tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28897512113259336072012-01-17T18:13:13.918-05:00A service of <a href="http://billdowd.com">Dowd's Guides</a>William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-82569246715563059272012-01-17T15:57:00.014-05:002012-01-17T18:13:13.927-05:00

• I've always wondered why rapper Chris Bridges uses the stage name "Ludacris." Sure, it's a play on his first name, but the correct spelling -- ludicrous -- certainly isn't something most people would want to be called. Nevertheless, the name hasn't hurt his career as Grammy winner and businessman. He's the spokesman for Birkedal Hartmann, the French maker of cognac for the past century and

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-63465282276841969962012-01-03T16:33:00.005-05:002012-01-03T16:38:18.567-05:00

• The presidential caucus being held today in Iowa is the starter for the run-up to the November presidential election. Heaven Hill Distilleries is using the event to try a clever marketing gimmick -- Red State and Blue State bourbons. This entertaining marketing effort allows political-minded consumer to purchase a bottle of bourbon along party lines -- Red State for Republicans, Blue State for

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-37814236884535113372011-12-02T19:22:00.003-05:002011-12-02T19:38:51.126-05:00

 • The saga of Shackleton's whisky -- the discovery in early 2007 of a cache of spirits left behind by an early 20th Century expedition to the South Pole -- has all the elements of derring-do from an era when men and their potables were rustic, burly and beyond the scope of mortals. Recreating a legend seldom fares well. Witness the flops we saw in trying to revive "Charlie's Angels" on TV this

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-48715006237885723812011-12-02T18:56:00.004-05:002011-12-02T19:04:29.381-05:00

• Put a good Scotch whisky in a mixture of 70%-30% Olorosso Sherry and American White Oak casks, and you come up with this winner. I haven't smoked in a quarter-century, but I still fondly recall the aroma of a fine cigar accompanied by a fine whisky. Sampling the Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve put me back in those more carefree, and careless, times. The initial slight cigar-smoke nose, with

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-82031740885325672302011-11-16T15:27:00.004-05:002011-12-02T19:04:37.512-05:00

Photo by Bill Dowd • Lan is a leading 40-year-old Spanish winemaker involved exclusively in the creation of Crianza red wines. It was named to Wine Spectator's 100 best wines list in 2010. This 100% Tempranillo is aged in American and French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by several months in the bottle. The result is a deep cherry red wine, with violet hues, an enticing appearance. The

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-24296032666142947202011-11-09T18:39:00.008-05:002011-12-02T19:04:20.004-05:00

• For its sixth annual release in its Master's Collection, Woodford Reserve has created a change of pace with a pair of 375ml bottles of rye -- one aged in a used, charred cask, the other in new wood. Woodford master distiller Chris Morris hates being predictable. Thus, the "Rare Rye" version of his Master's Collection, to be released sometime in November. The two are a triple distilled rye

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-38727566410746286072011-11-07T13:48:00.004-05:002011-11-07T13:49:45.585-05:00

Here's a thought for an easy holiday gift. Pick up copies of my new book, "Barrels & Drams: The History of Whisk(e)y In Jiggers and Shots," just released by the New York publisher Sterling Epicure. The suggested retail price for the hardcover book is $18.95. You can get a copy, often at a discounted price, via such online sites as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and others. Bill Dowd I

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-28349136791587118782011-11-05T17:08:00.007-04:002011-12-02T19:04:51.587-05:00

• Here's a first for this blog. Because I do not care for the taste of coffee in any form -- liquid, ice cream, flavoring, etc. -- I prevailed on my wife and frequent imbibing companion, April Dowd, to evaluate this product. It is the first time in the history of the blog that began in February 2005 that someone other than I posted a review. Smirnoff came out last year with two coffee flavored

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-33508991341826339192011-10-24T13:59:00.003-04:002011-12-02T19:05:00.889-05:00

• Old Pulteney is Scotland's northernmost distillery, but it's not out of sight. Jim Murray has anointed its 21-year-old expression "World Whisky of the Year" in his influential 2012 Whisky Bible. Old Pulteney 21, which had a nice European following before being introduced to the U.S. market in 2007, is drier and a touch spicier than the popular 17 year old. I suspected there was a difference

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-65317344635629111482011-10-20T17:06:00.005-04:002011-12-02T19:05:15.995-05:00

• Troy & Sons has something unusual going for it. Troy. As in Troy Ball, a female distiller in a world heavily dominated by men. When I lunched with her at the Mount Vernon Inn in Virginia recently, she insisted her moonshine would be the best I ever tried. Here's what happened. I examined the bottle. Elegant, classic lines, understated yet bold at the same time. I sniffed the moonshine, ready to

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-88227191455365436952011-10-14T17:48:00.010-04:002011-11-16T15:29:48.026-05:00

Photo by Bill Dowd • The rebuilt distillery at George Washington's home in Mount Vernon, VA, had its grand opening in 2007. Since then, everything distillers have made there has been a hit. For the most part, the uniqueness of the operation has created the demand for its output among collectors. And that was unaged whiskey, the same way it was sold in Washington's day when he was the young

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-59963199405218173212011-08-31T14:54:00.001-04:002011-08-31T14:54:12.523-04:00

My new book, "Barrels & Drams: The History of Whisk(e)y In Jiggers and Shots," will officially be released on September 6. The retail price then will be $18.95, but you can get a hefty 33% pre-release discount from Amazon.com by going here. It is a collection I co-wrote and edited with essays from numerous writers famous in the field, from F. Paul Pacult to David Wondrich to Tom Wolfe. You'll

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-70538379662505081102011-05-28T19:17:00.008-04:002011-10-14T19:57:30.208-04:00

