Review: Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond, Pacific Wonderland, Red Chair NWPA (2016), and The Abyss Aged Stout 2016 Edition
Four new and classic brews from Deschutes, including some late 2016 stragglers like the highly anticipated The Abyss. Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond Pale Ale – A burly and malty pale ale, lightly sweet with notes of apricot and peaches, with a body that’s heavy with roasted nuts and rolled oats. A classic wintertime pale ale,…
Review: A. Smith Bowman Rye Expectations Gin
A. Smith Bowman, owned by Sazerac/Buffalo Trace and based in Virginia, is known for some impressive whiskeys. Now it’s launching an experimental spirits line, and its first experiment is… gin. And that’s just the start. Says Bowman: The line will include a wide variety of distilled spirits, including the aforementioned gin, and will grow to include…
Review: 2013 Craggy Range Pinot Noir Te Muna Road Vineyard
This Kiwi pinot offers an austerity that brings with it notes of roasted meats and leather, cut through with strong notes of tea leaf and cassis. While big and powerful on thee body, the finish takes a turn for the darker, with subtle hints of coffee and cloves. A sturdy wine; best at mealtime. B…
Recipes: Warming Winter Cocktails for 2017
It may be the winter of our discontent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drink like a king. If you’re tired of the same cold weather cocktails to warm you, try these recipes for something to brighten your mood and thrill your taste buds. Blood Orange Blazer 8 parts brewed hibiscus tea 2 parts Banks…
Review: Boondocks American Whiskey and Cask Strength Whiskey
Boondocks is the brainchild of Whisky Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dave Scheurich, a veteran of the business who’s launching his own little project. It’s rather unique, so follow closely. Boondocks American Whiskey is made from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley, but it’s not bourbon. Distilled to a higher proof than bourbon allows,…
Review: Crispin Hard Cider – Original, Pacific Pear, and Bourbon Char
New stuff from the cider mavens at Crispin, including a new limited release called Bourbon Char, and two of the company’s primary offerings, which are now available in standard six packs. We looked at all three. Thoughts follow. Crispin Original Hard Cider – A fresh, apple-loaded classic, semisweet and fruity, but restrained with notes of crisp…
![four pillars NSG 750ml[1] (Large)](https://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/four-pillars-NSG-750ml1-Large-1-e1485215868987.jpg "four pillars NSG 750ml[1] (Large)")
Review: Four Pillars Rare Dry and Navy Strength Gin
Four Pillars is a new distillery based near Melbourne, Australia. Inspired by American craft distilling, the company is focused exclusively on gin — with at least eight expressions under its belt in just three years — and its products are now coming to the U.S. (The four pillars in question are largely symbolic (the fourth…
Review: Skyy Infusions Bartlett Pear Vodka
Sorry, Bosc! The latest Skyy vodka flavor is designed to taste like Bartlett pears — Bartletts only! What does one do with pear vodka? Well, try it in anything where you’d otherwise use apple, for starters. Or check out the cocktails at the end of the post for additional ideas. Pear-flavored spirits always come across a bit…
