Sangria Roundup: Senor Sangria and Eppa

Summer is in full swing, and that means sangria season is here. We’ve looked at Senor Sangria’s original red sangria in the past, now the company’s back with a white sangria. Also on tap: Red sangria from Eppa with a health-conscious spin. Here’s how these offerings from Senor Sangria (made in Washingtonville, New York) and…

Read More about Sangria Roundup: Senor Sangria and Eppa

Batman Cocktails for “The Dark Knight Rises”

I always figured Bruce Wayne would be a martini or single malt kinda guy. Numerous distillers, looking to get in on Batman fever, are hoping otherwise. If you make and drink the first of these, please send us a picture of the face you make afterwards! Drambuie Catnip 1 1/2 part Drambuie 1/2 part Egg…

Read More about Batman Cocktails for “The Dark Knight Rises”

Review: Zignum Reposado Mezcal

A new product from Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto, Zignum Mezcal is made from green Espadin agave. Silver and reposado expressions are currently hitting the market. An anejo will arrive later this year. We sampled the reposado, aged more than two months in oak barrels. Very lively and fresh, the medium gold color looks too good…

Read More about Review: Zignum Reposado Mezcal

Review: Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Years Old (2012)

Part of the Buffalo Trace empire, Eagle Rare is a 10 year old bourbon with plenty to recommend. This is the single barrel version of the whiskey, which is no longer regularly produced (as of 2019). A classically structured bourbon, it is sweet without being cloying, and there’s barely a trace of its corn heritage…

Read More about Review: Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Years Old (2012)

Absinthe Roundup: Jade CF Berger, Jade 1901, and Jade Esprit Edouard

Absinthe may have been the fastest rising and most rapidly falling fad in booze since Zima (when’s the last time you had a glass?), but let’s not forget our heritage: Absinthe is a spirit of critical import to the history of the (drinking) world, sullied alas by Americans jonesing for modern-day recreations of the stuff…

Read More about Absinthe Roundup: Jade CF Berger, Jade 1901, and Jade Esprit Edouard

Review: Highland Reserve Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old

This anonymous-looking blended whisky, a minimum of 12 years old, is sourced from Highland distilleries, hence the name. The bottle may be unassuming, but you could do a lot worse than Highland Reserve for $40 a pop: A delicious aroma fills the air when it’s popped open, all fresh grains, malt balls, and light nougat…

Read More about Review: Highland Reserve Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old

Tasting Report: Wines of Greece, 2012

Greek wine doesn’t have a great reputation (blame the infamous Retsina for that one). Heck, with all its financial issues, Greece doesn’t have a great reputation either. Well, things must not be too bad: The Greek government recently hosted a lavish roadshow to show off dozens of its wineries – including the best lunch event…

Read More about Tasting Report: Wines of Greece, 2012

Review: Mezcals of Agave de Cortes

It’s not every day you meet a 6th generation palenquero (mezcal maker), but that’s exactly what Asis Cortes, pictured below in my kitchen, is. Cortes and his family make mezcal in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Some of it is only available in the country, and in addition to its own the company also exports…

Read More about Review: Mezcals of Agave de Cortes