Brewery Review: Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers
Jack’s Abby opened its doors in Framingham, Mass. in 2011 and has already had to expand its operation to meet demand as word spread about a brewery that only makes lagers, but ones that break the mold of what a lager is supposed to taste like. I have grown to appreciate Jack’s Abby’s beers and…
Shaken or Stirred: Which Makes the Best Martini?
“A dry martini,” he said. “One. In a deep champagne goblet.” “Oui, monsieur.” “Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel. Got it?” -Ian Fleming, Casino Royale Like a manhattan or an…
Review: Wines of Cline, 2017 Releases – Mourvedre Rose, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
Three new releases from our friends at Cline, based in Sonoma County. Two of these wines however hail from the other side of the bay, Contra Costa County (home of Oakland’s suburbs). 2016 Cline Ancient Vine Mourvedre Rose Contra Costa County – Very strawberry-forward, with note of vanilla whipped cream and just a hint of…
Review: Rabbit Hole Distilling Bourbon and Rye
Rabbit Hole Distilling is a new producer of whiskey, based in bourbon’s heartland, Kentucky. The company recently broke ground on its own distillery in downtown Louisville; for now it is producing whiskey at another Kentucky distillery using its own mashbills and recipes. Rabbit Hole hit the ground with three whiskies. The standbys — a bourbon…
Review: Starr Hill King of Hop Series 2017
Previously encountered in 2015 and 2016, Starr Hill is back with another round of King of Hop releases. Like it did in 2016, four variations are being released, available in a mixed four pack so you can try them all. Naturally, things all get started with the straightforward Imperial IPA bottling, a base from which the remaining…
Life in a Post-Bourbon World: Predicting the Next Big Thing in Booze
It’s no secret that bourbon has been the It Spirit for a good few years now. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is how pretty much no one saw it coming. One needs to only look at the vast amount of supply shortages today to see just how unprepared most of the market was.…
Review: Deschutes Brewery Swivelhead Red (2017) and Hop Slice (2017)
A new duo from our buddies in Bend. Deschutes Brewery Swivelhead Red India Style Red Ale (2017) – Swivelhead Red is a beer designed to keep you guessing. The amber body looks like any classic, brownish-red lager, but one whiff and you know something’s up. India style? That’s right, it’s an IPA with eight different hop…
Cocktails for Mother’s Day 2017
Moms come in so many varieties — no matter their shape or size, all are sweet, pretty, and strong. We want to give each one a cocktail of their own and a dessert along side. Kick your feet up, Mom. You’ve earned it! The Queen’s Choice 2 oz. Baileys Original Irish Cream 1 oz. Smirnoff…
