Review: Avion Espresso Liqueur
Tequila and coffee have been done before, namely by Patron with its XO Cafe. Now comes upstart Avion to challenge the natural order of things, and convince you that you need to get your coffee in your agave. This newest entry into the Avion family blends Avion Silver tequila with Italian espresso (fancy!). It’s inky…
Review: Wemyss Malts Heathery Smoke 30 Years Old and The Hive 8 Years Old
Two new whiskys from Wemyss — one a very rare independent bottling of a single malt, one a larger-scale extension of The Hive blended malt. Notes on both follow. Wemyss Single Malt “Heathery Smoke” 30 Years Old – One of Wemyss’ more successful single malts (this one from Caol Ila), though I think “Honeyed Peat”…
Review: O Wines 2011 Chardonnay and 2010 Red Blend
This Columbia Valley (Washington) winery recently changed ownership (it’s now part of the Ste. Michelle empire) and is now making a bigger push into the market. Only two wines are offered; the latest releases of both are reviewed below. Also of note: O also has a huge scholarship program that any wine-friendly families with looking…
Review: 2010 Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
Chateau Tanunda, “Icon of the Barossa,” doesn’t look like your typical Australian wine. For starters, there are no animals on the label. Rather, there’s a line-art drawing of a chateau. Very French. The wines, however, are pure Australia through and through. While the winery says its inspiration lies in Europe, its fruit is out there…
Review: 2011 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio and 2010 Banfi Belnero Red Blend
Here are two new affordable, but surprisingly high-quality wines from Banfi. Thoughts follow, as always. 2011 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio Toscana – An exceedingly drinkable Pinot Grigio. Lightly tropical nose. On the body, modest acidity, then lots of fruit. Peaches, some mango, and interesting nougat and biscuit notes on the finish — like shortbread…
Review: Admiral Nelson’s Spiced Rum
The budget alternative to Captain Morgan (to which it is 2nd in spiced rum market share), Admiral Nelson’s Rum is also named after a real person. In this case it’s a good guy instead of a pirate, the famous British Admiral Horatio Nelson. Until 2011, Admiral Nelson’s Spiced Rum was produced by Luxco, a smaller…
Review: UV Candy Bar and Salty Watermelon Vodka
The insanity of increasingly unlikely and unnatural vodka flavors continues courtesy of UV, which brings us these new offerings: Candy Bar and Salty Waltermelon. Thoughts follow. Both are 60 proof. UV Candy Bar Vodka – OK, it’s a candy bar, we get it. But which one? A Caramello doesn’t taste anything like a Payday. “Candy…
Review: Powers John’s Lane Irish Whiskey 12 Years Old
Powers got its start as a single pot still whiskey, but in more recent years its become a simpler blend of pot still spirit and grain whiskey. It’s understandable: Powers is the most popular whiskey in its homeland of Ireland, so they have to make a lot of it. Now Powers is bringing a pure,…
