Review: Stevens Point Whole Hog Six-Hop IPA and Imperial Pilsner
Stevens Point releases these two new brews — be careful, as the labels and bottles look nearly identical — in time for summer. Both are limited edition releases, so shop early and shop often if you want to nab them. Stevens Point Whole Hog Six-Hop IPA is a beer with a gimmick, but it’s a…
Review: Corzo Silver Tequila
Fragrant with light evergreen notes, Corzo is a delicate, lovely blanco tequila (100% agave, of course) that deserves top-shelf attention. Most blancos are heavy with vegetal agave notes — which can be pleasant but are often overpowering and sometimes harsh. Corzo is refined, but also full of flavor. It’s a bit minty, a bit like…
Review: Rehorst Vodka, Citrus & Honey Vodka, and Gin
Rehorst? Funny name for a vodka, but it’s the name of the man behind Great Lakes Distillery in Wisconsin, which puts out this “Milwaukee Vodka” in a standard and unusual flavored version as well as a gin. We tried all three. Here’s how they stack up. Rehorst Vodka is distilled from red wheat and malted…
Review: Martell Exquisite L’Or de Jean Martell Cognac
We’ve reviewed rare spirits before, but Martell’s Exquisite L’Or de Jean Martell cognac is to date the absolute rarest: Just 120 bottles are being sold. We got a taste — not much, mind you — but enough for a serious review. And my how quickly that went down. The 80-proof Martell’s Exquisite L’Or is, indeed,…
Review: Gvori Vodka
Polish. Distilled from rye (four times). Positioned as a luxury brand. At 13 bucks a bottle. Gvori’s price is hard to beat — go much lower and you’re getting your vodka in plastic jugs — but the body of this one is exceedingly unusual. The initial palate is quite sweet, but then it fades quickly…
Review: Thatcher’s Liqueurs – Cucumber, Apple Spice Ginger, and Tres Chiles
Typical liqueurs may be bottom shelf at your local liquor store, but this stuff, this is the real deal. Thatcher’s is distilled in rural Michigan, using organic ingredients and even organic fruit juice for appropriate coloring. These liqueurs are in very limited distribution right now, but pester your local booze merchant, because they’re worth checking…
Review: 2006 Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
Robert Craig sent this pre-release vintage of its 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet, and it’s quite a wine. Very big and, certainly, worth some time in the cellar before it’s ready for prime time, the ultra-dark wine features aromas of roasted meats and smooth plum notes. Right now the wine is tight and really needs time…
Review: Seagram’s Brazilian Rum, Complete Lineup
It looks like cachaca is continuing its rise, and now even mass market spiriters Seagram’s is getting into the mix. Seagram’s (yeah, the gin guys!) new line of Brazilian rum doesn’t say cachaca on the label (and doesn’t offer a whole lot of information about what they’re created from or where, aside from “Brazil”), and…
