Review: Wines of Clos du Val, 2016 Vintage
These wines were released at the end of 2019, representing some of Napa-based Clos du Val‘s most prized bottlings. All three of these bottlings are drawn from the 2016 vintage. 2016 Clos du Val Estate Cabernet Franc Stags Leap District – Immediately inviting, the nose of the wine finds the depth of cabernet sauvignon with…
Review: Knob Creek Quarter Oak Bourbon
Knob Creek has been on a tear for the last few years, firing out new expressions faster than we can keep up with them (literally). The latest is Knob Creek Quarter Oak Bourbon, which “takes the brand’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted in the pre-prohibition style fans expect from Knob Creek, and finishes it for…
Review: Deschutes Brewery Late 2019 Releases
We’ve fallen behind on our Deschutes Brewery coverage, and are now playing catch-up with three bottlings (plus cannings) that hit at the tail end of 2019. Forgive the delay, please! Deschutes Brewery Jubelale Winter Ale 2019 – Memories of Guinness dominate my initial impression of the 2019 Jubelale, which features a heavier burst of carbonation…
Review: Talisker 15 Years Old Limited Edition 2019
Our final look at the 2019 Diageo Special Releases takes us to Talisker on the Isle of Skye. Diageo says this whisky was aged in “unusual casks,” which, like those in the Singleton release, are freshly recharred American oak hogsheads. A big slug of salt and seaweed kicks things off on the nose. Boldly briny…
Review: Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout (2019)
Goose Island has been bottling its Bourbon County Stout for 15 years now, which makes them one of the longest running bottlers of bourbon barrel-aged beer. With that kind of track record, it’s not surprising that so many of their Black Friday releases have been well-received by the boozy beer-loving masses. Lucky for those folks,…
Review: The Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Years Old Limited Edition 2019
2019 Diageo Special Release #7 is this 18 year old malt from Highlands-based Glen Ord, which is part of the Singleton collection of three distilleries. This expression is unusual in that it is aged in freshly charred American oak hogsheads — in other words, recharred bourbon casks, essentially simulating new oak. The nose is pretty…
Review: Hangar 1 Honeycomb Vodka
Hangar 1’s latest infusion — billed as a “distiller’s exclusive” — is infused with honeycomb, not just honey, making for a unique flavored spirit. Note that the bottle is amber in color, not the vodka within, which is clear. Let’s give it a try. I was expecting a heavily sweet, artificial monstrosity, but Hangar 1…
Review: Pittyvaich 29 Years Old Limited Edition 2019
Now here’s a rarity from the long-shuttered Pittyvaich, 29 years old and the only whisky ever released from this Speyside distillery that is double matured, this one being aged in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and oloroso sherry casks. And wow, what a seductive dram it is. The nose is instantly evocative and enveloping, but surprisingly…
