Review: 2017 Lucky Rock Pinot Noir County Cuvee
Lucky Rock Wine Co. is the brainchild of two brothers, “raised by gold-mining parents, who grew up traveling via bus from mining claim to mining claim.” Now they’re making wine, with one bottling under their belt to date. Lucky Rock’s Pinot Noir County Cuvee is a blend from three different parts of California, breaking down…
Review: Black Saddle Bourbon 12 Years Old
Frank-Lin Distillers is best known as the California-based producer behind such products as Canadian Crown whiskey and the Potter’s line of spirits (all of ’em, actually), but it actually produces some higher-end products too, including Wathen’s bourbon and Black Saddle, an under-the-radar bottling that boasts a 12 year old age statement. The bottle doesn’t give…
Review: 2015 Pombal do Vesuvio Douro and 2016 Vale do Bomfim Douro
Portugal’s dry red wines remain undersung, but they’re growing in popularity and distribution in the U.S. Symington’s Quinta do Vesuvio and Dow are best known as Port producers, but both offer a few dry table wines as well. Today we look at a pair currently on the market. 2015 Pombal do Vesuvio Douro – A blend of…
Review: Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak Bourbon and Ocean Bourbon Voyage 14 Cask Strength
It’s been awhile since we spent much time with Jefferson’s, but today we’ve got a double shot of new releases from the boutique operation. Let’s dig in. Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak Bourbon Custom Barrel – “Twin Oak” sounds mysterious, but the reality is this is a bit simpler whiskey than the name suggests. The result…
Review: Rekorderlig Hard Apple Cider
Sweden’s Rekorderlig is known(ish) for its pear ciders, and now it’s out with a new expression built around the more familiar apple — this one with a “hard” twist. “Higher alcohol, lower sugar” is the sell here: At 6.5% abv, it’s considerably higher than the typical 4.5% or 5% abv that’s typical of the category.…
Review: Aberlour Casg Annamh
New to Aberlour’s permanent collection is Casg Annamh (cas-gg ah-nahm) meaning “rare cask” in Gaelic. But what it really means is “sherry cask,” as this is an in-depth study of the influence of sherry on this Speyside whisky. While the bottling is a triple-cask release composed of whisky aged in oloroso sherry casks, American oak…
Bar Review: Crooked Branch at the JW Marriott, San Antonio
On the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas, you’ll find the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. When they say resort, they aren’t kidding. This is a sprawling campus that includes a full on water park, massive public areas, a golf course, four restaurants, and four bars to match. The High Velocity sports…
10 Hot Toddies for 2019
Whether you’re bundled up with the sniffles or wanting to warm up from the winter cold, today we have ten hot toddies to cure your ills — in advance of National Hot Toddy Day on January 11th. Choose your favorite, grab a heavy blanket, and you’re good to go. Apple Toddy 1 oz. Bourbon Barreled…
