Sauvignon Blanc Worldwide: What’s the Difference?
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that is grown almost everywhere in the world. And while the basic wine is almost always the same — unoaked, lots of acid, tropical fruit flavors — different regions spin this grape in different ways. Here’s a short and sweet look at world Sauvignon Blancs. 2010 Justin Sauvignon Blanc Paso…
Review: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (2012)
Like Maker’s Mark before it, Woodford Reserve has been known for producing one whiskey and — it’s annual, limited edition, special release whiskeys notwithstanding — one whiskey only. Then Maker’s launched Maker’s 46, leaving Woodford the only solo shop. Now Woodford is joining the club with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. It’s a complicated process,…
Review: 2009 Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls Rimage
We last visited this wine with its 2007 vintage, but first a word on Banyuls. What is Banyuls? This is France’s version of Port, lightly fortified wines with alcohol added to stop fermentation while sugar is still in the system, leaving the wines sweet. Banyuls is less alcoholic than Port (this bottle is at 16%…
Cool Item of the Day: The Bitter Truth Cocktail Bitters Traveler’s Set
The line between a good cocktail and a great one can often be drawn with a sprinkling of bitters, staples of any serious watering hole and surely a part of any high-end home bar, too. Traveling, however, poses a particular challenge. It’s one thing to throw a bottle of rye in the car for the…
Review: Samuel Adams Alpine Spring
Spring is nowhere near in the air just yet, but Samuel Adams gave us a sneak peek at its latest brew, Alpine Spring. Sounds (and kinda looks) more like a shampoo or a body wash, but let’s not judge on name alone. Sam Adams describes this unique brew thusly: “This beer has the balanced maltiness…
Review: Vida Tequila Blanco
Vida is a relatively new brand on the tequila scene, 100% blue agave and available in the usual expressions. We tasted the Blanco expression, which is a pure agave/unaged rendition. This silver tequila is classic in structure. Some time in the glass is helpful at airing things out and letting some of the heavier agave…
Review: Captain Morgan Tattoo Rum
For a good time, do a Google Image Search for “Captain Morgan Tattoo.” You’ll find plenty of pictures not of this spiced rum but of unique and ill-considered body art on all kinds of anatomical bits. I’ve actually had a mini of Tattoo for years. It’s that mysterious. What’s it all about? Tattoo is a…
Three Tequila + Sage Cocktails
Quick, name a green herb popular in cocktails. If you said mint, sorry, you’re wrong. We’re talking about sage! Our friends at Tequila Partida put together these oddball libations all revolving around that staple of turkey stuffing. Partida Sagerac, by Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tequila Partida Bartender Ambassador 1.5 oz Partida Reposado 1.5 oz Partida Anejo 5…