Photo by Bill Dowd • Bill Lumsden, director of whisky creation for such labels as Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, likes to play around with wood. That's how he came up with his latest creation as well as its name. It won't be on the market until September, but I was fortunate to get an advance sample. This will be Ardbeg's annual new release when it hits the global market in the fall. The name alone

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-63746976481460555462011-04-01T13:45:00.010-04:002011-10-14T19:57:49.540-04:00

Photo by Bill Dowd • New York State's micro-distilling movement is gaining momentum. Harvest Spirits, the distillery at the sprawling Golden Harvest Farms in Columbia County, one of Upstate's major fruit growers, has a line of vodka, brandy, applejack and eau de vie products. The name is a tipoff that this is not a grain-  or potato-based spirit. Think core, think apple -- in this instance,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-74658269607642706092011-03-23T14:24:00.004-04:002011-10-14T19:58:04.205-04:00

• Peter Ekelund was behind the creation of a potato vodka in the Cape Bjäre  region of southern Sweden. He had been instrumental in the launch of Absolut a quarter-century earlier, but making a potato vodka revived a style that had been prevalent in Sweden until the late 1970s when all distillers converted to grain bases. Ekelund enlisted retired Absolut master blender Börje Karlsson to help

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-59421188316238991872011-03-17T13:35:00.009-04:002011-10-14T19:58:17.971-04:00

• In a surge of innovation that hasn't been seen around Lynchburg, TN, in a long time, the Jack Daniel Distillery has put out its second new product in a month, this one following its line of ready-to-drink versions of infused Jack whiskey. What do you call an alcoholic beverage that is cold, warm and hot stuff all at the same time? You got it. This new product from the Jack Daniel Distillery

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-62257378738945367512011-02-12T20:25:00.012-05:002011-10-14T19:58:34.800-04:00

• A group of U.S. investors led by Johnny Schuler, founding member and president of the National Tasters Guild of Peru, is introducing Pisco Portón to the United States market in April; good timing, since the grape-based brandy is slowly gaining popularity in the U.S. This style of pisco is called a "mosto verde," which translates to "green must." That means it is distilled before the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-74656989147470032442011-02-12T19:37:00.009-05:002011-10-14T19:58:47.673-04:00

• As anyone who knows Dr. Bill Lumsden can attest, Glenmorangie's head of whisky creation never rests. That's because he's always busy ... well ... creating whiskies. Think Signet, Astar, LaSanta. Here is the latest from the Scottish distiller, just now becoming available in the U.S. market. This new blend has a very old pedigree. It was re-created from a recipe dating to 1903 that was  in the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-20474980110549666562011-02-12T19:03:00.006-05:002011-12-02T18:59:52.749-05:00

Bill Dowd photo • John L. Sullivan was one of the first Irish American names I learned as a kid. The last bare-knuckle world heavyweight boxing champion who hung 'em up in 1889 after a 75-round title defense was a familiar sight in posters and illustrations that abounded in athletic clubs, saloons and meeting halls. This tribute whiskey comes from the Cooley Distillery, Ireland's only

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-48713108763635245232011-02-12T18:21:00.008-05:002011-10-14T20:00:12.230-04:00

• Michael Collins, the whiskey made by the only independent distiller in Ireland, is re-booting its image and a New York importer is helping them do it. Sidney Frank Importing Company of New Rochelle has teamed up with Cooley Distillery to launch the new look of Michael Collins whiskies in the U.S. The dark, moody label features the iconic silhouette of Collins, the renowned Irish patriot, on

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-14960244533330097532011-02-12T17:58:00.009-05:002011-10-14T20:00:30.942-04:00

• A few years ago, I had the opportunity to try my hand at blending Canadian whisky under the tutelage of Master Distiller Harold Ferguson at the Canadian Mist distillery in Collingwood, Ontario. (Harold retired in 2010.) One thing I learned was that Canada has very strict rules about how its whiskies are made. So, I was quite anxious to sample a new expression, named for the distillery's

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-63905953566454935562011-02-03T11:44:00.006-05:002011-10-14T20:00:51.553-04:00

Photo by Bill Dowd • In the 1950s, Early Times was the No. 1-selling bourbon. In 1983, it switched to a Kentucky Whisky (spelled in the Scottish manner without an "e"). Now it has returned to its roots with this new bourbon overseen by Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. From the first glance at the retro bottle design to the first sip, this expression is evocative of the old days, as

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-68898083793702864192010-12-02T10:50:00.010-05:002011-10-14T20:01:11.092-04:00

• The publication Le Revue du Vin de France regards Olivier Leflaive as one of Burgundy's best white Burgundy producers. The "les Sétilles" is a blend from vineyards in the villages of Puligny-Montrachet (60%) and Meursault (40%).  Like all Bourgogne Blancs, this is a Chardonnay, but the differences in the expressions from this region are legion. The LeFlaive is a lemony blend that, when nosed

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-54777939968072940222010-11-24T15:04:00.004-05:002011-03-17T13:50:36.326-04:00

Woodford Reserve is a classy example of American distilling. The Versailles, KY, company's standard bourbon is a potent (94.4 proof) whiskey with a powerful, tasty edge. • Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Maple Wood Finish Under Master Distiller Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve (once known as Labrot & Graham) has a strong commercial following. This new example of his Master's Collection will

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-43366929251748827012010-11-24T14:41:00.005-05:002011-02-12T18:26:48.959-05:00

Bill Dowd photo The northern Médoc region of France is recognized as an excellent terroir, with its fine gravel soil that allows strong root growth. As part of the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) of Bordeaux, its bold wines are noted for their longevity. • Cordier Chateau Plagnac 1997 Médoc Sometimes a wine gets lost in the cellar, under coats of dust and indifference. Sometimes they're

