to sample food pairings from the Celebrity Chefs - Brian Duffy, Kevin Des Chenes, Lamar Moore, and David Rose. Cheers!

Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve Aged 15 Years is a sensational aged rum made in Haiti from 100% pure sugar cane juice and aged in French Limousine oak casks in a method similar to the finest cognacs. This award-winning rum earned a gold medal - 93 points in 2021 from the prestigious Beverage Testing Institute and was awarded 94 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2020. This exceptionally smooth and rich rum is a perfect sipping rum and is also an admirable companion in cocktail and culinary recipes.

ZYR Vodka is an award-winning ultra-smooth Russian vodka imported by Symphony Importers in Manhasset, New York. There are many types of vodka on the market these days made from a variety of ingredients including potatoes, corn, maple sap, sugar cane, wheat, and rye. Zyr vodka is lovingly crafted in Russia from a delectable blend of non-GMO winter wheat and rye that has been winning awards since it launched in 2002. Cheers!

Fifth State Seville Gin is the creation of Master Distiller Robert Schulten, owner of Fifth State Distillery located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which was awarded the 2021 Connecticut Gin Distillery of the Year by the prestigious New York International Spirits Competition. He handcrafts this delectable gin from locally grown Connecticut corn and Seville oranges, which is distilled in small batches in a column still. The result is a smooth and richly flavorful orange forward gin that is an admirable ingredient in cocktail and culinary recipes.

Hartford Flavor Company Vanilla Flavored Vodka is a delectable super premium gluten free vodka made with organic sugar cane and infused Tahitian and Madagascar vanilla beans. Creatrix and Infusionary Lelaneia Dubay is the driving force behind her innovative woman-owned distillery in Hartford, Connecticut, where the flavors she creates are as innovative as she.

Wild Moon Rose Liqueur is a versatile, lower alcohol spirit created by Creatrix and Infusionary Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned distillery Hartford Flavor Company based in Hartford, Connecticut. This delectable, certified gluten free spirit inspired us to create many cocktail and culinary recipes with it, as well as add it to champagne and prosecco, drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, jazz up a fresh fruit salad, use it to glaze grilled shrimp and grilled pineapple, and brush it on the cut sides of cakes to impart layers of flavor and keep our cakes moist. Cheers!

If you love ginger then you are in for a treat with Fifth State Ginger Zap created by Fifth State Distillery Master Distiller Robert Schulten in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Distilled from corn and handcrafted in small batches, Fifth State Ginger Zap is a gluten-free, delectable, award-winning vodka that is packed with real ginger flavor. 

Ooh lá, Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur made in Provence, France and imported by Crillon Importers, Ltd. Is c'est magnifique and the perfect ingredient for delectable cocktails. As cocktalians, we are always on the lookout for new spirits to inspire cocktail recipes. Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur is a delectable herbal liqueur made from thyme, verbena, angelica, and sage that is perfect to sip neat, chilled over ice, or in used in cocktail or culinary recipes to add layers of delectable flavors. 

With the rising interest in organic and gluten-free products, we decided to explore Westford Hill Distillers Organic Rime Vodka handcrafted in Ashford, Connecticut with 100% organic non-GMO corn. Master Distiller Louis Chatey has created another delicious spirit for their handcrafted artisanal spirit line with the introduction of Rime Vodka. Delectably smooth and all-natural with nice viscosity and mouthfeel, Rime Vodka is perfect served chilled or over ice, and is an admirable companion in cocktail and culinary recipes.

Drink local is the sign inside Fifth State Distillery owned by Rob and Bridget Schulten where their motto is "Made with pride in the great state of Connecticut." Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, their award-winning Fifth State Distillery products are made from locally grown Connecticut non-GMO corn and are gluten-free. Handcrafted in small batches, Fifth State Distillery has been turning heads with their delectable spirits since 2016.

