Review: Infuse Vodkas – Lemon, Mango, Cinnamon Apple, and Chili Pepper
Oh man, I’m a sucker for a bottle of hooch with something floating around in it. Long shafts of herbs, whole pears… what doesn’t look amazing bobbing around inside a bottle of alcohol? Infuse’s flavored vodkas all adhere to this conceit, each with something or other inside, proving, ostensibly, that natural elements are responsible for…
Review: 2011 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley
It’s a crisp and bright Chardonnay from Montelena for this year’s release. The nose hints at both fruit and minerals, but not much oak, a hallmark for the Napa version of this varietal. Both melon and tropical notes are present, atop a core that offers peaches and lemon notes. Lots going on, but all kept…
Review: 2012 Clean Slate Riesling Mosel
Somewhat sweeter than most dry Rieslings, but still crisp and clean, offering ample citrus, tropical notes, honey, and a finish of lightly roasted nuts. With a little more acidity you’d think you were drinking an Australian Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh and lively, this one’s an easy summer sipper (sorry, January!) but also works well with spicy…
Review: Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur
Let’s start with the obvious: What is a prickly pear, anyway? It’s the fruit of the paddle cactus, the iconic desert plant that sometimes grows little red bulbs on its ends. Thatcher’s makes a wide variety of oddly-flavored liqueurs (yumberry, anyone?), all of which are organic and most of which are at least intriguing. The…
Review: Red Eye Louie’s Vodquila
It’s another spirit mashup that I’m unclear who’s been clamoring for: Vodquila is… wait for it… vodka and tequila. That’s it. There’s nothing surprising in the construction here: The bright idea was to mix 100% agave Highlands tequila with premium, imported, grain-distilled vodka. And to be honest, the whole idea baffles me. If you like…
Recipes: 2013 New Year’s Eve Cocktail Ideas
While it’s already January 1st in some parts of the world, we’re still awaiting the stroke of midnight in our part of the world. Here are a few last minute cocktail recipe ideas for your gathering. Happy 2014, and may this coming year bring you every resolution accomplished! Electric Midnight 1 oz. Ciroc Red Berry…
Review: Penny Blue XO Mauritian Rum
Imported by Anchor Distilling from that remote African island of Mauritius (where a handful of rums are made), Penny Blue is a limited edition rum from the oldest distillery on the island, built in 1926. The sugarcane is sourced from a single estate, and the rum is then matured for about seven years in a…
Review: Chicken Cock Flavored Whiskeys
Chicken Cock! I can’t do the origin story justice. Here it is in the distiller’s own words. Originally established in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock quickly became a significant 19th century Bourbon brand. Forced to move production to Canada during Prohibition, Chicken Cock was smuggled across the border in tin cans, where it rose…
