Review: D. George Benham’s Vodka Vodka (2017)
We were big fans of Sonoma-distilled D. George Benham’s gin, so it made natural sense to take a spin with its vodka. The title above isn’t a typo: This is “Vodka Vodka,” or “vodka-flavored vodka,” in the parlance of Graton Distilling, a nod to the purported purity of the spirit. That moniker didn’t pass legal muster,…
Review: Stateside Urbancraft Vodka
Philadelphia-based Federal Distilling’s inaugural Stateside Urbancraft Vodka does not disappoint. Beginning with the fun flip-top bottle and ending with the seamless finish, this is a very enjoyable vodka. Distilled seven times and aerated with “medical grade oxygen,” Stateside has a very pleasant, gin-like juniper and citrus nose upon first approach. The vodka drinks cleanly and…
Review: Stone Enjoy By 02.14.17 Chocolate & Coffee IPA
Stone’s latest “Enjoy By” IPA says it should be consumed by Valentine’s Day, but it was seemingly created for consumption on Valentine’s Day. Anyone looking for a special V-Day gift for that beer-loving special someone should look no further than this romantically-themed one-off brew. As the name suggests it’s an IPA, brewed with the typical pantheon…
Review: Bear Republic Double Aught Pilsner, Racer X (2016), and Pace Car Racer
A trio of new beers from Bear Republic Bear Republic Double Aught Pilsner – A light, Euro-style lager made with imported Hallertauer hops, this beer fully fits the part it was designed to play, bold with malty notes, a slight nutty character, and toasty cereal notes to round things out. Gentle in flavor but packed…
Review: Sonoma County Distilling Cherrywood Rye (2016) and Black Truffle Rye
We looked at a few of the products of budding craft distiller Sonoma County Distilling Co. in 2015, and now we’re back with some fresh coverage, including a look at the second batch of SCDC’s Cherrywood Rye and a first encounter with a limited-edition rye flavored with… wait for it… truffles. Thoughts on both whiskeys…
Cocktail Recipes: Get Drunk for Inauguration Day!
Whether you’re celebrating the inauguration of America’s new president, mourning the outgoing administration, or simply looking for something historical to drink, we have a few suggestions. Here are some cocktails preferred by Presidents past — or created in their honor. (With a nod to information provided by the New York Post.) By the way: In interviews, Donald…
Book Review: Beer FAQ
The tagline promises this book will tell us “All that’s left to know about the world’s most celebrated adult beverage.” Based on the number of beer books I’ve read over the years, there can’t be much. But somehow writer Jeff Cioletti fills over 370 pages with this wisdom. The tagline is a bit of a…
Review: Darnley’s View Gin and Spiced Gin
Darnley’s View is a London Dry style gin made in Scotland by the Wemyss family (of Wemyss Malts fame). Two versions are produced, a relatively standard expression and a “spiced” gin. We’ll discuss the botanicals of each in turn. Darnley’s View Gin – Aka Darnley’s View Original, this spirit is flavored with just six botanicals: juniper,…
