Review: 2016 Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The new release of Jamieson Ranch’s Double Lariat Napa-born cabernet (see 2015 review here) is out. This release features a much different blend than last year: 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petite sirah. That explains why it’s a much different wine. The nose is big with plum and cherry notes, with notes of tea leaf…
Exploring the 4 Major Styles of Baijiu
By now, you’ve probably heard of baijiu, essentially the national spirit of China. But what the heck is it? Baijiu draws comparisons to everything from vodka to rhum agricole, and while it is arguably closest to vodka in construction, it’s really a broad category of spirits that refers to a wide category of Chinese spirits…
Review: 2016 Mark Ryan Winery Water Witch Red Wine Red Mountain
Washington-based Mark Ryan Winery’s Water Witch is one of its flagship bottlings, a Bordeaux-style blend that, for 2016, is composed of 64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc, and 1% petit verdot. We checked out the Water Watch in its 2015 incarnation, and were excited to put this 2016 bottling up against it. Much…
How to Read a Sake Label, Part 1: Ginjo Explained
Sake is a captivating beverage. For me, part of its allure lies in its diversity of style: sake can taste rich and savory or delicate and fruity, can be served chilled or piping hot, and is equally at home in a crystal wine glass or an unassuming ceramic tumbler. It can even be aged (called…
Review: Wines of Rodney Strong, 2019 Releases
Five new offerings from Rodney Strong, which you’ll find in Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma County. 2016 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill – Some restraint has been exhibited with this chardonnay, which shows notes of apple, lemon, and a bit of coconut. The expected vanilla and fresh cream butter notes appear but are well…
Review: Beefeater Pink Strawberry Flavored Gin
No, the bottle’s not pink, the gin is: This is Beefeater Gin, flavored with strawberry. Still with us? Beefeater Pink begins with the traditionally distilled Beefeater dry gin base, fusing it with natural strawberry flavors, citrus and classic juniper botanicals to deliver a delicate, finely balanced gin. Its transparent glass bottle was created to showcase…
Review: Boulard Calvados Pays d’Auge VSOP Bourbon Cask Finish
The apple barons at Calvados Boulard have launched a new limited-edition expression that spins their widely available 4+ year old VSOP Calvados by finishing it in bourbon barrels. (Calvados is primarily aged in new oak or, more commonly, previously used Calvados barrels.) This expression is the first release in Boulard’s new 12 Barrel Collection, which…
Review: Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey
MGP continues to expand its in-house portfolio with the addition of yet another brand, Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey. While we were fans of MGP’s rye releases, we were less enthusiastic about their initial efforts at an entry-level and premium bourbon. What then to make of this somewhat unusual blended bourbon? For starters, this is…