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-36839667912146893262010-08-06T15:30:00.005-04:002011-02-12T18:27:29.031-05:00

Bill Dowd photo The Haut-Médoc region in southwestern France is known as the grand classic of the six appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) sections of Bordeaux, a region known for its full-bodied wines. This vineyard's role began there late in the 17th Century when its first vines were planted. • Chateau Larose-Trintaudon 2004 Haut-Médoc This rich red wine is a strong representative of wines

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-50867577087324531502010-08-06T15:29:00.004-04:002011-02-12T18:27:50.175-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Malbec, the once-lowly European blending grape that has become a star in the high-elevation vineyards of Argentina, is fast becoming a staple in the U.S. market. Bodegas Salentein, which produced this wine, is located in the fertile Uco Valley. • El Portillo 2008 Malbec I can't get enough Malbec, low-priced or premium. The bold, lush grape has emerged as a fruit most

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-89477462032580282952010-07-28T20:10:00.005-04:002011-02-12T18:28:16.747-05:00

Bill Dowd photo This chateau is located just north of Bourges, in central France which is part of the sprawling Bordeaux region. • Château La Borne 2009 Bordeaux I uncorked this estate-bottled Sauvignon not expecting much. No slight to the winery. It was just that its under-$5 retail price didn't strike me as promising a revelatory experience. As it turned out, the experience was pleasant

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-29343978302568446452010-05-11T19:56:00.003-04:002011-02-12T18:28:41.578-05:00

Bill Dowd photo It seems almost unnecessary to state that the BOE wine label is not one of New York State's most widely known. The acronym stands for Brooklyn Oenology, a winery in the Williamsburg section of the borough that uses Long Island-grown grapes for its portfolio. It offers a Merlot, a Viognier, a Chardonnay and a variety of blends. This one one of the latter. • BOE 2006 Social Club

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-59021241149899822112010-05-11T19:33:00.003-04:002011-02-12T18:29:05.793-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Greek wines don't immediately spring to my mind three-quarters of the year. But, when we get to the salad and grilled fish season, ahh, that's different. Here's a budget-conscious selection. • 2006 Kouros Patras My favorite Greek white wine has always been Kretikos, from the island of Crete which produces 20% of Greece's wine. Before it became more popular, I usually had to

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-25411482112338752622010-04-06T12:50:00.003-04:002011-02-12T18:29:27.564-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Anyone who pays even the slightest bit of attention to the adult beverage industry knows the RTD niche -- ready to drink -- keeps growing. However, the expansion usually comes in flavored versions of existing drinks, or ready-made cocktails with lots of fruit flavors. Here's one that breaks the mold, from Mystique Brands LLC in Brooklyn, NY. • Metropolitan Vodka Martinis Talk

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-87939833391067809472010-03-13T15:06:00.006-05:002011-03-17T13:51:34.168-04:00

Van Gogh added this triple wheat vodka to its extensive portfolio at an interesting time -- when most competitors are adding flavored vodkas. Not that the Dutch distiller has ignored that. It recently added açai-blueberry and double espresso flavors. • Van Gogh Blue Vodka     Master distiller Tim Vos uses three different European wheats in creating this vodka in small batches at the Royal

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-4347940966247791052010-03-11T14:14:00.004-05:002011-03-17T13:51:45.417-04:00

The Virginia wine industry may fly under the radar when it comes to national attention, but the commonwealth has many fine wineries. This particular wine was the Governor's Cup winner, the top prize, in the recent 2010 Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond. Earlier, it earned double gold in the 2009 Monticello Cup. • King Family Vineyards Meritage 2007 The deep garnet color arrests the eye. The first

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-66736148772928122132010-03-02T18:20:00.004-05:002011-03-17T13:51:56.873-04:00

There is no organic matter that cannot be used to make vodka. Thus, what Harry Gorman, the distiller for Duncan's Spirits of St. Johnsbury, VT, is producing makes great use of that fact and the fact that its home area has some very distinctive products. • Vermont White and Vermont Gold The White vodka is delivered with a distinctive white cow embossed on the rear panel of the tall, elegant,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-83941432463741163342010-03-02T17:32:00.002-05:002011-02-12T18:31:36.033-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Old Crow is an old name among bourbons, but there's always room for a change. I was fortunate to be sent a free advance sample of Beam Global's newest expression to test the waters before its release. • Old Crow Reserve As a longtime bourbon aficionado, I find that although I always enjoy a new expression I tend to lapse back to my "house bourbon" for Manhattans and my sippin'

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-895201614961842272010-02-26T13:23:00.002-05:002011-02-12T18:31:57.194-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Tuthilltown Spirits of Orange County, NY, the state's first licensed distillery since Prohibition, has created a special bottling for a private customer, a first-timer in the distilling game. • Edward III New York Absinthe This truly unusual spirit is the final version of a recipe Tuthilltown tweaked and produced for Mark Maurice and Edward Jahn, according to distiller Ralph

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-35771878529454388492010-02-26T10:42:00.003-05:002011-02-12T18:32:17.206-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Tuthilltown Spirits, located in the lower Hudson Valley of New York, is the state's first licensed distillery since Prohibition. I had the opportunity to sample four of its Hudson brand spirits during a whiskey-pairing dinner at Marché restaurant in Albany, NY, co-hosted by Tuthilltown co-founder and distiller Ralph Erenzo. Note the 375ml bottle, a Tuthilltown exclusive and the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-64652260847297697872010-01-28T18:21:00.003-05:002011-02-12T18:32:57.800-05:00

