Review: Agavero Liqueur
Somewhere between Drambuie and Almendrado lies Agavero, the curious tequila liqueur in the distinctive bottle. Agavero is a blend of 100% agave tequilas (both reposado and anejo) to which Damiana flower essence is added. (If that sounds familiar it’s because Damiana is also the namesake of the eponymous herbal Damiana liqueur, something I use liberally…
Book Review: Hip Tastes – The Fresh Guide to Wine
Courtney Cochran is one of these hipster gals trying to change the wine world and refocus it on a younger crowd, away from the Robert Parkers of the industry. Great, I’m all for it. Now she’s got a book out, Hip Tastes – The Fresh Guide to Wine, which is sort of an introductory text…
Will the Real Mouton Please Stand Up?
Wine counterfeiting is a large and growing problem in the elite world of rare wine auctions, with phony bottles being sold at prices in the thousands of dollars. But do those who buy — and even drink — fake wine know the difference? Food & Wine snuck a fake bottle of 1982 Ch. Mouton Rothschild…
Review: NV Pietra Santa Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend
$10 wines, especially reds, don’t often get you very far. Sacred Stone is an interesting exception to the rule. If there was a year on the label (and a cork instead of a giveaway screwcap) and you took this to a party, your host would likely be impressed. Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend (a vaguely…
Drinkhacker Barkeeper’s Tip #1
…in a possibly ongoing, but erratic, series of tips… If your establishment is very loud, do not offer both Corona and Peroni brand beers. (To see what I mean, crank up the stereo and try saying their names aloud.) Related posts: Review: Tip Top Margarita Drinkhacker’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Alcohol/Spirits for Christmas…
Review: Dos Manos Anejo Tequila
Tequila makers sure do like naming their spirits after multiples. Perhaps less fanciful than most is Dos Manos (two hands), which is in keeping with its rather humble nature. Though 100% agave (though reportedly there are mixto versions available, too), Dos Manos is not nearly as smooth and layered as many ultra-premium tequilas we review…
Review: Dubonnet Rouge (2008)
Sure, I’m familiar with Dubonnet. You see it on every bar shelf, without question. It’s almost always full and it’s sitting next to the equally dusty bottle of Punt e Mes and the half-empty bottle of Galliano. Old school, but obviously a requirement for the bar. Anything that’s been around this long deserves a spot…
Review: Vignette Wine Country Soda
It’s grape juice for grown-ups: With its Wine Country Sodas, Vignette takes the juice of real wine grapes — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc & Grenache — adds a little fizz, and puts it into single-serve bottles. But no alcohol, making them perfect for lunchtime, picnics, or those who can’t (or don’t want to)…