The Baker Brothers - David, Jack, and Peter, owners of Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, Connecticut have added another very tasty spirit to their long line of super-premium award-winning spirits, with the addition of their latest product, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits. Made from 100% blue agave imported from Mexico and distilled and bottled at their distillery in Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits is sure to garner many a fan. 

Fifth State Gin is an American premium gin "made with pride in the great state of Connecticut." Owned by Master Distiller Robert Schulten and his wife Bridget Schulten, Fifth State Distillery has been handcrafting their line of award-winning spirits since 2016. Gin is a very diverse and unique spirit as the taste is based on the blend of botanicals and spices used. While juniper is always an ingredient, some gins have a stronger juniper flavor profile, while others are softer on the palate. Like chefs in a kitchen, each master distiller has their own preference. Master Distiller Rob Schulten uses juniper, coriander, cinnamon quills, angelica root, lemon peel, and green pod cardamom for his award-winning Fifth State Gin, and it is delicious.

Westford Gin is a delectable London-Dry Gin created by Master Distiller Louis Chatey at Westford Hill Distillers, his distillery in Ashford, Connecticut. Licensed to distill in 1998, Louis and his wife Margaret, are known for their award-winning spirits including eau-de-vies and apple brandy and have broadened their spirit line with an organic vodka, gin, and other tasty spirits at Westford Hill Distillers.  

When Luxury Experience wants to learn about something, we believe in going to the source. We visited Woodbury Brewing Company located in Woodbury, Connecticut to learn more as our craft beer knowledge was limited, and the craft beer movement has been rapidly growing in Connecticut (there are over 100 breweries in the state). Lagers, IPAs, Märzens, Sours, Stouts, Flanders Red, Porters, Belgian Quadrupels, and more, who knew there were so many interesting and tasty brews out there? 

Bourbon lovers have another reason to love Litchfield Distillery with Litchfield Distillery Vanilla Bourbon. Located in Litchfield, Connecticut, their slogan is, "The Spirit of Hard Work." As an award-winning bourbon house, they hand-craft a wide selection of tasty bourbons, as well as crafting gin and vodka. Their Litchfield Distillery Vanilla Bourbon is an ultra-premium sipping bourbon that is also the perfect cocktail and culinary companion. Cheers!

Master Distiller and Founder Brandon Collins, of Continuum Distilling in Waterbury, Connecticut has a new baby - Continuum Distilling Grappa, to add to his growing spirits house that includes his flagship Charred, Drops, and Blueberry ContinuRum, among others. His latest foray is making Grappa, the Italian brandy made with grape skins from nearby Hawk Ridge Winery. We visited Continuum Distilling and tasted their Continuum Distilling Special Release Grappa Blanco as well as their Barrel-Aged Grappa and they were delicious! We brought a bottle of the Grappa Blanco home and created some very tasty recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers!

While you may not be able to jet off to the South of France on a whim, you can enjoy Absente Absinthe Refined imported by Crillon Importers, Ltd, anytime, anywhere. Absinthe was the favorite drink of the French artists Van Gogh and Degas, and Absente Absinthe Refined is a luscious absinthe product made in the South of France using wormwood, anise, mint, and spices. It packs a punch at 110 proof (55% Alcohol by Volume), so a little of this delicious product goes a long way. Luxury Experience was "In the Kitchen and Behind the Bar" ^TM creating hand-crafted cocktails and culinary recipes with Absente Absinthe Refined for you to enjoy. 

We had a fabulous tour and tasting at Black Hog Brewing in Oxford, Connecticut learning about their tasty products and the craft brewing movement in Connecticut. Owned by brothers Jason and Tom Sobocinski and brew master Tyler Jones, Black Hog Brewing (BHB) has been turning the craft beer movement on its head since they founded it in 2014 and launched their first products in July 2014.