Bill Dowd photo New York's fledgling craft distilling movement is gaining momentum as well as expertise. At a recent seminar and tasting held in Saratoga Springs, I had the opportunity to try several flights of products. UNAGED SPIRITS • LiV Vodka: This spirit, utilizing the region’s signature potatoes, gets your attention immediately with its slightly citrusy nose, its pleasing oiliness

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-25789866108956479012010-01-26T18:31:00.004-05:002011-02-12T18:33:32.852-05:00

Bill Dowd photo The Warwick Vallery Winery & Distillery in Orange County, NY, was the state's first fruit micro-distillery in modern times. At the distillery, it is developing a line of American Fruits-brand ports, brandies and eau de vies. • American Fruits Sour Cherry Liqueur This clear ruby liqueur has non of the cloying thickness of so many of its ilk. It is a combination of fresh New

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-58654927302789966052010-01-25T16:19:00.002-05:002011-02-12T18:34:26.837-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Put two unrelated guys together who share not only a surname but a love of spirits and the result is Finger Lakes Distilling, a craft distillery in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes wine country. The partners are Brian McKenzie and Earl McKenzie, and they produce a line of spirits that includes, rye, bourbon, gin, vodka and liqueurs. • McKenzie Rye Whiskey This golden amber

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-12208151374023681312010-01-24T14:39:00.002-05:002011-02-12T18:34:59.302-05:00

Bill Dowd photo Sustainable agriculture is the emerging thing in the global wine industry. In the Rhone Valley of France, one of the oldest commercial terroirs in the world, Domaine de la Mordorée is one of the leading winemakers using such methods. • Domaine de la Mordorée Tavel It is refreshing to come across a rosé I can call something other than summery and light. Mordorée's Tavel is as

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-40580605870756686502009-09-12T15:34:00.003-04:002011-02-12T18:35:23.923-05:00

Bill Dowd photo In a field dominated by industriale style rums, it's nice to do a sampling of an agricole style -- one made from sugar cane rather than molasses -- with obvious quality. • Diplomático Reserve Blanco Rum This ultra premium spirit was introduced to the global market last fall at RumFest in London. It has gotten excellent early notices, with gold medals in a variety of

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-44394355370509631352009-09-03T12:50:00.001-04:002010-12-02T11:56:07.941-05:00

Bill Dowd photoSometimes a liqueur gets short shrift among tasting notes collections because they're not really at their best when consumed straight. But, when they work well in cocktails, they deserve special notice. This is one such product. • Passoã: The Passion Drink The label design, the Web site sales pitch, indeed the whole mood of Passoã screams Brazil and the Caribbean even if the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-55803131412258624692009-08-25T14:46:00.001-04:002010-12-02T11:56:22.738-05:00

Bill Dowd photoIt takes a long time for Ron Atlantico rum to go from its birthplace in the Dominican Republic to market throughout the Caribbean -- and now in the U.S. -- due to its multi-layered aging process. It is worth the wait. • Ron Atlantico Private Cask Rum This Dominican gem is a blend of several small-batch dark rums. But, it is more than that. The blend then is placed in small,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-68868380012596418952009-07-19T16:27:00.001-04:002010-12-02T11:56:41.942-05:00

Bill Dowd photoThis red comes from a French specialist in Syrah-based Rhone Valley wines. • Paul Jaboulet Aine 2005 "Les Jalets" Crozes Hermitage The syrah grape is a wonderful wine grape, plump and bursting with goodness if the weather has been kind. And, when they are grown in the sandy soil along the Rhone River in France, they are often of the highest qualty. That is immediately

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-40947558815707962712009-07-03T11:30:00.001-04:002009-07-03T11:47:37.335-04:00

Bill Dowd photoSouthern Comfort has been a popular American liqueur since it was created in the late 19th Century in New Orleans. Now, the Brown-Forman label has added two ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to its brand portfolio. Both are of the "pour over ice and drink" variety.• Sweet Tea CocktailThis flavor actually tastes like, well, sweet tea, with the slight heat of Southern Comfort that

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-29112571818558910872009-06-23T14:22:00.000-04:002009-07-19T16:41:35.710-04:00

Bill Dowd photoToday, the Glenlivet portfolio has grown under the ownership of the international corporation Pernod Ricard to include six whiskies -- the basic 12-year-old expression, a 15-year-old French oak reserve, the Nadurra (Celtic for “natural”) 16-year-old, as well as 18- and 21-year-old expressions and, for just the past eight months, the XXV, a 25-year-old. The Glenlivet Cellar

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-63896170851545812522009-06-17T11:23:00.000-04:002010-04-11T18:38:57.719-04:00

Bill Dowd photoIt's not the first vodka to be filtered through diamonds (see my tasting notes on Baojing 168), but this Polish creation may be the classiest packaging to come along in years. Although the spirit is made in Poland, the company is owned by Diamond Beverages LLC of Lake Forest, IL.• The Diamond Standard VodkaWhen I first saw a bottle of this vodka, I was mesmerized by the clean,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-41551365112266150472009-05-01T14:43:00.001-04:002009-05-01T15:22:17.866-04:00

Bill Dowd photoFinlandia's latest vodka product, Tangerine Fusion, debuts on the U.S. market today. The company already had such flavored vodkas as lime, cranberry, grapefruit, mango and wildberries in addition to its basic unflavored spirit.• Finlandia Tangerine Fusion VodkaI've found some orange- or tangerine-infused vodkas a bit too sweet for my taste, something that tends to overwhelm many

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-66856760876146831332009-04-27T11:32:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:03:25.647-04:00

Bill Dowd photoFaretti, the Italian maker of numerous liqueurs, prides itself on making the liquid version of iconic pastries taste eerily similar to those of the solid versions. • Faretti Biscotti FamosiIf I didn't know better, I'd swear that the craftsmen at Faretti had simply crushed a batch of biscotti into a slightly syrupy form and bottled it.Of course, that's not the method for making this

