Review: Taconic Distillery Founder’s Straight Rye Whiskey

Our first round with New York-based Taconic Distillery (formerly known as Millbrook Distillery) revealed a surprisingly full-formed bourbon, finished in Cognac casks. Now Taconic is back with this straight rye, which is made from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The back label indicates it’s at least 3 years old; Taconic says…

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Review: 2016 Fulldraw Honey Bunny and Hard Point

Connor McMahon began Fulldraw Vineyard only in 2012, and this Paso Robles operation is already turning out some impressive, expressive wines. Cleverly named and creatively labeled, these wines are as pretty look at as they are to drink. As a side not to McMahon and Co: Please change or omit the wax you use on…

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Review: Hyde No. 6 Presidential Cask 1938 Special Reserve Irish Whiskey

Since we reviewed Hyde No. 1 back in 2015, another five President’s Reserve releases of this Irish whiskey have hit the shelves. We got on our hands on the most recent, 1938 Special Reserve. Unlike the first release, which was a single malt, this bottling is a blend of 8-year-old single grain and “much older”…

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Review: Wines of Waipapa Bay, 2019 Vintage

New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay Wines recently began a corporate sponsorship of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), which is a fairly self-explanatory charity, I think. Coinciding with that, Waipapa Bay recently dropped three new white wines, all from Marlborough, and all of which we had the pleasure of checking out. Let’s give them a spin.…

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Talking About the New Single Barrel Program with Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan

Most major brands have a private barrel program, and increasingly smaller, craft-scale distillers are getting in on the action, too. The Drinkhacker team has reviewed a handful of these selections over the years from the likes of Four Roses, Blanton’s, Maker’s Mark, Weller and others. We’ve even had the opportunity to help personally select several…

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Review: 2017 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon and Trilogy

Two of Flora Springs’ biggest reds are here, with Napa’s 2017 releases finally hitting the market. Let’s dive in. 2017 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – Rich and chocolaty, there’s no confusing the identity of this number. Silky and fully exuding crushed black fruit — with a squeeze of strawberry added — the wine…

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Review: Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur Single Origin Colombia

We’re approaching the era of peak coffee liqueur, as is evidenced by the release of Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur’s first Single Origin expression, a line which will focus on coffee grown in a specific region, “working with local farmers to ensure no two batches are the same.” Up first is Mr Black Colombia,…

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Review: Firestone Walker Flyjack

Sessionizing the hazy IPA continues to be the quest of the day for many brewers, and Firestone Walker’s Flyjack is the latest variation on the theme. With a light lemon peel character and hints of grapefruit, Flyjack — at a whopping 96 calories per 12 oz can — is more citrus-forward than tropical, but it’s…

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