Rated C+
Reviews of spirits, wine, and beer (and various errata like mixers and garnishes) comprise more than 80% of the content at Drinkhacker. At the C+ level, we see products that are relatively undistinguished, except perhaps in one or two minor factors. These products are generally not recommended, as better alternatives abound. On a five-star scale, these products would score 2 stars. On the traditional 100-point scale popular with many wine and spirits graders, these products would merit scores of 75 to 78 points.
It’s been five years since we first reviewed Mingle Mocktails, a fruit-forward booze alternative that we found, well, perfectly fine for a picnic or a teenager’s birthday party. Since then, Mingle has broadened its lineup to include Mingle Mood, a collection of canned mocktails that include lion’s mane, ashwagandha, and L-theanine, all sweetened with organic…
Fluere is a non-alcoholic spirits brand owned since 2023 by Lucas Bols, known for its extensive liqueur lineup. With a selection of five N/A “spirits” under its command, Fluere covers a vast swatch of the alcohol world with its spiritless takes on gin, rum, mezcal, and more. We tasted the entire lineup. Thoughts — quite…
For its first Distillery Series whiskey of 2026 (and the first we’ve reviewed in a a few years), Woodford Reserve takes us to an increasingly popular place: wine-finished bourbon. This expression begins with fully mature Woodford Reserve Bourbon, then finishes it in French oak cabernet sauvignon barrels of unstated origin and for an unstated length…
Somewhere in the last few years, the carajillo became an iconic after-dinner drink that, in some parts of the world, began to eclipse the espresso martini in popularity. The official recipe for the carajillo is simple — espresso and Licor 43 liqueur, shaken vigorously — though plenty of versions made with additional spirits exist. Licor…
Resting on the banks of the Roanoke River in Weldon, North Carolina, Weldon Mills Distillery occupies a space where industrial history meets modern craftsmanship. Established in 2018 by Bruce Tyler and Michael Hinderliter, the operation faced an immediate hurdle when it secured its distilling permit in November 2019, only to see global events stall production.…
Korea fervor has given soju a moment of late, so it’s natural that soju would find its way to the ready-to-drink seltzer world. Hello Soju is currently offered in five flavors — many evoking the flavors you’ll find with regular soju from Korea — each made with a combination of real soju, grain neutral spirits,…
Wynk is a new brand of canned THC beverages, each simply constructed and designed for easy approachability. The company offers both sparkling waters/seltzers and a collection of lemonades, all packaged in 12 oz cans. Note that the THC dosage varies between the two lines: Seltzers each have 5mg each of THC and CBD. Lemonades each…
Austin Eastciders is one of the most visible cider producers in the country today — especially where I live, in the city where Austin Eastciders is based. The operation is a staple at bars and venues around the state of Texas, but it’s also got a strong national presence, thanks in part to its substantial…
Late last year saw the launch of Volteo, a new ultra-luxe tequila that boasts football quarterback Dak Prescott as one of its investors. Owned by Zamora USA, the company behind carajillo essential Licor 43, the brand promises an additive-free, organic experience made, of course, from 100% agave. The word “volteo” loosely translated means “to turn…
Once upon a time, Champagne was the only well-known sparkling wine. Happily, those days are long past, and most now know that wonderful sparkling wines are being produced throughout the world. Today we are trying three sparklers from very different locations: Chile, Georgia, and France. Two are made in the traditional method of champagne, and…