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-14902339758540105452009-04-27T10:56:00.000-04:002009-08-25T15:21:15.538-04:00

Gran Centenario is one of the major tequila brand names, and the company has a lengthy line of products. • Tenampa Azul TequilaThis expression of 100% blue agave tequila ("azul" is Spanish for "blue") may be rested for two months in charred American oak barrels, but it retains the heat and edge of a new spirit. That's a good thing for those who prefer a bitier tequila compared to the more aged

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-77657954972781735052009-04-18T19:32:00.000-04:002009-08-25T15:22:37.117-04:00

Villa Antinori is one of my regular house Italian reds, and perhaps the color for which the ancient label is best known. However, the 600-year-old Tuscan winemaker also produces some very nice whites. This is one such.• Villa Antinori Bianco, Toscana IGT 2008This is an example of summer in a bottle. A very reasonably priced, spritely, crisp summer.The Toscana IGY is a blend of four estate-grown

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-50495812580460588892009-04-18T16:05:00.000-04:002009-04-18T20:02:17.760-04:00

Bill Dowd photoA vintage-dated tequila? The second such has just hit the markets in time for the Cinco de Mayo celebration, and it's from the same Corona Del Mar, CA, company that introduced dated Mexican-made tequilas with its 2008 line. For 2009, 12,695 bottles were produced, according to the label information on my sample, compared to about 11,000 bottles of the 2008.• Tequila Ocho

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-49832144079501915282009-04-09T16:33:00.000-04:002009-04-29T10:44:10.254-04:00

Bill Dowd photoTequila goes beautifully with so many things -- limes, fruits, even jalapeño peppers. The latter is the key to the flavors in a trio of infused Tanteo tequilas, even if the major flavorings are from other sources.• Tanteo Flavored TequilasTequilas, at least 100% blue agave-based expressions, have enough variables in their flavor profile to satisfy most people. But infusions are the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-9041430328972723732009-04-09T15:49:00.001-04:002009-04-09T16:32:41.575-04:00

Bill Dowd photoTres Generaciones traces its roots to 1873 when Don Cenobio Sauza created his first tequila. The brand name covers his tenure as well as those of his son Eladio and his son Javier -- three generations. The company history says Don Cenobio was the first to export tequila to the U.S.• Tres Generaciones Plata TequilaThis expression is a delight from the first sniff to the last nuance

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-22336012675351902322009-03-13T14:56:00.001-04:002009-03-13T18:19:37.955-04:00

Bill Dowd photoBilled as the first Jim Beam innovation in more than a decade, this black cherry-infused bourbon joins the industry trend toward more flavored spirits. It will be on the market in June.• Red Stag by Jim BeamAs a longtime bourbon drinker, I'm a bit set in my ways. I like several brands, but I started on Jim Beam way back when, and that's my go-to whiskey. But, I also find the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-81084887755769560852009-03-02T15:21:00.000-05:002009-03-02T15:29:19.272-05:00

Bill Dowd photoWhile in Frederikstedt, St. Croix, to meet with master distiller Gary Nelthropp at Cruzan Rum, I had the opportunity in a converted 19th Century carriage house on the Cruzan complex to do a blind tasting of nine 80-proof rums of varying style: Cruzan, Bacardi, Pyrat and Myers's. The tasting was led by Jim Beam Brands' master mixologist Bobby "Bobby G" Gleason.• Bacardi Superior: A

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-24377582192291192232009-02-07T20:09:00.000-05:002009-02-07T17:18:13.593-05:00

Bill Dowd photoLong Island lost the vast majority of its farms when the post-World War II housing boom sent streams of people east from New York City and in from other states in search of affordable housing from the late 1940s well into the early '60s. Luckily, the famous Long Island potato survived on the still-agricultural far eastern points of the island. Here's one reason I use the word "

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-67981955141472802312009-02-07T15:25:00.000-05:002009-08-25T15:24:00.472-04:00

Belvedere Vodka is not one of the pack that comes up with new products seemingly every few months. But when it does add to its portfolio, it does so with a flourish.• Belvedere IXTwo years ago, in a private tasting lunch in New York with Plymouth Gin master distiller Sean Harrison, we were discussing the popularity of vodka compared to gin. He admitted there were some very good vodkas on the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-4527028816787535842009-01-07T11:28:00.001-05:002009-01-07T11:28:22.496-05:00

This is the logo for examiner.com, a multi-topic Web site created by the same company that started the free-distribution Examiner newspapers in major U.S. cities.I've just signed on as the Web site's national drinks columnist, and I'm inviting you to join me here as well as on this site, for all the latest in beverage news and views -- spirits, wine, brews, non-alcoholic drinks.(Bonus for those

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-17056136096827814342009-01-01T20:54:00.000-05:002009-01-01T21:26:21.267-05:00

Bill Dowd photoThis is a product of Philadelphia Distilling, made in a copper pot still with triple filtered water and a proprietary botanical recipe. • Bluecoat American Dry GinThis is another formidable entry in the resurgent gin category, packaged in a beautiful blue, embossed bottle with a wooden stopper that give it an old-fashioned, enticing appearance.I gave it the usual gin taste test --

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-81683407227184658332009-01-01T20:53:00.000-05:002009-01-01T21:16:20.729-05:00

Bill Dowd photoThis champagne house was founded in 1849. Until 1955 it made champagne from other companies' grapes. Since then it has grown its own, and today has estate fields near Épernay. Pol Roger has two expressions of non-vintage cuvées. This is one of them. • Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Champagne RichThis expression, a demi-sec, is one-third each of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-2981193221783705642008-12-28T11:40:00.001-05:002012-01-13T11:54:47.530-05:00

