Review: Whiskeys of Sonoma Distilling – Bourbon, Rye, Cherrywood Rye, and Smoked Bourbon (2019)
We’ve covered the whiskeys of Sonoma Distilling several times (see reviews from 2016 and 2015) — but it’s challenging to keep up with the company because it keeps tweaking things here and there. Given that, we felt it was time to do a full roundup of the company’s products — which have now settled into…
Review: Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky (2019)
Deja vu? You bet. We encountered Cotswolds Single Malt — part of the tiny English whisky industry — only last year, and now the distillery is out with a new release of the same expression. Why are we reviewing this again? The bottles may look almost identical but the barley used in this spirit is…
Review: G4 Tequila Blanco
G4 is a newish tequila brand masterminded by Felipe Camarena (brother of Carlos Camarena), designed with quality firmly in mind. G4 — named for the four generations of Camarenas who’ve been making tequila in Jalisco — uses only estate-grown, organic agave, and he relies on sustainable power and recycled materials whenever possible. The result is…
Bar Review: Redwood Room, San Francisco
San Francisco’s Redwood Room, part of the recently acquired-and-rechristened Clift Royal Sonestra Hotel, has long been a see-and-be-seen hotspot in the city. I’ve personally seen legit celebrities here, and heard tales of plenty more. It’s easy to see why they come: It’s one of the most gorgeous bars in town, with soaring redwood walls that…
Review: Crown Royal Peach
Crown Royal’s foray into flavored whiskies continues with its latest offering, Crown Royal Peach — and it’s a doozy. You probably already know what you’re getting into, but in case you don’t, here’s the introductory info: “Take the sweet, delicious flavor of a fresh Georgia peach and blend it with our famously smooth liquid for…
Review: Flying Fortress Red Head Cocktail
Here’s a curious product I received for review, bottled in a mason jar though sold commercially in 1.75 liter handles. It’s called Flying Fortress, and it’s a mix of cranberry juice, “secret spices,” and grain alcohol — sort of a spiced Cosmo that’s ready to drink. Founders Dan and Eileen Doyon explain: For years we…
Review: Don Ciccio & Figli Nocino and Finocchietto
If you’re looking for artisanal liqueurs made in the U.S., Washington, D.C.-based Don Ciccio & Figli distillery should be at the top of your list. The company traces its roots to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where in 1852 the original Don Ciccio, Vincenzo, began making liqueurs using his family recipes, “from bitter amaro to sweet limoncello.”…
Review: Brooklyn Lager
I am delighted to be reviewing a Brooklyn Brewery beer for two reasons. One, after more than thirty years in the business the brand is finally distributing in my home state of California. Second, master brewer Garrett Oliver is a little bit of a hero of mine. If it weren’t for his brilliant book The…
