Review: Buzzbox Tequila Paloma
We reviewed Buzzbox’s Perfect Margarita earlier this year, and today we are trying their Tequila Paloma. I was happy to see that they have changed the shape of the cocktail box so that it no longer resembles a children’s juice box, but it is still eco-friendly and recyclable (including the cap, which is plant-based). There…
Review: 10th Street Single Malt Peated Wine Cask Finished
San Jose, California’s 10th Street Single Malt is back with another peated expression — this one finished in French oak pinot noir casks from a northern California winery. (Initial aging is in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, not new oak.) Each year 10th Street releases a different wine cask release. This is our first encounter with those…
Review: Le Mone Meyer Lemon Aperitif Wine
An aperitif is technically any alcoholic beverage designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Which brings us to Le Moné, a new line of wine aperitifs with “no secrets” on their limited ingredients which comprise Meyer lemon (in the form of California lemon peel), dry New York farm white wine, California brandy, and 100%…
Review: Casa Del Sol Tequila – Blanco and Reposado
Celebrity owned tequilas have become pretty common in recent years with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson representing Teremana, George Clooney representing Casamigos (though he has since sold it), AC/DC representing Thunderstruck, and many more. Well, here come another: Casa Del Sol tequila is co-owned by actress Eva Longoria of daytime soap opera and Desperate Housewives fame.…
Review: 2019 DuMol Pinot Noir DuMol Estate Vineyard
This blue chip Russian River pinot noir offers all the hallmarks of the region: Dense, black cherry at the core, well-extracted, then cola and a pinch of pepper. The intensity can be daunting at times, bordering on jammy if you’re enjoying this on its own. A slight chill and pairing with a meal give this…
Review: Bhakta 27-07 Brandy
Raj Bhakta‘s eponymous brand tiptoes downmarket and sideways with the launch of 27-07, which adds Calvados to the mix, blending it with Armagnac then finishing it in Islay casks much like the original Bhakta. While the 27-07’s intended age statement—7 years at its youngest, and 27 at its oldest—already placed it among the oldest spirits…
Review: 2021 Chateau la Freynelle Bordeaux
This white Bordeaux wine leans heavily on the sauvignon blanc (60%) in its blend (semillon and muscadelle make up the rest), showcasing bright acidity and a steely, grassy quality that dominates the experience. Gentle florals and a touch of cookie dough perk up on a finish that is tight and a little acidic, some potpourri…
Review: WhistlePig SmokeStock Whiskey
WhistlePig has always leaned towards a bit of irreverence in their exploration of whiskey expressions. Their 100% rye whiskeys have been well regarded as well as their special releases (despite their price tag). For this latest release, the company collaborated with Traeger grills, creator of the wood pellet grill, to create a BBQ themed whiskey.…
