Liquore Limoncello Limoncé
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Limoncello; Italy $21
http://limonce.us

Limoncello, glowing bright gold like the Italian sunshine, is a traditional lemon liqueur from southern Italy. Though the neon yellow beverage’s origins are lost in the haze of time, limoncello has long been associated with Italy’s Amalfi coast. Stock S.P.A., Liquore Limoncello Limoncé’s producer in Italy, makes the citrus-flavored spirit in Trieste, one of the country’s many charming port cities. Stock’s recipe follows the traditional method, by letting sun-ripened lemon rinds macerate for several months in a mix of alcohol and sugar. Limoncé features light textures and a zesty balance between tangy and sweet lemon flavors. This 60-proof drink, usually served ice cold, does not require mixing or shaking before being poured. The clean, lemon flavor makes Limoncé a refreshing palate cleanser between meal courses, and is a good companion with summertime picnic fare.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon
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Bourbon; Kentucky $40
www.woodfordreserve.com

Nothing evokes the thought of Kentucky more than premium spirits or the spectacle of Thoroughbred horses cleaving through soft dirt in a fierce race to the finish line. Woodford Reserve Bourbon blends both passions in its recently released bottle for this year’s 134th Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. As a special treat, the bottle commemorates the 35th anniversary of the record set by Secretariat, the red colt that won the 99th Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59 2/5, a record that still stands today. The bottle features a boldly colored image of Secretariat created by sports artist LeRoy Neiman. Woodford Reserve has been crafted since 1812 at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, which is in the heart of Thoroughbred country. This amber-hued, 90-proof distillation features flavors of creamy vanilla as well as sweet caramel, and has been the official bourbon for the Kentucky Derby for the last ten years.

Michael Collins Irish Whiskey
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Irish Whiskey; Ireland
$26 Blend, $38 Single Malt
www.michaelcollinswhiskey.com

Garnering a larger-than-life reputation for his rebellious activities, Michael Collins is famous in Ireland for his efforts in leading Ireland to independence. Collins, also known as “The Big Fellow,” died in the early twentieth century, but his name lives on in the form of the ultra-premium Michael Collins Irish Whiskey. This 80-proof beverage is available either as a blend or single malt. The whiskey blend is a mix of double-distilled malt and grain Irish whiskeys that have been aged four to twelve years in small bourbon-seasoned barrels. The resulting amber-hued spirit features vanilla, citrus and malt aromas; creamy and sweet flavors of honey and orange rind; and a warm, spicy oak finish. The single malt, in comparison, is heavier and less spicy than the blend, and is infused with smoky, chocolatey malt flavors.

Liquidity Pinky Vodka
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Vodka; Sweden $32
www.pinkyvodka.com

No need to adjust your computer screen, this vodka really is pink. The aptly-named Pinky Vodka, imported from Sweden by Liquidity, is the result of a group of champion wine tasters infusing their love of wine into the creation of spirits. They created this 80-proof beverage with a blend of twelve botanicals, pure glacial water and Swedish winter wheat. Pinky Vodka, which is distilled five times, exudes a strong floral nose from the drink's rich complement of esters, the chemical compound that gives fruits their pleasant aromas. Complex flavors are dominated by notes of violets, rose petals and wild strawberries, and lead to a distinctly floral finish as well as its namesake hue. Enjoy this vodka by itself, or use it to add color to a martini.

Averna Sambuca
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Sambuca; Italy $28 each
www.averna.it

Averna, adding new spice to their 140-year-old business, recently introduced three Sambucas to its lineup of products. Sambuca originated in 18th-century Italy, where peasants drank anise-flavored water because anise helped quench thirst. Averna Sambuca 100% Anice stellato, a fragrant and full-bodied elderberry liqueur, imbues a strong fresh taste of star anise and other spices. Averna’s Sambuca alla Liquirizia takes a different approach from the traditional beverage, featuring a stronger licorice flavor. Sicilian licorice roots are much sweeter than table sugar, making this a good addition to coffee. Averna is also introducing Sambuca agli Agrumi, a citrus fruit-infused version. Each of the Sambucas is 84-proof.

While the Rarest Vintage Reserve is the first new product from Jameson Irish Whiskey in four years, it celebrates the oldest of the company’s whiskeys. The four Jameson Irish Whiskey Masters collaborated closely to make this limited release. This whiskey blends Jameson’s muscular and aged grain whiskeys with a rare pot still whiskey aged in specially selected port casks. The mixture is triple distilled and bottled without chill filtration. Aromas of sweet and ripe fruit, such as bananas and dark fleshy plums are followed by hints of molasses, cinnamon and licorice. Deep flavors give way to tones of toasted wood and dark chocolate, with a long finish that ranges from sweet to tangy.

Gran Patrón Burdeos
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Tequila; Mexico $499
www.patronspirits.com

The latest addition to Patrón’s line of fine spirits arrives in style, nestled in a suede-lined black walnut box. Crafted out of crystal, corked and topped with a crystal bee stopper, the bottle itself continues the luxurious trend. This tequila proves it is worthy of such elegant packaging once the cork is popped. Triple distillation and at least twelve months of maturation give it a smooth texture. The Jalisco-grown blue agave from which it is made produces flavors of vanilla and dried fruit.