Review: Paul Sutton Bourbon

Paul Sutton is a new bourbon brand, one which seemingly came out of nowhere, overnight. That might lead you to believe that the Kentucky-based operation is simply sourcing whiskey from elsewhere, but that’s not the case: Paul Sutton is making its own distillate, under the direction of Myra Barginear, a New York oncologist (and a…

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Review: 6 O’Clock London Dry Gin and Gin & Tonic

6 O’Clock Gin is produced in Bristol, UK, drawing its name from the family tradition of the founders of the company to enjoy a gin and tonic every day at, you guessed it, 6 pm. Although new to the United States, it has been building momentum in the UK for over a decade. Today we…

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Review: Spirits of French Lick Absinthe Le Bleu and Old Clifty Hoosier Apple Brandy (2021)

In addition to American whiskey and bourbon (one of which we just reviewed here), Indiana’s Spirits of French Lick also focuses on brandy and botanical spirits, including Indiana’s first commercial absinthe and a unique Calvados-style apple brandy. We received samples of each for review. Thoughts follow. Spirits of French Lick Absinthe Le Bleu (2021) –…

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Review: Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B” Bourbon 12 Years Old

We’re almost two decades now into the so-called “bourbon boom,” and Van Winkle bourbons, bottles largely responsible for getting us to this frenzied state of obsession, are still widely adored and coveted. As we’ve discussed in recent reviews, the fabled “Pappy” releases are not always life changing pours. While the 15-year has remained a rather…

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Review: Graham’s Tawny Port 10 Years Old (2021)

No big changes for Graham’s entry-level 10 year old tawny expression since our last look in 2016; even the packaging remains the same 5 years on. And sure enough, it remains one of my top expressions from Graham’s, particularly considering the price (though it appears to be going up). Notes of plump raisins, dried cherries,…

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Review: Firestone Walker Mind Haze IPA

Firestone Walker‘s rendition of a hazy IPA is surprisingly sessionable at just 6.2% abv, but it’s so loaded with flavor you’d never notice. A base of Cheerios kicks things off, with a bold layer of fruit rolling in next: fresh oranges, some pineapple, and — surprisingly — a clear banana note that I never shook…

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Review: Kozuba Potato Vodka, Triple Sec, and Rye 6 Years Old

The Kozuba & Sons Distillery was born in Poland in 2005, and 2014 the company made what you might say is a major move: Picking up stakes and replanting in St. Petersburg, Florida. Now a respected operation in the States, Kozuba produces a range of spirits, including multiple expressions of vodka (naturally), various liqueurs, and…

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Review: Wines of Youngberg Hill, 2021 Releases

Youngberg Hill winery can be found near McMinnville in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where it’s also home to what appears to be a beautiful boutique inn as well. Today we look at three current release bottlings from the winery, which is naturally focused on pinot noir. 2020 Youngberg Hill Aspen Pinot Gris Willamette Valley – Fresh,…

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