Review: 2018 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River Ranches
We recently reviewed this wine as part of a Sonoma-Cutrer cheese pairing, but here we go again with fresh eyes (and a seemingly lower price tag). This Russian River chardonnay arrives with a seeming intent to fulfill all expectations of the Sonoma-born wine: a nose that melds lemon curd and pear elements, leading the way…
Review: El Sativo Single Estate Tequila Blanco
El Sativo is an organic, “single estate” Lowlands tequila that claims to “set itself apart by utilizing a special distillation method that naturally highlights the agave plant’s precious resources known to have mood lifting and energy boosting attributes.” OK. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy charities. It’s available only as a blanco, and…
Recipe: Dry County Cocktail
You may have missed the news last fall that Jack Daniel’s (specifically the Old No. 7 expression) was named the #1 selling whiskey in the world. Not just American whiskey. All whiskey. Period. So, way-to-go America! Of course, the great US of A is not without its quirks, one of which is that Jack can’t…
Review: Cameron Hughes 2018 Lot 704 Pinot Noir and NV Lot 738 Prosecco
A pair of new wines from the always-innovating negociants at Cameron Hughes. 2018 Cameron Hughes Lot 704 Pinot Noir Carneros Napa Valley – A bit closed off, this wine doesn’t immediately connote Carneros, with a palate that runs to roasted meats and black fruits over the brighter red fruits more typical of this region. Some…
Review: The Busker Irish Whiskeys, Complete Lineup
The Busker isn’t just a guy that plays guitar on the street. It’s now a new brand of Irish whiskey, actually part of the Disaronno company. The Busker has at least one unusual element in its arsenal: It’s hitting the market with four variants, all built around styles of production: Single Grain, Single Malt, Single…
Review: Wines of Rodney Strong, Early 2021 Releases
We’re no strangers to the wines of Sonoma’s Rodney Strong Vineyards, and in a recent online tasting, winemaker Justin Seidenfeld took us on a tour through five of the winery’s recent releases, including our first look at Brothers, part of its prized Single Vineyard collection. Watch for some label/packaging changes later this year. Until then……
Review: El Mayor Tequila Extra Anejo – Rum Cask Finish
El Mayor’s Extra Anejo recently got a special edition line extension. This limited edition variant takes El Mayor’s XA (which has already spent 3 1/2 years in bourbon barrels) and finishes it for an undisclosed length of time in rum casks. There’s also no detail on the rum distillery that El Mayor has partnered with.…
Review: Harpoon Dunkin’ Dozen Collaboration Beers – Late 2020 Releases
Harpoon made waves in 2018 with its solid Coffee Porter collaboration with, of all brands, Dunkin’ (nee Donuts). At the tail end of 2020 it came out swinging with four more brews (well, three plus a reissue), part of a “Dunkin’ Dozen” case, all inspired by Dunkin’ stuff — and not necessarily its coffee —…
