Review: Gold Bar Original Whiskey, Black Bourbon, and Rickhouse Cask Strength Bourbon (2022)
We first encountered this odd San Francisco-based operation’s whiskeys in 2018, when Gold Bar Original was the only expression on the market. Now Gold Bar has expanded to three offerings, including two bourbons. Only one is packaged in the “gold bar” decanter — although the “gold bar” bourbon is painted black — all of which…
Review: Wines of Zenato, 2022 Releases
Zenato can be found in the region of Lugana in northern Italy, a fairly obscure wine region on the shore of Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, as well as nearby Valpolicella. In fact, the Zenato family was one of the first to plant in Lugana, and the rich history of the company is in clear…
Review: Procera Gin
Distilled in Nairobi, Kenya, Procera harvests botanicals from countries across Africa. Additionally, the base spirit comes from Kenyan sugar cane which grows around Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River. Altogether, this makes for a distinctively African gin. The most notable ingredient in the gin is the one from which it draws its name,…
Review: Wines of Davis Bynum, 2022 Releases
Davis Bynum is part of the Rodney Strong empire, producing wines primarily grown in the Russian River Valley, with pinot noir a specific focus. We received four wines from the operation for review, two whites and two from its pinot collection. 2018 Davis Bynum Chardonnay River West Vineyard – I won’t pull punches. This Russian…
Review: Union Trail Bourbon 5 Years Old
Union Trail Bourbon is a new sourced blended bourbon release exclusive to Mash&Grape, the online spirits purveyor produced in collaboration with The Bourbon Enthusiast, a bourbon community founded by James Ashcraft that offers reviews and private barrel programs to its subscribers. The only information available on the bourbon so far is per the Mash&Grape website,…
7 Scotch Cocktails Every Whisky Drinker Must Try
ADVERTISEMENT Although many scotch whisky drinkers enjoy their tipple neat or with a dash of water, there are countless cocktail recipes out there worth sampling. We’ve put together a list of the top 7 scotch whisky cocktails you need to try, featuring some old favorites and a few future classics. Become a master mixologist at…
Review: 2020 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec and 2018 Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon
We’ve tried and enjoyed Trapiche offerings in the past, but not everything this Mendoza, Argentina-based vineyard has to offer. This is our first experience with its Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as with its Oak Cask Malbec. 2020 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec – A rather burly affair, even after time in the glass lets matters settle.…
Review: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Five-Malt Stouted Mash
Woodford Reserve’s 2021 Master’s Collection release has finally shown up: Woodford Reserve Five-Malt Stouted Mash, a single malt release that is designed to be “a whiskey that exhibits the flavors of a classic beer.” It’s not made from beer but rather, as the name suggests, five malts mixed up, fermented, and distilled — though I’m…
