Original Recipe: Push Pop Sour
It’s hot out now, which means that it’s unfortunately time for the obligatory slushy and sweet concoctions of summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good daiquiri or mojito, even the occasional overly creamy pina colada, but I’ve never gotten thrilled by a frozen anything when it came to my cocktails. I decided there…
Review: 2018 WillaKenzie Chardonnay Willamette Valley
This moderately oaked Oregon chardonnay is decidedly dry, brisk with initial notes of dried grasses, lemon peel, and a sizable melon component. It’s a bit flat on the palate, with notes of gooseberry and more lemon peel, leading the way to an oddball conclusion that evokes licorice, a touch of dry leather, and a hint…
Review: Berkshire Mountain Distillers Craft Brewers Whiskey Project – UFO White, Big Elm, and Spencer Ale
Sheffield, Massachusetts-based Berkshire Mountain Distillers recently embarked upon one of the most ambitious craft distilling projects I’ve ever heard of. The five-years-in-the-making project will see BMD partnering with a dozen different breweries across five states, turning their beers into whiskey. Each whiskey will be the product of a single brew bearing the name of the…
Review: Wines of Stoller Family Estate, 2021 Releases
Stoller is a name that’s been around in Oregon winemaking just about forever — its Chehalem brand is probably its best known — focusing as most do in these parts on pinot noir. We received three of them — two reds and a rose — so let’s dig into the trio. 2020 Stoller Family Estate…
Review: Johnnie Walker Blonde
Formally known as Johnnie Blonde from Johnnie Walker, this is an avowed mixer from the brand, “a brighter, sweeter whisky perfect for the fun-loving and the curious” and “one of the most versatile whiskies the team at Johnnie Walker has ever made.” Launching exclusively in Houston, Texas, the summery blended whisky is indeed as light…
Review: Milagro Tequila Select Barrel Reserve, Complete Lineup (2021)
It’s been five years since we last reviewed Milagro’s Select Barrel Reserve Tequilas, and there are good reasons for taking a fresh look. Most notably, Milagro has lowered the prices for all three of its higher end tequilas. We took issue with the price in the past and it’s nice to find them more in…
Review: Cazadores Tequila Anejo Cristalino
The budget tequila brand Cazadores is not one we’d normally peg as releasing a cristalino (aka filtered anejo) bottling, but here we are all the same. This cristalino is aged for two years in barrel before being filtered back to clear. Naturally, this bottling also comes at a reasonable price. Let’s give it a whirl.…
Pairing Talisker and Oysters at Home with Real Oyster Cult
A common scene at food-centric events (back when we got to go to food events) would frequently be the Talisker booth, where one busy guy would be tasked with shucking oysters and dousing them with a splash of Talisker whisky to be fed to the faithful. It’s a fun combination — moderately peaty Scotch with…
