Espanita Artisanal Tequila wins prestigious “Tequila of the Year” Award

September 13, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Espanita Tequila Company is pleased to announce that Espanita® Añejo Artisanal Tequila has won a prestigious “Tequila of the Year” award and received a Gold Medal from the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards, which took place in San Francisco this May and saw more than 850 submissions from 45 countries. Espanita’s Gold Medal is the ultimate seal of approval in the global spirits on-premise industry, with a panel of judges comprised of high-profile directors and beverage directors.

Bartender Spirits Awards is a leading industry competition that recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer, or spirit recommendations. “We really wanted a way to recognize those spirits that would be a great addition to any bar and that are completely on-trend in terms of packaging and price,” said Sid Patel, Founder, and CEO of Beverage Trade Network. “Whether bartenders are looking to plug a very specific gap in their existing spirits inventory, or construct an entirely new cocktail menu from scratch, what better advice could they get than from fellow bartenders?”

Medals were awarded to those spirits that met very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying spirits that should become additions to bar inventories. Each brand of distilled spirits was evaluated on Mixability, Balance and Versatility, Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish, Package and Price.

“We are very proud and happy for Espanita Tequila Anejo to be recognized as Tequila of the Year; this is a true testament to the skills and passion of Mexican artisans committed to handcrafting Espanita to the highest standards of quality. Espanita Tequila has been designed by keeping the needs of hospitality community in mind, starting from its complex, agave-forward taste that results in a truly versatile spirit that enhances and elevates any tequila-based cocktail, and to its luxury packaging optimized to perform well in a high-paced on-premise environment,” says Marina Wilson, president and founder of Espanita Tequila Company. “Gold Medal from the Bartender Spirits Awards and Tequila of the Year award validate our efforts to date and provide us with inspiration to continue our work of innovating the brand and experimenting with non-traditional maturation approaches to provide hospitality professionals with truly unique, outstanding spirit,” adds Wilson.

Pitbull and Espanita Tequila. Photo: Forbes.com

Espanita Tequila’s Global Brand Ambassador and creative advisor to the Company, Armando Christian Perez, widely known to his fans as Pitbull, has been very excited to learn about new award. “It’s great to see that Espanita Tequila has performed so well at Bartender Spirits Awards. This is another Gold Medal in our growing achievements as a brand,” says the global superstar, whose impressive career in music history includes countless awards, dozens of international number ones, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, single sales of over 80 million, and cumulative views in excess of 15 billion. “Goes to show hard work pays off. I am looking forward to our continuous work together in making Espanita Tequila a household name,” added Mr. Perez.

About Espanita® Tequila

Espanita Tequila is recognized as one of the most remarkable handcrafted tequilas on the market today, with numerous medals and distinctions awarded for its uncompromised quality, creativity of packaging and exceptional value. Espanita is created by using traditional production methods developed in Mexico over hundreds of years from 100% Agave, grown at high elevations of Jalisco’s Highlands. The brand’s commitment to heritage, authenticity, and quality results in a sophisticated and velvety smooth spirit, which accentuates characteristics that are exclusive to tequila alone: the distinctive aromas and delectable flavors of traditionally slow-cooked Blue Agave.

To learn more about Espanita tequila, or for more information, visit http://www.espanita-tequila.com and the brand’s social channels: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/espanita_tequila/) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EspanitaTequila).

About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards looks to identify spirits that should become additions to bar inventories. The aim of the spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands looking to enter the U.S. on-premise industry. The organizers of the event are Beverage Trade Network, a leading online platform dedicated to connecting the global beverage industry.

Yellow Rose Distilling Unveils Harris County Whiskey

August 12, 2021 by evebushman

Houston, PR Web – Yellow Rose Distilling, an award-winning distillery located in Houston, Texas, widely known as Houston’s first legal whiskey distillery, is pleased to announce the launch of Yellow Rose Harris County, a High Rye Bourbon. Named for the county in which the distillery is located, Harris County fits the characteristics of a high rye bourbon with 25% of the recipe coming from Texas-grown rye and uses all Texas grown corn and malted barley.

Making its debut across Texas, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida this month, via distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Harris County will retail for $44.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since launching its first whiskey in 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has established itself as one of the premier Texas whiskey companies, with its portfolio comprised of three original whiskey offerings, Premium American, Rye and the flagship Outlaw Bourbon, alongside several limited batches. Yellow Rose Distilling has been focused on finding new, innovative expressions and processes, ultimately bringing consumers the finest Texas whiskey in the world. Since 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has garnered some of the spirit industry’s highest accolades including ‘Best in Class’ for Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon at the American Distilling Institute and was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Yellow Rose Rye collected a series of awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020, with a 96 Point rating and named Top 100 Spirits of 2020.

