Review: Flying Fortress Red Head Cocktail
Here’s a curious product I received for review, bottled in a mason jar though sold commercially in 1.75 liter handles. It’s called Flying Fortress, and it’s a mix of cranberry juice, “secret spices,” and grain alcohol — sort of a spiced Cosmo that’s ready to drink. Founders Dan and Eileen Doyon explain: For years we…
Review: Don Ciccio & Figli Nocino and Finocchietto
If you’re looking for artisanal liqueurs made in the U.S., Washington, D.C.-based Don Ciccio & Figli distillery should be at the top of your list. The company traces its roots to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where in 1852 the original Don Ciccio, Vincenzo, began making liqueurs using his family recipes, “from bitter amaro to sweet limoncello.”…
Review: Brooklyn Lager
I am delighted to be reviewing a Brooklyn Brewery beer for two reasons. One, after more than thirty years in the business the brand is finally distributing in my home state of California. Second, master brewer Garrett Oliver is a little bit of a hero of mine. If it weren’t for his brilliant book The…
Review: Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold
Jack Daniel’s latest innovation starts, like most, with the essentials of Old No. 7. Crafted from the same mash, it’s also filtered before barrel-aging by passing it through maple charcoal, just like all “real” Tennessee whiskey, then aged in new, charred oak barrels. And then things start to change. The big switch comes when Old…
Review: Wines of Marques de Caceres, 2019 Releases
Here’s a sextet of Spanish wines from Marques de Caceres, the bodega founded in 1970 that has since become a powerhouse in the nation’s wine industry — particularly thanks to its Rioja wines. All widely available and affordable, here’s a fresh look at the winery’s current releases as of early 2019. NV Marques de Caceres…
How Long Does Baileys (And Other Cream Liqueurs) Last?
How long does Baileys last? I’ve received this question many times, in many forms. How long can will the bottle stay fresh while it’s still sealed? How long will it keep after it’s opened? Does it need to be refrigerated? Finally I am taking the time to answer your many questions and comments about Baileys…
Review: Pyramid Curve Ball Summer Blonde Ale
Made from a base of malted barley and wheat, this lightly hopped hybrid brew is Pyramid’s entry for summer 2019. Available in big 22 oz. bottles or standard six-/twelve-packs, you should find it on shelves now. The chewy, bready palate offers touches of lemon and coriander, fading into a gentler, malt-driven character as the initial…
Review: The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask, Ruby Cask, and Winter Reserve
In early 2018, Edrington decided to dramatically expand The Famouse Grouse brand, releasing a range of new blends under the avian banner. Two of these marked the start of Famous Grouse’s new Cask Series, which would showcase different barrel regimens. Both are permanent additions to the lineup. A third whisky, Winter Reserve, is technically a…
