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…
Review: Ballast Point Moscow Mule Ale
Ballast Point’s latest brew is decidedly experimental, and if it’s an experiment that resonates with you, I’d love to hear about it. Moscow Mule Ale is exactly what it sounds like: A sour ale spiked with ginger and lime, giving it the semblance of a Moscow Mule cocktail. All of those elements are in effect…
Review: Prizefight Irish Whiskey
Prizefight is a new Irish whiskey brought to you by Steven Grasse, the creator of Hendrick’s Gin, and Flor Prendergast, an “Irish spirits innovator.” The big innovation here: While Prizefight is distilled and aged in West Cork, Ireland, it is finished in American rye whiskey barrels in the U.S. The blend starts out as a…
Review: Smugglers’ Notch Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
Smugglers’ Notch is a Vermont-based distillery that infuses whiskey with maple syrup (we’ve not reviewed their wares), but they also do things the other way, aging maple syrup in bourbon barrels. Today we look at a unique mixer: Smugglers’ Notch 100% pure Vermont maple syrup (“grade A dark robust”), aged in the company’s own bourbon…
Review: Rossville Union Straight Rye and Barrel Proof Rye (2018)
Indiana’s MGP continues to expand its footprint in retail as it moves from being a contract whiskey producer to the mastermind behind a multitude of whiskey brands on the market. The latest is called Rossville Union, a set of straight rye whiskeys, one bottled at 47% alcohol, one at cask strength, more than 56%. They’re…
Book Review: Japanese Whisky
The book world has lately become flush with tomes about Japan’s drinking culture, particularly its unique world of whisky. Add to that list Brian Ashcraft’s slim but densely packed book, Japanese Whisky, a tome that is clearly written by both an enthusiast and an insider. The first half of the book finds Ashcraft driving you through…
Review: John Drew Brands Brixton Mash Destroyer, John Drew Rye, and Dove Tale Rum
In 2016, John Drew, cofounder of the well-known cigar giant Drew Estate Cigar Company, jumped into the spirits world with the launch of his own spirits collection, gathered under the John Drew Brand label. After 20 years in Nicaragua overseeing cigar manufacturing, he relocated to Miami and began distilling rum and sourcing whiskey from various…