Bill Dowd photoWhen William Grant & Sons began producing Monkey Shoulder a few years ago, it quickly became the darling of the UK cocktail scene. I first ran across it during a bar crawl in Edinburgh, Scotland, at Olorosso, an upscale restaurant and cocktail lounge overlooking the city. • Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt Scotch Whisky Monkey Shoulder is a bold, smooth whiskey with spice notes and

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-59554665347146450532008-12-25T12:38:00.001-05:002008-12-25T12:49:31.964-05:00

Bill Dowd photoSeveral years ago on a tour of eastern France, I was delighted by the range of quality boutique wineries that dotted the landscape of the Alsace region. However, their output is so limited you'll rarely see them available here. Thus, some of the iconic major wineries of Alsace supply the best we can find on the import shelves in the U.S. This is one such. • Hugel & Fils Alsace

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-42209101423189211802008-12-24T18:28:00.001-05:002008-12-24T18:42:53.118-05:00

Bill Dowd photoItalian reds don't have to be "chewy," "edgy" or any other word typically used to describe many of them. Sometimes a good red wine is just a good red wine, like this smooth, fragrant aged blend. • Quadrio Valtellina Superiore 2004The wine comes from the Nino Negri winery whose headquarters is the Castello Quadrio di Chiuro, which was owned by the governor of the Valtellina region

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-32384779655955402008-12-22T19:24:00.000-05:002009-01-09T14:03:23.885-05:00

Bill Dowd photoThis time of year always see an uptick in the sales of orange-flavored liqueurs such as Grand Marnier and Triple Sec, mostly for holiday cocktail mixtures. But there is a strong challenger available.• Gran Gala Triple Orange LiqueurLike most people who make cocktails, you're probably in the habit of using certain brand names and not even bothering to try any others. Grand Marnier,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-61889272203360974762008-12-08T17:22:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:45:58.664-05:00

Bill Dowd photoPennsylvania, which can lay claim to some of the earliest whiskey stills in colonial and early America, has largely been out of the national public eye in recent years except for some decent wines that have begun to emerge. But the national vodka craze has provided the stage for a return to the spotlight for distillers.• Penn 1861 VodkaPhiladelphia Distilling, a three-year-old

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-68185145312107561282008-11-26T19:18:00.001-05:002008-11-26T19:59:30.394-05:00

Photo providedHolland's Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirits brand, has re-launced this classic genever in Holland and is targeting markets in the U.S. and UK. It is based on the recipe the company developed in 1820.• Bols GeneverRather than being a gin -- which itself is a cousin of genever that was developed in England, genever begins as a quality maltwine. The distillate of corn,

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-76123187007436166222008-11-09T14:35:00.000-05:002008-11-09T15:43:54.182-05:00

Bill Dowd photoI sampled this trio of distinctly individual tequilas during a private tasting session at Jose Cuervo's LaRojeña Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico last week. The ultra premium Platino just marked its first year on the international market.• Jose Cuervo Platino TequilaThis is a limited-edition spirit presented in numbered bottles. A blanco made from 100% estate-grown blue agave

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-69962281845439223962008-10-30T16:39:00.000-04:002008-10-30T16:48:36.878-04:00

Photo providedMalbec was long a minor French blending grape. Some years ago some enterprising Argentinian vintners decided their high country vineyards would be ideal for the grape they thought could stand on its own. They were right, and its popularity has been steadily growing in this country as well as throughout South America.• 2007 Simonassi Malbec "1922"Bodega Simonassi is located in the

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-56293755878065085262008-10-28T15:58:00.001-04:002008-10-28T16:29:07.192-04:00

Photo providedHighland Park puts out some Scotch whiskies that have great demand. Such as a shipment of 32 cartons of a 32-year-old expression that were stolen in transit between Scotland and Los Angeles earlier this year. Here, we're dealing with an even older expression that so far has been safe from thieves despite its high value.• Highland Park 40 Year Old Single MaltThe Orkney Islands

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-9150407185744112992008-10-28T15:32:00.000-04:002008-10-28T15:51:21.215-04:00

Bill Dowd photoCointreau is an iconic French liqueur that consistently rakes in top awards, such as a double gold in this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. But even a 160-year-old enterprise doesn't continue to prosper by standing still. Thus, this new offering. • Cointreau NoirCointreau is a common ingredient in many cocktails, and it has been for generations. Its makers are

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-20763823282268335212008-10-28T15:18:00.001-04:002008-10-28T15:32:16.916-04:00

Photo providedTRU Organic Spirits, a division of Modern Spirits Group, has unveiled TRU2 Gin, an addition to its portfolio of sustainable, organic spirits. You can get the lowdown on the Monrovia, CA, company's "green" philosophy and production here.• TRU2 GinThis new product doesn't look like the usual gin. It begins with an organic wheat base spirit into which 14 whole botanicals are macerated

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-51172050588177231832008-10-28T14:59:00.001-04:002008-10-28T15:15:17.298-04:00

Photo providedDon't let the name fool you. It's Beam Global Spirits' way of saying "rye one," and it has just been released to the market this month.• (rī)1This is a punchy rye, packaged in a sleek modern bottle with an edgy title and typography meant to make it stand out in a slowly growing market niche -- American rye whiskies.A lovely color -- a golden honey with a touch of amber -- attracts

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-14129417904031564712008-10-10T14:54:00.000-04:002008-10-11T11:59:18.658-04:00

Bill Dowd photoWhile recently in Sonoma County, CA, for the final days of the grape harvest, I visited the Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards and winery for a private tasting of several of their wines either now available or still in the pipeline. Because their grapes are grown over five Russian River Valley ranches covering markedly different soil, and numerous clones are used, the wines sharply differ

