Review: 2019 Rose Vine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
This past weekend (August 11, 2023) marked the official 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop, a culture and lifestyle which has changed the course of American art, style and music numerous times. I personally count myself as a lifelong student and fan who has felt this impact and believe my life has been exponentially…
Review: 2021 One Stone Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Previously we brought you coverage of One Stone’s Central Coast Rose — the winery an offshoot of Ancient Peaks — and now we turn to heartier fare, a 2021 cabernet from the Paso Robles appellation. Bold without being aggressive, particularly on the tannin front, this is one of the more approachable and recommendable budget cabs…
Review: Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila
We’ve reviewed a wide range of Gran Centenario tequilas over the years, including copious special editions, but the brand’s standard anejo has long eluded us. Today we remedy that with a look at its aged expression. (Length of time in barrel is not formally stated, but I’ve read 18 months online.) This is a perfectly…
Review: Faccia Brutto Fernet Pianta
Among my hardnosed and surly bartender brethren, Fernet is king… and they have a brand. Before the botanical forearm-tattooed kneecappers come for me demanding loyalty, I promise this particular Fernet will content any Bitterhead. For the uninitiated, Fernets tend to feature a few distinct ingredients that distinguish them from their Amari cousins; chief among them…
Review: Giffard Triple Sec
Let’s take another dive into Giffard‘s spin on an essential cocktail ingredient: triple sec, in this case presented as a triple-distilled, clear expression of the classic orange liqueur. Giffard Triple Sec is fine but not overly unique, leaning more heavily on sweeteners than you’d expect considering the usual fare from the brand. Yes, the…
Review: 2020 DeLille Cellars Red Willow Malbec
A 100% Malbec from Washington’s Yakima Valley, one of the numerous vineyards owned by DeLille. Similar to other Malbecs from the region, this tends to favor the traditional French profile at first, leading with classic notes of raspberry and cherry on the nose, oscillating back and forth until earthy aromas of leather and mushroom make…
Review: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage
For its latest installment in the long-running Master’s Keep series, Wild Turkey is taking us on a voyage. A voyage to where? Jamaica, where rum casks have been brought in to finish its classic Kentucky bourbon. Made in a first-time collaboration with Appleton master blender Joy Spence, the whiskey starts as a 10 year old…
Review: 2019 Gran Moraine Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton
A case in point why you should be drinking more Oregon chardonnay instead of California chardonnay. This juicy number is loaded with notes of guava and lychee, some lemon curd, and a healthy dusting of floral notes that evoke rose petals and orange blossoms in tandem. It’s acidic on the finish but leaves room for…
