Review: Wines of Justin, 2021 Releases

We’ve long been fans of Paso Robles’ Justin Winery, so naturally we jumped at the chance to join a wine and chocolate truffle tasting the winery recently organized. Three of its most popular wines were tasted along with five different truffles, which are made on site and are sold and served at the winery’s restaurant…

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Review: Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – Chocolate Malt Whisper Bourbon

It’s been two years since we saw anything from the ultra-limited Woodford Reserve Distillery Series, but we’re happy to be back with its latest release: Chocolate Malt Whisper. Normally I would advise against the use of the word “whisper” in any product — whiskey or otherwise — but let’s make an exception for the Woodford…

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Review: NV Valdo Cuvee 1926 Prosecco Superiore

In a saturated market, choosing the right Prosecco can be challenging, especially when you’re just looking for a wine to enjoy as is, and not mask it with other beverages like orange juice to make mimosas or Aperol for a Spritz. Hidden in Italy’s large Prosecco and Pinot Grigio region of Veneto, the smaller geographical…

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Review: Whiskeys of Hudson Whiskey NY, 2021 Releases

Gardiner, New York’s Tuthilltown Spirits is one of the old guard of craft distilling, having been on the scene since 2005 with its Hudson Whiskey brand. The brand’s squat bottles and quirky production techniques — which pioneered miniature barrels and the use of loud music to vibrate barrels in the warehouse — are legendary. Like…

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Review: NV Ficklin Vineyards Old Vine Tinta Port California

Madera County’s Ficklin Vineyards is not just America’s oldest Port winery (established in 1946), it also seems to be the most highly awarded Port winery in the country, too, amassing a large collection of medals and stellar ratings. The company sent its most recent bottling of Old Vine Tinta Port, one of its most affordable…

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Review: Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Elderflower Gin, and Barrel Finished Gin (2021)

We first reviewed Bluecoat Gin in 2008, two years after it was first released, when American distilled gins were far less common. Today we return to the brand to see how it stands up thirteen years later and also to try two newer gin expressions produced by the Philadelphia based distillery. The distillers of Bluecoat…

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Review: Gary Farrell 2019 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Russian River Selection

We’re back with another round with well-regarded Russian River winery Gary Farrell and its 2019 vintage releases of chardonnay and pinot noir. Let’s dive in. 2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Selection – This chardonnay is always a beautiful bottling and the 2019 vintage is no exception. Bright with fresh apple and a touch of gooseberry,…

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Review: Little Book Blended Whiskey Chapter 5: “The Invitation” (2021)

The titular invitation here is less unique than you’d think. It’s basically an invitation to, well, drink this whiskey, again a unique blend of bourbon and rye. What’s in the mix? Four different whiskeys, including: 2-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon 3-year-old 100% malted rye 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proportions are unstated, as…

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