Review: Louis Royer Cognac XO
Louis Royer has been producing Cognac since 1853, but it’s relatively obscure on U.S. shores. This XO, like most, doesn’t offer much information by way of production or aging notes (Royer uses grapes from the six big growing regions of Cognac), but I wouldn’t fret over it. This is quality Cognac that is worth visiting,…
Review: Pike Creek Canadian Whisky
Newly acquired from Corby Distilleries — a growing Canadian whisky producer whose products continue to be difficult to find in the U.S. — by Pernod Ricard, Pike Creek is the brainchild of one Don Livermore, who has a Ph.D. in — wait for it — wood science. That science has clearly taught Livermore a thing…
Recipe: Tabasco Cocktails
Looking to spice things up a bit? These cocktails, all involving Tabasco hot sauce, might be just the thing you’re looking for. Comedic Twist 2 cups pomegranate juice 1/2 cup white wine 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco Crushed ice 1/2 cup ginger ale, chilled Lime peel twists (for garnish) Combine pomegranate juice, white…
Review: Gallo Signature Series Wines, 2013 Releases
Gallo is one of the best-known wine brands in the world, but it makes more than jug wines designed for family reunion picnics. A lot more. The Gallo Signature Series, made by Gina Gallo (granddaughter of Julio), are all small-release wines designed to compete with the top shelf. The 2013 releases, covering the basics of…
Tasting Report: 2012 California Cabernet Sauvignon
The California Cabernet Society’s annual barrel tasting event has gotten smaller over the last few years, but that’s afforded guests more time to visit with each winery, and the chance to taste through some older vintages (something I rarely have the time for at the more exhaustive/exhausting events). 2012 Cabernet was the focus of this…
Review: Barware of the Pretentious Beer Glass Company
You are pouring your beers into glasses, right? The Pretentious Beer Glass Company is the solo effort of Matthew Cummings to bring custom, homemade glassware into your home. Each glass is carefully handcrafted on a lathe and the personal individuality manifests itself within the finished products in the form of slight variations in angles, thickness,…
Review: Whiskeys of Fog’s End Distillery – MoonShine, White Dog, Monterey Rye, and Agua Ardiente
Down in Gonzales, California — where, based on my travels, there’s plenty of fog — Fog’s End Distillery makes unique craft whiskeys, of a sort. These are all made, as the company’s owner Craig Pakish explains, with the “no cook, sour mash” method. But there’s a twist: While corn and rye are both used in…
Review: 123 Diablito Organic Extra Anejo Tequila
We enjoyed the standard trio of bottlings from 123 Tequila when we reviewed them two years ago. Now the company is coming out with an extremely limited edition Extra Anejo to complement the group. It’s not called 4, but rather Diablito, an organic EA from this artisanal company. A small parcel of organic agave grown…
