Review: Luxardo Aperitivo Liqueur
The Aperol Spritz is one of the all-time classic cocktails (and it’s making a comeback). The centerpiece, of course, is the Italian Aperol, a bittersweet orange liqueur which comprises nearly half the drink. Aperol just got some competition. A new product from Luxardo (renown for its cherry-flavored maraschino liqueur) is a new spin on the…
Highlights from the 2013 California Beer Festival – Marin
Maybe it was the soothing sounds of ’80s hair metal cover band Metal Shop. Maybe it was the 100 degree heat. Maybe it was the BBQ cookoff. Maybe it was the beer. Whatever the case, the hordes descended on Marin County a few weeks ago to sample the best craft beers made in and around…
Review: Jura “Camas an Staca” 30 Years Old and “Juar” 1977 36 Years Old
Two new and very rare single malts from Jura (aka Isle of Jura), based on an island just a stone’s throw north of Islay. These are ultra-limited-edition whiskys just now hitting the market. Snap them up while you can! Jura “Camas an Staca” 30 Years Old – 30 year old spirit that has spent 3…
Review: Camus Coffee
We love Camus’ Cognac. Now the company is doing a brand extension unlike any other I’ve ever seen: into coffee. Per the company: Coffee is a natural next step for CAMUS: similarly to Cognac, coffee is an agricultural product strongly influenced by terroir, judicious harvesting, fermentation, application of heat, and – most of all –…
Recipe: National Tequila Day, 2013 Edition
If there ever was a lobbyist-invented, industry-approved holiday we endorse wholeheartedly, it’s the arrival of July 24th as National Tequila Day, which should followed by July 25th’s much needed National Hangover Day, had it not already been placed on the calendar on January 1st. Perhaps a Hangover Solstice? (Furthermore, why would a holiday like this…
Review: Konig Ludwig Weissbier
Warsteiner makes this hefewiezen and is making a push for it this year for Oktoberfest. About the ornately-decorated brew (per the company): Prince Luitpold of Bavaria carries on the great tradition which has associated the Royal Bavarian Family with the fine art of brewing since 1260. This classic brew uses select Bavarian barley and wheat…
Review: Summer White Wines from Chile, 2013 Releases
Chile isn’t just a solid spot for Cabernet, it also makes some affordable and interesting white wines — which are almost unilaterally very inexpensive. Here’s a look at three white wines from the country, all designed with summer in mind. (The results are hit and miss.) 2012 Echeverria Classic Collection Unwooded Chardonnay – Maybe should…
Review: Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Dogfish Head’s Festina Peche is a sour session beer, a “neo-Berliner Weisse” that is brewed with peach concentrate, creating a weird melange of a brew. Sour beers are not normally up my alley, but Festina Peche has charms. The peaches are clear and fruity, and the sour underbelly comes across something like tart cherry juice.…
