Review: Johnnie Walker High Rye
Johnnie Walker’s blends don’t typically disclose their mashbill, with the exception of this new release: High Rye, a blended whisky that includes 60% rye in the mash. Here’s the concept: With a bold profile inspired by iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label tasting notes, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky features a unique mash bill…
Review: Jameson Orange
The orange whiskey invasion has finally crossed the pond and made it to Ireland, with Jameson Orange now a thing. Unlike Jim Beam Orange, which turned out to be an orange liqueur, Jameson Orange is a flavored whiskey — specifically Jameson with “zesty orange flavor” added. The results are both wholly expected and fairly tepid.…
Review: Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Australian Whiskey
Starward is an Australian malt barley whisky that has been inching its way into the U.S. markets over the past several years. (We reviewed a couple of their releases in 2019 and 2020.) Hailing from foodie-centric Melbourne, Starward sources the grains and supplies from local farms and merchants, along with the wine barrels used for…
Recipe: Velvet Touch
If you’re like me, you drink a lot of Manhattans. Or at least a lot of variations on the Manhattan. I mean, there’s a reason this cocktail has remained in our cultural lexicon for nearly 150 years, amirite? I’m always in search of new takes on this eternal classic, the easier the better. And they…
Review: Hope Town Vodka and Lime Vodka
Hope Town Vodka is made in North Charleston, South Carolina by the folks who brought you Walker’s Cay Bourbon, which is to say, Steven Busch. This one is actually made in SC, not sourced from elsewhere, which is as it should be for an unaged spirit. Distilled six times. A straight vodka and, oddly, one…
Tasting the Wines of Fiddlehead Cellars with Winemaker Kathy Joseph
Fiddlehead Cellars has been an icon in California’s Central Coast region since its founding in 1989 by winemaker Kathy Joseph. Her now-famous Fiddlestix Vineyard began as dirt and has grown to be perhaps the premiere vineyard in this region, used for some of her own prized wines while selling its grapes to numerous other bottlers…
Review: Harpoon Hometown Hat Trick
It’s another sports-themed beer from Boston’s Harpoon, this one brewed in collaboration with three Massachusetts native hockey players — Matt Grzelcyk, Chris Wagner, and Charlie Coyle. It’s a pilsner that’s triple dry-hopped to make for an unusual combination of lager and IPA styles, made with Cascade, Sterling, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria hops. A portion of…
Review: Xicala Mezcal, Complete Lineup
Xicala Mezcal has been on the market for some time, but it’s recently expanded its line beyond a joven, adding a reposado and anejo to its repertoire. All three are made with traditional methods at Tlacolula Distillery in Oaxaca from 100% espadin agave, but the barrel regimen on the two aged mezcals is where things…
