Review: Samuel Maverick Straight Triticale Whiskey Bottled-In-Bond
Maverick Distilling’s new triticale-based whiskey was born from a mistake. After ordering a batch of rye, the distillers discovered they had been sent the similar-looking triticale, a hybrid of rye and wheat. What the hell, the San Antonio-based operation decided, let’s make into whiskey anyway and see what happens. It’s an uncommon grain to use…
Review: ISH Non-Alcoholic Wine, Gin, and Cocktails
Dry January is upon us, and if you’re one of the brave souls who’s forgoing alcohol this month, know that it doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to drinking tap water for 31 days. NA options are increasingly impressive, including a few of the products from ISH, a Danish/German/Austrian operation with the tagline “the…
Mezcal Amaras’ Luis Nino de Rivera Mesta on Trends, Challenges, and the Future of Mezcal
The popularity of agave spirits has exploded in recent years with mezcal showing particularly impressive growth. Unlike most tequila, however, mezcal is more of an artisanal product, often made entirely by hand and with frequently far lower yields. It is not uncommon for a new mezcal producer to hit the market with only a few…
Review: Charles Goodnight Texas Bourbon 6 Years Old
California’s Foley Family Wines recently branched out into spirits, and while its gin isn’t a big risk, launching a Texas whiskey certainly is. Made from Texas-grown corn, the high-rye (35%) bourbon is aged in-state in new charred oak barrels for 6 years before bottling… in California. Ouch! Will the perennially Texas proud accept a Texas…
Review: Ancho Reyes Barrica Chile Liqueur
Ancho Reyes’ chile liqueur has quietly built a following among mixologists for its original (ancho chile) and verde varieties, especially as a go-to for spicy margaritas and other classic cocktails. Recently, the Campari-owned brand released its first new product since 2017: Ancho Reyes Barrica. Ancho Reyes Barrica is a barrel-aged version of the red chile…
Review: Firestone Walker Brewmaster’s Collective, Fall 2023 Releases
Calling all Firestone Walker fans and barrel-aged beer lovers too busy to do their own shopping. Enrollment for Firestone Walker’s beer club, the Brewmaster’s Collective, is live until the end of the month (apologies for the late notice). The deets: Open enrollment in the 2024 Brewmaster’s Collective begins now at FirestoneBeer.com and ends on December 31,…
Review: Chicken Cock Red Stave Petite Sirah Barrel Finish
So I first read the label on this whiskey as Red State, thinking maybe Chicken Cock was doing an ambitious “Red State/Blue State” combo release. I mean, the brand is called Chicken Cock. Why wouldn’t they? But know, it’s Red Stave, a limited edition that is finished in J. Wilkes Winery Petite Sirah barrels hailing…
Review: Wolves Whiskey Malted Barley Lot 2 and Winter Run Batch 3
Wolves Whiskey hit the scene in 2019 with both an unexpected mission and a surprising fanfare. Founded by two footwear magnates and leaning on the distilling prowess of Charbay‘s Marko Karakasevic, the outfit drew a lot of its playbook from Charbay’s longtime program of making whiskey out of beer. Things have since exploded for the…