Review: Wheatley Vodka
When you hear the words Buffalo Trace Distillery, probably the very last spirit that comes to mind is vodka. Well, maybe tequila, but vodka is definitely down at the bottom of that list. It may surprise you then to know that not only does the world-famous whiskey distillery produce a vodka, but its master distiller,…
Recipe: French Manhattan
Who doesn’t love French things? Well, I guess there was that whole Freedom Fries kerfuffle years ago, but since then I hardly know anyone who doesn’t talk fondly about the trip they took or will eventually take to the wine and culinary capital of the world. This cocktail is perfect for the budding Francophile, adapted from…
Review: Tree House Brewing Super Treat Double IPA
Tree House Brewing began life in 2011 in a small barn in Brimfield, Massachusetts, initially operating at a barebones, homebrew scale with a 5-gallon Coleman cooler system. Today, the brewery has become synonymous with the wildly popular hazy, New England style of IPA and their current site in Charlton, Massachusetts can produce upwards of 50,000…
Review: New Riff Maltster Bourbons and Winter Whiskey
Most bourbon drinkers know that the typical bourbon is made from three grains — corn, rye or wheat, and barley. Of those, only the lattermost is typically malted, a process in which the grain is gently germinated in order to make it easier to ferment while adding a more enjoyable flavor to the finished spirit.…
Review: 2018 Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc and Chardonnay
Summer drinking usually means keeping it light and simple, and these two wines from Mondavi, both from the 2018 vintage, definitely fit the bill — and at a reasonable price. 2018 Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Napa Valley – The wine that put Mondavi on the map is as tart as ever, an acidic, grapefruit-heavy wine…
Review: Larsen Cognac Aqua Ignis
Larsen’s new Aqua Ignis has a curious claim to fame: It is the first spirit in the world aged in steam-toasted barrels, specifically “triple-steamed brasero toasted barrels.” What does that mean? Instead of only toasting the barrels with open flame, they are immersed in hot water, then toasted in a brasero, causing the water to…
Review: 2017 Beronia Rioja Crianza
Beronia‘s widely available Rioja Crianza is now going to be even more accessible: screw-capped half-bottles are now on the market. This 2017 (the price below is for a 750ml) is a blend of 94% tempranillo, 5% garnacha, and 1% mazuelo. The wine is approachable but fairly innocuous, offering an attack of cherry, rhubarb, and raspberry,…
Review: High Camp Firelight 375 Flask
Headed into the great outdoors this summer? Bring your cocktail to go with High Camp’s Firelight Flash — available in a 375ml version (reviewed here) or a 750ml option (which is pictured). The 375 version comes in your choice of five finishes ranging from rose gold to gunmetal; the 750 has three finish options. The…
