Review: Wines and Cider of Dutton Estate, Late 2023 Releases
Dutton Estate recently dropped two collections of wines, and we’re combining them all into this one mega-review that spans 11 bottlings — plus the latest release of Dutton’s canned apple cider. Let’s jump right in to the lineup! 2022 Dutton Estate Chardonnay Morelli Lane Vineyard – Incredibly fruit-forward, melding melon and tropical notes with elements…
Review: La Maison & Velier Rums, Late 2023 Releases
We’re diving back in with three more new releases from La Maison & Velier, with three new rarities from the importer’s prized, limited edition stocks. Some single cask goodies here… along with some more readily available fare. Dig in. Habitation Velier Long Pond STCE 2007 Single Cask #10 – 15 years old, all ex-bourbon casks;…
Review: Fanny Fougerat Pineau des Charentes Le Colibri Charmant Blanc
If you’re still sleeping on Pineau des Charentes — essentially young wine blended with Cognac to fortify it — then it’s time to wake up. Here’s a new release from Fanny Fougerat made from ugni blanc grapes grown in Cognac and fortified with a bright, effusive brandy. The bottle is more evocative of spirits, with…
Review: Clyde May’s Conecuh Ridge Bourbon 5 Years Old (2023)
Ten years ago, bourbon distilled in Alabama was unheard of. When we reviewed the original Conecuh Ridge release from Clyde May’s in 2013, we had to explain that good bourbon didn’t come exclusively from Kentucky and that whiskey made in Alabama deserved a try. Happily, those days are long gone. Today, Clyde May’s is a well-known…
Book Reviews: Champagne Widows and Madame Pommery
While historical fiction infused with a romantic twist isn’t typically within my usual literary domain, I may not be the ideal authority to assess the genre’s conventions. However, it is worth noting that author Rebecca Rosenberg has demonstrated an impressive literary output, producing no fewer than six books over the past four years. Notably, two…
Review: Cambio Tequila – Blanco and Reposado
Let’s give tequila newcomer Cambio some credit for mixing things up in the tequila world. While these are both 100% Highlands blue agave, additive free tequilas, they are unusual in that they are fermented at low temperatures in tanks lined with American white oak and Mexican pine before distillation. Bottling, at 46% abv, is considerably…
Review: Cumberland Falls Bourbon 4 Years Old
Hey, I know what you’re going to say: I’ve never heard of Cumberland Falls Bourbon. Is this more sourced stuff from MGP? Nope. This isn’t a sourced product, but rather a 4 year old Kentucky straight bourbon distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky by the Owensboro Distilling Company. What is the Owensboro Distilling Company? It’s the company behind…
Review: Benriach Malting Season 2023
Last fall, Benriach released the third installment of its limited-edition Malting Season single malt whisky, but this time without its non-age-stated partner, Smoke Season. It is unclear if we’ll see that one return in the future, but for the time being we’ll have to make do with just the one. As a reminder, Malting Season…