Sibona Grappa Reserva, Port Cask Finished. Grappa has quite the reputation as a…harsh and rough spirit…for many who have encountered it on vacation in Italy. It’s associated with the older generation of Italians, and is generally consumed post-meals as a digestif. Grappa is a grape-based spirit that’s made from pomace, which is essentially the stems, skins, and seeds of pressed grapes leftover from wine production.

As grappa is basically a byproduct of wine-making, there is quite a large variety in quality, and well, the bad stuff can be REALLY bad. This is one reason many travelers may have negative perceptions of the spirit, along with the fact that the common UNaged grappa can be quite…intense in flavor (similar to how unaged tequila/mezcal, agricole rums, or unaged whitedog whiskies can be).

Grappa can be made from any grape used in wine-making, and this particular bottle is made with Nebbiolo grapes (used for Barolo and Barbaresco wines). Unlike unaged grappa, this one has been aged in wood for a few years, including the latter part of its life in a Portuguese cask that previously held sweet dessert port wine. It’s rich in flavor, with woody tones and a warm sweetness encompassing the earthy, oily, yet fruity pomace brandy. For the adventurous spirit lover, you’ve gotta put some grappa on your radar.