Review: 2021 Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge and Pearl Cabernet Sauvignon
As the weather (barely) starts to cool, we’re looking forward to heartier wines that stick to the ribs. Here’s a pair from our pals at Paso Robles-based Ancient Peaks that could fit the bill. 2021 Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge Paso Robles – A blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot, 3%…
Review: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon
The final release in Wild Turkey’s incredible Master’s Keep series is here, ending a run of whiskeys that began in 2015 and culminates with Beacon, a selection of two bourbons blended together, one picked by Master Distiller Eddie Russell and one by Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell. Per the company: Master’s Keep Beacon is a blend…
Review: Compass Box Flaming Heart 25th Anniversary Edition 2025
It is almost hard to believe that boutique Scotch blender Compass Box has been with us for a quarter century. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, they recently released a commemorative edition of Flaming Heart, one of their earliest expressions and a bottle that helped put the Compass Box name on the whisky world’s radar all…
Review: Bhakta Calvados 1989
Bhakta Spirits, known for its rare whiskeys and Armagnacs, is moving into another spirits category, and this one’s a curious choice: Calvados, aka French apple brandy. Its inaugural bottling of Bhakta 1989 Pays d’Auge Calvados is its first-ever single varietal Calvados offering. Only 3 barrels are being turned out. Some details: Distilled in Normandy’s prestigious…
Review: Lemon Hart & Son Original 1804 and 151 Rum
The Lemon Hart & Son rum brand gets its curious name from the nickname of the brand’s founder. Lehman “Lemon” Hart transformed his grandfather’s German-based rum import business into a blending powerhouse in the later 18th century, eventually becoming the first official supplier of rum to the British Royal Navy in 1804 (for the 150…
Review: Sagamore Spirit Rye 10 Years Old (2025)
Founded in 2013 with a vision to revive Maryland’s proud — but nearly forgotten— rye whiskey tradition, Sagamore Spirit set out on a path few dared to tread. Backed by one of Under Armour’s original architects of hustle, Sagamore approached rye whiskey with the same grit and performance mindset that built a sportswear empire —…
Review: Alexana 2024 Rose and 2023 Mosaic Pinot Noir
Here’s a look at two new wines from Alexana, based in the Dundee Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Alexana just passed its 20th anniversary, and we’re celebrating with them with coverage of these new releases. 2024 Alexana Rose of Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard – Pretty and floral, with lots of strawberry and a smear of vanilla…
Review: 1792 Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon
Back when it debuted in 2015, 1792 Port Finish made a quick splash and built a gradual reputation among collectors. That’s partially due to its (especially at the time) exceptionally lengthy finish of two full years in Port casks. Since then, the only in-house finishing we’ve seen out of Barton 1792 Distillery was the Thomas…