Review: Newcastle Scotch Ale
Newcastle is embarking on an experimental collection of collaborative beers, made with a number of old-school European breweries. First out of the gate is this one, Newcastle Scotch Ale, made in the company’s sister brewery, Caledonian, in Scotland. Fittingly, it’s a Scotch Ale. Here’s how it tastes. Malty up front, the burly brew offers licorice…
Review: Urban Remedy Detox Juices
Some time ago, I wrote about my experience on a three-day juice cleanse with Urban Remedy products. Recently the company contacted us to inquire if we would be interested in covering a handful of its products that are suitable for post-holiday revelry — detoxification, curing hangovers, and the like. It’s a happy new year, so…
Review: Flora Springs 2013 Chardonnay and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
We’ve covered Flora Springs on a number of occasions — this is our third roundup this year alone. Here’s some new releases to get the new year going for ya. 2013 Flora Springs Chardonnay Napa Valley – Very traditional — with heavy oak influence bringing tons of vanilla custard to the table — with just a touch…
Review: C.W. Irwin Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This isn’t another sourced whiskey, sorry to disappoint you! Oregon Spirit Distillers makes this little number in Bend, Oregon. The whiskey is made from is 51% corn, plus equal parts of rye, wheat, and malted barley. Aged 3 years in a new American oak barrel. Thoughts follow. What a surprising and fun little craft bourbon. The…
Recipe: New Years Eve 2014 Cocktails
While the big moment on New Year’s Eve usually calls for champagne, we found a few recipes worthy of your time and consideration to serve prior to the stroke of midnight. Sugar and Spice 1 oz. Ketel One Citroen 1 oz. cranberry juice ½ oz. fresh squeezed lime juice ¾ oz. honey syrup Drop of allspice…
Review: Tullamore D.E.W. Celebratory Phoenix Irish Whiskey
You’ll have to look very closely to distinguish this special edition bottling from Tullamore D.E.W.’s other limited edition release, Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix. Tullamore D.E.W. Celebratory Phoenix comes from a single production batch of the Phoenix release and is being launched in honor of Tullamore’s new distillery opening. Just 2,014 bottles are available, and they are available only…
Review: Jeremiah Weed Spiced, Cinnamon, and Sarsapirilla Whiskey
Has flavored whiskey jumped the shark? Jeremiah Weed, which got its start with a sweet tea flavored vodka and then a credible sweet tea flavored whiskey, has now extended itself further into the whiskey world — with spiced, cinnamon, and sarsaparilla expressions. As with any flavored whiskey, whiskey purists need not apply. These are…
Review: Wild Card Pacific Northwest Absinthe
Bend, Oregon-based Oregon Spirit Distillers makes Wild Card Absinthe with locally-grown wormwood, fennel, and anise, the re-distills the resulting concoction and steeps it with petite wormwood, cardamom, hyssop, and melissa. The finished product is a light-bodied absinthe that is nonetheless a punchy and highly alcoholic nod to the past. Thoughts follow. Wild Card is pale yellow-green in…
