Review: Aermoor Vodka
Hailing from Hilton Head Distillery in South Carolina, Aermoor’s claim to fame is that it is “the world’s first cloud-sourced vodka.” What’s that mean? Says the company, “It is proofed using water from our atmospheric water generator, which pulls water vapors out of Hilton Head Island’s humid air, filters, and collects them.” In addition to…
Review: 2016 Vino dei Fratelli Prosecco DOC
It’s simple Prosecco, sure, but sometimes that’s what the day calls for. Fratelli’s rendition of the Italian sparkler is at first fresh and dry, but it ultimately takes a turn toward both a gooier consistency and a more fruit-focused core. The ultimate tasting note is akin to applesauce, though secondary notes of lemon curd and…
Tasting Report: 2016 Burgundy, Part 1
Frederick Wildman has one of the most discriminating and complete portfolios of imported wine, so when Wildman throws an event showcasing its impending release of Burgundy — a wine for which the company is particularly known — one goes to the event. 2016 was considered a very difficult growing year, with many producers bottling fewer…
Review: 2016 Paringa Sparkling Shiraz
Seldom seen in this part of this world is this oddity, the sparkling red wine. As with sparkling whites, it is intended to be served chilled, which makes for a doubly disarming experience — a cold red wine with bubbles in it. Paringa is slightly sweet, which gives the inherent currant, raisin, cinnamon, and clove…
Review: Barrell Whiskey Batch 5
The folks at Louisville-based Barrell continue to crank out spirits — having moved on from solely bottling bourbon to now making blended whiskey, rye, and rum. Batch #5 carries a 9 year old age statement and is a blend of four whiskeys, finished separately in bourbon, American brandy, Cognac, and amaro barrels. It’s a capable and…
Review: NV Toso Brut Argentina
This nonvintage, low-alcohol (12%) from Pascual Toso is a simple sparkler made from Argentine Chardonnay grapes. Fairly yeasty, with dialed-back fruit, it does let some baked apple notes push through, but not really enough to brighten up the somewhat musty, lifeless backbone. Could work in a cocktail lieu of, let’s say, club soda, but better…
How to ‘Premiumize’ Your Whisky Brand, in 10 Easy Steps!
Marketing is one of the many tools for Premiumization Sales flagging? Running out of quality stock? Desperate to push prices up even higher? Here’s our 10-step plan to get you to the world of ultra-premium spirits. Step 1: Be well respected at the start This is crucial. You have to have a good reputation from…
Review: Kona Brewing Co. Longboard Lager (2018), Hanalei IPA, and Big Wave Ale
Kona Brewing Company is probably the best-known brewery in Hawaii, with more and more of its brews becoming available in the mainland. Today we look at three of its most widely-available bottlings. Kona Brewing Co. Longboard Island Lager – A classic, malt-heavy lager, a bit nutty on the attack. Sustained drinking reveals some lemon notes,…
