TAYLOR DRY SHERRY, New York

This sherry's pale color and clean, dry finish are exactly what I look for in an aperitif. The slight bitterness balances the nuttiness beautifully, making it a great choice for a martini twist.

That roasted nut note really comes through on the finish—it's subtle but gives the wine a nice complexity. Pairs perfectly with a simple cheese plate, and the dryness keeps it from feeling heavy at all.

The dryness is exactly what I look for in a sherry—that subtle bitterness balances the nutty notes so nothing feels cloying. Poured a small glass after dinner and it disappeared far too quickly.