Review: Ketel One Botanical Vodkas
Netherlands-based Ketel One has long had a reputation for producing quality but inexpensive vodkas. Like the Dutch people, they don’t go in for hype Ketel has been in business for over 300 years, and in that time they have only produced, in addition to their basic Ketel One brand, an orange vodka and a lemon…
Highlights from the 2019 Sonoma County Barrel Auction
For the fifth year running, Sonoma County’s winemakers have come together in May to help out each other and their winemaking community. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is the region’s biggest event, and it’s an insanely clever concept: “Never before, never again” wines which are auctioned off to the public. These are truly once-in-a-lifetime wines,…
Review: McMenamins Billy Rye (2018)
If you don’t know McMenamins, you haven’t spent enough time driving around Oregon. The operation runs restaurants and brewpubs all over the state (and Washington), and it’s been distilling spirits for more than 20 years. The Billy whiskey release is one of its most enduring products, an annual bottling that has evolved somewhat over the…
Review: Dewar’s Double Double Aged Whiskies – 21 Years Old, 27 Years Old, and 32 Years Old
Double Double is a line of three new whiskies from Dewar’s, the brand’s first new release in five years. This is a small-batch blend (like all of the Dewar’s line), though it boasts an upscale approach along with a bit of innovation. First off is the inclusion of age statements — and old ones, starting…
Review: 2018 Hay Maker Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
This is a fairly traditional, uncomplicated expression of kiwi sauvignon blanc. The wine is all pineapple-heavy tropicality up front, with moderate acidity on the attack. As the wine settles into a groove, it loses some of its fire and lands on a somewhat nutty, almost creamy, note. A lychee character hangs on for the finish,…
Review: 2018 Marshall Davis Pinot Noir Rose
This rosé from Oregon’s Marshall Davis is made from 100% pinot noir from the winery’s own estate vineyard, located two miles north of Carlton in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA (in the Willamette Valley). The grapes for this wine are grown in a specific block of the vineyard purposely farmed just for rosé. Fun, eh? As rosé…
Review: Hopsy SUB Compact Home Draft System
Back in December of last year Drinkhacker covered the Hopsy Home Draft system, earning a respectable B+. The conclusion was that the machine was of high quality and succeeded in its mission of providing a beer-bar draft experience at home, however it was not without flaws. Now, only months later, Hopsy is proud to introduce its…
Review: Schlafly Raspberry Hefeweizen
Schafly Beer, Missouri’s largest independent craft brewery, is no stranger to experimentation. Their line-up includes unusual creations such as a Coconut Creme Ale and a Blonde Ale brewed with cocoa and coffee beans. With the Summer months fast approaching Schafly kindly provided a sample of their pink Raspberry Hefeweizen for review. Let’s dig in. Right…
