Category Archives: reviews

Discovering Gardner Gin

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Gardener is a London Dry gin that marries traditional methods with modern elegance. Distilled in France with a wheat base and using copper pot stills, it features an organic botanical blend that includes juniper, licorice, coriander, and angelica. What sets it apart is the infusion of fresh and dry citruses from the Cap d’Antibes area, including grapefruit, lemon, and both sweet and bitter orange.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Gardener presents pleasant aromas of juniper intertwined with citrus fruit, black currant, and subtle notes of mint. The palate is smooth and balanced, with the citrus and juniper flavors leading to a long, satisfying finish. This gin is perfect for those who appreciate a classic London Dry style spirit.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship

The creation of Gardener Gin is a story of passion and expertise. Tom Nichol, a legendary figure in the world of gin who previously was the master distiller at Tanqueray, brings over 40 years of experience to this project. We were fortunate enough to interview Nicol previously at Simple Cocktails. His vision was exercised with the help of Brad Pitt and the winemaking Perrin family, and it resulted in a gin that is a celebration of the French Riviera’s unique terroir.

Cocktail: The Gin Sour

  • In a shaker, combine:
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 egg white
  • Vigorously dry shake (no ice), then add ice and shake again
  • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with 3 drops of bitters.

Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Gardner Gin offers a unique and memorable experience that captures the heart and soul of the French Riviera.

Have you had the chance to try Gardener Gin yet? What are your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments below!

Boozy Watermelon Aguas Frescas

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Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine is a delightful twist on traditional moonshine, capturing the essence of summer in a jar. This moonshine offers a bold and refreshing flavor profile that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe watermelon with a tangy, sour kick. At 60 proof (30% alcohol by volume), it provides a smooth yet potent experience.

The first sip reveals a burst of watermelon flavor, reminiscent of biting into a fresh slice on a hot day. The sour notes add an unexpected but pleasant twist, balancing the sweetness perfectly. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fruity spirits with a bit of a zing.

One of the standout features of Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine is its versatility. It can be enjoyed straight, over ice, or as a base for creative cocktails. Its vibrant flavor pairs well with mixers like lemonade, soda, or even a splash of tonic water. We made a boozy version of a watermelon aguas frescas with it:

Boozy Watermelon Aguas Frescas (by Simple Cocktails)

  • In a Tom Collins glass filled with ice, add:
  • 2 oz Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine
  • Top with strained, fresh watermelon aguas frescas and stir
  • Spoon reserved watermelon pulp on the top
  • Add 2 dashes of cucumber bitters (we used Bitter Truth)
  • Garnish with mint and lime

Overall, Sutherland’s Moonshine Sour Watermelon is a must-try for moonshine enthusiasts and those looking to explore unique, flavored spirits. Its refreshing taste and balanced profile make it a perfect addition to any summer gathering or a fun twist for your next cocktail party. Whether you’re a seasoned moonshine drinker or a curious newcomer, this sour watermelon variant is sure to impress.

High Camp Flasks Firelight Flask: A Review

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When it comes to enjoying your favorite beverages on the go, the High Camp Firelight Flask stands out as a top-tier choice. This flask isn’t just about carrying drinks; it’s about enhancing your outdoor experiences with style and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Firelight Flask is available in two sizes: the 750 mL and the 375 mL versions. Both are crafted with double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring your drinks stay at the perfect temperature for up to 24 hours. The flask is made from stainless steel, which not only adds to its durability but also gives it a sleek, modern look.

One of the standout features is the integrated low ball tumblers. These magnetic tumblers attach seamlessly to the flask, making it incredibly convenient to carry and use. Whether you’re sharing a drink around the campfire or enjoying a quiet moment in nature, the Firelight Flask makes it easy to pour and enjoy.

Functionality

The Firelight Flask is designed with the adventurer in mind. Its leak-proof cap and wide mouth make it easy to fill and clean. The flask’s capacity is generous, allowing you to carry enough for yourself and a friend. The 750 mL version can hold a full bottle of wine or your favorite cocktail, making it perfect for longer trips or larger gatherings.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Firelight Flask excels. The vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for extended periods, which is ideal for outdoor activities where you might not have access to refrigeration. Whether you’re sipping hot coffee on a chilly morning hike or enjoying a cold cocktail on a warm evening, the Firelight Flask ensures your drink is just the right temperature.

