Review: Chinaco Tequila – Complete Lineup (2023)
It’s been a decade since we’ve visited with Chinaco, a truly unique tequila in a world where every tequila claims to be unique. Produced not in Jalisco but in Tamaulipas, to the east, it hails from a much different region with a different type of soil and climate. The production methods are equally unique, eschewing…
Review: 2016 Podere Scopetone Brunello di Montalcino
Scopetone is a smaller, family-run operation in the Tuscany region, with only 375 cases of Brunello produced annually. This 100% Sangiovese was aged in oak casks for 36 months followed by 12 months in glazed cement vats and an additional 4 months in bottle. Earthy upfront, the wine evokes cedar, tobacco, and leather when first…
Review: Wines of Peirano Estates, Winter 2023
A few months ago we reviewed the Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec offerings from Lodi’s Peirano Estates. We continue to explore Peirano’s sensibly priced range with three offerings of different varietals, including one from a member of the 5th generation of the family poised to take over the reins of the business. 2020 Peirano Estate Vineyards…
Review: Canadian Club Chronicles Edition 1 41 Years Old
Fans of exceptionally old Scotch or Irish whiskey have lots of options in today’s booming hyper premium whisky market — that is as long as they have ungodly sums of money to exchange for the pleasure. Fans of Canadian whisky, on the other hand, have a hard time finding anything north of 18 years, if…
Book Review: Drinking with My Dog: The Canine Lover’s Cocktail Book
There are certainly moments when drinking alone in solitude is a blissful thing. However, sometimes it’s equally enjoyable to have a loyal companion of the non-human sort quietly hanging around, relaxing next to your favorite chair, couch, or fireplace with unwavering loyalty. Such a celebration of dogs is the guiding concept behind Natalie Bovis’ book,…
Review: Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Anejo Tequila (2023)
In 2009, we had our first taste of Gran Centenario Leyenda. At the time, we reported that it was the first tequila to carry the illustrious extra anejo designation reserved for tequilas barrel-aged for three years or longer. Apparently, there was some debate about that (with Mr. Cuervo) as Leyenda no longer claims that title.…
Book Review: The Unofficial Big Lebowski Cocktail Book
As a recently-minted member of the “olds,” it is my solemn duty to maintain a blissful level of ignorance when discussing the zeitgeist of coolness within the entertainment industry. I do not take this responsibility lightly, so I posit the question: Do we need a Lebowski-themed cocktail book in 2023? Has there been a new…
Review: Teryan Armenian Brandy 8 Years Old
Armenia is one of the great, unsung brandy-producing regions of the world. This newly imported bottling is produced at Proshyan Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in the country, founded in 1885. The brandy is made from the Mskhali and Kangun grapes, which come from the Ararat, Armavir, and Vayots Dzor regions. It is aged…
