Every time I visit Hi-Time Wine Cellar, I always make sure to buy a different liqueur. I've had raki from Turkey, Mexican anise nectar, some weird-ass Greek shit, and enough amaro to shout “Vaffanculo!” with authority. They all do invigorating wonders to me, the perfect nightcap for a day of boozing or to make sure a big meal settles correctly instead of remaining in my gut for days…wait, is this mic on?
Buying liqueurs instead of straightforward booze is also a great way to travel the world. Right now, I'm resting easy with pelinkovac, a wormwood-based liqueur popular in the Slavic countries. I discovered the Maraska label in Hi-Times extensive liqueur department, its tall, slender bottle and illustration of a cute-ass Croatian chick grabbing my attention. But would Maraska be as transcendent as Fernet Branca, or little better than motor oil like Jäggermeister. Only one way to find out.
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The stuff is STRONG–makes Jagger seem like lemonade, and Fernet as bold as water. It starts with a sweet dash that sinks into a den of bitterness, slowly draining through every capillary through your body and lingering on your palate for hours afterward. Lovers of bitters will enjoy it; everyone else will cough as if having just taken a hit of smog from a bong. But mark my words: a shot of Maraska will soothe whatever ails ya. Good job, Mr. Hi-Time–but what liqueur should I try next?
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Love the idea o what you are accomplishing at OC. I am going to try the Pelikivac because I have been to Croatia. I am going to order the Empanadas because I have been to Argentina and other SA countries. A dinner of memories for me.