Review: 6 Beers from Melvin Brewing, 2018
When we previously encountered Wyoming-based Melvin Brewing, it was just a taste of the company’s extensive beer selection. Today we dig deeper into the Melvin lineup, paying closer attention to its exceptional IPAs, each one bigger than the next. Updated to add a sixth beer we discovered deep in the recesses of the fridge. Melvin Heyzeus…
Review: Cutwater Spirits Black Skimmer Bourbon and Devil’s Share Single Malt Whiskey
You’ll find Cutwater Spirits in San Diego, California, a town better known for cold beer than craft whiskey. If the name sounds unfamiliar, that’s because it was a spinoff of Ballast Point Brewing. Now an independent entity (with a new name), the company has been busy turning out everything from vodka to gin to canned…
Review: 2017 Justin Sauvignon Blanc and Rose
We write a lot about Paso Robles-based Justin‘s red wines, but much less about its whites and roses. But with summer here, a big Justin cabernet is probably not on the top of your sipping list. Here’s a look at two lighter wines, more appropriate for the season. 2017 Justin Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast –…
Review: Bacardi Anejo Cuatro 4 Years Old, Reserva Ocho Gold Rum 8 Years Old, and Gran Reserva Diez 10 Years Old Rum
Recently has rebooted and rebranded Bacardi Reserva Ocho 8 Years Old, and it has also launched two additional rums to bookend that bottling, a four year old and a 10 year old. That’s right, all three of these Puerto Rico-born rums carry age statements. (We did not receive the highest-end in the photo above, Bacardi…
Recipe: Jungle Bird
Summer is a time for tiki, and the Jungle Bird is one tiki cocktail that’s made a comeback in recent years. Why? Because it’s got a healthy dose of bitter Campari to give it a balance that you don’t often find in this kind of cocktail. The dosage on the Campari is totally flexible. Start…
Review: Charbay Doubled & Twisted Whiskey (2018)
Back in 2011, Charbay Master Distiller Marko Karakasevic released a whiskey called Doubled & Twisted, a white whiskey (of sorts) distilled from an IPA beer. Now the brand is back, and the new D&T has no resemblance to the 2011 creation. Today’s Doubled & Twisted whiskey is the real deal, a blend of whiskeys — all…
Review: 2017 Michel Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut “Les Vignes” Rose IGP
A simple Pays d’Oc rose from the southwest of France, crafted from grenache, syrah, and cinsault grapes. There’s nothing not to like here, with lots of fresh berries, vanilla, and sweet cream, built on top of a silky body and featuring a lush, fruit-heavy finish. I bit showy and overly perfumed at times with honeysuckle notes,…
Review: Bols Ginger, Mango, and Pineapple Chipotle Liqueur
Netherlands-based Bols continues its quest to dominate the world of liqueurs with three new offerings, including some unusual flavors in the mix. Let’s taste each of the trio, in turn. Bols Ginger Liqueur – A budget alternative to Canton, this almost transparent (though hazy) liqueur has a moderately sharp nose of ginger, but the palate…
