Review: Tequila Herradura Ultra Anejo (2015)

Clear, filtered anejo tequila is still the big thing in the agave category, and next up in the queue is Herradura, which takes tequila that has spent over 4 years in oak barrels and filters it back to blanco (in color, anyway). The results are curious and a departure from other tequilas made in this…

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Review: BiVi Sicilian Vodka

Ah, Sicily: Renowned for its Italian food, mafia culture, and, of course, vodka. Wait, vodka? BiVi is made from Sicilian semolina wheat and bottled with local water and promoted by Sicilian actor Chazz Palminteri, so if you’re looking for a spirit that’s more Sicilian, you won’t likely find it. Still, it’s vodka, not grappa, so…

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Review: Sonoma County Distilling Sonoma Rye Whiskey and Cherrywood Rye Whiskey (2015)

Remember 1512 Spirits? This tiny Rohnert Park, California operation has grown by leaps and bounds — and recently changed its name to Sonoma County Distilling Company. SCDC is pumping out products, mostly young whiskeys, including bourbon, wheat whiskey, and at least two ryes, both of which we’re reviewing today. Let’s take a look at what…

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Review: Samuel Adams Late 2015 Seasonals – Octoberfest, Hoppy Red, Rebel Grapefruit IPA, Winter Lager, and Pumpkin Batch

Nearly a half-dozen new offerings from Sam Adams, mostly winter/fall seasonals designed to make the most of the cold weather. Let’s bundle up and dig in! Samuel Adams Octoberfest (2015) – Very old world, with plenty of spice and some citrus to be a companion to loads of caramel-soaked malt. The finish is on the sweet…

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Test-Driving Thanksgiving Wines from Lodi, 2015

There’s no more American holiday than Thanksgiving (well, except one, but that’s a beer-and-whiskey day) and if you’re ever looking for an excuse to try an American wine, this is it. Not just for nostalgia; many American heritage varietals pair beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Fun fact: More wine is consumed in the U.S. on Thanksgiving…

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Review: La Caravedo Pisco Puro Quebranta

La Caravedo is a new pisco from Pisco Porton, a puro bottling made only from quebranta grapes. The nose is classic pisco, offering a restrained take on the spirit that brings forth notes of quince, evergreen, and modest underpinnings of rubber and petrol (again, classic pisco stuff). The palate offers a nice balance of flavors — strong…

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Review: Grander Panama Rum 8 Years Old

Grander (awkward name, admittedly) is a new brand column-distilled in Panama and bottled at 8 years old. Quite light in color, it may initially trick you into thinking this is an undercooked rum. Not so. The nose is quite peppery, offering ample vanilla but backed up by lots of spice — both baking spices and…

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Review: Available 2013 Red Blend and 2014 Pinot Grigio

Napa-based Taken Wine Co. imports these wines from Italy — and I have to say, “Available” is one of the worst brand names I’ve come across for any wine, much less an import. These two wines both hail from Puglia, “the heel” of Italy. Thoughts follow. 2014 Available Pinot Grigio Puglia IGT – Somewhat bland for…

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