Review: Amrut Bagheera Indian Single Malt Whisky
Last summer, Indian whisky-maker Amrut released this special edition single malt, dubbed Bagheera. Bagheera also happens to be the name given to the black panther character in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (who appears to be skulking around in the foreground on the label). That, along with a gilded image of the grand Mysore Palace…
Review: Wines of Opolo, 2022 Releases
It’s been a year or so since we’ve covered the wines of Paso Robles-based Opolo, and then only spottily. Today we correct that oversight with a look at 5 current releases. 2019 Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles – Nothing overly earth-shattering here, this cab making for an approachable but straightforward experience that rests of currants…
Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 17 Years Old Spring 2022 Edition
The first bonded Old Fitzgerald release for 2022 is here, and it’s an old one: At 17 years of age, it’s the oldest Old Fitz in the series to date, the next oldest being a 16 year old that was only made available at Heaven Hill’s distillery in 2020. As always, this bourbon is designed…
Tasting the Wines of Temecula, 2022 Releases
Four new releases from our friends in Temecula in southern California. 2021 Danza del Sol Sauvignon Blanc Estate – A bit unctuous and sweet, with notes of brown butter and a thick layer of spice, this doesn’t immediately connote sauvignon blanc, save for the notes of fresh grass and florals on the nose. The body…
Review: Milam & Greene The Castle Hill Series Batch 2
Texas-based Milam & Greene keeps making waves, its latest bottling being the second limited edition bourbon in its Castle Hill Series. Like Batch 1, this is sourced stock from Tennessee (unstated, but Dickel). Again the 26 barrels that go into the blend are all at least 13 years old. (M&G breaks down their ages to…
Review: Ron del Barrilito Rum 3 Stars
Ron del Barrilito is a Puerto Rican rum brand with a long history that dates back to 1880 and the Fernandez family, which would serve their house rum to guests from little barrels (“barrilito” in Spanish). For nearly a century, the rum has been available as a 2 Estrellas (Stars) and older 3 Estrellas offering,…
Busting Myths One Pour At a Time: The New York Irish Whiskey Festival Returns After Two-Year Hiatus
Among North American audiences, Irish whiskey is poised for a moment in the sun. The fast-growing category’s U.S. sales were up over 16% in 2021, and by some estimates, the spirit could overtake Scotch’s stateside footprint within the next decade. As with most boozy trends, event organizers have taken note, their progress only temporarily slowed…
Review: Goslings Black Seal 151 Proof
Bermuda’s Goslings Rum has become a staple in lots of watering holes, both waterside and landlocked, over its 200-plus year history. There’s the bartender friendly flagship, Black Seal, that comprises, as a rule, the base of the classic (and trademarked) Dark N’ Stormy cocktail (along with their own brand of exceptional ginger beer, if you can…
