Review: 2012 Yangarra Grenache McLaren Vale Old Vine
This grenache hails from McLaren Vale in South Australia. Those expecting the typical, Australian sugar bomb might be pleasantly surprised to find ample restraint here: Touches of strawberry and blueberry up front lead to a silky core that integrates mild notes of spun sugar to the mix. The end result is slightly sweet, but still…
Review: Ripe Bar Juice
Sure, there’s nothing better than fresh-squeezed juices you press yourself. But fresh, cold-pressed, pre-bottled juices run a pretty close second. Ripe makes a line of seven fresh-squeezed juice-based mixers — all refrigerated, natural, unpasteurized, lightly sweetened with agave nectar (all except the Bloody Mary mix), and uncut with preservatives. Essentially Ripe is a juice company,…
Tasting the Wines of Marchesi de’Frescobaldi, 2015 Releases
We previously reviewed two wines (including the first two wines discussed below) in our coverage of Tuscany-based Frescobaldi, one of the royal families of Italian winemaking. In a recent online tasting with the family, we were led through a guided look at four of their current releases. All four are 90% to 100% sangiovese-based wines, but…
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…
