Review: Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur
It should be noted at the start that “INTENSE” is by far the largest text on the label of this liqueur, but that’s to be expected from any ginger-flavored spirit. It simply comes with the territory. Ginger liqueurs are a small category, for obvious reasons. The number of cocktails you can use it in is…
Review: Ketel One Vodka (2014)
The Netherlands-distilled Ketel One was one of the brands that drove vodka’s rise to super-premium status, and it’s been 6 years since we took a look at this iconic, venerable brand. Recipes and production methods change, over time. So how has Ketel One fared in the last half-decade as its found itself attacked by competitors?…
Review: John Walker & Sons Odyssey
I guess when you climb past the $1000-a-bottle level for your whisky, you lose the “Johnnie” and just become “John.” “John” Walker’s Odyssey is a very rare, limited-edition bottling from the Scotch juggernaut, a blend that has previously been sold in Asian and other global markets, but which is now coming to the United States.…
Review: Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon 2004 Vintage
Evan Williams’ annual Single Barrel release is always a cause for celebration. It’s invariably a great whiskey, and it’s also incredibly affordable. While your typical vintage-dated single barrel bourbon will run you $75 or more, Evan Williams Single Barrel is currently priced at $27 a bottle. (Last year’s price: $26.) If you see this whiskey…
Review: Barenjager Honey & Tea and Honey & Pear Liqueurs
Barenjager, Germany’s classic, beehive-stoppered honey liqueur, got its first line extension, Honey & Bourbon, two years ago. Now it’s launched two more extensions, as honey spirits continue their ascent in the marketplace. Here’s a dive into these new additions, all naturally-flavored, to the Barenjager hive. Both are 70 proof. Barenjager Honey & Tea Liqueur – The nose…
Review: Lolailo Sangria
Made by Bodegas Sanviver in Spain, this budget sangria may not be overwhelming in its complexity, but it sure does go down easy. A basic, fruity red wine gets things started — think strawberries and raspberries — and copious sugar seals the deal. The finish offers a character not unlike a highly sweetened fruit tea,…
Review: Samuel Adams Cold Snap (2014)
For the upcoming spring season, Sam Adams has bottled this experimental brew, originally rolled out at beer fests last October. It’s an unfiltered white ale, a golden wheat blended with ten fruits, flowers, and spices, including grains of paradise, anise, hibiscus, and orange peel. Tasting notes follow. Cold Snap pours, as expected, a cloudy gold…
Review: Abreojos Tequila Silver
Colloquially “open eyes,” this Lowlands tequila is the only 100% agave tequila you’ll find that features an enormous eye-meets-lobster drawing on the label. Inside the frosted bottle you’ll find a standard blanco (reposado and anejo, not reviewed, are also available from Abreojos), made sans resting or aging. The spirit’s nose is initially heavy on earth…
