Review: Smokehead Twisted Stout Scotch Whisky
Just when we thought that we had covered every smoke-filled iteration of Smokehead single malt, we discover yet another unique spin on this heavy metal-inspired Scotch whisky. For this latest offering, Ian Macleod Distillers has taken their sourced Islay single malt (rumored to come from Lagavulin or Caol Ila) and finished a portion of it…
Review: Wines of Merry Edwards, Winter 2024 Releases
We aren’t ones to shy away from additional wines from Merry Edwards, with this wintertime release spanning more 2021 pinot noirs, two whites, and the first sparkling wine we’ve tasted from the winery — this one bottled in honor of the upcoming eclipse. 2017 Merry Edwards Cuvee Eclipse Russian River Valley – Harvested on August…
Review: Hand Barrel Bourbon
Take a bottle shaped like a barrel and cover it in camouflage paint, then fill it with Kentucky bourbon. Boom, you’ve got Hand Barrel Bourbon, a limited edition product designed to celebrate American veterans, with a significant 10% of proceeds going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation charity. Proprietor Jim Hand provides ample production information…
Review: 2017 Appassionata Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Andante
2017 is the current vintage for this pinot noir from Oregon’s Appassionata, which is curiously made by the same winemaker as Germany’s Dr. Loosen. Light on its feet and filled with floral elements, this doesn’t immediately evoke Oregon’s typically more brooding style. Fresh raspberry melds with black tea, offering a mix of lively fruit and…
Review: Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin
Hendrick’s Gin and its Cabinet of Curiosities line of special editions continues with this fifth release, Grand Cabaret, the first wandering of master distiller Lesley Gracie into the world of stone fruits as botanical ingredients. Lesley Gracie has long been tantalized by the notion of experimenting with unusual combinations of botanicals, though as the fifth…
Review: Brugal Maestro Reserva Rum
The Dominican Republic’s Brugal continues to pump out high-grade, high-class rums with the launch of this new release, Maestro Reserva, Brugal’s “first ever permanent edition prestige sipping rum.” Emphasis on permanent. Previous high-end rums from Brugal, such as Papa Andres, have all been limited editions. The rum making process for Maestro Reserva utilizes an innovative…
Review: Por la Gente Tequila, Complete Lineup
Made at Hacienda la Capilla — best known for its production of Cuestion tequilas — Por la Gente (“for the people”) is another 100% agave tequila available in the classic three expressions. There’s rather little information about the tequilas available aside from the aging, though Cuestion is made from Highlands agave, as are other Capilla…
The Top 10 Wines for Summer 2024
Ready for warmer weather? Well, it’s coming like it or not, and even if you’re not a fan of hotter days and nights, summertime does mean we’ll get a chance to break out some more seasonally appropriate whites and reds that pair well with the warmer months of the year. Drop the parka and dive…
