Tasting Report: Hardy Cognac (with Benedicte Hardy), 2016
I recently had the good fortune to taste Cognac with one of its grande dames, Benedicte Hardy, one of the proprietor’s of the Cognac Hardy house in France. Benedicte recently visited San Francisco and treated a number of media and trade professionals to a deep dive into Hardy’s “Anniversary Series” lineup at the city’s legendary…
Review: Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky
Nikka’s Coffey Grain Whisky — named because of the Coffey still (a column still, not a pot still) that is used to produce it — has gained almost cult status since its 2013 arrival in the U.S. Now its big brother — a single malt made using the same still — is arriving on our…
Review: 2014 Josh Cellars Chardonnay
This widely available wine carries an unspecific California appellation, but it drinks at a surprisingly much higher level than that would normally indicate. Pretty pear and apple notes are balanced by mild caramel and vanilla — but Josh Chardonnay stays well on this side of the “oaky-buttery” monstrosity that informs most California chardonnay. The finish…
Review: Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey
Swift is a new entry into the burgeoning Texas craft distilling industry, a region which is particularly enamored with malted barley rather then the more typically American corn and rye. The latest single malt to cross our path comes from Swift, a husband and wife team with a distinct and particular goal: To replicate Scotch…
Review: Beers of Yee-Haw Brewing
Johnson City, Tennessee is the home to Yee-Haw Brewing, which offers four permanent brews in addition to rotating seasonals. We tried all the members of the primary lineup (from bottles, which today you’ll find only in Tennessee and Kentucky). Thoughts follow. Yee-Haw Pilsner – Surprisingly bold for a pilsner, both showcasing ample malt along with…
Tasting the Beers of Baeltane Brewing, Spring 2016 Releases
Baeltane Brewing is located right in my backyard in Novato, California — they have brewed their beer in an industrial park here since 2012 and even run a little tasting room out of the front of it. Baeltane can also be found in bars and stores around the Bay Area, all the way up to…
Review: Stone Enjoy By 05.30.16 Tangerine IPA
You’ve got only 18 more days to enjoy this very limited release from Stone, so you best get busy. Once you crack into Stone’s latest, a “tangerine IPA” made with 12 different hop varieties plus pureed tangerines. it won’t be hard to enjoy what the brewery has cooked up. Ample hoppiness is paired with fresh, sweet…
Review: Alexander Walker & Co. Polly’s Casks Double Barrel Aged Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Who is Polly and what is so special about her casks? Allow me to explain. Alexander Murray is a major private Scotch bottler — in the U.S. it’s best known for making the Kirkland brand of whiskies that show up in Costco (and which we often write about). With Polly’s Casks, Alexander Murray has something…
