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…
The Best Creme de Menthe Roundup – Green and White
As liqueurs go, creme de menthe doesn’t have the most sterling of reputations. Many drinkers are understandably put off by the pungent mint aroma and the technicolor green hue, which is invariably due to a whole lot of artificial color. Of course, creme de menthe comes in two varieties, and in fact, most higher-end creme…
Review: Wallenpaupack Oktoberfest Marzen
Hawley, Pennsylvania’s Wallenpaupack Brewing doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, but if you’re looking for a beer to celebrate the final days of Oktoberfest, this festive marzen should do the trick. Authentically Germanic, made with Munich malt and noble hops, it’s got that ruddy, bready maltiness that cries out for a sausage, or at least…
Review: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignons – 2016 Monte Rosso and 2017 Napa Valley
We’re back with Louis Martini and two new Cabernet Sauvignon releases, a mainline bottling from 2017 and an upper tier offering from the 2016 vintage. 2016 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard – This Sonoma-grown single vineyard wine (93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec) is one of Martini’s highest-end bottlings. The…
Hands on with Master the World Blind Wine Tasting Kit
Tasting wines blind — where you don’t know what you’re drinking — is an extremely helpful and informative way to learn about wine. And it’s not just a party trick for the professional sommelier crew. If you don’t know what you’re drinking when you taste it, you eliminate your preconceptions about what’s in the glass,…
Review: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon
Have we hit peak “toasted barrel”? Michter’s got the trend started (IMHO), then we had Woodford Double Oaked, Barrell Dovetail, Wilderness Trail, and more. (Don’t call me on the timeline, I’m throwin’ seeds here.) With Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, the technique has pushed even further into the mainstream. The concept, for those unfamiliar, is…
Review: Two 2018 Grillo Wines – Zagra and Timeo
Grillo is a native grape varietal in Sicily that shows up increasingly on our shores. Known for its mineral notes and relatively low alcohol level, Grillo is better in warmer months (and served with lighter fare), but it has a depth of flavor that works in colder months as well. 2018 Valle dell’Acate Zagra Grillo…
