Review: Spiked Cherries – Original and Balls of Fire
It’s time for more late-arriving cocktail cherries, these another rare entry into the booze-infused variety, jarred under the straightforward name of Spiked Cherries. (Technically these are “Howie’s Spiked Cherries,” but Howie’s does not appear on the label.) Both are bright, dyed-red maraschino-style cherries which come in 355ml jars. Refrigerate after opening. Let’s give both a taste.…
Review: The Deerslayer Venison Flavored Whiskey
New Hampshire’s Tamworth Distilling specializes in uncommon oddities. We previously covered its Graverobber Rye, flavored with maple syrup drawn from trees grown adjacent to a graveyard. We missed out, however, on its corpse flower brandy as well as its whiskey flavored with beaver musk. A recent arrival at Drinkhacker HQ however was Tamworth’s Deerslayer (aka…
Review: 2019 Serego Alighieri Possessioni IGT
This blend of 75% garganega and 25% sauvignon blanc from the Veneto region of Italy is very pale and quite dry, loaded with mineral-driven acidity up front, with a quick segue into notes of lemon and green apple. Quite tart but vibrant with lingering citrus notes, it’s a cleansing style wine that hints at florals…
Review: Hallmark Christmas Wines: 2018 “Jingle” and 2019 “Joy”
Something happened to my brain during the lockdown phase of this pandemic. Like most people, I grew depressed and a bit anxious. I was let go at my full-time place of employment, and was burning through single malt samples in an attempt to calm myself and have a little bit of enjoyment during what has…
Review: Doorly’s Rum 12 Years Old
We recently reviewed a couple of rums from Foursquare Distillery on Barbados, beloved makers of “pure” Bajan rums that are helping to reinvigorate the category. The distillery releases rum under several house labels, one of which is Doorly’s, a brand produced on the island since 1908. Doorly’s also carries the distinction of being the first…
Review: Mount Veeder 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2017 Reserve Red
Two big — big — reds from Napa’s Mount Veeder Winery. Cabernet leads the way in both of these wines, both blends. 2018 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – 82% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 6% petit verdot, and 4% malbec. Toasty and oaky, this wine evokes the essence of the forest, with aromas of licorice,…
Review: 2020 Lucky Rock Sauvignon Blanc County Cuvee
Lucky Rock’s 2020 County Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc is a similar wine to last year’s, this one born from a single vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. The wine was aged for 6.5 months in 92% stainless steel barrels and tanks, and 8% new French oak barrels. And for the first time ever, it’s also available in…
Review: Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato
Ramazzotti is best known for its delightful amaro, and recently the brand extended into a “rosato aperitivo,” which is made with “natural aromas of hibiscus and orange blossom.” Designed to be consumed Spritz style — with a 1:2 ratio of Rosato to Prosecco — plus basil leaves and ice, the Piedmont-distilled product isn’t exactly a…