Why I Love Ledaig
Ledaig is, unashamedly, my favourite whisky. As a whisky reviewer and writer, I shouldn’t have favourites but of course everyone does. Read the Whisky Bible and you’ll soon realise that Jim Murray despises Fettercairn and Dailuaine but adores Ardbeg and Glen Grant. Read whiskyfun.com and you’ll find that Serge Valentin prefers Clynelish (or even better,…
Review: Clique Vodka
Clique Vodka really promotes its Russian connections (despite being produced next door in Latvia). According to its website, this wheat-based vodka is the result of “Russian production standards of distillation and the highest level of Russian equipment.” I guess with vodka, and maybe only with vodka, those are two things to brag about. While the…
Review: Friends Fun Wine Coconut Chardonnay and Sangria
Based in Miami, Friends Fun Wine produces low alcohol wine flavored drinks that, they say, “could only have been created from the cool and chill vibe of South Florida.” Friends Fun Wine beverages are reminiscent of wine coolers and seem designed to appeal to a party crowd. Unlike virtually all other wine based beverages on…
Review: Gaur Spice Original Fusion Spiced Whiskey No. 1 Blend
Hey, Captain Morgan fans — while there are plenty of other, interesting spiced rums on the market, perhaps it’s time to consider something a little further afield. Why not check out Gaur Spice, a spiced whiskey, instead? Gaur Spice, originated by North Charleston-based Spectrum Spirits, starts with “handcrafted small batch American whiskey” — further details…
Review: NV Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco
Champagne Collet is made by the oldest cooperative in Champagne. This entry-level bottling comes packaged in a snazzy, deco-inspired bottle, and is a blend of about 20 crus. Collet’s nonvintage Brut Champagne is immediately atypical of the style, bolder with bready yeast, particularly on the slightly funky nose, aggressively carbonated, and heavily fruited, all at…
Review: Green Spot Chateau Montelena
It has been almost four years since we reviewed the original Green Spot and celebrated its arrival in the U.S., a single pot still whiskey which we lauded for its bold, balanced flavor. With time and universal acclaim, the makers of Green Spot have sought to offer new products. The last one, Green Spot finished in…
Review: 2015 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough
This new pinot release from New Zealand’s Oyster Bay offers a surprising creaminess, with rounded berry notes — blueberry and strawberry — leading to a late palate that’s more fueled by classic black cherry character. With virtually no tannin to speak of, the wine lets some spicier notes do the talking, fading slowly to a…
Review: Greenbar City Bright Gin
Los Angeles’ Greenbar Distillery recently added gin to its stable of spirits, with this release, City Bright Gin (there’s also a City Amber Gin) the flagship expression. Says Greenbar, “Taste the flavors of Los Angeles — from the aromatic herbs of East and South Asia to the floral & earthy flavors of Mexico and the…
