Review: Old Forester 1924 and The 117 Series – Scotch Cask Finish
Old Forester surprised us all this winter with the announcement of a fifth edition in the Whiskey Row Series, a collection of whiskeys intended to evoke old timey styles of bourbondom dating variously to 1870, 1897, 1910, and 1920. The 1910 and 1920 bottlings are some of our favorite bourbons ever, so the addition of…
Review: 2022 Susana Balbo Crios Sustentia Chardonnay
Say the name “Susana Balbo” to a Malbec obsessive and their ears are likely to perk with interest. Her contributions to making the Mendoza region of Argentina a global Malbec epicenter could fill a hardcover coffee table book. Her work under the BenMarco, and Crios lines as well as her eponymous label have received numerous…
Review: The Beverly Reserve Whiskey
Last fall, boutique bourbon label Beverly Spirits doubled their portfolio to two offerings with a rare (only 550 bottles) cask strength edition of their flagship The Beverly High Rye, dubbed The Beverly Reserve. A refresher for those of you who don’t live on Rodeo Drive, this is a blend of 60% straight bourbon distilled by…
Review: Vina Leyda Pinot Noir – 2022 Reserva and 2021 Coastal Vineyards Las Brisas
Chile’s Vina Leyda carries a reputation for making engaging wines aided by the cool climate and Pacific coastline less than five kilometers from the vineyard. We’ve previously enjoyed their lively Sauvignon Blancs and now we turn our attention to two pinot noirs, each with distinct flavor profiles. 2022 Vina Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir – A…
Review: Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength Batch No. 1 (2023)
While we’re starting to see more and more Scotch distillers dabble with virgin oak, Deanston in the Scottish Highlands has had a non-age-stated Virgin Oak offering as a core expression for years now. That bottle clocks in at a respectable 46.3%, but last fall, they decided to turn up the volume on this one with…
Review: Wines of Colome Estate (Winter 2024 Releases)
Salta isn’t a region most folks immediately associate with wine from Argentina. Cuyo seems to dominate the conversation, especially Mendoza, but the humble territory from the north quietly turns out wines just as engaging that present the country’s versatile terroir. Colomé is one of those vineyards showing its Salta roots with pride, and today we…
Review: Fortuna Bourbon Barrel Proof (2023)
What’s the best readily-available barrel proof bourbon on the market? Rare Character is hoping that in due time Fortuna Barrel Proof Bourbon will be top of mind any time that question is asked. Fortuna Barrel Proof is the latest release from the brand Rare Character, which to this point has gained more traction with their…
Review: C.L. Butaud 2022 Blanc de Noir and 2021 Cease & Desist
We’re back to Texas-based C.L. Butaud with a look at a pair of newish releases — one white, one red… but both made from red grapes. 2022 C.L. Butaud Blanc de Noir – A white wine (with just the barest shade of pink to it) made from 100% mourvedre (red) grapes, 6 barrels made from…