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-16621042365191208202008-09-20T11:33:00.000-04:002008-09-20T12:04:45.153-04:00

Bill Dowd photoEarly this year, a new British product -- sparkling vodka, the world's first -- went on sale in the U.S. market. Its makers, who patented their process, recently had bad things to say about a similar product scheduled to come on the market later this year as a venture from hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre. The concern is that because Dre's sparkler can't use the same method it might be

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-2584723610839667932008-09-19T13:52:00.000-04:002008-12-25T12:53:31.480-05:00

Bill Dowd photoThe name may sound a bit Latin American, but this liqueur is an ancient Italian concoction its makers say was created in the 16th Century, during the Renaissance, for Lorenzo de' Medici, patron of Michelangelo and Boticelli. It first was exported to the United States in the 1950s.• Tuaca Liquore ItalianoThis liqueur is a pleasant experience from the first sniff, rich with fragrant

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-6772643701632206522008-09-14T18:05:00.000-04:002008-09-14T18:31:54.198-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis rich, lush wine comes from Arboleda, a Chilean boutique winery located in the Colchagua Valley 125 miles south of Santiago, the national capital. It is 100% carmenère, the country's major grape.• Arboleda Carmenère 2006This mid-May '06 vintage was an excellent one and this particular wine is a prime example of it.It is a big, deep-violet wine, 14.5% alcohol by volume, that

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-38923389324322667692008-09-07T18:48:00.000-04:002008-09-07T18:59:22.494-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis spicy white wine is made from torrontes grapes, a native Argentinian varietal grown at high altitudes, by winemaker Daniel Pi. The Broquel name is a product of the Trapiche winemaking company, the most-exported of all Argentinian wines.• Broquel Torrontes 2007This is a spicy number from the first sniff to the first hit on the palate. Peppery and floral with a pronounced

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-25770038015413133792008-09-01T15:14:00.000-04:002008-09-01T15:53:42.964-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis is a historic creation, marking the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with a new version of the first whiskey brand ever to be bottled (1870). I had a preview tasting of it although it won't go on sale until November.• Old Forester Repeal BourbonThere is a special relationship between Old Forester and Prohibition. It was produced legally during that period under

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-36673774139217372112008-09-01T14:36:00.001-04:002008-09-01T15:05:27.136-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThere are many interesting characters in the Scotch whisky industry, but Dr. Bill Lumsden's infectious enthusiasms for experimentation with woods and blends sets him apart. I was privileged to get an advance sampling of his newest creation which will be introduced to the market in October. • Glenmorangie SignetI usually like to build my case for making a "good" or "bad" judgement

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-82012156784090990022008-09-01T13:26:00.001-04:002008-09-14T18:33:39.362-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThe Bordeaux region of France has one of those magical names that conjures up a wide range of rich red wines and mellow whites. Delving deeper than the most well-known names can broaden your palate with wines from some of the lesser-known chateaux, not terribly difficult since the region boasts more than 6,000 of them. Here's just one example. • Chateau Porteny Graves 2004This

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-65859859323298258432008-08-20T18:40:00.001-04:002008-08-20T19:00:46.628-04:00

Bill Dowd photoMalbec wines have largely become the property of Argentina in recent years. That's because its vintners made the once lowly French blending grape stand on its own as an excellent example of a robust, fruity red. Here, however, is a French malbec from an unconventional winemaker trying to reclaim some of the excellent grape's cachet for its native land. • Zette Malbec 2003This is

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-87576080960195576152008-08-17T13:32:00.000-04:002008-08-21T15:38:27.828-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThe words "Cuba" or "Cuban" appear no less than 15 times on the box holding a bottle of this Cuban-style rum, but don't be fooled. It's made in the Dominican Republic. • Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva RumThis is, simply put, a superb rum. It is a blend of young and old spirits, using a 15-year-old as its main blender along with other oak-aged spirits. Its makers refer to it as the "

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-84936508104424053052008-08-16T18:37:00.000-04:002008-11-12T12:50:11.228-05:00

Bill Dowd photoJuan-Domingo "Dobel" Beckmann, sixth-generation tequila maker now heading most parts of the Jose Cuervo empire, not only has introduced a new vodka to the market, he's apparently hoping it also ushers in a new category -- diamond vodka -- to go with the traditional styles. It is being released this month in selected American markets, and I had the opportunity for an advance tasting

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-22146881390474176232008-08-11T18:41:00.001-04:002008-08-11T18:56:34.044-04:00

Bill Dowd photoSay "Spanish wine" and most people think "red." However, this rioja white is made entirely of viura grapes by the company that released its first wine in 1975 and since then has grown to become Spain's No. 1 wine brand.• El Coto Rioja 2007All El Coto grapes are vinified in stainless steel tanks then aged in American oak casks. This bone-dry white is good at a cool room temperature

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-86915011611336884982008-08-10T18:59:00.000-04:002008-08-10T19:25:25.767-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis Trinidadian rum comes from LVMH -- Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey, maker of Dom Perignon champagne and other fine products, so there's a hint right off the bat that it's a very good bet to be a quality product. 10 Cane was introduced to the market just three years ago.• 10 Cane RumMany rums are made from molasses. Lighter, purer and better rums are made from the first or at

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-38010945119681783732008-08-05T18:47:00.000-04:002008-09-14T18:37:35.165-04:00

Bill Dowd photoJohn Bove, longtime chef/owner of the quaint My Way Cafe near Saratoga Springs, NY, did a little digging when he came across an Italian wine bearing his surname on the label. He gladly shared a bottle with me to see what I thought of what he has come to call "my wine" even though he has no stake in the company.• 2003 Bove Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Roggio AnticoThis is a delightfully

