Rated A-
Reviews of spirits, wine, and beer (and various errata like mixers and garnishes) comprise more than 80% of the content at Drinkhacker, and the A- rating is used for very good to exceptional products. On a five-star scale, these products would score 4 stars. On the traditional 100-point scale popular with many wine and spirits graders, these products would merit scores of 90 to 93 points.
Citadelle Gin Rouge features red fruits in its gin bill, but don’t get too excited: Despite the name, the gin is crystal clear. Only the label is red. This new release is described as “a true celebration of the French tradition of distilling seasonal fruits” and it features a bevy of red fruits — all…
Some belated coverage (apologies) is nigh for the last two of the three Heaven Hill Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases for 2025. I swear, guys, it’s tough to keep up. The good news is you’ll still have ample opportunity to pick up both of these releases, should either review resonate with your tastes. Elijah Craig…
Glenmorangie has a new permanent edition in town, an age-stated expression that completes the distillery’s Flagship trilogy lineup of age-stated offerings, which includes Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old. Glenmorangie The Altus 25 Years Old (Latin for “high”) is matured in ex-bourbon casks and partially finished in Malmsey Madeira wine casks…
In 1964, Congress formally recognized bourbon as a “distinctive product of the United States,” cementing its reputation as the nation’s own spirit. Long before that declaration, grain-based distilling had taken root across the colonies. By the late 1700s, distilled grain was common in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York, where rye grew easily and farmers understood…
Bourbon is often hailed as America’s native spirit. That title gained official weight in 1964, when Congress declared bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States,” placing it on the same footing as Scotch whisky and granting it formal protection in international trade. Only whiskey crafted on American soil could bear the name. Yet for…
Well aligned with the adage about everything being bigger in Texas, Heath Family Brands doesn’t do anything half-steppin’. The operation stretches across five distinct labels, each vying for a little piece of the Lone Star spotlight. Today, we are trying three wines grouped as a holiday 3-pack, all available either in time for the holidays…
As a brand, Knob Creek is now 32 years old. In that context, its release of a 21 year old expression — by far its oldest to date — makes perfect sense. Given how impressive Knob Creek 15 Years Old and Knob Creek 18 Years Old are, it also stands to reason that this 21…
Still Austin continues to make waves in the burgeoning Texas whiskey world — its Bonded Red Corn Bourbon won all kinds of awards last year, and narrowly missed a spot on our Top 20 Whiskeys of the Year list. Now Still Austin is back with an even more tantalizing expression, its most expensive and limited…
Cognac Ferrand‘s fourth installment of its Renegade Barrel collection is here. To refresh your memory, these are “anything is possible” barrels which primarily revolve around unusual finishes. Unlike the off-putting Barrel #3, Barrel #4 is not finished in a rum barrel but rather finishes its aging in a tropical climate in Barbados. Note that while…
We first encountered the Chemistry value wine brand — a partnership between the Oregon wineries Stoller and Chehalem — with its 2019 vintages. Now we’re back with a new look at two wines from the 2023 vintage and a nonvintage sparkling wine released alongside them. Note that some things have evolved in the last four…