Review: Pinot Noirs from Benziger’s de Coelo and Signaterra, 2009 Vintage
Today’s live tasting with Benziger’s Rodrigo Soto covered two of the winery’s alternate labels, showcasing Pinot Noir from two very different areas: The Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast. All wines are from the 2009 vintage. Thoughts follow. 2009 Signaterra Pinot Noir Russian River Valley San Remo Vineyard – Classic Russian River Pinot, with…
Review: Van Gogh Vodka Cool Peach and Rich Dark Chocolate
Two new flavored vodkas from Van Gogh, both fully in the realm of sanity when it comes to exotic inspirations. Both are naturally infused and are bottled at 70 proof. Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka speaks for itself, evidently desiring to challenge Southern Comfort’s place in the peach-flavored pantheon. The nose is authentic and bright,…
Review: Rancho Nuevo Tequila Reposado
This new tequila is only available in a reposado expression (time in barrel is 10 months, very lengthy for a reposado). 100 percent agave, of course, the nose is pungent and big, loaded with agave and pepper character, plus a touch of wood. The body reveals more nuance: Lots of sweet caramel and honey, maple…
Review: Glen Garioch 1994 Vintage
Merry Christmas, dear readers! Hope your festivities are going well and you’re enjoying your favorite tipple. As for me, I’m sampling a new single malt whisky: Glen Garioch 1994 Vintage. The somewhat simple spirits from Highlands-located Glen Garioch aren’t major names in the whisky world, and it’s trying to change that with upscale releases like…
Albarino Review: 2010 Serra da Estrela and 2009 Mar de Frades
Here’s a quick look at a couple of new, relatively inexpensive Albarinos from the Rias Baixas region of Spain. 2010 Serra da Estrela Albarino Rias Baixas – Crisp and tropical, but with a distinct undertone of vegetation. The light body, moderate acid, and lemongrass notes on the finish make it worthwhile. B / $18 2009…
Review: Dr. McGillicuddy’s “Intense” Schnapps
I am starting to question this “Doctor’s” medical credentials. Apple Pie Schnapps? Hmmm, color me suspicious. Designed as “party shots,” Dr. McGillicuddy’s offers a range of traditionally flavored Schnapps… plus these four new modern additions. We braved our way into the quartet (in this order) with as open a mind as possible. All are 42…
Review: Big Bottom Whiskey Port Cask Finish 3 Years Old
I liked Big Bottom’s 2 Year Old Port Cask Finished Whiskey so much I named it my top American whiskey of the year. What could be better then than Big Bottom Port Finished Whiskey, one year older? With this second batch of whiskey, the Bourbon is older (3 years, one day) before it went into…
Excuse Me, Do You Have Pussy in a Can?
Discovered this oddball energy drink at the train station in Munich. Turns out you can get away with a lot more here (of course) than you can in the U.S. I bought a can and frankly it’s not that bad. Flavored (strongly) with lychee, the exotic fruit drowns out the (all natural) active ingredients, including…
