Review: Tequila Partida Reposado (2011)
I first encountered Partida when this blog was young. Very young, just a few months old. Given the chance to sample the full Partida line, I greatly enjoyed the product. In fact, I remember recommending it by name to numerous young tequila enthusiasts. I have encountered Partida several times since then, but in a formal…
Tasting Report: Discover 2009 Beaujolais – Blanc et Rouge
Beaujolais is home to more than just Beaujolais Nouveau, it’s also home to more upscale reds and whites, primarily made with the Gamay and Chardonnay grapes. These light, very affordable wines are often served chilled or even with ice — even the reds. We sat down with the folks at Discover Beaujolais to taste through…
Review: Winter Palace and Emperor Vodka
The tzar of Russia’s vodka… where might it come from? If Emperor’s Brand (which brought us Giorgio G Cognac) is right, it’s… France. Winter Palace and Emperor may not be the original deal, but at the very least they are inspired by Old World recipes, both distilled (six times) from French wheat and cut with…
Review: A. de Fussigny Cognac Selection and Superieur
Fussigny Cognac has been made since 1814 but it’s been absent from the U.S. for years, lacking an importer. Now Castle Brands has picked it up and is bringing Fussigny back to the states. We tried two of the three main expressions that this independent Cognac house is offering here. (Tragically our XO sample broke…
Review: NV Domaine Carneros Cuvee de la Pompadour
This sparkling rose from Carneros is a good mix of sweet and savory: A mildly yeasty nose with touches of floral character is followed by a mildly sweet, berry-forward body. Quite a lot of fizz to it, the body is more foamy than creamy. The finish is easy and lasting, fading toward a little bitter…
Review: Ron de Jeremy Rum
Perhaps this was inevitable: Infamous porn star Ron Jeremy now has a rum. Makes sense, of course: Ron is Spanish for rum and Jeremy is actually from that noted bastion of rum production: Queens, New York. Hrmmmm. Ron de Jeremy is actually an aged, seven-year rum from Panama. If it didn’t have Jeremy’s mug on…
Review: 2006 Bodegas Roda Rioja Reserva
A rare Rioja: Fruit-forward, lush, and easily drinkable without requiring a big hunk of meat to back it up. Blackberry and fleeting Port-like characters play with hints of tar and tobacco. Moderate body, but smooth, and with a pleasing, rounded finish. Really lovely. A / $45 / roda.es Related posts: Review: Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar…
Review: American Harvest Organic Spirit (2011)
The folks at Sidney Frank — the company that made billions by giving us Grey Goose — is back at it. Its new vodka is a bit of a curiosity: It doesn’t actually say “vodka” on the label, it says “organic spirit.” What is an “organic spirit?” It’s organic vodka (column distilled from organic winter…
