Review: Paul John Bold
Born and raised in the Goa region of India, Paul John continues to push out new expressions of its single malt whiskies — inspired by Scotland but unique to this part of the world. The latest expression — you can check out our previous Paul John coverage here — is Paul John Bold, a heavily…
Review: Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption is known for its production of (MGP-sourced) rye and high-rye bourbon so much so that its tagline is “Join the rye revival.” As such, this new release is a real step out of the comfort zone. As the name implies, Redemption Wheated Bourbon ditches rye altogether for wheat — and Redemption really went whole…
Review: 2013 Balletto Brut Rose Russian River Valley
One sip of Balletto’s Brut Rose sparkler and I’m immediately transported ahead a month or so to the holidays. This is a classically structured rose (made from an interesting blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay), lightly floral and scented with strawberries, moderately effervescent, with overtones of orange peel, ginger, and a sprinkle of…
Review: Wyoming Whiskey Eclipse Edition Small Batch Bourbon
Wyoming Whiskey dropped a special edition of its flagship Small Batch Bourbon earlier in the year, in anticipation of the eclipse that crossed our country on August 21, an event which you have surely long forgotten by now. In celebration, the company wrote: “The eclipse will scribe its shadow across Wyoming beginning in Jackson Hole…
Book Review: Rum Curious
Well-known spirits writer Fred Minnick follows up his stellar Bourbon Curious with a somewhat less sexy, though equally indispensable, title: Rum Curious. As he did for the bourbon world, Minnick uses this tome to school the reader on the origins of rum (hope you like pirate stories!), the intricacies of its production, and controversies like sugaring and…
Review: Sinfire Apple Cinnamon Whisky
Can you out-Fireball Fireball by adding apples to the mix? Hood River’s Sinfire hit the scene as a Fireball competitor three years ago, and while it’s a fine product, the kids in the bars are still sucking down the original Fireball like the world was going to end. Response: Sinfire has launched a new version…
Review: 2015 Cashmere by Cline Red Blend and Black Magic
We’ve been writing about Cline Family Cellars for years — but I had no idea the winery has had a second label since 2001. The Cashmere Collection was designed “to create unique blends from classic varietals” while also using sales revenues to make donations to charities such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Today we…
Review: Kilchoman 2009 Vintage and Red Wine Cask Matured
You can’t slow Kilchoman down, as the upstart Islay distillery is still cranking out at least four releases every year. Up next is a new vintage release, last seen in late 2015, and a brand new expression finished in red wine casks. Let’s dive in! Kilchoman 2009 Vintage – This is an eight year old Kilchoman,…
