Review: Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Very Small Batch Bourbon (2020)
We first reviewed Jefferson’s Reserve seven long years ago, and it’s high time for a revisit. As far as we can tell from the packaging, this “Very Old, Very Small Batch” bourbon remains unchanged, but since the father and son owners, Chet and Trey Zoeller, have always been up front about the fact that they…
Review: Wines of Enrico Serafino, 2020 Releases
Let’s take a little trip to Italy, courtesy of producer Enrico Serafino: In the steep hills of the Northwestern Cuneo province in Piedmont lies the Roero subregion. The region is often overlooked given its prestigious neighbor, Langhe, but Roero commands its own attention and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its enological…
Review: Sabor Dominicano Mamajuana
I was delighted to discover — if only so I could say it out loud — the unique beverage Mamajuana (sometimes Mama Juana) on a recent visit to the Dominican Republic. Dating back to the 1950s, Mamajuana is the unofficial national beverage of the Dominican, an odd combination of rum, honey, and red wine that…
Review: NV Faire la Fete Brut and Rose Cremant de Limoux (2020)
Faire la Fete is a brand of Cremant-style sparkling wines, made in the Limoux region of far-southern France and known for its restraint in the use of sugar in its wines. (Faire la Fete Brut has 6 g/liter of sugar, while Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” has 9.5 g/liter.) Today we take a fresh look at…
Review: Reservoir Distillery Hunter & Scott Bourbon
We reviewed the core offerings from Richmond’s Reservoir Distillery back in 2017. Their unique mashbills (all 100% single grain locally sourced) and small barrel aging program made them unique among many craft-whiskey producers at that time. Fast forward three years and Reservoir is probably even more unique today, as many craft distilleries have traded small…
Review: 2018 Umani Ronchi Vellodoro Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGT
This bottling of budget-friendly pecorino from Umani Ronchi is born in the Terre di Chieti region, in the foothills of central Italy’s Abruzzo region. Ultra-floral on the nose, this wine hovers closely around notes of jasmine, lavender, and honeysuckle, with hints of clover honey, buttered biscuits, and lemon peel all working their way into the experience.…
Review: Writers’ Tears Double Oak Irish Whiskey
We reviewed the core offering from Writers’ Tears back in 2016 when it finally came ashore from Ireland courtesy of Walsh Whiskey (which also produces The Irishman line). The Writers Tears expressions include several unique finished whiskeys, as well as a rare cask strength offering, none of which we’ve been able to track down, unfortunately.…
Review: Highland Brewing Metal Rat
This is our first spin with Asheville, North Carolina-based Highland Brewing’s beers, and we’re starting off big. Metal Rat is a collaboration with Seattle’s Lucky Envelope Brewing, making this a true cross-country collaboration. Designed to celebrate Chinese New Year, the beer is unique hazy IPA that’s brewed on both coasts and is made with Lotus…
