Review: Rye Whiskeys of Hard Truth (2024)
As of July 1, 2021, the state of Indiana recognizes standards of identity for carrying the moniker Indiana rye. Hard Truth Spirits in Brown County, Indiana was at the forefront of the push to garner official recognition for Indiana rye whiskey. Long before Hard Truth and master distiller Bryan Smith released their first house-distilled bourbon in…
Review: 2021 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Lithology is a rather under-the-radar luxury cabernet brand, but I’m making the argument that it shouldn’t be. This remote Howell Mountain operation is managed by three winemakers — Philippe Melka, Maayan Koschitzky, and Matt Sands, plus consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. Their idea? Work their winemaking voodoo each year by selecting the right fruit from the…
The Art of the Whiskey Deal: An Interview with Wilderness Trail Co-Founder Pat Heist
It may be somewhat old news, but the sale of Wilderness Trail to Campari Group in late 2022 in a deal valued up to $600 million remains the biggest declared American whiskey acquisition since Jim Beam sold to Suntory in 2014 (for 16 billion). Balcones traded hands to Diageo for an undisclosed sum not long…
Review: Virginia Distillery The Brewer’s Coalition American Single Malts
Located in Lovingston, Virginia Distillery has quickly garnered a following as one of the premiere distillers of American single malt. The Brewer’s Coalition series features some of the distillery’s oldest single malt finished in casks from popular breweries. For this series, Virginia Distillery enters whisky aged for at least 5 years into beer casks for…
Review: Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest 2024 and Cali Squeeze Beers
Ready for oompah season? California’s Firestone Walker is back with its “Oaktoberfest” annual seasonal — now 18 years old — plus four editions of a new beer called Cali Squeeze. Cali Squeeze is a new line of easy-drinking “tropical wheat ales,” each made with real fruit in the recipe. While these are designed more for summer…
Review: Benromach 50 Years Old
Benromach is a distillery that probably feels very new to most drinkers, seeing as its modern era began only in 1998. But Benromach’s history dates back to 1898, changing hands a few times until its closure in 1983. (Today’ Gordon & MacPhail operates the distillery.) What we have here is perhaps the oldest Benromach ever…
Review: Davis Bynum 2002 Chardonnay River West Vineyard and 2021 Pinot Noir
Davis Bynum has been a real workhorse brand in the California wine world, dating back to 1973, when the eponymous winemaker crafted his first pinot noir. Bynum the man died in 2017, but the brand lives on in the hands of proprietor Tom Klein and winemaker Greg Morthole, still cranking out pinot and chardonnay from…
The Top 10 Wines for Winter 2025
Winter is coming — and it’s about time. After another scorcher of a summer, I know I’m ready to tuck into some bigger, richer wines. Whether you’re looking for something to sip with Thursday night takeout or a companion to pair with your opulent holiday meal, we’ve got you covered. This top 10 list has…
