Review: Nelson’s Green Brier Belle Meade Whiskeys, First 108, and Louisa’s Liqueur (2018)
We’ve been fans of the gang at Nashville-based Nelson’s Green Brier since they hit the scene a few years ago, and have enjoyed our visits with them at the distillery and at various whiskey events. Today we take a deep dive into the distillery’s production, with a fresh look at four sourced bourbons (which Nelson’s…
Review: Cocktail Artist Cocktail Mixers
If you’re looking for a mixer or some other cocktail ingredient, chances are The Cocktail Artist makes it. This series of “mixologist-inspired bar ingredients and mixes” now runs to 15 products, eight of which we’re reviewing below, running from the basic (simple syrup) to the complex (pina colada mix). Try not to mind the horrendous packaging,…
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…