Master Distiller Louis Chatey creates exceptional eau-de-vie spirits in Ashford, Connecticut at Westford Hill Distillers.  After visiting and taking a tour and an in-depth product tasting with Louis and his wife Margaret, we could not wait to get home and start creating cocktail and culinary recipes using their Westford Hill Distillers Pear William Eau-de-view (Pear Brandy). Hand-distilled and made in small batches, their Pear William deserves special treatment.

Magellan Gin from France has a stunning blue color and a lovely mélange of 11 botanicals on the nose and palate that enchant the senses. Made in small batches, this artisanal premium gin was created to inspire cocktail and culinary recipes, and Luxury Experience had fun "In the Kitchen and Behind the Bar^TM" creating both. Imported from France by Crillon Importers, Ltd., Magellan Gin is a dynamo to experience.

Westford Hill Distillers Aged Apple Brandy made in Ashford, Connecticut by Master Distiller Louis Chatey, would make Johnny Appleseed proud. We love the "ABCs" - Armagnac, Brandy, and Cognac, and we found Westford Hill New World Aged Apple Brandy to be downright delicious, like drinking potent liquid apple gold. Cheers!

Head Distiller and Founder Brandon Collins has been having fun creating new spirits at Continuum Distilling, in Waterbury, Connecticut. Made with Connecticut blueberries, Continuum Distilling Blueberry ContinuRum is hands down delicious! Made from 100% blackstrap molasses and lots of fresh blueberries, it is easy to drink, and easy to love. Blueberry ContinuRum works well sipped over ice, used in cocktails, or to add a little extra flavor and a kick to culinary recipes! Cheers!

Litchfield Distillery located in Litchfield, Connecticut is known for its exceptional bourbons, as well as their other small batch spirits. Their Litchfield Distillery Maple Bourbon Whiskey is the perfect taste of New England as it starts out as Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon that is then aged in retired bourbon barrels that a local sugar maker aged his maple syrup in, so there are layers of luscious flavors with delightful maple notes.

Luxury Experience takes your palate on a trip to Haiti to experience a delectable white rhum agricole from Rhum Barbancourt. This prestigious rhum distillery has produced its famed spirits since 1862 when Dupre Barbancourt founded the company. Later, his wife Nathalie Gardère took over the company reins followed by decades of family management. Fifth-generation Delphine Gardère helms this exceptional rhum agricole company, that celebrates its 158th anniversary in 2020. It is the oldest company and the largest rum exporter in Haiti.

Gin is one of the most diverse and aromatic of spirits due to the botanicals used, and if you think that all gins are the same, you might want to try them again. Litchfield Distillery Gin made in Litchfield, Connecticut proves that the "nutmeg" state knows a thing or two about creating handcrafted artisanal spirits. While their special blend of botanicals is proprietary, we can tell you that after sampling their gin, it is absolutely delicious.

We had a perfect "Happy Hour" by touring Continuum Distilling in Waterbury, Connecticut and meeting with Master Distiller and Founder Brandon Collins who is creating very tasty and innovative spirits from reclaimed locally made craft "beer trimmings." While that may seem a bit strange, the taste of his products is amazingly good. Cheers! 

We have known Master Distiller French for many years since he created Scorpion Mezcal. Not someone to sit back, he is a forward thinker, and with agave slowly depleting he was inspired to use native Oaxacan ancient heritage corn to create a series of Mexican Whiskeys. Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey made with Native Oaxacan Black Corn is one of a series of exceptional Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskeys (Black, Yellow, White, and Purple), each designed to maximize their own unique flavors. Cheers!

Bourbon lovers are going to love the award-winning Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey handcrafted in small batches in Litchfield, Connecticut where their motto is "The Spirit of Hard Work" and the result is pure excellence. Made from a delectable blend of locally grown corn, rye, and barley, Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey celebrates the best of Connecticut. Known for their exceptional bourbons, in addition to their Straight Bourbon, Litchfield Distillery also handcrafts a Maple Bourbon, a Vanilla Bourbon, and a Port Cask Finish Bourbon, all of which are very tasty.