Review: 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago
This New Zealand Pinot (produced by Kim Crawford) is a lean expression of the grape, particularly by Kiwi standards. Herbal, almost vegetal on the nose, it hits the palate with a surprising degree of sweetness. This settles down quickly once it gets some air, however, revealing notes of cherry juice, cinnamon, a bit of oxidized…
Review: Grand Macnish Black Edition Blended Scotch
That weirdly dimpled bottle belongs to Grand Macnish, a venerable — but seldom seen in the States — brand of blended Scotch whisky that hails from Glasgow. Several expressions are produced, with this newly released “Black Edition” being a non-age-statement spirit that is aged in double-charred bourbon barrels. A little brutish on the nose, it…
Review: Sauza 901 Silver Tequila
Justin Timberlake-backed 901 Tequila made a huge splash back in 2009. So huge in fact that Sauza — one of the biggest names in the business — bought the brand in 2014. Promptly renamed “Sauza 901” and semi-repackaged (same bottle, new label), Sauza 901 is a different product that’s made in Sauza’s own distillery. JT is…
Review: Dulce Vida Extra Anejo Tequila (2015)
The arrival of a new extra anejo tequila is always cause for rejoicing, and Dulce Vida’s new bottling is no exception. This tequila spends 5 1/2 years not in bourbon barrels but in a mix of former Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot barrels from Napa’s Rombauer winery. Crafted in the Jalisco Highlands, the tequila is fair-trade…
Review: Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Carpano’s Antica Formula vermouth is the first lady of aromatic wines. In a world where most vermouth runs under $10 for a bottle and is tossed out during clean-up from last night’s party, the $30 or more you’ll pay for a liter of Antica Formula indicates at least someone thinks pretty highly of it. The heritage…
Review: The Exceptional Grain – Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
Grain whisky fans can get excited. Here’s a new blended grain whisky that’s whipped up from some really old stock — by some industry pros. Don’t be confused by the label — “Sutcliffe & Son” — this is a limited edition from Don Sutcliffe at our own Craft Distillers in Ukiah, California. Here’s the official word: [The…
Get Your Irish on with Flaviar’s Irish Whiskey Sample Pack (2015)
St. Patrick’s Day is just a few weeks away, and that means the Jameson and Bushmills will be flowing freely. But there’s no need to stop there. There are dozens of high-quality Irish whiskey brands available, and St. Patty’s is the perfect excuse to try them all. Enter Flaviar, a company that specializes in sampler packs…
Tasting with Branded Spirts: Hana Gin, Motu Rum, HM Blended Scotch, and Majeste Cognac
Treasure Island, California-based Branded Spirits recently sent us its Arctic Fox Vodka for review… then they stopped by with more — everything the company is currently producing, in fact. Originally a major exporter to China — where it once held the license to sell Heineken beer — it’s now making a bigger, broader push for the U.S.…
