Review: Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Australian Whiskey
Starward is an Australian malt barley whisky that has been inching its way into the U.S. markets over the past several years. (We reviewed a couple of their releases in 2019 and 2020.) Hailing from foodie-centric Melbourne, Starward sources the grains and supplies from local farms and merchants, along with the wine barrels used for…
Recipe: Velvet Touch
If you’re like me, you drink a lot of Manhattans. Or at least a lot of variations on the Manhattan. I mean, there’s a reason this cocktail has remained in our cultural lexicon for nearly 150 years, amirite? I’m always in search of new takes on this eternal classic, the easier the better. And they…
Review: Hope Town Vodka and Lime Vodka
Hope Town Vodka is made in North Charleston, South Carolina by the folks who brought you Walker’s Cay Bourbon, which is to say, Steven Busch. This one is actually made in SC, not sourced from elsewhere, which is as it should be for an unaged spirit. Distilled six times. A straight vodka and, oddly, one…
Tasting the Wines of Fiddlehead Cellars with Winemaker Kathy Joseph
Fiddlehead Cellars has been an icon in California’s Central Coast region since its founding in 1989 by winemaker Kathy Joseph. Her now-famous Fiddlestix Vineyard began as dirt and has grown to be perhaps the premiere vineyard in this region, used for some of her own prized wines while selling its grapes to numerous other bottlers…
Review: Harpoon Hometown Hat Trick
It’s another sports-themed beer from Boston’s Harpoon, this one brewed in collaboration with three Massachusetts native hockey players — Matt Grzelcyk, Chris Wagner, and Charlie Coyle. It’s a pilsner that’s triple dry-hopped to make for an unusual combination of lager and IPA styles, made with Cascade, Sterling, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria hops. A portion of…
Review: Xicala Mezcal, Complete Lineup
Xicala Mezcal has been on the market for some time, but it’s recently expanded its line beyond a joven, adding a reposado and anejo to its repertoire. All three are made with traditional methods at Tlacolula Distillery in Oaxaca from 100% espadin agave, but the barrel regimen on the two aged mezcals is where things…
Review: Round Barn Winery Black Walnut Cream
Here’s a little twist on the cream liqueur space: Michigan-based Round Barn’s Black Walnut Cream is made not from distilled spirit as a base but from wine, into which cream and natural walnut flavors are added. The resulting cream is low in alcohol and have with nutty elements, particularly on the toasty, vanilla-scented nose. Notes…
Review: Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s has been on a tear of late, dropping special editions and permanent line extensions like JD 10 Years Old left and right. It’s odd that JD calls these two new whiskeys “the first super premium line extension in 25 years,” but I’m not sure what qualifies as “super premium” under Jack’s rubric, so…
