Review: Speyburn 10 Years Old (2023)
Long one of the best values in single malt Scotch, Speyburn 10‘s price has risen only 6 bucks in the 12 years since we last reviewed it. As it happens, the whisky has changed a bit, most notably seeing its proof dropped from 86 to 80. Tasting it fresh in 2023, we find a…
The Best Ready-to-Drink Margarita: 11 Brands Tasted
National Margarita Day is February 22, and true patriots of libation nation will be honoring their favorite tequila-lime traditions across this great land. For those who’d rather crack open a can than shake up a home-built cocktail, we’ve sampled 11 notable ready-to-drink options to help you with your celebrations. Whether you’re a traditionalist lean toward…
Review: 2010 Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos Vintage Port
It’s not every day that vintage Port shows up on our doorstep, and even rarer that it’s of the quality that we see in the wine we’re reviewing today. Vintage Port is not declared every year, and 2010 was not designated as one. That however doesn’t stop Port producers from releasing something in those…
Review: Ryes of the Robots Straight Rye Whiskey
Filmland Spirits aims to combine those who have a passion for whiskey with those who have a passion for the movies. Makes sense. You’d be crazy to miss out on either one. The brand has three whiskeys hitting the market, including two bourbons (one a cask strength version of the other) and this rye, Ryes…
Review: 2019 Palombara Primitivo Di Manduria DOC
Over the last year or so, we have reviewed several primitivos from the Puglia region of Italy, and today we try one more, this one made with grapes drawn exclusively from Lizzano, in the Tarantine Ionian arch. The bottle is attractive, showcasing art by Dino Sambiasi. Let’s dive right in. This is a bold wine…
Review: Kastra Elion Vodka
Kastra Elion is a “premium sipping vodka” made from Greek olives (“and grains”). While produced in Greece, it’s bottled in El Segundo, California. (Update: The brand informs us that bottling has now moved to Greece as well.) The white ceramic bottle, accented with blue paint, makes for a great alternative to the usual etched/frosted glass you’ll…
Review: Bhakta Single Vintage 1982 Armagnac
Entrepreneur and media personality Raj Bhakta built a hallmark whiskey brand by founding WhistlePig, and he’s using his storytelling playbook to grow another — this time eponymous — spirits bottler with Bhakta Spirits. Known for launching with 50+ year old Armagnacs, Bhakta has more recently branched out into both younger brandy blends and single vintage…
Tasting the Wines of Uruguay, 2023 Releases
Uruguay isn’t the first nation that comes to mind when thinking of South American wines, but not too far off in the future, it very well may be. Hot take, I know. However, with the ever-changing climate, a commitment to sustainability, and multi-generational families experimenting and diversifying offerings and varietals, this small nation of 3.4…
