Review: Matthews 1812 House Bourbon Desserts
Bourbon’s not just for drinking — the good folks at Matthews 1812 House are putting it to good use in all manner of desserts. Recently we received some delights from the company, all made with an infusion of bourbon. The Bourbon Blondie Bar ($32) is easily the highlight — a very rich, very dense blondie infused with…
Review: HKB Baijiu
Pundits love to pontificate about “what’s next” in the world of whatever it is they’re experts about. When it comes to spirits, one word is increasingly bubbling up to the top: Baijiu. Baijiu is a Chinese distillate of fermented sorghum, though other grains like rice and wheat are sometimes used, depending on where it is…
Diving into Sherry: Hidalgo Fino and Bodegas Dios Baco Oxford 1.970 Pedro Ximenez
Sherry is slowly making inroads into the U.S., but even those who enjoy it don’t know a whole lot about Spain’s classic fortified wine. Fortunately, our friends from Wines From Spain have put together a handy infographic outlining and explaining the six major varieties of sherry, along with general information about how Jerez (Spanish for sherry…
Review: Ke Gin
Fort Worth, Texas-based Ke Spirits’ Ke Gin “is going to change how people think about gin,” at least according to the company. Made from a purported 500-year-old recipe, the goal is to make a gin with softer juniper notes and less evergreen character — “a rich, smooth, and refreshing experience,” as the founder puts it.…
Review: Shock Top Twisted Pretzel Wheat
I absolutely love pretzels, so how could I say no to Shock Top’s latest, a simulacrum of salted pretzel in beer form. Essentially a flavored Belgian-style wheat beer, Twisted Pretzel Wheat does an amazing job of recreating that favorite of baked treats in boozy form. Wheaty-bready with that familiar pretzelly bent, it offers a touch…
Review: 4 Pearl Vodka Flavors – Lime Basil, Strawberry Basil, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Pumpkin Spice
Introducing four new flavors from Luxco-owned Pearl Vodka (which recently rebranded all its bottles with a more streamlined design) — two fruity/basil blends, two dessert-focused for winter sipping. Let’s give them all a sample. All are 70 proof. Pearl Vodka Lime Basil – Gentler than you’d think. Heavy on candied lime peel, with just a…
Recipe: Southern Bourbon Holiday Punch
Who’s ready for some punch? If you’re in the neighborhood, here’s what we’ll be serving… With props to Yankee Kitchen Ninja (which in turn adapted the recipe from Garden & Gun). Southern Bourbon Holiday Punch 1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled 4 cups bourbon 2 cups spiced rum 2 cups brandy…
Review: 21st Amendment El Sully Mexican Style Lager
You needn’t head all the way down to Mazatlan to get a Mexican beer: 21st Amendment is making a Mexican-style brew right here in San Leandro, California. One sniff of El Sully and you’ll be transported to your favorite beach — or, probably, your local sports bar — wherever it is you tend to sip…