Review: 2019 Masseria Surani Primitivo
We sampled a range of Italian primitivo-based wines last year (check that post for a discussion on the origin and character of the grape). Today we are sampling another primitivo, this one from the same region in southern Italy, Puglia, as those earlier wines. Let’s give it a try. The nose is a bit restrained,…
Review: Bear Fight Single Malt Whiskey
Next Century Spirits (NCS) is a fairly new producer based in Raleigh, NC, which launched in 2018. The genesis and purpose of NCS has such an interestingly transparent take, it’s worth an introduction in their own words: Established in Raleigh, NC in 2018, Next Century Spirits blends together traditional techniques and unique finishing technologies to…
Review: Parch Agave Non-Alcoholic Cocktails – Prickly Paloma and Spiced Pinarita
Parch is a new line of non-alcoholic, agave-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails with such careful consideration of approach to the ubiquitous NA category that I will let them introduce themselves: In developing Parch, we studied ancient beverages, rituals and botanical infusions across Mexico and the Southwestern US, drawing inspiration from traditional plant-based beverages enjoyed as alternatives…
Review: Sazerac de Forge “Finest Original” Cognac
The Sazerac Company — best known as the parent of Buffalo Trace — has immense spirits holdings globally. Among them is a namesake Cognac, Sazerac de Forge. This is a relaunch of an old brand, and there’s some history to wade through, should you be so inclined. So here goes: Previously available exclusively at Sazerac…
Review: Puncher’s Chance Bourbon The D12tance 12 Years Old
Remember Puncher’s Chance, a sourced Kentucky bourbon bottled in Oregon? Well, now they’re back with a 12 year old expression called The Distance — er, The D12tance. This is actually a totally different product, a Tennessee-sourced bourbon (so, you know who…) that is finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon casks. Let’s give it a whirl. On…
Review: O.H. Ingram River Aged Straight Bourbon
Recently we brought you coverage of O.H. Ingram’s River Aged Rye, MGP stock which ages in a floating rickhouse on the Mississippi River. Ingram’s line now runs to four whiskeys, including this straight bourbon, which also starts with MGP spirit. No formal age statement, but as a straight bourbon, it means the whiskey is at…
Review: Banfi Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserva, and Brunello, 2022 Releases
Banfi produces a huge range of Italian wines that are widely available. Today we are looking at fresh vintages of three of their more popular red offerings, all built around Sangiovese. Let’s give them a try. 2019 Banfi Chianti Classico – Chianti Classico wines are tannic and tend to be quite dry, and this is…
Review: Old Line Spirits Single Malt – Port Cask and Madeira Cask
We’ve been tinkering with the single malt whiskeys and rums of Baltimore’s Old Line Spirits for a little over a year now, and the operation seems to be hitting its stride with the release of new products, including a recent bonded whiskey expression. We’re back at it for the third time in 2022 with our…
