Review: 2014 Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT
This blend of sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon is already showing with a bit of an oxidized character, which adds some bite to its core of tart cherry, raspberry, nutmeg, and clove notes. The finish is on the sour side, peppery at times, and perhaps a bit unbalanced, with some green notes enduring. B /…
Review: Little Book Blended Whiskey “The Easy” (2017)
Booker’s bourbon has been a phenomenon for years, despite the fact that its namesake and creator, Booker Noe, died in 2004. Fred Noe, Booker’s son, has been running the show ever since, and the Noe dynasty continues to grow, with Fred’s son Freddie, releasing his first-ever product under the Jim Beam banner. That whiskey is…
Review: Stone & NOFX Punk in Drublic Hoppy Lager
If you’re old enough to drink, well, you’re old enough to remember NOFX, an LA-based punk band that was in its heyday in the ’90s. For some reason, Stone Brewing connected with these guys — still performing, by the way — to produce a special edition brew. Named after its most successful album, Punk in…
Review: Simple Vodka
This potato-based vodka, column-distilled in Idaho and bottled using water from the Snake River, could very well be the most humanitarian spirit ever. With the motto of “one drink, one meal,” Simple is devoted to fighting hunger in America. For each bottle produced it donates 20 meals to the hungry through local and national relief organizations.…
Review: Beachwood Brewing Citraholic IPA
Beachwood Brewing is a Long Beach-based outfit we’ve covered before, a BBQ restaurant that recently moved into bottling its own brews. Citraholic is its west coast IPA, focused on Citra hops but also including Warrior, Columbus, and Simcoe in the mix. Despite the heavy use of Citra, the beer isn’t particularly citrusy. Rather, an intense earthiness fills…
Christmas Cocktails 2017
Who doesn’t love a holiday cocktail? Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or another cultural holiday, these cocktails are sure to please you and any guests. We’ve also included an easy appetizer which pairs nicely with beer, plus a holiday cake recipe. Imbibe and enjoy! White Christmas Mojito courtesy of halfbakedharvest.com juice of 1 lime 8 mint…
Review: Wines of Edna Valley Vineyard, Late 2017 Releases
Earlier this year we looked at Edna Valley’s white and rose releases for 2017. Today we tackle three reds, all sourced from Central Coast grapes. 2015 Edna Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Coast – Lots of tobacco and pencil lead on this one, a surprisingly dense rendition of pinot noir, considering its price tag. The…
Review: Haikara Momo Asian Peach Sake
Flavored sake? It’s coming to our shores, starting with Haikara’s Momo, flavored with Asian peach juice. Some details: Umenoyado produced Haikara Sake in effort to embrace America’s increased appreciation of Japanese culture & traditions while adapting the way Americans see and drink sake. Haikara’s flavor profiles as well as the packaging was created for a more…
