Recipe: Smoky Cola Highball
Rule #1 when getting into whisky: don’t ever let anyone tell you how you should drink the stuff. It’s no cardinal sin to add ice or water, or heaven forbid, a simple soda mixer. And if someone should make a stink at a bar the next time you order a Bourbon and Ginger or an…
Review: Gracias a Dios Mezcal Espadin
Over the last few years, a number of new mezcals have come to the USA in response to exploding interest in the smoky agave distillate. Gracias a Dios, Spanish for “Thank God,” is a joven (unaged) mezcal made by Oscar Hernández. It is made with 100% espadín agave grown in Matatlán, Oaxaca. It deserves note…
Review: Coperies Single Malt Whisky Francais
Coperies is a new brand from Cognac-maker Merlet, which says it leverages centuries of knowhow at creating brandy to create this pot-distilled single malt whisky. Made with French barley in the Charentes region and aged in French oak barrels, this whisky is as French as you can get. There’s no aging information, but let’s not…
Review: 2020 Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc
A much more evocative wine than last year’s expression of this wine, which was a little harsh. For 2020, Chalk Hill rolls out a rich and fruit-filled expression of sauvignon blanc, with notes of melon, gooseberry, and lemon curd all up front — tempered by saline and mineral notes. Well balanced between fruity and lightly…
Review: Branson Cognac, Complete Lineup
Branson (along with Le Chemin du Roi Champagne) is part of the Sire Spirits brand, which is famously owned by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Branson Cognac is available in four expressions, all of which we received for review. Ready to get started? All are 80 proof. Branson Cognac Phantom – Essentially a VS bottling, this…
Review: Gary Farrell 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Selections
We looked at these identical bottlings from Gary Farrell a year ago, only one vintage prior, respectively. Now they’re updated and back. Back into the fold we go! 2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley Olivet Lane Vineyard – Creamy, with lightly lemony notes running to apple, caramel, and lingering vanilla notes. The citrus doesn’t…
Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A122 (January 2022)
After a pair of killer releases in 2021, can the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series keep the magic going with this first release for 2022? Good news: ECBP Batch A122 is a surprising delight, with plenty of trademark fruit and spice throughout the experience. Things kick off with an aromatic punch of nutmeg and cloves,…
Review: Firestone Walker Kentucky Mule and Gold Rider
The brewing brainiacs at Firestone Walker have gotten increasingly creative with their barrel-aged Proprietor’s Vintage Series in recent years. In addition to the tried-and-true classics like Parabola and Stickee Monkee, the brewery has launched several limited edition, cocktail-inspired brews. We covered one of the first of these, Old Man Hattan, back in 2019, as well…
