Making Our Own Aquavit with Spiced Spirits
Aquavit is a flavored Scandinavian vodka that has as many variations as there are countries in Europe. Finding aquavit stateside is difficult, though. The few bottlings imported here are mass-produced stuff that is, unfortunately, usually not very good. Why not make your own, then? Sounds good, but the number of spices required will probably fill…
Review: Lost Spirits Distillery Ouroboros Cask #1
Lost Spirits’ Leviathan is one of the most unique whiskeys being produced in America today — if not the world. Made close to Drinkhacker HQ in Monterey, California, Leviathan is a heavily peated single malt that is aged in heavy char barrels previously used for late-harvest wine (the varietal of the wine changed depending on…
Review: Absolut Elyx Vodka
Absolut’s boldest move in years doesn’t have anything to do with vodka that tastes like pickles or cupcakes… it’s Absolute Elyx, a single-estate ultra-premium vodka that’s so special it doesn’t even use the traditional cylindrical bottle design. Elyx is single estate vodka made exclusively from wheat from Rabelof Castle and water from the distillery’s own…
Review: NV Angoris Villa Locatelli Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Friuli
An unusual red made from 100% Refosco grapes indigenous to the Friuli region just north of Venice. The nose is slightly perfumy, with blueberry underpinnings. n the body, ample smoke and earth notes are backed up cherry and spice character. A moderate to big body, with lots going on. Surprisingly complex — if not wholly…
Review: 2004 Bodegas Franco Espanolas Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva
A great value on an old Gran Reserva Rioja from Bordon. Surprisingly fresh for a wine nearly a decade old. Just showing the first hints of oxidation, and then only after substantial time in glass. On the nose, dark cherries, black tea, and some earth. The modest body offers fresh berries, light vinegar notes, and…
Review: 2010 Mira Pinot Noir Napa Valley Stanly Ranch-Carneros
An unusual Pinot (especially one from the Carneros area), very fruity, but also very tannic. This wine reminds me more of some Syrahs than anything I’ve encountered recently in the Pinot world, and that’s… OK. The big body is something I can get my arms around, but the heavy fruit — juicy and over-ripe —…
Review: 2012 Justin Rose
Our friends at Justin have taken a big step into a new world of wine that’s completely foreign to them: Rose. This rose of Cabernet Sauvignon is made from Paso Robles fruit, and the beefy backbone shows. A heavy shade of peach, the wine features a moderately floral nose followed by a palate that features…
Review: Starr Hill Grateful Pale Ale and Little Red Roostarr (2013)
Two new and seasonal brews from our friends at Starr Hill Starr Hill Grateful Pale Ale – Straightforward, delicious, and crisp with modest citrus character — and not overly bitter (just 26 IBUs). This classic pale ale offers a bounty of hops, backed with just a touch of smoky wood chip character. Nothing earth-shattering, but…