“Harris County Bourbon represents an evolutionary step forward and an important milestone for Yellow Rose Distillery. While in the past we had our gaze set as a single distiller toiled to create whiskey as quickly as possible, today we think in terms of how a talented core group of distillers will work together as we endeavor to create the ideal whiskey. The blueprints of Harris County Bourbon reflect this as we set out to create the best possible High Rye Bourbon from our little Houston Texas Distillery,” says Michael Langan General Manager of Yellow Rose Distillery. “We selected Texas grown grains, settled on double pot distilling and a low entry proof to barrel. This allows us to highlight our region as well as the expertise of our team, while paying homage to pre-prohibition techniques that we feel allow us to balance the maturation of this whiskey within our dynamic local climate. Despite its low entry proof, we choose to bottle at 92 proof to maintain density of flavor and mouthfeel that was hard earned in our slow double pot distillation and 30 months in the Texas heat and humidity.”

“The addition of Harris County rounds out the Yellow Rose portfolio perfectly. While most high rye bourbons are typically described as having a spicy character, we wanted more than spice alone, it needed to have an underlying sweetness with the typical vanilla, caramel, coconut notes. We are using all Texas grown and malted grains. We have the power of the Southeast Texas climate during maturation, and, in that regard, Harris County is not an imitation, nor can it be imitated,” says Houston Farris, Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distillery.

In addition to Harris County making its debut, and due to increasing sales and increased brand awareness of all the Yellow Rose Marques, the distillery has been expanded. As a result of the expansion, the Yellow Rose Distillery has undergone a major refurbishment of its visitor and experience center. Features include a brand-new bar, lounge, presentation and tasting rooms well as a new 1,200 sq ft. outdoor deck.

On the nose of Harris County, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, cherry, fruit-wood smoke, toasted pecan, and tobacco. Upon tasting, brown sugar and cinnamon engulfs, followed by warm pecan pie, balancing the spice profile, paired with toasted coconut, black tea, and peanuts. Finishing with sweetness throughout, combined with a pop of cinnamon candy.

Yellow Rose Harris County is available in 750ml, bottled at 92 proof (46% Alc/Vol), with a suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. Like all Yellow Rose offerings, Harris County will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

About Yellow Rose Distillery

We’re proud to bring you the finest whiskey from the first legal distillery in the City of Houston since Prohibition. This isn’t one of those distilleries with rolling hill and fields – we craft our whiskey in the heart of the city, where the art of making fine whiskey is married with the spirit of the city it’s born in. The idea for Yellow Rose Whiskey was born one night among friends more than 10 years ago. In the years since, Yellow Rose Distillery has challenged traditions, won awards, and put the city of Houston, Texas, on the global whiskey map. Fittingly, our name Yellow Rose pays homage to a legendary character, Emily West, The Yellow Rose of Texas, known for her bravery and independent nature. Yellow Rose Distilling’s core portfolio currently includes Premium American, Rye, Harris County, Outlaw Bourbon and several limited-edition offerings. For additional information please visit https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Internationally Award-Winning RUM Co. of Fiji Wins Top Consumer and Bartender Awards

August 10, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Internationally award-winning RUM Co. of Fiji, the only rum distillery in the Fiji Islands, is proud to announce that it has been recognized at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards with its premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu. Across the acclaimed competitions—judged by consumers and the trade—RUM Co. of Fiji won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards, four Gold Medals and three Silver Medals.

Made from the molasses from hand-cut Fijian sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil, RUM Co. of Fiji’s rums express the island’s unique position as “Paradise on Earth.” The sugar cane in Fiji has been grown and harvested since 1863 by generations of independent farmers, and the distillery uses only the purest local water to produce its exquisite rums, filtering them through coconut-shell carbon for a softer, rounded mouthfeel. Maturation accelerates in Fiji’s Southern Hemisphere climate, so that RUM Co. of Fiji can achieve complex flavor profiles at younger ages. Master Distiller & Blender Liam Costello works with both pot and column stills, blending different distillates to create the two ranges: premium 2-year-old Bati and super-premium Ratu, aged 5 to 8 years.

Heath Baker, Head of International Sales – RUM Co. of Fiji, noted that the accolades by trade and consumers are a turning point in the USA for the brand. “These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum,” he said. “We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision.”

