Cajun Magic Report post Posted January 4, 2015 A few nights ago I did a tasting review of three great apéritifs. Lillet Blanc, Cocchi Americano, and Kina L'aero d'or. I did a compare and contrast of the three and here are my notes Lillet Blanc- Lightest of the three in body and flavor. With a threshold (barely detectable) bitterness. It is sweet with a light orange taste. Cocchi Americano- a bit more assertive flavor and body than Lillet Blanc. More dry. More citrus flavor than lillet. It has a mild bitterness. Kina L'aero d'or- good strong orange flavor, thicker mouthfeel. Followed by a bitter taste. It's also very medicinal. I've made Vespers on New Years Eve with all three and they all make a fine Vesper. The Lillet is good for a more ethereal experience. The Cocchi makes a solid vesper also, and the Kina L'aero d'or really shines in the cocktail. It also lends the drink a lovely very light champagne color. Final consensus: All three deserve a place in the bar. I can see why some chose Cocchi Americano for a Kina Lillet substitute due to the reformulation but I still love the stuff. For those of you who love Corpse Revivers and Vespers. I would keep all three at hand. Also, If anyone would love to do a similar tasting review that would be awesome too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Robinson Report post Posted January 5, 2015 I absolutely LOVE kinas. I've done a tasting of a huge range before, but never documented it. Might do it again this week and report back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cajun Magic Report post Posted January 5, 2015 (edited) That would be great! Edit:Also Final Consensus should be Final Verdict. Mea Culpa. Edited January 5, 2015 by Cajun Magic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fingerpickinblue Report post Posted January 5, 2015 I agree with Cajun's assessments. I love the L'Avion d'Or in the Vesper. The only trouble is at the rate I can go through these, having all three open isn't practical. I keep the Cocchi around the most and immediately, upon opening, I decant it into two 375ml bottles so I can work out of one at a time. Ideally I'd like a bunch of 250ml bottles for things like these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluewolf Pete Report post Posted January 13, 2015 I haven't tried the L'Avion d'Or so I can't speak to that. I remember being excited when I first made a Vesper, using Lillet, only to be really disappointed. You say ethereal and I say boring. I know .... different strokes. I much prefer the Cocchi in a Vesper. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fingerpickinblue Report post Posted January 13, 2015 I've missed this dog. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cajun Magic Report post Posted January 13, 2015 (edited) I can see why, Bluewolf and I personally like all three in varying degrees. The Kina L'aero and Cocchi certainly do also shine in a Corpse Reviver #2. Edited January 13, 2015 by Cajun Magic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluewolf Pete Report post Posted January 14, 2015 Have missed you too! Which is why I'm back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fingerpickinblue Report post Posted January 15, 2015 "Let's louche these bitches up and party!" ~ Fingerpickinblue Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hedonmonkey Report post Posted January 18, 2015 I've heard worse ideas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cajun Magic Report post Posted June 22, 2016 I must follow up after so long by saying that the Kina L'aero d'or is amazing. It has worked top notch in cocktails and on it's own. It deserves a permanent place in the bar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fingerpickinblue Report post Posted June 22, 2016 Yep. Serious stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
