Review: 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Kentucky Bourbon
1792 (a reference to the year that Kentucky became a state) comes from the Barton Distilling Company, which ages this small batch whiskey for 8 years before releasing it as a 93.7 proof finished product. That product is ready-made for any sweet tooth: 1792 is one of the most sugary, dessert-friendly bourbons I’ve ever had.…
Review: The King’s Ginger Liqueur
Can you feel the Royal Wedding excitement yet? It’s palpable, I know, as mere days away a new princess will be crowned. To celebrate the nuptials, Berry Bros. is reminding everyone of The King’s Ginger, a liqueur it created in 1903 for King Edward VII, “to stimulate and revivify His Majesty during morning rides.” It’s…
Tasting Report: Red Wines of Chile, 2011 Releases
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a live, online tasting event featuring the red wines of Chile. While Chile is primarily known as Cabernet country, I was surprised to find that it is home to several other widely-planted grapes. Its Pinot Noirs shocked me with their sophistication and quality. Its Syrahs, however, were another…
Tasting Report: Wines of Roessler, 2011 Releases
Sonoma’s Roessler is a hidden gem in the region, but it’s no small fry: The winery bottles nearly 20 wines with fruit sourced from all over California — and Oregon. Specializing in Pinot Noir, the winery employs hands-off winemaking techniques and the results speak for themselves. We tasted seven recent vintages stretching from its southern…
Review: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila (2011)
Some years ago, Jose Cuervo launched a tequila that was unique for its time: 100% agave, affordable, and available everywhere. For a nation that grew up on the cheap mixto that is Cuervo Gold, this was something else. But Cuervo Tradicional was available only as a reposado. No blanco, no anejo. Just the middle, lightly…
Review: No. 209 and No. 209 Kosher Gin
Passover begins tonight, but those among you who keep kosher during the period may be surprised to find that you can still drink your gin and tonic during the week. No. 209 is one of the only kosher gins in the world (Gordon’s is also on the list) — and it’s the only spirit maker…
Review: Forty Creek Barrel Select and Double Barrel Reserve Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky outfit Forty Creek has been winning awards hand over fist for its high-quality whiskys, available at reasonable prices. We took at look at the company’s two current releases (another is coming soon), to see what all the fuss was about. Both are 80 proof. Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky – A real…
Review: Three New Argentina Malbecs, 2011 Releases
Don’t cry for me, Argentina: These wines are all made using sustainable practices and will be on shelves just in time for both World Malbec Day (4/17) and Earth Day (4/20). Drink up! 2010 Bodini Malbec Mendoza – 2010? For real. This screwcap wine offers minimal character, a somewhat watery wine that smells of simple…
