Review: Grande Absente Absinthe Originale
If you think of Absente as the entry-level product from France’s Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, you can consider Grande Absente its top-shelf offering. The primary difference? Grande Absente is bottled at a considerably higher 69% abv than the 55% abv Absente — though, it’s important to note, it still contains artificial colors to give…
Review: Wines of Knotty Vines, 2020 Releases
Knotty Vines is an entry-level label launched by our friends at Sonoma-based Rodney Strong. With four standard bottlings described as “irreverent and fruit-driven,” these affordable bottlings are targeted at Millennial drinkers who might be taking their first steps into exploring the world of wine. We got the full inaugural quartet, all blends from all over…
Review: Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask 135.19
For the rapidly aging Generation X jet set clinging to inane pop from the ’80s, the phrase “Easy Lover” conjures up memories of a duet between Earth Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey and that one drummer from Genesis. Much like the grocery store intercom anthem, the SMWS selected an accessible and pleasant dram for which…
Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 11.1, 11.3 and 10 Years Old R2020
The latest Octomore release is here, and our friends from Islay’s Bruichladdich, Head Distiller Adam Hannett and Production Director Allan Logan, recently took the time to walk us through the lineup — or, at least, 3/4 of it — in a Zoom-based “master class” exploration of the “the world’s most heavily peated whisky.” As usual,…
Review: 6 Prosecco Wines, 2020 Releases
If Covid hit Prosecco, you wouldn’t ever know it. I feel like we’ve been inundated with the stuff since the beginning of the pandemic, to the point where I need to take a break from it. With that said, here’s a look at 6 new releases from Valdobbiadene. NV Trevisiol Prosecco Rive di Collalto Valdobbiadene…
Review: Laphroaig Cairdeas Port & Wine Casks Edition 2020
Laphroaig’s special-edition Cairdeas releases often fall back on wine casks — its 2013 Port cask release remains one of my favorite Islay whiskies ever — so this 2020 offering offers some familiar elements. It’s a marriage of fully matured second-fill Ruby Port barriques and ex-bourbon barrels, which is then finished in red wine casks. As…
Recipe: Longitude Line
The Longitude Line comes to us from Kaikyo Distillery in Japan, where Hatozaki whiskeys and the new 135 East gin are produced. We’ll be reviewing 135 East shortly. In the meantime, here’s the delightful signature cocktail they designed to showcase 135’s best features. Longitude Line 1 oz. 135 East Gin 1/3 oz. Akashi Tai Umeshu…
Review: Volley Spiked Seltzers
What’s trendier than spiked seltzers right now? Tequila-based spiked seltzers. And here’s one of the newest to flood the shelves this summer. Volley is made using just three ingredients: 100% blue agave tequila, sparkling water, and organic juice. They’re also low-calorie and gluten free with no added sugars, natural flavorings, essences, or corn syrup. Volley…
