Review: Linden Leaf Organic Molecular Vodka and Gin
“Molecular” always scares me when I see it on a spirits product, as it usually implies “chemicals” instead of actual craftsmanship. With Linden Leaf, “molecular” appears to mean something a bit different, as the company was founded by three Cambridge, UK-based scientists who are creating “spirits on a molecular level, actually using their science background…
Review: Kuiper Belt Dry Gin
I can tell you precious little about Kuiper Belt Dry Gin; although it notes having 8 botanicals on the label, I don’t know anything about them. It’s made by a rapper named E-40, and it’s billed as “atmospheric” — though its celebration of the icy Kuiper Belt in the outer solar system is well outside…
Review: Three 2021 Dutton Estate Chardonnays
Our friends at Dutton Estate have delivered three new chardonnays for the spring 2023 season, all hailing from various sources near their Russian River Valley estate operation and harvested in 2021. Let’s dive in. 2021 Dutton Estate Chardonnay Kyndall’s Reserve – Tasted twice; first bottle was mildly corked. The second showcased classic Sonoma chardonnay elements,…
Review: Espanita Tequila Reposado Double Barrel
We recently tried Espanita’s core lineup of tequilas, which are made with 100% blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. Today we are trying their limited release Reposado Double Barrel, which was rested in American oak before being finished in a second set of fresh, first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for up to four extra months. Let’s give…
Review: High Camp Campfire Bitters
Our friends at High Camp make some pretty awesome drinking vessels — and they also make one thing you can actually consume, their own bitters, called Campfire Bitters. Campfire is a rarity in that it lists (most of) its ingredients on the label. Those include gentian, cinchona, cinnamon, salish, pepper, and then “natural roots and spices.”…
A Visit to William Chris Vineyards
I’ve spent countless hours traversing the wineries of California, but the operation at Texas-based William Chris surprised me right away, with its focus on hospitality, a wide range of tasting experiences, and — most critically — a huge ability to get people in and out of the place, often by the busload (a very rare…
Review: Wilde Irish Gin
Three guesses to figure out where Wilde Irish Gin hails from — and, no, the spirit isn’t purple, only the bottle is. Made in West Cork from 100% Irish grain, the pot-distilled gin’s botanicals aren’t specified save for a couple: wild mountain purple heather and bitter orange peel. Quite aromatic, there’s a strong floral thread…
The Top 10 Gins of 2022
Spring is nearly here, and gin is in. Whether it’s gin and tonic, a stiff martini, or a fancier cocktail that’s on your mind, we’ve got you covered with a look at our 10 favorite gins to hit shelves in the last year. Need more picks? Check our top gin lists from 2019, 2020, and…
