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…
A Look Inside Spirited Away, New York City’s First Booze-Free Bottle Shop
In August 2020, corporate marketer and consultant Douglas Watters was sitting on his bed when a name popped into his head: Spirited Away. With no prior beverage experience — but a burgeoning passion for zero-proof drinks — Watters couldn’t shake the notion he’d found the ideal name for an alcohol-free spirits shop. With his wife’s…
Review: NV Domaine Bousquet Brut Rose
This nonvintage sparkler hails from Domaine Bousquet’s estate vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, Argentina — and is grown at 4000 feet of altitude. A blend of 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, the wine is loaded with lemon and orange notes up top, moving from there into a gently floral character as it develops in…
Review: Deschutes Brewery Squeezy Rider
Here’s a rarity: A one-off review of a new release from Deschutes, Squeezy Rider, a west coast style IPA that joins the Squeeze-centric lineup of IPAs from the Bend, Oregon-based brewery. Built to be an approachable expression of IPA, it’s made with Cascade, Mosaic, and Galaxy hops — but focuses on Strata, which was developed by…
Review: The Balvenie Stories – The Edge of Burnhead Wood 19 Years Old
In 2019, The Balvenie dropped three inaugural entries into The Balvenie Stories series, a line of whiskies that “tell the story” of various key figures at the distillery. Recently, a fourth Story has arrived, a 19 year old called The Edge of Burnhead Wood, though it doesn’t exactly have a human element behind it. To…
Review: Hopworks Urban Brewery Stoner Fruit Apricot Sour
Stephen recently rounded up three IPAs from Portland’s Hopworks, but it turns out the operation also has its hand in other styles, including this sour brewed with apricots. The beer executes on its name pretty much dead on: The attack is bold with apricot and sour, vinegary notes, though the latter are filtered through a…