Personalization and Gifting

High Camp Flasks also offers custom engraving options, making the Firelight Flask a great gift for special occasions. Whether it’s for a wedding party, a corporate gift, or a personal milestone, the ability to personalize the flask adds a thoughtful touch.

Conclusion

Overall, the High Camp Firelight Flask is a versatile and stylish accessory for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures. Its combination of durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal makes it a standout choice in the world of portable drinkware. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just enjoy a good drink in the great outdoors, the Firelight Flask is sure to enhance your experience.

Have you tried the Firelight Flask or any other products from High Camp? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Non-Alcoholic Whiskies: Ritual and Monday

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The past year or two, I’ve begun to see non-alcoholic versions of popular liquors appear on store shelves and in social media advertisements. There are NA versions of every major base spirit that are made by one or both of the brands in this post, but today we’re going to focus on Ritual and Monday’s Whiskeys.

Whether you bill it as “Zero Proof” (Ritual) or “Zero Alcohol” (Monday), the effect is the same. These are whiskey-flavored whiskey substitutes without a drop of alcohol. There are, of course, several reasons for such a thing, and with the 2020 pandemic increasing many people’s alcohol intake, there may not be a better time to introduce these. They each make for a good cocktail whiskey substitute as well.

Both Ritual and Monday seem to base their flavor profiles on American whiskeys, the bourbons or Tennessee whiskeys we’re familiar with. Scotch drinkers may need to look for other brands to fit their bill.

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Yuzu Sour

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yuzu sour cocktail

I recently came across East Bev Co, a cocktail box subscription service that focuses exclusively on Asian and Asian-inspired ingredients. They were kind enough to send me a sample of one of their boxes, which includes ingredients to make 3 different cocktails, and comes with enough to actually make 4 of each. Helloooooo dinner party!

eastbevco recipe cards

East Bev boxes run about $50 per month, and includes all ingredients but alcohol. My 3 recipes this month called for Sake, so a single bottle would be perfect to make all 12 drinks. I chose the Yuzu Sour, and here’s how you do it:

Yuzu Sour (via East Bev Co)

  • in a shaker, combine:
  • 2 oz sake
  • 1 oz yuzu juice (provided)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (provided)
  • shake with ice and double-strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
  • garnish with bitters or a lemon peel (I did both!)

So you’re left with a deliciously tart, balanced drink with ingredients that you can’t usually find on the grocer’s shelf. For aficionados of Asian culture and for those who like to experiment with their food and drink, East Bev is a fun addition to a dinner party. Subscriptions are available here.

Dashfire Canned Cocktails

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dashfire canned cocktails

Dashfire has been making cocktail bitters for several years, and has entered the ready-to-drink cocktail space now with several canned drinks that you simply chill and pour, 

Now, we’re talking about simple cocktails that are about as simple as it gets. There’s no chance of user error here, and nothing to be intimidated by. Now, the philosophical side of this: the communal aspect of making cocktails together can’t be overstated, and there is a lot of freedom to adjust recipes according to your tastes when you make your own cocktails….but I think there’s a time and place for such a convenient package. Having cocktails packaged for on-the-go, like tailgating or camping, is a perfect opportunity for Dashfire’s canned cocktails.

How do they taste? The recipes are unique and definitely should be tried. The White Russian, for instance, is a Chai White Russian. The Martini is Lemon and Lavender (and uses vodka as its base). I noted the drinks that usually use vermouth (Martini, Manhattan) use Sherry instead. I drank most of mine on ice, but straight-from the can is likely what you’d be doing on a camping trip.

At retail, Dashfire cocktails are $4.99 per can (100 ml) and are available in mixed 6-packs as well.

Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Vermouth

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Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale

Martini & Rossi is one of the staple names – maybe THE name – in vermouth to most people. It can be found in grocery stores, liquor stores and everywhere in between and is therefore the most likely vermouth you have tried.

I’ve covered at length the proper care vermouth must receive to stay flavorful. In fact, I opened a bottle myself recently to find it only lasted a week or so in the fridge before turning sour. I have also said something here at this very blog that I still stand by: pricier vermouth tastes a lot better than the cheap stuff.

