Review: Mighty Swell Blackberry Spiked Spritzer
We reviewed most of the varietals from Mighty Swell last year when we first took a deep dive into the Austin, Texas-based spiked spritzer producer. This fall, the company shook things up with new “innovative” packaging and an “improved formulation.” Not done there, they decided to also add a fifth flavor to the mix, Blackberry.…
Review: Pittyvaich 30 Years Old Limited Edition 2020
This is the 4th Pittyvaich release in the Diageo Special Releases series since 2015. This 30 year old marks the first time it has been finished in first fill ex-bourbon casks. As with the 2019 release, it’s one of my favorites in the lineup, if not my top pick. The nose is initially a bit…
Review: La Adelita Tequila – Blanco and Reposado
La Adelita is a new brand of tequila that spans five expressions: blanco, reposado, anejo, cristalino, and extra anejo, all hitting the market straight out of the gate. The brand lays claim to being a “single estate” spirit, but it’s hard to read the name of said estate on the label. Rancho el Fraile, from…
Review: Copalli Rum – White and Barrel Rested
Copalli is an organic rum distilled in Belize from heirloom sugar cane (not molasses). The brand was launched in 2018 and it’s finally finding broader distribution in the U.S. Two varieties are available, and the production details vary for each. Let’s try both. Copalli White Rum – This is a double distillation of pot- and…
Review: 2013 Cotes de Ciel Merlot, Nebbiolo, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Cotes de Ciel makes its wines from its own Ciel du Cheval vineyard in Washington’s Red Mountain AVA. It’s hard to believe, but the 2013 vintage wines reviewed below are all current releases. Let’s try them. 2013 Cotes de Ciel Merlot Ciel du Cheval Vineyard – Supple and effusive, this wine shows that it has some…
Review: Mortlach 21 Years Old Limited Edition 2020
This year’s Special Edition from Mortlach is a true rarity from the brand, finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks and aged 21 years in total. Compare to 2019’s all-sherry-aged expression. The nose is classically rich, not just exuding the essence of Mortlach but also that Pedro Ximenez casking, which gives it a distinctly…
Review: The Singleton of Dufftown 17 Years Old Limited Edition 2020
Last year’s Diageo Special Releases bottling from The Singleton was actually from Glen Ord, not Dufftown Distillery, which is in a completely different part of Scotland, so it’s a bit of a cheat to call this one from the same distillery, though it is from the same brand. This bottling is the first ever Singleton…
Book Review: The Japanese Sake Bible
Sake has been on the rise with champagne cellar master collaborations and delivery services. There is also a growing number books to build upon the foundations set by John Gauntner’s The Sake Handbook and Sake Confidential. The latest book is The Japanese Sake Bible by Brian Ashcraft. The title reminds me of Karen MacNeil’s The…
