Review: Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
Finally, someone’s doing the maple-flavored whiskey thing right. Let me step back. In general I’m ambivalent toward flavored whiskeys. I don’t much see the point, as if I wanted flavor with my whiskey I’d just mix up a cocktail. Still, shortcuts are shortcuts, and there’s something to be said for having your favorite mix pre-bottled…
Review: 3 Amigos Tequila, Complete Lineup
3 Amigos, based in the Jalisco Highlands, produces a veritable plethora of tequilas, all of which we got a chance a experience. These tequilas are double-distilled instead of the usual three. All expressions are 80 proof and 100% agave. (Note: Prices on this lower-cost brand tend to vary wildly.) And so, without further ado… 3…
Review: 2010 William Hill Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Two new wines from Napa’s William Hill, bringing the 2010 harvest to the market at last. Thoughts follow. 2010 William Hill Merlot Napa Valley – The nose is ripe and spicy, peppery with cedar, menthol, and herbs. The body, however, is curiously sedate and restrained. It drinks easy, with a somewhat sweet strawberry character at…
Review: Blue Crab Bay Co. Bloody Mary and Margarita Mixes
Blue Crab Bay is an artisan food company on Virginia’s Chesapeake coast, and just a few of its products are non-alcoholic cocktail mixers. We tasted them all, both with and without spirits. Blue Crab Bay Snug Harbor Bloody Mary Mix – Extremely thick. The nose is earthy, like a big beefsteak tomato, with mushroom notes. On…
Review: Laphroaig QA Cask and Cairdeas Port Wood Edition 2013
It’s not every day we get to experience a new Laphroaig expression, and it’s pretty much never when we get to try two of them. At a recent Laphroaig Live event, these two expressions were introduced by Laphroaig Distillery Manager and Friend of Drinkhacker John Campbell. The night started with Quarter Cask, Laphroaig’s fastest growing expression,…
Review: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Double Malt Selections
Every year around this time our friends at Woodford Reserve release a special, and sometimes experimental, whiskey release. And for 2013, Woodford is taking things to the Old World, bottling two single 100% malted barley whiskeys… made in Kentucky. You’re reading that right: These are the first “fully matured whiskies crafted from malt in Kentucky since…
Review: Kentucky Gentleman Bourbon
Initially I was apprehensive to even approach this long-standing brand, as the gentleman who stumbles down my street during his early morning commute usually has a pint of the stuff firmly fastened in hand. However, Kentucky Gentleman has recently earned the dubious title of being the “PBR of Bourbons” by the youth of today — meaning…
Review: Peligroso Cinnamon Tequila Liqueur
Bottled at the same 84 proof as its standard tequila lineup, Peligroso curiously markets this cinnamon-flavored variety as a “liqueur.” But what’s in the bottle is 100% agave blanco tequila infused with “100% pure cinnamon and a blend of secret ingredients, creating a distinct juice with a kick that leaves some sweet heat on the…
