Recently on this blog I discussed the pesky question I often get, “What’s Your Favorite Wine”? This week I’m doing it again: what goes through my mind and comes out of my mouth when I get asked about my favorite whisky. First thing is what KIND of whisky? To name a few are we talking…
Today I’m pleased to share this news below from Frey Ranch Distillery, regarding their brand-spanking-new Uncut (aka cask strength) Rye. I am also happy to have received a bottle for review. Sharing below some bullet points from the news release, my review, and then the full release: My Review (Evaluated in the Neat tasting glass…
Taiwan’s Leading Distillery Wins WWA’s Highest Honour as Two Expressions Advance to Finals TAIPEI, /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan’s trailblazing whisky distillery, Kavalan, has achieved a landmark moment at the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2026, one of the most respected competitions in the global whisky industry. Kavalan was named Distiller of the Year, securing the highest global honour and…
Two more spirits for review today from the recent Bar and Restaurant Expo are the new Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey that’s barrel aged for four years, and one of their popular flavored whiskies: Salty Caramel. Most people are familiar with their moonshine brand. I had seen the jars everywhere myself. I honestly had…
FORT WORTH, Texas, /PRNewswire/ — Point Blank Tequila — a new, 100 percent additive-free tequila that just hit North Texas liquor stores — recently took top honors at the 2025 PR%F Awards in Las Vegas, one of the beverage industry’s premier competitions. All three expressions, Añejo, Blanco, and Reposado, won medals for both taste and bottle design…
SANTA ROSA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Washington’s Maryhill Winery, located in the Columbia River Gorge, was named Winery of the Year at the 2025 Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition (DBIWC). The event celebrated its 44th consecutive year of judging at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Dec. 11. Owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold opened Maryhill Winery 25 years ago….
2025 marks the fourth year that I’ve served as a wine and spirits judge for the Proof Awards in Las Vegas. Not sure I would know that except that it’s not only been a fabulous experience sampling spirits, wines and making new friends – on the fifth year I get awarded with their black leather Proof Awards…
NAPA, CALIFORNIA — Festival Napa Valley is proud to announce the commissioning and world premiere of The Judgment of Paris, a new one-act opera by acclaimed composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. The work will debut on July 18, 2026, on the Festival Napa Valley Stage at Charles Krug Winery, as part of Festival Napa Valley’s landmark 20th Anniversary Season. This…
The Celebration of the Volcanic Wine Awards will Culminate at the International Volcanic Wines Conference in New York City, June 2026 NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ — Volcanic Wines International (VWI) announces a landmark partnership with JancisRobinson.com, for the annual Volcanic Wine Awards. This transatlantic collaboration with a global wine editorial powerhouse signals a bold new chapter in showcasing the vibrant diversity of…
TWSC Says Their Top ‘Best of the Best’ Award Has Never Been Awarded to Two Whiskies Before TAIPEI, /PRNewswire/ — In the final round of the 2025 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition (TWSC), Taiwan’s premier whisky distillery achieved the impossible, scooping not just one “Best of the Best Single Malt”, but two of the same award. Organisers said: “Due to a…
