Review: Jim Beam Red Stag Hardcore Cider
The latest addition to the ever-expanding line of Red Stag by Jim Beam is this, called Hardcore Cider. You don’t need a lot of imagination to figure out this is whisky infused with apple cider “and other natural flavors.” Apple is a natural complement for bourbon (and plenty of cocktails mix whiskey and cider), so…
Review: NV Calamares Vinho Verde
A decidedly simple Portuguese bottling, a blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes. Slightly effervescent, and quite easy to get down — being 9% abv doesn’t hurt. The nose, more vaguely citrus-meets-alcohol in character, isn’t anything special, but crisp pear notes meet lemon and pineapple on the body are a surprising delight. The finish is short and…
Drinkhacker 2013 Wine Cheat Sheet / Vintage Chart
Hey, it’s our seventh annual version of the Drinkhacker cheat sheet, designed to help you tell a good vintage of wine from a crummy one. Just print, cut along the dotted lines, fold it up (into thirds), and stow it away in your wallet or purse. Next time a wine list stumps you, whip this…
Review: Powell & Mahoney Blood Orange and Ginger Cocktail Mixes
Powell & Mahoney makes high-end, non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, and recently it’s expanded its lineup to a full 10 different bottlings. Today we look at two of the latest expressions. All of the company’s mixers are made with natural juices, cane sugar, and a smattering of natural flavors, making them a convenient yet high-quality shortcut to…
Review: Wines of Fancy Pants, 2013 Releases
A new ultra-cheap wine label from Trinchero: Fancy Pants! The only thing that isn’t fancy is the price, amirite fellas!? Anyway, here’s what they’re like should you fancy a bottle. 2012 Fancy Pants Pinot Grigio California – Lemony nose, with very slight musty notes. The palate offers more citrus, plus distinct peaches and cream. No mustiness here;…
Review: Wines of McGah Family Cellars, 2013 Releases
Did you know: The founders of the Oakland Raiders now have a wine label? McGah Family Cellars is the winemaking arm of the McGahs, which owned the Raiders from the founding in 1960 to 2005. Now they make wine using fruit from their own 65-acre Rutherford vineyard in addition to selling it to other wineries.…
National Vodka Day Recipes
October 4th is National Vodka Day, a celebration of one of the world’s biggest selling spirits. Why October 4th? According to the official website: While October 4th seems well documented as National Vodka Day, we have not found the origins of why, but it works for us. No harm celebrating responsibly on other days as…
Blind Review: Purity Vodka vs. Grey Goose (2013)
Sweden’s Purity Vodka thinks it has something special going on, and it’s itching to prove it. Recently the company sent out “tasting kits” — well, two mini bottles — so media could compare its vodka with that titan of the industry, Grey Goose. Taste the two blind and see which you prefer. Purity promises it…
