It's that time of year again, no...not President's Day time of year, when we celebrate a group of old white guys, most of whom screwed things up, with big sales on linens and department store clothing made in other countries. No, it's the awards time of year. Some of these awards are vapid and downright … Continue reading 2011 James Beard Finalists
Van Winkle
WhiskyFest SF 2010 Wrap-up
Before we get into this any further, let me just lay out my WhiskyFest plan for next year: 1. Actually spend a few minutes making a serious game plan as to what to taste instead of talking about making a game plan and then running around like an idiot. 2. Eat more. 3. As nice … Continue reading WhiskyFest SF 2010 Wrap-up
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 Years Old – Review
Geeez, just when I proclaim that rye isn't my favorite branch of the whisky tree, I find one I really, really like. I guess it should come as no surprise that it's from the Van Winkle family of American hooch as everything else I've tried of theirs I've really enjoyed. There are a couple of … Continue reading Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 Years Old – Review
Van Winkle 12 Year Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Review
According to Washington Irving, Mrs. Van Winkle was a royal pain in the ass. From the sound of it, all she did was nag old Rip Van Winkle into a bowl of Dutch jelly. Granted, Ol' Rip might have deserved some nagging as he really let his place go, and he wasn't quite the ladder-climbing … Continue reading Van Winkle 12 Year Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Review
James Beard Semifinalists
Well, since the Olympics are happening, might as well throw some food & drink awards into the mix as well. The James Beard Award semifinalists were announced today. Among the nominess, there were a few of whisky-related note in the Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional category: Clear Creek Distillery, Portland, OR Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, … Continue reading James Beard Semifinalists
WhiskyFest 2010
Last year, we attended WhiskyFest in San Francisco for the first time and were summarily overwhelmed. If you're a whisky fan, a show like this is not to be missed. The entire show...hell, the entire week leading up to the show, I had this nervous, panicky feeling that I had to try every single item … Continue reading WhiskyFest 2010
THE CASKS 