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognized spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, while the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry.

In the SIP Awards:

Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum “Best of Class” Award
Bati 2-Year Spiced Rum also won an exclusive Platinum “Best of Class” Award, while – – Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won Platinum Awards; and
Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took home Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards:

Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum each received a – – Gold Medal, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price; and
Ratu Dark Rum, Bati Spiced Rum and Bati Dark Rum all won Silver Medals

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager – RUM Co. of Fiji, said, “RUM Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.”

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, echoed the pride in receiving these awards as a fantastic acknowledgement of the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji. “This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums. These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages’ vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world,” he said.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. The suggested prices for each spirit are as follows: Ratu Signature: $38.99, Ratu Dark and Spiced: $34.99 and Bati (all expressions): $18.99.

About RUM Co. of Fiji

RUM Co. of Fiji is built on an ethos of authenticity, craftsmanship and passion and draws its inspiration – and its identity – from Fijian heritage and culture. The rums are a story of balance and harmony, a coming together of the land’s unique elements and the hands that work with them, crafted in Lautoka, Fiji, by award-winning Master Distiller & Blender Liam F. Costello, together with RUM Co. of Fiji’s passionate and dedicated distillery team. Since launching in 1980, RUM Co. of Fiji has won more than 130 international awards across several prestigious competitions, including the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition, 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. RUM Co. of Fiji is owned by Fiji’s leading beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited, which is part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. For more information on RUM Co. of Fiji, visit http://www.rumcooffiji.com or follow @rumcooffiji on Facebook or Instagram.

About Broken Shed Vodka

Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the country’s natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs. Since entering the U.S. market in June 2012, Broken Shed Vodka has won a legion of loyal fans, and an impressive collection of awards. Broken Shed Vodka started in a ‘broken’ down old shed on Lake Wanaka where the formula was originally crafted and produced. Broken Shed Vodka is proud of the strong and experienced sales team they have built. The brand approaches the market with innovative strategies and well-defined focus in all of their markets. Due to this, Broken Shed is able to offer newly-launched spirits brands strong partnership and collaborations, which expand distribution, increase offerings to trade and provide customers access to world-class premium spirits. Learn more about Broken Shed Vodka at http://www.brokenshed.com.

Broken Shed Vodka, 40% ABV, Distilled from Whey. Imported to the USA by Broken Shed Imports, Manhasset, NY. Broken Shed Vodka is produced by Broken Shed Limited, Wanaka, New Zealand. Drink Responsibly. © 2021

New-To-Me Puncher’s Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon

May 21, 2021 by evebushman

Bourbon fans unite! No one can argue against the popularity of Bourbon whisky these days, certainly not me. I recently wrote that I prefer Bourbon with dessert after a night of wine. I have my favorites, but love discovering new-to-me Bourbons. And here was my chance in sampling Puncher’s Chance!

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Dark caramel color, with a gamut of aromas (I sampled in a Neat tasting glass) including sweet toasted corn, caramel candy, rich molasses, roasted nuts, golden honey, vanilla bean, milk chocolate, toasted sesame seeds, charred oak, sweet pipe tobacco smoke and no nose burn whatsoever.

Going in for a taste there was a very full mouthfeel, and some burn, with many of the same remarkable notes I found on the nose with the addition of dried red berries, banana and with an unexpected strength. I added a capful of water to see what would happen and found that the aromas, thankfully, were unchanged. The taste benefitted from that small bit of water and softened some of the perceived strength, making this a perfect bourbon to serve on the rocks or a single extra-large rock.

This was a bourbon to linger over. My new What to Drink with What you Eat app (by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page) recommended pairing with chocolate brownies or cheese, which left me with a major craving!

From Puncher’s Chance™ 100% Kentucky Straight Bourbon:

Wolf Spirit Distillery’s newest brand, Puncher’s Chance™, is pure Kentucky Straight Bourbon inspired by two great American traditions: whiskey, and fighting for what we believe in. Famed sports and entertainment announcer Bruce Buffer, also known as the “Voice of Mixed Martial Arts,” explains: “A puncher’s chance means that anyone has the potential to succeed, whatever the odds, if he or she works for it. Being the underdog is often the greatest strength. Puncher’s Chance™ is the bourbon for everyone who believes and lives that credo.”

PUNCHER’S CHANCE ™ BOURBON, for those who believe they can win against all odds.

Where to Find it: As of Jan. 2021, sold in 19 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MS, NE, NH, NV, OK, RI, TN, TX, WA, and WI.

