Monthly Archives: January 2010

Review: Laphroaig 18 Years Old Scotch Whisky

Posted on January 13, 2010 by Christopher Null| 15 Comments

This year, Laphroaig bids farewell to its 15 year old Scotch and replaces it with one of slightly higher maturity (and perhaps a bit more coin): Laphroaig 18 Years Old.

It’s quite an interesting malt from the Islay-based distiller, more mature and refined than the younger Laphroaig, which is invariably so heavy on the peat smoke that it’s hard to pick out additional characteristics.

In the 18 Year, that peat influence has thankfully mellowed a bit, letting Islay’s other sea-influenced characteristics seep through. You’ll get lots of iodine and saltiness in this single malt, with a big blast of seaweed up front. There’s a surprising sweetness here too, honey-like in character, but it’s not cloying. There’s even a curious touch of lemony citrus I picked out after letting it breathe in the glass for half an hour. It all finishes up with that famous Laphroaig peat, moderate in finish and not burning at all despite its 96 proof alcohol level.

All in all, perhaps my favorite Laphroaig expression to date.

A- / $100 / laphroaig.com

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Posted in Rated A-, Reviews, Scotch, Whiskey

Win Tickets to San Francisco ZAP Zinfandel Grand Tasting

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

Not into whiskey? How about Zin? San Francisco’s monumental ZAP Zinfandel Tasting is a mere few weeks away, and we’ve got four tickets (two pairs of two tickets) to give to you, dear reader. A total value of $236!

This year the event will be held on January 30, 2010 at the usual Fort Mason location, where hundreds of wineries will be pouring literally thousands of wines. And we want you to join us!

We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets (retail value: $118 per pair) to give away to our loyal readers. All you have to do to win them is tell us that you want to go! Drop a line to [CONTEST COMPLETED] and provide the following information: Your name, complete mailing address, and email contact information. You must be a U.S. resident and 21 years old to win.

We’ll pick two winners at random (two tickets per winner) on January 22, 2010. Winners will be notified by email, and tickets will be held at will call at the entrance to the event. Please don’t enter if you aren’t certain you can be in San Francisco on January 30th. Travel and lodging are not included in the giveaway!

Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers 21 years old and up, with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

UPDATE: Congrats to Hector Maldonado and Gary McDonald, chosen randomly as winners for the contest!

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Posted in Upcoming Events, Wine

Review: Van Gogh Wild Appel Vodka

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

There are a lot of ways to get apple character into a cocktail — Calvados, apple juice, even Apple Pucker, God help you — and now Van Gogh adds “wild” apple to its lineup of flavored vodkas.

Truth be told this isn’t my favorite entry into the otherwise top-notch Van Gogh arsenal. The aroma and body are indeed pretty appley — but also pretty “wild,” and not really in a good way. Overly tart and woodsy, it’s more cider-like, with a weird and strong vanilla aftertaste that comes off as artificial. I can’t think of a better description than “gamey.”

Definitely one for cocktails only and in small quantities.

70 proof.

C+ / $30 / vangoghvodka.com

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Posted in Flavored Vodka, Rated C+, Reviews, Vodka

Review: 2008 Dr. Peter Poontinger Riesling

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

When launched, the ad for this new German import will read, “A Great White Win Named Poontinger? Believe It.” And there is a picture of a Jackalope. Apparently Poontinger is a play on the German version of the mythical creature.

Serious wine? No, not really. It’s a $10 wine designed for restaurants to sell by the glass for 5 or 6 bucks a pop.

How’s it taste? Just fine. Not a lot to it. A light nose, a bigger honey and apple body with a lot of tartness to it, and a moderate finish. A medium-dry “halb-trocken,” it’s nothing you haven’t experienced in a budget Riesling before, but certainly worth 10 bucks a bottle.

Plus you get to say “Poontinger.”

B / $10 / paulanerhpusa.com

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Posted in Rated B, Reviews, Wine

Win Tickets to Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Christopher Null| 8 Comments

If you like whiskey, Whiskies of the World Expo, an annual tasting event in San Francisco, is an essential night you’d be insane to miss out on. Hundreds of spirits will be on hand to sample, plus educational seminars, delicious foodstuffs, and a generally awesome night to be had by all.

This year the event will be held on March 27, 2010 at the glamorous Hotel Nikko, and Drinkhacker wants to get you there!

We’ve got 3 pairs of VIP tickets (retail value: $240 per pair) to give away to our loyal readers. All you have to do to win them is tell us that you want to go! Drop a line to contest@drinkhacker.com and provide the following information: Your name, complete mailing address, and email contact information. You must be a U.S. resident and 21 years old to win.

We’ll pick three winners at random (two tickets per winner) on March 1, 2010. Winners will be notified by email, and tickets will be mailed to you shortly thereafter. Please don’t enter if you aren’t certain you can be in San Francisco on March 27th. Travel and lodging are not included in the giveaway!

Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers age 21 and up with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

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Posted in Contests, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Review: Bache-Gabrielsen XO Natur & Eleganse Cognac

Posted on January 2, 2010 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

From the maker of one of my most treasured spirits of the year comes Natur & Eleganse, a cognac aged at least 10 years in oak casks.

What’s immediately surprising is how this spirit, deep amber in the bottle, is a pale gold when poured into a glass. The oddities don’t stop there, though.

The palate of Natur & Eleganse (“pure and rustic”) is neither what I’d describe as natur nor eleganse… with a big, woody character that belies its pale complexion. Honey and raisins play on the palate, but it’s undercut — in a massive way — by the nose and body of freshly sawed lumber. The result is not something that’s elegant but rather on the brutish side, a burly by-the-fireside/after-a-day-skiing brandy that’s warming but decidedly rough.

80 proof. Prices vary widely.

B- / $40 / bache-gabrielsen.com