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 solid products that we don’t exactly love, but which we still heartily recommend. On a five-star scale, these products would score 3.5 stars. On the traditional 100-point scale popular with many wine and spirits graders, these products would merit scores of 87 to 89 points.
These cold brew iced teas are lightly sparkling, caffeine free, and lightly sweetened — to the point that a 12 oz bottle offers only 25 calories. Funded in part by Brad Pitt, the line is available in at least five different flavors, including a variety pack. Enroot Cold Brew Tea Strawberry Lavender Rosemary Tulsi –…
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Coperies is a new brand from Cognac-maker Merlet, which says it leverages centuries of knowhow at creating brandy to create this pot-distilled single malt whisky. Made with French barley in the Charentes region and aged in French oak barrels, this whisky is as French as you can get. There’s no aging information, but let’s not…
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Branson (along with Le Chemin du Roi Champagne) is part of the Sire Spirits brand, which is famously owned by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Branson Cognac is available in four expressions, all of which we received for review. Ready to get started? All are 80 proof. Branson Cognac Phantom – Essentially a VS bottling, this…
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The brewing brainiacs at Firestone Walker have gotten increasingly creative with their barrel-aged Proprietor’s Vintage Series in recent years. In addition to the tried-and-true classics like Parabola and Stickee Monkee, the brewery has launched several limited edition, cocktail-inspired brews. We covered one of the first of these, Old Man Hattan, back in 2019, as well…
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Halleck Vineyard is a sleeper Sonoma winery known for its limited production pinot noir and a brisk collection of summery whites and roses. With the promise of a hot season breathing down our neck, we took a look at three new white and rose releases from the winery. All of these wines are available for…
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It’s been a year or so since we’ve covered the wines of Paso Robles-based Opolo, and then only spottily. Today we correct that oversight with a look at 5 current releases. 2019 Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles – Nothing overly earth-shattering here, this cab making for an approachable but straightforward experience that rests of currants…
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Four new releases from our friends in Temecula in southern California. 2021 Danza del Sol Sauvignon Blanc Estate – A bit unctuous and sweet, with notes of brown butter and a thick layer of spice, this doesn’t immediately connote sauvignon blanc, save for the notes of fresh grass and florals on the nose. The body…
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Ron del Barrilito is a Puerto Rican rum brand with a long history that dates back to 1880 and the Fernandez family, which would serve their house rum to guests from little barrels (“barrilito” in Spanish). For nearly a century, the rum has been available as a 2 Estrellas (Stars) and older 3 Estrellas offering,…
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Bermuda’s Goslings Rum has become a staple in lots of watering holes, both waterside and landlocked, over its 200-plus year history. There’s the bartender friendly flagship, Black Seal, that comprises, as a rule, the base of the classic (and trademarked) Dark N’ Stormy cocktail (along with their own brand of exceptional ginger beer, if you can…
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One does not spend any amount of time with Timah — “Malaysia’s Best Award-Winning Whiskey” and the only Malaysian whiskey I’ve ever tried — without going full Timmy! for at least a moment. My understanding is this is really pronounced tee-mah, but, you know, the juvenile mind is strong. For those curious: The name “Timah” is…
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