Puncher’s Chance™ 90 Proof

Puncher’s Chance™ Kentucky Bourbon is a marriage of 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old Kentucky Straight bourbons. The palate leads with caramel, spicy, slightly sweet, and creamy vanilla notes. The palate shows complex oaky sweetness alongside orange, dark chocolate, leather, and baking spices. The finish is long with sweet maple and sugar notes. Puncher’s Chance™ received a 95-point review from The Tasting Panel in January 2021.

Suggested Retail Pricing: $34.99/750mL

ABV and Proof: 45% and 90

Puncher’s Chance™ Private Barrel Selections

Once in a while a special barrel, with the perfect nose, taste, mouthfeel, and complexity, will be hand selected as a standalone bourbon. Each year we find a limited amount of these unique barrels and offer them to select accounts. Every bottle is customized with the store’s name on an elegant craft label.

Suggested Retail Pricing: $59.99/750mL

ABV and Proof: 57-61% and 115-122

About Wolf Spirit Distillery:

Wolf Spirit Distillery was founded in 2017 by a 17-year veteran of Campari, Umberto Luchini, who – in his late 40s, with his own savings at stake – walked away from his CMO position, hell-bent on upending the system to follow his dream as well as his personal mission to live courageously, honestly, and with great purpose. An initial $1.5M investment converted a laundromat into the distillery, and in its first full year the distillery sold 5K 9L cases across 23 states. The Wolf Spirit portfolio currently comprises Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka, Tom of Finland Organic Vodka, and Puncher’s Chance™ Bourbon.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Tasting Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Nixta Licor de Elote

May 14, 2021 by evebushman

Well this was a first for me. I had the opportunity to try the first 100% Mexican Corn Whisky and a Mexican Corn Liqueur, along with a kit to make my own corn tortillas. Why? Because the corn used to make the whisky is normally used for corn tortillas! The samples of both Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Nixta Licor de Elote would come with a cast iron tortilla press, Masa Harina corn flour and Mexican seas salt. Ed would make the tortillas later for dinner, and I would return the favor by sharing the whisky before that!

The Invitation and Details

I wanted to invite you to a special tasting with Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky – the first 100% Mexican corn whisky…we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to authentic Mexican culture and traditions, namely nixtamalization…

Launched a year ago, Abasolo is made with non-GMO Cacahuazintle corn and the 4,000-year-old Mesoamerican cooking technique nixtamalization to unlock the full flavors of the grain. Traditionally used in Mexican staples like tortillas, Abasolo is the first spirit to use nixtamalization in its production process. To give a first-hand look, and taste, we’d love to send you a kit with samples of Abasolo and ingredients to make your own corn tortillas, including cast iron tortilla press, Masa Harina corn flour, Mexican sea salt, and of course, Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky.

The Tasting

The Whisky

Sweet roasted corn, butter toffee, brown butter, kettle corn, roasted Brazil nut, cream, vanilla bean all on the nose, for the taste I got a rich warm mouthfeel of those same corn notes, lots of vanilla and nuts with salted butter on the finish. If it wasn’t for the corn notes in the aromas and flavors, I would’ve assumed that the spirit was a single malt scotch whisky. Very interesting. I will keep what I have left of the sample to share in a blind tasting and see what another person may think.

The Liqueur

Familiar with lots of flavored liqueur from anise, to ginger to raspberry and more, but never one with corn. This time the nose delivered a lot of buttered popcorn, fresh churned butter, dried earth, vanilla ice cream and flan. Again, pretty interesting. When I tasted it, I could see having it with (or poured over) vanilla ice cream or flan, with yummy flavors that reminded me of sweet creamed corn, grilled Elote street corn, butter toffee peanuts and white chocolate or Macadamia nut cookies.

About Abasolo Whisky

Abasolo El Whisky de Mexico is crafted and distilled from the finest, non-GMO, Cacahuazintle corn which has been cultivated over generations by local farmers for its distinct, extraordinary flavor. Tasting notes include rich and smooth with deep, intriguing notes of roasted grain, vanilla, and honey that are unlike any other. Learn more about the Ancestral Corn Whisky Brand, by visiting abasolowhisky.com or follow us on Instagram @abasolowhisky

