NoPa is a neighborhood in San Francisco, its moniker standing for North of Panhandle, the Panhandle being a thin strip of tree-lined park jutting eastward from beautiful Golden Gate Park. Nopa is also the name for neighborhood's best restaurant and cocktail gathering place. We've dined there several times and have always enjoyed the excellent California … Continue reading Nopa: Sherry, Supernova & Firelit Liqueur! – Review
Reviews
Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey – Review
Only in America could you have a world-famous distillery planted smack-dab in the middle of a dry county. I guess it should come as no surprise to anyone that our nasty puritanical streak can only be usurped by the lure of the almighty dollar. With that in mind, I'd like to think that the counties … Continue reading Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey – Review
Caol Ila 12 Year Old – Review
According to my handy, pocket-sized, 6" thick, 15lb., 1961 Websters New International Dictionary (2nd Edition, unabridged), "smoke" is defined thusly: smoke (smōk), n. [AS. smoca; akin to AS. smeocan to smoke, smēcan to smoke, smēc, smyc, smoke, LG. & D. smook smoke, G. schmauch, Gr. smychiein to smolder, Lith. smaugti suffocate, choke.] 1. the gaseous … Continue reading Caol Ila 12 Year Old – Review
Tasting Group 4.3.10 – 5 Single Malts
A group of us got together for the first of hopefully several whisky tastings this past weekend. We all either walked, drove or took public transportation to our meeting place...none of us flew in on a private jet. We were not carried there upon jewel-encrusted sedan chairs. There were no entourages. We kept things pretty … Continue reading Tasting Group 4.3.10 – 5 Single Malts
Talisker 18 Year Old – Review
I've read that on the Eastern shore of the Trotternish peninsula on Skye, there is a rock formation called Elglais Bhreugach, or "false church". It's a largish stone arch that, as you might expect, kind of resembles a church. The local folklore of the spot is that many, many centuries ago it was used for … Continue reading Talisker 18 Year Old – Review
Bernheim Original Kentucky Wheated Whiskey – Review
I have no idea which grain they're talking about when people sing "amber waves of grain." It could be wheat, I guess...or barley...oats, maybe. Hell, if you leave corn sit around long enough, it'll probably turn a nice golden brown. What do I know, I'm no farmer. I've also never had a chance to sit … Continue reading Bernheim Original Kentucky Wheated Whiskey – Review
Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey- Review
Had the chance to taste the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye at Alembic yesterday. I've heard great things about this one but I have to admit, rye typically isn't my favorite. I like the sharp spiciness or the spicy sharpness, but sometimes wish that quality didn't overwhelm subtler notes as it often does. The Nose: … Continue reading Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey- Review
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Review
Happy St. Patrick's Day! A little over 10 years ago, I was sitting in the Mercer Hotel in Dublin with my family in the early evening, enjoying a drink before we went out to find dinner. Being in Ireland, we were possibly drinking Guinness, definitely drinking Jameson and most likey, if memory serves, and it … Continue reading Redbreast 12 Year Old – Review
Highland Park 12 Year Old
There are those scotches, and I won't mention Ardbeg & Laphroaig by name, that really seem to relish knocking the wind out of you. Strong, challenging, complex, and at times overwhelming, but all in a good way. They leave us lying in the dirt with only one shoe on, laughing as they walk away, knowing … Continue reading Highland Park 12 Year Old
Glengoyne 17 Year Old – Review
I sampled Glengoyne's 17 Year Old tasted at Nihon recently. Glengoyne, located North of Glasgow, is known for a slightly more unique approach to its Highland Malts, they use air-dried barley instead of peat smoked dried. Hmmm...no peat? I have to admit, there was a little skepticism mixed in with my curiosity upon learning that. The Nose: … Continue reading Glengoyne 17 Year Old – Review
THE CASKS 