That said, Martini & Rossi has given us a widely-distributed vermouth “upgrade” that’s a pretty smart choice to make if you’re having a night of Martinis or Manhattans. Usually, a bottle of “Martini” will run you about $10, and the Riserva Speciale is about $15-20.

For me, a chilled white vermouth is my favorite to sip with fish, and I’m happy to say that Riserva Ambrato is an excellent vermouth for just this. Serve on the rocks with a lemon peel. It has slightly bitter and dry notes of rosemary and herbs.

Riserva Rubino, the red vermouth in this brand, is great with richer flavors of meat or even my favorite pairing choice: cigars.

If it’s hard to imagine a bottle of vermouth being delicious enough to drink straight, pick up a bottle of Martini Riserva Speciale, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

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the sexton irish whiskey

In the past few months, you may have noticed a new Irish whiskey on the shelves: The Sexton Single Malt. Introduced in early 2019 to the North American market, The Sexton comes in a stunning near-black hexagonal bottle with a dapper skeleton insignia. More attractive than that may be The Sexton’s price, though, at only $25 per bottle.

Made from 100% malted Irish barley and distilled in copper pots, The Sexton is aged 4 years in sherry casks. Often, Irish whiskey has a sweeter profile than the neighboring whisky from Scotland, but in this particular case The Sexton offers a surprising and slightly unfamiliar profile: spices and anise. So while there is a familiar Irish-ness in the initial sip of The Sexton, the back of the palate feels the warmth from the anise, while the tip of your tongue tingles from other spices as well.

Any time an “imported” whiskey is available at a decent age (remember this is 4 years old), and with a good price point, it’s a no-brainer to pick up a bottle to try. The Sexton can be used in cocktails where Rye is normally called for, which should add an interesting twist and character. At a relatively tame 40% ABV, I prefer sipping The Sexton neat or in an Old Fashioned, and often enjoy it with a cigar.

Roaming Man Whiskey

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roaming man rye whiskey

Sugarlands Distilling has done a pretty great job of carving a space in the moonshine category with dozens of moonshine flavors, but expanding into rum and liqueurs as well. One of their big multi-year projects, however, has been Roaming man Straight rye Tennessee Whiskey, an aged rye that they release specially for the past 3 years.

Here’s the fun part, though: it’s available in cask-strength, 375 ml bottles and is VERY limited edition: one release per year and then it’s gone. I’d joked with Sugarlands’ distiller Greg Eidam on a recent podcast that I didn’t know whether to drink mine immediately or save it forever.

It was too tempting. I cracked my bottle of their second-year release, from 2016, and it’s an extremely tasty rye with a great amount of spice and a nice amount of age. Often, if a rye is too young, it’s a bit sour and not as balanced as the older ones, but Roaming Man is balanced and drinkable.

And now, there’s a chance to get your own bottle of 2017 Roaming Man. Preorders are open  October 20, 2017 – get your bottle here.

Special thanks to our sponsor Sugarlands Distilling.

Humboldt Vodka and Hemp Seed Vodka

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humboldt vodkas

Humboldt Distillery is based out of northern California where they distill vodka and rum. I used their spiced rum to make a cocktail that I’ve been really enjoying lately: the Double Rum Old Fashioned.

Humboldt’s spiced rum I found to be sweet and syrupy, with a mild spiced palate; it goes well in cocktails for sure. I also had the chance to try their vodka, a sugarcane distillate that’s a touch sweet and quite smooth, as well as”Humboldt’s Finest”: a vodka infused with cbd oil.

I know, that raises some questions, so here’s what I do know: Humboldt’s Finest is legal in all 50 states. Does it make you high? Not that I noticed. Really, the biggest question we need to ask is: how does it taste? Well, Humboldt’s Finest is like a marriage between a tasty vodka and a mild, minty, herbal gin. In tonic, for instance, you might just find it a little more herbal than a Vodka Tonic (the premium CBD flower they use comes only from one specific region in California with a very specific tang) and bit milder than a Gin and Tonic. It makes for a slightly more interesting Dirty Martini, too. When I substituted it for their regular vodka in cocktails, people always noted it was “more herbal.”

All Humboldt’s spirits are organic, and I think the distillery had a unique enough approach together with a unique portfolio of spirits to add some fun cocktail twists to your home bar. Both vodkas retail for about $25.