About Nixta Licor De Elote

To create Nixta, the best tender corn of the season is macerated in an exquisite corn distillate and sweetened with clarified sweet wort—both produced from ancestral cacahuazintle grown near our distillery at a height of more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Pure cacahuazintle corn is used in two different stages of development: Cacahuazintle sweet corn is macerated and prepared to extract all its delicate flavor. And ripe, cacahuazintle kernels are nixtamalized to produce a sweet wort and alcohol. Together, these ingredients make Nixta Licor de Elote into a flavorful, versatile liqueur that is true to its origin. Visit https://www.nixtalicor.com or find on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixtalicor/

Bushman and Perlis Review 5 Newly Released 2020 Rosés

April 30, 2021 by evebushman

Recently Michael Perlis and I were presented with a few new Rosé wines for review. We didn’t taste together so below you will see notes by either K&MP (Yes, Michael enlisted his wife Karen to help with the hard work) or EB. I will first share the tantalizing invitation, and below that are descriptions of the wines from the wineries followed by our own tasting notes:

Rosé season is finally upon us! We are excited to present our selection of newly released 2020 Rosés, which come in a beautiful spectrum of pink shades. While these are wonderful wines for year-round enjoyment, there’s just something special about sipping a glass of pink during the springtime, when the weather begins to feel warmer, flowers bloom and days start to lengthen.

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2020 (750ml/$14.99): Jean-Luc Colombo is an estate built upon innovation, passion, and dedication to winemaking. From the stony, limestone vineyards nestled in the hills above the bay of Marseille near Provence comes Cape Bleue Rosé – a wine of pure elegance and freshness with pronounced raspberry aromas over a core of red fruit, classic watermelon and peach notes. An elegant mouthfeel, fluid and round with ample length and crisp finish. K&MP: Very intense with flavors of Gala apple and Anjou pear from the Mourvedre that wrap around the smokiness of the Syrah. We paired the wine with a roasted Pork Loin marinated in a ginger scallion sesame sauce with a few red pepper flakes thrown in. The wine was a great accompaniment. This was MP’s favorite – guess he’s a cheap date.

Côté Mas Aurore Rosé Pays d’Oc IGP 2020 (750ml/$13.99): Côté Mas Aurore Rosé captures the essence of its Mediterranean region’s charm, offering a rich and smooth palate full of cherry, strawberry and floral aromas evolving toward soft candied fruit notes. The palate is rich and smooth with ripe red fruits and well-balanced acidity. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, and goat cheese salads. EB: I’ll admit I chose this wine to review as the label design attracted me: a couple from the past – he wore an old fashioned straw hat – sitting for some wine with the vineyard in the background, all painted with pastel pinks, blue, yellow and green. The color of the wine itself, a pastel pink, coordinated perfectly. Now, to smell, I got aromas of cherry blossoms, fresh cut watermelon, lemon and lime zest, dried berries and wet stones; for the flavor there was welcoming crisp apple, juicy red fruit, and a mild to medium acidity which gave away to a nice length. We enjoyed this as recommended, as an aperitif. 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and 10% Vermentino. I would buy this wine.

Valdo Prosecco DOC Rosé 2020 (750ml/$15.99): One of the must-try wines from the newly approved category designation, Prosecco DOC Rosé, Marca Oro has a lovely pink hue and persistent perlage. On the nose, inviting floral notes lead to apple, pear, and small red berries. The palate is delicate, fruity, pleasantly harmonious with a long finish. This is perfect as an aperitif, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, fish, and tartare. EB: The color, of a perfectly ripe peach, and oodles of dancing bubbles definitely drew me in, including the three Prosecco lovers that shared this bottle with me. On the nose there was a wealth of raspberry, strawberry, toasted French baguette, wet river rock and white flower – all very enticing. One guest commented on the taste that the bubbly was fruit forward, as I got with more than a hint of ripe raspberry, bright strawberry, a feeling of general freshness, a nice low acidity, and that same raspberry from the nose to the taste lingered through to the finish. Pinot Noir and Glera grapes. My guests took photos of the wine in the hopes of finding it. I would also like to find this wine again.

Bertani Bertarose 2020 (750ml/$19.99): Bertarose is one of the oldest wines of the Bertani winery, and a blend of 75% Molinara and 25% Merlot grapes. Fresh aromas of pomegranate and red currants with notes of white flowers. Decisive on the palate, medium bodied with deft balance between acidity and tanginess. Excellent length. Perfect as an aperitif, it also goes well with salads, delicate-flavored pasta dishes and white meat. K&MP: Very clean nose and finish. Nice smooth mouthfeel as well. We got some citrus/lemon notes as well as pear. This wine was very refreshing yet full bodied enough to stand up to the mini-Reubens that we paired it with. They’ve been making this wine since the 1930s and they definitely know what they are doing. Very interesting blend as well as the approach of fermenting the Molinara on the skins and the Merlot off the skins. Makes for a pretty complex wine, which is not unexpected for a winery credited with creating the first commercial dry Amarone.

