Review: Banfi 2017 SummuS and 2019 Magna Cum Laude
Castello Banfi is one of the most notable and widely available producers in Tuscany, and today we dive in to a pair of new releases from the storied operation, both luxe, “super-Tuscan” wines that are far from the usual construction found in Chianti. 2017 Banfi SummuS Toscana IGT – “SummuS, Latin for “highest.” is a…
Maker’s Mark Embraced Regenerative Agriculture. Will It Change Its Bourbon?
Maker’s Mark had a busy 2023, releasing its first age-stated bourbon and celebrating 70 years of operation. In addition, the Beam Suntory-owned distillery also announced their move toward regenerative agriculture, becoming the first whiskey producer to be third-party certified by Regenified. The Tier 2 certification — there are five possible levels, and brands have three…
Review: Wines of Opolo, 2024 Releases
We’ve been covering the wines of Paso Robles-based Opolo for years now, and today we look at five recent releases — all hearty, wintertime reds — from the operation. All hail from the 2021 vintage. 2021 Opolo Grand Rouge Red Blend Paso Robles – A blend of counoise, syrah, and grenache that punches well above…
Review: Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch B923 (September 2023)
Heaven Hill’s second Barrel Proof release of its Bernheim wheat whiskey almost eluded us late last year, but we finally uncovered our sample just in time for the presumed arrival of the third release (and first of 2024), which is expected this month. It’s bottled at a slightly higher proof than A223, but otherwise there’s…
Review: High Camp Parkside Flask
I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve reviewed High Camp’s luxe flasks, but I don’t see much reason to stop, seeing as it keeps cranking out new products. The Parkside Flask is a big one — 750ml in size — which might clue you in to its intended purpose: Filling it up with wine.…
Review: Puncher’s Chance The Unified Belt
This is our fifth round with a Puncher’s Chance whiskey release, and this time out we’re getting something different from the brand’s creators at Wolf Spirit: The Unified Belt is a blend of three whiskeys — two bourbons and an Irish whiskey. This is the first transcontinental blend from the brand, though Irish-American combos are increasingly…
Review: Pollinator Crimson Amaro
New York’s Pollinator Spirits is the company behind Crimson Amaro, a Campari-like offering that is made entirely with ingredients grown in the state. The product starts with Pollinator’s own vodka — made from local corn and wildflower honey (hence “Pollinator”), and infused with a “secret blend of more than 15 botanicals, among them juniper, wormwood,…
Review: Suerte Blanco Tequila Still Strength
Suerte has emerged as a solid choice for 100% agave tequila, a Highlands offering with a fairly straightforward, balanced approach — and reasonable pricing. If you want to break away from the usual trio of expressions, consider this newish release from the brand — Suerte Blanco at “still strength,” a cracking 52% abv. There’s not…
