Review: Patron Ahumado Tequila – Silver and Reposado
Patron continues to experiment with smoke in its tequila lineup, the latest being this pair of releases called Patron Ahumado. Made from agave piñas that are roasted with mesquite charcoal for seven days in underground stone pits, then crushed with a stone tahona wheel, the tequilas are primarily a departure from tequila’s traditional oven cooking.…
Review: Diora 2022 Rose and 2019 Pinot Noir
Monterey-based Diora Wines focuses on pinot noir and chardonnay, but today we’re looking at two pinot expressions — a standard red and a rose made from pinot noir grapes. Both are designed with summer sipping and affordability in mind. Let’s dive in. 2022 Diora La Belle Fete Rose of Pinot Noir Monterey – Bright strawberry…
Review: Royal Salute 21 Years Old The Signature Blend
Did you know: Royal Salute is the only whisky brand whose core lineup starts at 21 years of age and gets older from there? The Signature Blend, reviewed here, was originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and it remains the same today, still carrying its 21 year old age statement. The blender (part…
Review: Desert Door Lady of Spain Texas Sotol
Sotol may sound like a one-off experience, but Texas-based Desert Door sure does a lot with it, cranking out special editions of this unique, American twist on tequila. Lady of Spain is Desert Door’s second release in its Explorer Series for 2023, and is actually a relaunch of a previous expression which was aged…
24 Reasons to Get the Flaviar Advent Calendar These Holidays
The most anticipated, most sold-out whiskey gift of the season is back! Are you a whiskey enthusiast looking to explore new flavors and uncover hidden treasures in the whiskey world? If your answer is yes, then you need to get your hands on Flaviar’s Whiskey Advent Calendar 2023. This annual limited edition tasting set is…
Review: Clermont Steep American Single Malt
The American Single Malt category is booming. And though the movement was largely spearheaded by craft producers, major distillers — including the bourbon world’s biggest producers — are hopping on the train. Actually, it’s more accurate to say they did so years ago, because that distillate has now come of age. A prime example is…
Review: 2020 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley
You’ll find Papapietro Perry in a quaint tasting room in Sonoma’s equally quaint Dry Creek Valley. The focus here has long been on pinot noir, and today we look at two new pinot releases from two different parts of the county. 2020 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Effusive but not dense, this coastal…
Review: The Singleton of Glen Ord 40 Years Old
The Singleton brand has finally put the cap on its ultra-rare Epicurean Odyssey Series, which launched with a 38 year old expression from Glen Ord, was followed up by a 39 year old, and now ends the story with its natural conclusion: The Singleton of Glen Ord 40 Years Old. Each of the three whiskies…