Planeta Sicilia DOC Rosé 2020 (750ml/$19.99): A blend of 50% Nero d’Avola and 50% Syrah, this fresh, fruit-forward rosé represents all the feelings of a Sicilian summer. The fresh aromas of strawberry make it a marvelously friendly wine, and easy to drink. Enjoy Planeta Rosé in good company, as an aperitif with tapas, raw fish, fresh salads or alone with seasonal fruit. K&MP: Light in color and nose, which makes sense as the wine is vinified like a white wine. Fragrance of Jasmine tea leaves. Seemed to bounce off the palate with its brightness. We paired this with a margarita pizza that we had added smoked salmon to and it matched perfectly. This would be great on a late summer California afternoon/evening with passed appetizers.

Find where to purchase any of these wines via Taub Family Selections:

https://www.taubfamilyselections.com/

Neft Vodka: a Vodka to Sip!

December 25, 2020 by evebushman

I’ve tasted a lot of vodka over the years. Flavorless and colorless are two descriptors assigned to it most often in spirit education courses. But, when you taste vodka over a period of time you can detect certain nuances, things that make them differ, and in the case with Neft, stand above the pack.

For most tasters, beginners to experts, it’s the alcohol burn that sets them apart. Inexpensive vodka can be quite harsh – lots of burn – while other more sought after brands – have little to no burn, but also have some interesting qualities. Neft is one of those.

When my sample arrived I was immediately surprised at the tin container it came in. Did some reading and learned that the tin cylinder leaves less of a carbon imprint, it’s not breakable and will stay cold longer. The sample also came with instructions for tasting. As I’ve said I’ve tasted plenty, but in the essence of a true vodka lover I followed their suggestions: how long to chill it, the type of glass to use, to try alone and not in a cocktail, how to nose the vodka, etc. This is the result:

As instructed we didn’t freeze, only chilled in freezer for an hour before sampling. Tasted neat and in a small glass:

Observation in glass: clear and clean, like a finely filtered water. No minerals or impurities.

Aroma from two inches away and swirling: reminded me of a a very fine sake, like a daiginjo where the sake rice has been milled down to 50%. With a gentle sweetness, as well as a creaminess, and some slightly buttery and even nutty notes.

Flavor: Smooth, burn on the mid palate only and not immediate. Still reminding me of a fine cold sake but of course, this is definitely a smooth and creamy vodka. The mouthfeel makes me want to sip alone, not masked by ingredients in a cocktail or even with ice. If I hold on the palate, the way whisky master blender Richard Patterson instructs for tasting single malt scotch, the mouthfeel only becomes rounder and more balanced.

Conclusion: This is not your mother’s vodka. This is a whole new generation, and a new level, of sippingvodka. 99 Eve points.

From Neft:

NEFT IS MADE FROM THE PUREST INGREDIENTS

NEFT is made from only four non-GMO European ryes and the purest water from the Austrian Alps. No additives. No sweeteners.

Our four grains of ancient rye species (Amato, Askari, Rasant and Pollino) are used in our proprietary blend. When brought together, the result is an award-winning taste with unprecedented smoothness.

It takes fifty years for the water we use to make its way from its source to our secured aquifer. During this time, gravity slowly draws the most important ingredient of our vodka through slate and granite. As it slowly seeps through crystalline rock, it’s purified for decades creating the purest water in the world.

NEFT USES SMALL-BATCH DISTILLING

NEFT is distilled in Lustenau, Austria near the Rhine River and Switzerland Border.
Our distillery has been perfecting small-batch, curated spirits for over 130 years.
NEFT is distilled three times in a copper-pot still.
We use a proprietary activated, carbon-layer filtration process.

NEFT IS AWARD WINNING
Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2019 & 2018

Best Vodka, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018

98-point rating, The Tasting Panel

92-point rating & Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute

Gold Medal, The Fifty Best

Gold Medal, Best Tasting Spirits

Reviewing Hall Wines At Home

October 23, 2020 by evebushman

My experiences with Hall Wines over the years have included tours at both the Hall, Rutherford Hill winery and the original winery, that has had some incredible updating, on Highway 29. We also attended a Hall Cabernet Release Party that was really a showcase of all Hall wines and the wonderful local food. I try to share their press releases quite a bit as well. I had not, however, reviewed any of the wines from home in a long time. That changed when I received these two bottles for review. Both were very good and only make me want to visit them again.