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-58134254029646234292008-07-28T14:00:00.001-04:002008-08-10T19:25:36.701-04:00

Photo providedVodka is, by some accounts, a Russian invention. Others contend it is Polish in origin. At least we know it came from that general part of Europe, and despite all the artisinal vodkas popping up around the globe, Russian vodkas still have a certain cachet.• ZYR Russian VodkaThis product born of Russian wheat and rye grains is made in a method that adds up to 17. Explanation? Nine

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-35583488150316410822008-06-30T18:55:00.000-04:002008-07-30T15:50:56.705-04:00

Bill Dowd photo This new product is from Ed Phillips and Sons, the same Minnesota distiller that produces Phillips and UV brand vodkas as well as a large portfolio of whiskies, schnapps and cordials.• Prairie Organic VodkaVodka is, by definition, a colorless, odorless and tasteless neutral grain spirit. This new vodka is, by definition, colorless, but it has a faintly fruity nose and is anything

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-77590173285155817852008-06-04T19:54:00.001-04:002008-06-04T20:37:30.953-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis cidermaker and microdistillery-- the Cidrerie Michel Jodoin -- was established in Rougemont, Quebec, in 1988.• Michel Jodoin Calijo Brandy de PommesThe steadily increasing popularity of ciders and other alcoholic apple products, particularly Canadian products, is easy to understand when you sample products such as this.There is a gentle, almost cognac-like quality to this

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-45225164178936796512008-06-04T19:37:00.000-04:002008-06-04T19:52:31.127-04:00

Bill Dowd photoJeffrey Gimmel and Nina Bachinsky–Gimmel, owners of Swoon Kitchebar in the antique-centric town of Hudson, NY, a favorite week-ending spot for New York City dwellers, came across this wine during a trip to the Savenniéres appelation of France. They served it with a grilled poulet lunch.• Domaine du Closel Savenniéres La Jalousie 2005Michèle de Jessey's great-great-grandfather, an

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-20710276689307953202008-06-04T19:21:00.001-04:002008-06-04T19:54:03.459-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis traditional rosé comes from a winery whose chateau was owned by the Marquis de Villeneuve, supplier of wines to the court of Louis XVI. I tried it during a lunch at the home of Jeffrey Gimmel and Nina Bachinsky–Gimmel, owners of the trendy Swoon Kitchenbar in Hudson, NY.• Chateau du Rouét 2007 Chateau du Rouet Cuvee ReserveeThis is a blend of grenache, mourvèdre and cinsault

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-5955005209238063142008-06-02T22:53:00.000-04:002008-07-03T16:07:48.106-04:00

Bill Dowd photoJean Sébastien Robicquet and Bruno de Reilhac, who are the the proprietors, lead oenologists and master distillers of G'Vine gin, wanted to make something that bridges the gap between gin and flavored vodkas. They hit on a gin recipe utilizing the rare green grape flower that blossoms only briefly in mid-June in the Cognac region of France before maturing into grape berries. The

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-1952861335583199902008-06-02T18:53:00.000-04:002008-06-02T23:22:04.219-04:00

Bill Dowd photoDepaz is a singular rhum (the French spelling of "rum") made on the island of Martinique in the French West Indies from the first press of select blue cane since 1651. It's a limited issue rhum made only when the cane is harvested each spring.• Depaz Blue Cane Rhum AgricoleRum, or rhum, comes in many guises -- made from cane (agricole) or from molasses (industriel or traditionnel);

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-8103736901922713892008-06-01T18:20:00.000-04:002008-06-03T00:09:33.305-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis shiraz comes from the Western Cape of South Africa, a good spot for the grape that makes up a large part of the country's national wine grape crop. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured in American oak barrels. • Golden Kaan Shiraz 2004This five-year-old label is beginning to create an international buzz, most recently being voted onto the list of top five

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-66953344816265841262008-05-26T13:29:00.001-04:002008-05-27T18:23:32.847-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Masi Campolongo di Torbe, the first-ever single vineyard Amarone created. Masi pioneered the concept in the Venetian region in the early 1950s• Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone Classico 2001This is an utterly brilliant Amarone, only 15,200 bottles of which were created. It is a big, fruity, dry Italian red -- 16% abv -- with a bold nose that

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-41938727604258928492008-05-26T13:16:00.001-04:002008-05-26T13:29:30.983-04:00

Bill Dowd photoGlenora Wine Cellars, the oldest operation on Seneca Lake (founded 1977), is one of the stronger wineries in New York's Finger Lakes. It has its own restaurant and inn, and public tours and tastings are available.• Glenora Peach Spumante"Spumante" is bubbly light. "Peach" spumante is light lite. But, in this case, that's a good thing, especially as we enter a time of year in which

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-889554856287539132008-05-21T17:58:00.000-04:002008-05-27T18:19:00.065-04:00

Bill Dowd photoAs with the previous posting, I tried this wine during a private dinner at Easter Elchies House on The Macallan Estate near Aberlour, Scotland. It is a good example of one of the better Loire Valley whites, although the Sancerre region of France also produces respectable reds and rosés that are eminently drinkable.• Sancerre 2006This white Sancerre comes from the sauvignon blanc

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2889751211325933607.post-9524588431457124672008-05-20T19:09:00.000-04:002008-05-21T18:31:13.392-04:00

Bill Dowd photoThis wine from a little-known house in Bordeaux has been created by fourth-generation owner Gilles Gremen in La Roquille since 1987. Before he took over, the wines went to a local co-operative rather than being bottled under its own name. I sampled this wine during a private dinner at Easter Elchies House on The Macallan Estate near Aberlour, Scotland.• Château Tour De Biot

William M. Dowdnoreply@blogger.com0