Review: Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye
Following on the baffling Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye comes another limited release whiskey: Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye. What’s Two by Two? This bottle blends two Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskies and two Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies, creating a combination that is uncommon, but which isn’t unheard of. (Wild Turkey arguably gave the bourbon-rye combo its…
Review: 2017 The Sisters Pinot Rose and Sauvignon Blanc
“With an innate understanding of women’s hectic lives, the idea behind the brand was born.” My wife didn’t think the label on The Sisters, a set of wines hailing from Marlborough, NZ-based winemaker Rebecca Wiffen, displayed much particular insight into her world, but hey, a wine’s name is really just a name (though the brand…
Review: Cascade Blonde American Whiskey
Per brand owner Diageo, Cascade Blonde American Whiskey is “a new style of blonde American whiskey that’s incredibly smooth, lighter in color and easier to drink than floating downstream.” Made using “a double chill filtration process, high-corn mash bill and limestone filtered water fresh from Cascade Spring in Tullahoma, Tenn.,” the whiskey is made at…
Review: Good Idea: The Swedish Sugar Buster Mixers
The awkwardly named Good Idea: The Swedish Sugar Buster is a mixer with a focus on trying to get you to drink healthier, layering in “five specific amino acids” and “a hint of chromium” to help reduce post-meal blood sugar from spiking, with studies showing a reduction of up to 30 percent. As the name…
Review: Nikka Whisky from the Barrel (Japan vs. U.S. Bottlings)
Nikka’s Whisky from the Barrel has been a global sensation since it was introduced over 30 years ago — with one problem: It hasn’t been available in the U.S. Until now. At long last, this coveted — yet surprisingly affordable — blended whiskey is making its way to the United States. If you aren’t familiar…
Review: NV Amelia Brut Rose Cremant de Bordeaux
Cremant is an almost foamy style of sparkling wine typically associated with the Alsace region of France, but they make Cremant in Bordeaux, too. They have a lot in common, at least judging by this Cremant, made from 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Rich notes of strawberries and cream emerge on the lightly toasty,…
Review: Seersucker Southern Style Lemonade and Limeade
The folks behind Seersucker Southern Style Gin have launched two extension products: both are based on their gin recipe, flavored with either lemon or lime. They say this is a first: “After a year of research and development, we’re proud to be the first brand to offer a gin blended with all-natural juice,” says Trey Azar,…
Review: Dulce Vida Paloma and Margarita
Austin-based Dulce Vida Spirits makes an exceptional line of tequilas, and the latest addition to the mix is this duo of ready-to-drink, classic tequila cocktails. Boasting “100% natural freshness,” these premixed cocktails are made with 100% agave blanco tequila, plus authentic ingredients — meaning real juice. So, hats off. Let’s give these ready-to-go concoctions the old…
