We’ve been fans of wines from the Rockpile AVA for a long time. There is just something about the rich balanced flavor and structure of the wines from this region, primarily Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. But only recently have we gotten a better understanding of the history of this AVA. Located at the far west…
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…
One of the bottles I received for review from the recent Bar & Restaurant Expo included The Deacon, a blended scotch whisky from both Islay and Speyside, so there’s a bit of distinctive peat. It’s distributed by Sovereign Brands. I had tasted it at a past Expo and liked it then, so I looked forward…
Mark Newman, a pal of mine of many years, who was with Apogee 21 Holdings Inc at this year’s Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America convention, presented me with four organic Rose wines from Chateau d’Astros in Provence to review. They were all wines I’d never had before so I welcomed a chance to review…
LOUISVILLE, Ky., /PRNewswire/ — Old Forester is proud to announce the release of the latest expression drop in The 117 Series – High Angels’ Share Rye, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. This limited small-batch release showcases the remarkable concentration of flavor that can emerge from Old Forester’s unique maturation environments. Due to the effects of heat-cycled warehousing…
I was recently offered the opportunity to try the same wines from Robert Hall in Paso Robles that were made two different ways: Regenerative Organic and Conventionally Farmed. If you know me you know that I have the unpopular opinion that I don’t care how the wine is made, organic or not, I just want…
In this follow-up article from the recent WSWA Access Live I have three bottles for review all made stateside: a bourbon, an infused whiskey and a gin. I sampled all three at the show – enjoying them all – and was gifted the bottles to take home for further study and a review on this…
Another spirit I discovered at the recent WSWA Access Live event was Campesino Rum, and its founder Hatton Smith. I only had a few moments with Hatton but in that time I easily picked up on his enthusiasm and dedication to crafting his spirits. I happily took a bottle of his Campesino Silver home for…
We covered our first Access Live in 2024, missed it in 2025 as it was held in Denver, now we are thrilled to have had the event back in here Las Vegas this past February 2026. It’s an event for members of the wine and spirits industry that my husband Eddie (our photographer) and I…
Very pleased to be trying four new-to-me wines from the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez: a Blanc de Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon all with the same winemaker and farmer though different vineyards. When I received the samples I also asked the owner who happens to be the farmer, James Ontiveros, for…
