Rated B

Reviews of spirits, wine, and beer (and various errata like mixers and garnishes) comprise more than 80% of the content at Drinkhacker, and the B rating is used for products that are good but which we don’t exactly love — and which we can provide with a qualified recommendation. On a five-star scale, these products would score 3 stars. On the traditional 100-point scale popular with many wine and spirits graders, these products would merit scores of 83 to 86 points.

Review: Redwood Empire Pipe Dream, Emerald Giant, and Lost Monarch (Updated 2026)

By Christopher Null | July 6, 2026 |

Only two years ago Sonoma-based Graton Distillery released Redwood Empire, a blend of its own microdistilled spirit and sourced whiskey. Now the brand is back with not one, not two, but three new expressions which collectively replace the 2018 release. Here’s all the details to get you started. Purple Wine + Spirits today announced its…

Review: Cantrip Elixir Hemp Spirit

By Christopher Null | July 6, 2026 |

Cantrip makes a variety of THC-infused sodas, but Elixir is its only hemp “spirit,” a milky-cloudy blueish serum that contains 166mg of THC per 750ml bottle, or about 10mg per serving. What Elixir tastes like is hard to describe. Imagine a melted and watered-down mix of bubble gum and cotton candy, cut through with a…

Review: Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon: 100 Proof, Cask Strength, and 1776 Edition (2026)

By Jacob Kiper | July 4, 2026 |

Today, the United States marks its 250th anniversary. In the months surrounding the occasion, “America 250” became nearly impossible to avoid. Advertising campaigns, commemorative releases, and media coverage all joined the celebration, each offering its own interpretation of a quarter millennium of American history. When people around the world picture the United States, certain images…

Review: Dogfish Head Canned Cocktails, Complete Lineup

By Christopher Null | July 3, 2026 |

Dogfish Head is well and rightly known for its exceptional beer lineup, and lately it’s jumped into canned cocktails — all made with real spirits and real fruit, no malt liquor here. We received seven RTDs, available in a pair of 8-packs containing four flavors each (Vodka Crush appears in both). All are bottled at…

Review: Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey 4 Years Old (2022)

By Christopher Null | June 30, 2026 |

For such a humble brand, Old Overholt Rye has undergone an awfully large number of reinventions over the last decade, including a full relaunch with proof change only 2 years ago, a bonded expression, and an overproof version. Now standard-issue Old Overholt is changing once again, keeping the new 43% abv but adding a 4…

Review: Non-Alcoholic Beers of Best Day Brewing, Complete Lineup

By Christopher Null | June 30, 2026 |

Best Day Brewing hails from, of all places, Sausalito, California, a tiny residential and tourist community north of the Golden Gate Bridge that’s best known for expensive sushi and even pricier cocktails. Since its founding in 2020, the company has become one of the most widely distributed non-alcoholic beer brands, with availability of its six…

Review: Copper & Cask “Wave That Flag” Bourbon and “Boston Rum Party” Rye

By Jacob Kiper | June 30, 2026 |

In 2026, consumers have been inundated with American whiskey releases bearing America 250 branding in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. For many producers, the formula has been fairly predictable: add an America 250 logo to the label, reference “1776-2026,” and attach a patriotic name. Numerous releases also direct…

Review: Casamigos RTD Margaritas – Classic Lime and Spicy

By Christopher Null | June 29, 2026 |

Casamigos is the latest tequila brand to jump into the ready-to-drink space, this time with two bottles timed to take advantage of World Cup madness. The two expressions — Classic Lime and Spicy — are made with Casamigos blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and natural flavors, and both come in either 750ml or 375ml…

Review: Breckenridge Honey Flavored Whiskey

By Jacob Kiper | June 22, 2026 |

Founded in 2008 by Dr. Bryan Nolt in Breckenridge, Colorado, Breckenridge Distillery built its reputation around high-rye blended bourbon and the claim of being the “World’s Highest Distillery.” From the beginning, the distillery’s approach centered on marrying whiskey distilled in-house with sourced stocks, creating a portfolio that has become one of the defining names in…

Review: Khee 38 Soju

By Christopher Null | June 11, 2026 |

Soju (Korea’s rendition of Japanese shochu) is typically bottled at 25% abv or less, but Khee 38 hits a much higher proof point — 38% abv, to be exact, commanding much more of your attention than the typical mass market offering. Also available in a 22 proof variety, Khee 38 is distilled from rice in…