Review: Casa Del Sol Tequila – Blanco and Reposado
Celebrity owned tequilas have become pretty common in recent years with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson representing Teremana, George Clooney representing Casamigos (though he has since sold it), AC/DC representing Thunderstruck, and many more. Well, here come another: Casa Del Sol tequila is co-owned by actress Eva Longoria of daytime soap opera and Desperate Housewives fame.…
Review: 2019 DuMol Pinot Noir DuMol Estate Vineyard
This blue chip Russian River pinot noir offers all the hallmarks of the region: Dense, black cherry at the core, well-extracted, then cola and a pinch of pepper. The intensity can be daunting at times, bordering on jammy if you’re enjoying this on its own. A slight chill and pairing with a meal give this…
Review: Bhakta 27-07 Brandy
Raj Bhakta‘s eponymous brand tiptoes downmarket and sideways with the launch of 27-07, which adds Calvados to the mix, blending it with Armagnac then finishing it in Islay casks much like the original Bhakta. While the 27-07’s intended age statement—7 years at its youngest, and 27 at its oldest—already placed it among the oldest spirits…
Review: 2021 Chateau la Freynelle Bordeaux
This white Bordeaux wine leans heavily on the sauvignon blanc (60%) in its blend (semillon and muscadelle make up the rest), showcasing bright acidity and a steely, grassy quality that dominates the experience. Gentle florals and a touch of cookie dough perk up on a finish that is tight and a little acidic, some potpourri…
Review: WhistlePig SmokeStock Whiskey
WhistlePig has always leaned towards a bit of irreverence in their exploration of whiskey expressions. Their 100% rye whiskeys have been well regarded as well as their special releases (despite their price tag). For this latest release, the company collaborated with Traeger grills, creator of the wood pellet grill, to create a BBQ themed whiskey.…
Review: Heritage Distilling Elk Rider Vodka and Flavored Vodkas – Lavender, Huckleberry, and Coffee
Washington-based craft distillery Heritage Distilling is perhaps best known for their Brown Sugar Bourbon, which appears to have been sold off and become something of celebrity label after entertainer Jamie Foxx made an unspecified investment in the brand in 2021. We reviewed that original expression, along with four whiskeys and a gin, more than five…
Review: Crab Trapper Green Crab Flavored Whiskey
New Hampshire’s Tamworth Distilling is back at it again with another oddity: Crab Trapper, a bourbon-based whiskey “steeped with a custom crab, corn, and spice blend mixture, best likened to a Low Country Boil.” The green crabs used in the whiskey have an invasive species in New England for over a century, so using them…
Review: 2021 Epoch Rose
This Paso Robles rose is made of 59% mourvedre, 33% grenache, and 8% syrah. It’s a Rhone-happy combination that makes for a, well, hit-and-miss experience. A slightly bitter palate dulls notes of honeysuckle, strawberry, and crispy toasted marshmallow, all of which can be worthwhile but which don’t really gel together perfectly here. Florals become a…
