Review: Patron Extra Anejo Tequila
Patron has added its first new addition to the core tequila lineup in 25 years: at long last, an extra anejo bottling. This isn’t Patron’s first dance with extra anejo. Patron Extra Anejo 7 Anos hit as a limited edition in 2015, and the infamous Guillermo del Toro Extra Anejo dropped earlier this year. The…
Review: 2016 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio
Ah, that classic of the Chinese restaurant wine list gets an upgrade with its 2016 vintage, courtesy of Christian Siriano, who designed the flowery label for this vintage. That’s probably the most interesting thing about this wine, which is decidedly muddy for pinot grigio, with only modest notes of marshmallows, lilac, and out-of-place savory sage…
Review: Tequila Corralejo 1821 Extra Anejo
Tequila Corralejo‘s latest release, an extra anejo, has arrived. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Tequila Corralejo has released 1,000 cases of 1821 Extra Añejo (1821) in the U.S. The limited-edition expression, imported by Infinium Spirits, is the latest offering from the award-winning line of premium tequila expressions. 1821 represents Mexico’s rich history and hard-fought sovereignty led…
Review: J Vineyards Cuvee 20 (2017) and 2016 Pinot Gris
Two new releases from Sonoma’s J Vineyards (now part of Gallo) have arrived — a sparkler and its always crowd-pleasing pinot gris. Let’s dive in. NV J Vineyards Cuvee 20 Brut Russian River Valley (2017) – This dry sparkler is nonetheless quite fruit forward, with tons of apple and pear notes leading the way to…
Review: Merlet Cognac XO and Soeurs Cerises Cherry Brandy Liqueur
Two new releases from Merlet, which makes both cognac and a selection of liqueurs. Today we look at the new XO cognac release, and a brandy-based liqueur infused with cherries. Let’s dive in! Merlet Cognac XO – This XO is a multi-cru blend with components at least six years old (and likely much more). A…
Review: Drake’s Aroma Coma IPA and Aroma Therapy Triple IPA
Two new IPAs from Drake’s Brewing Co., located just around the corner in San Leandro, California — both monster IPAs worth a look. Drake’s Aroma Coma IPA – Atypical of IPA, with immediate coffee and gentian notes up front in the palate. It builds on that with dark caramel notes and an intense note of…
Review: Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon Barrel Size Experiment
.36 describes a bullet caliber used Colt “Ranger” pistol — and it’s also the designation used by San Antonio-based Ranger Creek Distillery for its bourbon — “with over two pounds of Texas corn in each bottle.” With this release, Ranger Creek takes the same new make spirit and ages it two ways. One has…
Review: Wines of Maiden + Liberty, 2017 Releases
Maiden + Liberty can be found on Long Island, New York, where it makes “French-American” blends — inspired by the owners’ heritage (He’s from New York, she’s from France, coming this fall!). “What would a wine that combines American dynamism with French elegance taste like?” ask the winemakers? What does that mean? Well, Maiden + Liberty…
