Review: White Wines of Portugal’s Alentejo, Summer 2022 Releases
As I write this review longhand during a summer heatwave-induced power blackout, it is quite uncomfortable outside. The heat index surpassed triple digits before noon, humidity is swamp thick, and there is zero sign of relief until well into the evening hours. I’m sure this is a scene familiar to many, and it is another…
Review: Bushmills Single Malt Pedro Ximenez Cask 29 Years Old
It hasn’t even been a year since the first release in Bushmills new “The Rare Casks” series, and here we have a second, even older installment. Wonders never cease. For round two, the Irish whiskey powerhouse is releasing a 29-year-old expression distilled in 1992 and matured in hand-selected bourbon barrels for over a decade before…
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…