2016 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

16.1% alcohol

Observations only: Love a deep punt and a heavy weighted bottle, always makes me think the wine has extraordinary value. The color was a deep garnet with a crystal clear edge.

Aroma: Black pepper tickled my nose at first, and then a lot of black plum, crushed black cherries, red peppercorn, toasted oak and pipe tobacco.

Flavor: Very spicy up front with some redder fruit mid-palate, that same black fruit as on the nose, tri-color pepper, rich, tannic, dark with a long and drying finish.

Wine.com shows these scores: Robert Parker/The Wine Advocate 97, Wilfred Wong 96, Jeb Dunnuck 95, Vinous/Antonio Galloni 94, Wine Enthusiast 94.

From Wine Spectator, July 15,2020 issue, 96 points, release price of $185. Tasting notes: A beauty, with creamed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes that are long and deep, gliding through effortlessly and ending with a swath of espresso, loam and smoldering tobacco details. Hard to resist now, but will cruise in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035. 6,600 cases made. — JM (James Molesworth, senior editor.)

My conclusion: Not to disagree with any of our experts, I’m somewhere between Galloni and Wong. Great wine!

Walt Wines 2018 Pinot Noir, Bob’s Ranch, Sonoma County

Observations: Dark cranberry in color with a dark gold edge. We had this with Pork Wellington and it was perfect.

Aroma: tart red cherry, earth, crushed leaves, round.

Flavor: red to dark cherry, red currant, very round mouthfeel – which I felt would come from the nose – long and tingly finish.

My conclusion: Though not a big Pinot fan I do appreciate the excellent fruit and care that went into this wine. I would not and did not stick up my nose against it. Would definitely drink again. And again.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 points, “…it offers an outstanding bouquet of bright black cherry and mulberry fruit intermixed with Asian spices, violets, and pine/foresty notions. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, this terrific Pinot Noir has plenty of classic Sonoma Coast complexity and elegance and will keep for 5-7 years.” $85

From Wine Spectator: This wine not rated, two other 2018 Walt Pinots, both from Santa Lucia Highlands, Rosella’s Vineyard and Sierra Mar were awarded 92 points each and the release price on both were $75.

FitVine Named an Official Partner of the Navy SEAL Foundation

August 20, 2020 by evebushman

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. (PRWEB) – The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF), America’s premier non-profit organization serving SEALs and the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, today announced its newest Official Partnership with the fitness-conscious winemaker FitVine.

FitVine, founded in 2015 by two wine-and-fitness loving friends, produces innovative and delicious wine variations for adults looking for choices that are Keto friendly or wine that compliments a low-carb diet. With the new NSF partnership, FitVine has created a limited-edition co-branded Red Zinfandel varietal whereby twenty-five percent of proceeds from each bottle sold will be donated to the Foundation. By purchasing the Red Zin, consumers are directly supporting the NSF’s mission of service to the Naval Special Warfare community. “We are incredibly honored to welcome FitVine as our newest Official Partner,” said Chris Irwin, Director of Partnerships, Navy SEAL Foundation. “Their commitment as a ‘better for you’ product is perfectly aligned with the community we serve, and we couldn’t be more excited about the custom co-branded varietal they’ve developed.”

FitVine has already run two highly-successful promotions in support of the new partnership, on Memorial Day and 4th of July holiday weekends, giving consumers a rare opportunity for 15% off the limited edition varietal while also increasing their donation per bottle to $8. “We feel that it is our responsibility to give back to the warriors who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and we are honored to make this special bottle in support of the NSF,” said Mark R. Warren, FitVine President and Co-Founder. “We are ecstatic at the immediate response of our loyal customers and proud to announce our increased support as an Official Partner of the Navy SEAL Foundation.”

Available for purchase online only at https://www.fitvinewine.com/products/red-zinfandel; MSRP of 750 ml bottle is $19.95; case of 12 bottles $239.88. Nutritional facts (per 5oz glass): sugar: 0.9g; calories: 128; carbohydrates: 4.4 grams; alcohol: 14.9%. When purchasing a case, on every online purchase, there’s a 60-day, 100% Money-Back Guarantee. (Shipping included on all returns)

About FitVine
FitVine Wine was created for those who are active, have dietary restrictions, or are just looking for a better fit. It is our goal to craft wines that fit the active, healthy lifestyle of our friends and family. FitVine Wines contain less sugar, fewer sulfites, and no flavor additives without compromising taste or sacrificing alcohol content. To create clean and rich tasting wines with the flavor, mouthfeel, and alcohol content you’d expect from a fine wine.

