Review: 3 White and Rose Wines from Northern Spain, 2020 Releases
Rioja is iconically known for its red wines, but today we’re looking at three lighter styles from this region and its neighbor, Valdeorras. Grown in a hot climate, these exuberant wines are clearly built for summer sipping. Let’s dig in. 2019 CVNE Monopole – A 100% viura white wine from Rioja. Clean but rather perfumed,…
Review: Slapjack Jackfruit Flavored Vodka
Hey, I know I’ve eaten jackfruit before, but for the life of me I can’t remember what it tastes like. The monstrous green fruit, when cleaned and shredded, has a texture remarkably similar to pulled pork, and you’re most likely to encounter it as a base for vegan barbecue. Slathered in spices and sauce, the…
Review: Stagg Jr. Bourbon Batch #13 (2020)
When Stagg Jr. was first released in 2013, who knew it would become such a phenomenon? It’s a controversial one, perhaps, but a phenomenon nonetheless. In early 2020 Stagg Jr. — which is released twice each year — hit batch #13. After seven years, we figured it was time for a fresh look at this…
Review: Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Italian beermaker Peroni recently unveiled a gold-dipped bottle called Peroni D’Oros. That made us realize we’d never reviewed Peroni before — gold-dipped or otherwise — so why not do so now? Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the most commonly available expression of Peroni in the U.S., a Euro-style lager that any drinker of the green-glass-bottled icons…
Review: Dragon Martini Glass
Recently featured on Westworld, thanks to its futuristic look, Dragon Glassware’s double-walled martini glass is indeed a showpiece. The cocktail glass holds a respectable 7 ounces, and the double-wall design is, in theory, of practical benefit, insulating the fingertips from the cold cocktail inside, without requiring an awkward stem. I tested the glasses with ice-cold cosmopolitans…
Review: Four Gate Bourbon Batch 4 Split Stave
Louisville-based Four Gate Whiskey Company is a producer unlike any other in Kentucky. Four Gate sources all its whiskeys, blends them, then finishes them in unique barrels, all in collaboration with Kelvin Cooperage. Each batch is different and limited to a few thousand bottles. Batch 1 was finished in “sherry-rum barrels,” batch 2 in “orange…
Book Review: Drink London
Euan Ferguson’s Drink London: The 100 Best Bars and Pubs certainly seems to live up to its name. I’ve never been to any of these joints, but I can assure you when I get to town I’ll be carting this slim volume with me (or at least copious notes from it). Updated from its last version…
Review: Beers of Crux Fermentation Project, 2020 Releases
Bend, Oregon’s Crux Fermentation Project got its start back in 2012, and while it remains located in a humble garage that was formerly an Aamco transmission shop, it’s pumping out enough beer that one would argue that it’s no longer a “project” but rather a full-scale business. Recently we received sample of its three year-round…