Review: Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Vodka and Gin
Caledonia Spirits in Hardwick, Vermont primarily markets its products in the Northeast and uses honey in just about everything it makes, from honey mead to vodka and gin. We tasted both those spirits, plus an elderberry cordial from the company. Thoughts follow. By the by: Mind the beeswax seal on the vodka and gin (they…
Review: Wild Shot Mezcal Silver
A beverage with a name like Wild Shot doesn’t exactly wear subtlety on its sleeve, and this unaged mezcal — complete with, or rather extremely proud of, the worm at the bottom of the bottle — doesn’t really hold back. Country musician Toby Keith is the man behind this celebrezcal, and you can click the…
Review: Brenne French Single Malt Whiskey Barrel 261
We so rarely get to check out the whiskeys of France that when one arrives it’s always greeted with a bit of mystery and awe. Even among French whiskeys, Brenne is something completely unique. It starts as single malt, with barley harvested on the distillery’s own farm in the Cognac region of France. It is…
Recipe: Cinco De Mayo Celebration Cocktails
In 1862, the great nation of Mexico held off Napoleon’s invading forces after a lengthy battle. What better way to celebrate the most festival of occasions than with a great drink? It’s the best holiday Mexico ever invented! Here’s a few recipe ideas for your consideration during this swell symbol of spring’s arrival! Korbel Citrus…
Review: 2008 D’Alessandro Azienda Agricola “ns08” Nero d’Avola/Syrah
This monster of a wine hails from Sicily and is made with its traditional grape, Nero d’Avola (65%), blended with Syrah (35%). Results are intense. The nose is biting and quite raisiny, hinting at Port-like characteristics. On the body, tons of deep fruit notes, leather, tobacco, and a long, tannic finish. A good match with…
Review: 2011 Matchbook Giguiere Musque Chardonnay Dunnigan Hills
The giant “Musque” on the label of this wine may throw you at first, but the body will do you one worse. A 100% unoaked Chardonnay made entirely from the Musque Clone No. 809, this is an aromatic and perfumy wine loaded with muscat-like flavors (hence the name of the clone). Big orange, honey, wildflower,…
Review: OM Organic Mixology Wild Cranberry & Blood Orange Cocktail
Pre-mixed cocktails aren’t often a high-end affair, but Organic Mixology is trying to change that with a new line of ready-to-drink cocktails, courtesy of Natalie Bovis, “The Liquid Muse.” Made with certified organic ingredients, no artificial flavors/colors/preservatives, lightweight glass bottles, and packaged in 75% post-consumer recycled cases (whew!), this is high-end, eco-friendly cocktailery, complete with…
Review: Newcastle Bombshell
Curious: A blonde ale from Newcastle. The latest in Newcastle’s limited edition beer series will be available from now through July 2013. Naturally, it’s Newcastle’s most “summery” brew, though it’s still got a big mouthfeel and lots of heft to it. Nicely grainy, almost biscuity with distinct toast notes, this very light pale ale doesn’t…