About the Navy SEAL Foundation:
The mission of the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) is to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community and its families, the families of NSW fallen, and SEAL and SWCC veterans.

U.S. Navy SEALs have been in sustained combat for nearly two decades, performing hazardous work in unforgiving environments at an unrelenting pace. NSW operators are currently deployed in over 30+ countries across the globe and can spend up to 270 days each year in harm’s way.

The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind these warriors and their families by providing a comprehensive set of programs specifically designed to improve health and welfare, build and enhance resiliency, empower and educate families and provide critical support during times of illness, injury or loss.

Like the community it serves, the Navy SEAL Foundation is a high performing organization committed to excellence. NSF has been awarded the coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator since 2011 and has earned a perfect score of “100” each year since 2016 for financial health, accountability, and transparency, placing NSF in the top 1% of rated charities. Ninety-five cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs or is retained for future mission use.

The Navy SEAL Foundation is a 501c3 national non-profit charitable organization. TAX-ID 31-1728910. NSF is a non-federal entity, and it is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components, and it has no governmental status. To learn more, visit https://www.navySEALfoundation.org.

Blood Oath Pact No 6 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Now Available

June 1, 2020 by evebushman

CHEYENNE, WYO. (PRWEB) – Blood Oath Pact 6 – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the 6th release of Lux Row Distillers’ Blood Oath Series. The Blood Oath Series is an annually released series of blended bourbons that change recipes on each new release. Their latest, 5th pact, was extremely popular, so this new release is highly anticipated by bourbon-heads worldwide. The upcoming Blood Oath Pact 6 is a combination of 14-Year Extra-Aged Rye Bourbon, 8-Year Rye Bourbon, and 7-Year Rye Bourbon finished in Cognac Barrels. Blood Oath Pact 6 is a bottle your mouth will remember forever, starting with a nose of light caramel and toasted sugar and blossoming into tasting notes of spiced raisins and dark berries followed by a crème brulee finish.

Photo credit: KYBourbon.com

Blood Oath Pact 6’s head distiller and master blender John Rempe is a Certified Food Scientist with over 20 years of experience in the distillation of spirits. Rempe created other known brands like David Nicholson Reserve, Rebel Yell 10-Year, and the Ultra-Premium Blood Oath Series. But Rempe’s Blood Oath Pact 6 takes premium whiskey to an entirely new level. The oath taken by Lux Row Distillers and John Rempe is a promise to seek out bourbons that are rare and wonderful, yet forgotten. Blending these sought-after bourbons makes for a whole new whiskey that’s unimaginably good. Lux Row Distillers is over 18,000 square feet, and has six barrel warehouses capable of producing 50 thousand barrels of whiskey annually.

As America’s largest online premium spirits marketplace, CaskCartel.com guarantees the delivery of every Blood Oath Pact 6 bottle ordered. Lux Row Distillers will be holding 1,400 bottles of this one-time limited-edition release for a future trilogy set, which will be the only other time you’ll be able to buy Blood Oath Pact 6. As this is the only time you’ll be able to experience this one-time-only release, don’t hesitate to order your bottle today. With easy mobile friendly online ordering and doorstep delivery, let CaskCartel.com bring this Blood Oath Pact 6 – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey straight to you.

About Luxco Distillery
Luxco, Inc. is a privately owned producer and marketer of distilled beverages and liqueurs. Luxco was born of humble beginnings back in 1958 when Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr. established the David Sherman Corporation (DSC) as a private label bottler to serve the needs of distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Since that time, the company has quietly and patiently grown into a leading producer, bottler, importer and marketer with an impressive portfolio of beverage brands. Formerly called the David Sherman Corporation, the company was renamed in 2006 as a tribute to their founder, Paul Lux. Luxco is a consumer products company that is mindful of the past, yet focused on the future. Their mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of their consumers, associates and business partners through optimized resources, incomparable service and an innovative brand portfolio.

About Cask Cartel
Cask Cartel is America’s #1 online premium spirits marketplace. Featured and seen in Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal and Us Weekly Magazines. The company prides itself of having the largest marketplace in the world giving access to over 6000+ products. Combined with a superior customer service experience this makes them the leader in the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with producers, brands and the licensed local retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their online Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shopped sold and fulfilled by creating a network of the largest network of liquor selections available online.