Christopher Null
Xicala Mezcal has been on the market for some time, but it’s recently expanded its line beyond a joven, adding a reposado and anejo to its repertoire. All three are made with traditional methods at Tlacolula Distillery in Oaxaca from 100% espadin agave, but the barrel regimen on the two aged mezcals is where things…
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Here’s a little twist on the cream liqueur space: Michigan-based Round Barn’s Black Walnut Cream is made not from distilled spirit as a base but from wine, into which cream and natural walnut flavors are added. The resulting cream is low in alcohol and have with nutty elements, particularly on the toasty, vanilla-scented nose. Notes…
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Jack Daniel’s has been on a tear of late, dropping special editions and permanent line extensions like JD 10 Years Old left and right. It’s odd that JD calls these two new whiskeys “the first super premium line extension in 25 years,” but I’m not sure what qualifies as “super premium” under Jack’s rubric, so…
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Bella Conchi’s Cavas are affordable — but a bit hard to find in the U.S. We tried all three of the operation’s nonvintage offerings. Thoughts follow. NV Bella Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion – Bright lemon, pear, and quince lead the way on this iconic and effusive Cava, which fades to showcase notes of vanilla and…
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We last encountered Buffalo’s minimalist Tommyrotter in 2019. It doesn’t look like a ton has changed in the last three years, except for the brand’s whiskey lineup. The old American Whiskey is gone, a new Bourbon is in its place. We’ve got fresh tastings on the white spirits and a first look at the bourbon…
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In 2019, one of our favorite vodka producers, Infuse Spirits, branched into whiskey. The results were, well, not the best, and eventually the line was scrapped and rebranded, with no mention of Infuse on the label at all. Recently, a revamped Broken Barrel re-emerged on the scene and, given our rather tough assessment of its…
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This is the 4th year in a row that I’ve reviewed Domaine de Cala Rose, this year marking a shift in its blend: 60% cinsault, 30% grenache, 8% syrah, and 2% rolle. At the same time, I can’t help but feel like this wine hasn’t changed much over those four years. Pale pink. Floral with…
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Guess who’s getting into the bourbon business? Playboy: With the introduction of Rare Hare 1953, which debuted yesterday. What’s 1953 refer to? Glad you asked: A fitting tribute to the year Playboy was founded, the Rare Hare 1953 Anniversary Edition is a 17-year Kentucky bourbon finished in XXO Cognac casks from the Champagne region of…
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Blind tasting whiskey is lots of fun… but it’s awfully hard to do alone. I mean, you bought the bottles, so you know what they are. Blind Barrels solves that problem with what it calls the first blind whiskey tasting subscription kit. I’d suggest that Flaviar was there first, but there’s room for both of…
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Kendall Jenner’s ownership of 818 Tequila is an understandable turnoff for many drinkers and a sign that celebriquila has finally reached a tipping point… or so I thought, at least, until 818 started winning a bunch of awards, including the top spot in a blind tasting of celebrity-owned tequilas (which, admittedly, may not be the…
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