Review: Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey Pineau des Charentes Finish 33 Years Old
Pineau des Charentes — grape juice tempered with young brandy, basically — has been on the rise both as a stand-alone aperitif and as an ingredient in spirit finishing. Next up to make use of these unique barrels is Ireland’s Teeling, which has put its latest ultra-limited release, which starts with a single cast of…
Review: 2017 The One in a Million Petit Verdot
Opting for a debut wine release centered around 100% Petit Verdot is a bold move. It imbues confidence and trust in one’s winemaking prowess, and underscores exceptional quality in vineyard selection. But nothing about this situation feels ordinary, even before uncorking. From the sleek label design to the bespoke packaging that rivals some of the…
Review: Yellowstone Special Finishes – Toasted and Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2023
More goodies are incoming from Yellowstone, including the annual release of its 101 proof Limited Edition plus a new experience for those more interested in immersing themselves in the craft of making bourbon. Yellowstone Toasted is the first in a new line called the Special Finishes Collection, which will be full-time, permanent releases that focus…
Review: 2020 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley
I’m not sure how it happened, but this is our first time reviewing Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has been around for decades, providing a reliable choice for fans of California Cabernet. The 2020 release is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Let’s pop the…
Review: Mr. Pickles Gin
Named after the pit bull rescued by Wolf Distillery Master Distiller Ben Green, Mr. Pickles Gin carries the adorable face of the eponymous pup on the front of the bottle, and I’ll admit it, I’m smitten. The fetching blue bottle bearing a sweet-faced dog surrounded by flowers speaks directly to my heart. But let’s check…
Review: 2021 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros
Etude has earned its reputation for making excellent pinot noirs and we’ve enjoyed them in the past, so it is a pleasure to pour the newly released 2021 vintage of their Carneros Pinot Noir. This wine really shows the brand’s character. On the nose and palate arrive big, rounded notes of black cherry, sour cherry,…
Review: The Macallan Sherry Oak Cask 12 Years Old
We’ve dabbled with reviews of various Macallan releases both high and low, but one of the most commonly available bottlings has eluded these pages for more than 15 years: Macallan Sherry Oak Cask 12 Years Old. This mainline expression couldn’t be more straightforward, spending 12 years maturing fully in Spanish sherry casks before bottling. No…
Review: Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond Fall 2019 Vintage
Earlier this fall, Chattanooga Whiskey rolled out its second annual bottled in bond release for 2023. And like the spring release from this year, this latest expression utilizes specialty toasting to complement the distillery’s unique grain bills. The particulars are below. As with previous vintages, Fall 2019 was exclusively produced at Chattanooga Whiskey’s Riverfront Distillery,…
