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Every now and then you come across a surprising delight as a result of complete accident. When I purchased a bottle of Familia Camarena Tequila Silver it was not a premeditated event, I can safely say. When one is at the spirits shop for a few bottles of wine, however, one can easily be coerced into picking up any number of bottles of booze. My trips to the liquor store are a prime example of this particular phenomenon.
I figured it might be a good idea to nab this tequila for two reasons — one, it was a moderately
Russian Standard Vodka
by Jason Lightner April 3rd, 2013 | Liquor
As the blustery winter draws to a close nearly a month too late I feel it's time to get back into the swing of things with a nice, clean vodka. I'd enjoyed Russian Standard Vodka at a gathering many months ago. While perusing the aisles of my local spirits shop, I decided it was worth another look.
Russian Standard is distilled according to a faithful interpretation of Dmitri Mendeleev's 1894 formula for vodka, involving high-quality wheat grains from the fertile soil of the Southern Russian Steppes. Care is taken in the creation of this spirit, and it shows. From their product
Russian Standard is distilled according to a faithful interpretation of Dmitri Mendeleev's 1894 formula for vodka, involving high-quality wheat grains from the fertile soil of the Southern Russian Steppes. Care is taken in the creation of this spirit, and it shows. From their product
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
by Jason Lightner March 27th, 2013 | Liquor
Of the many wonders of the American whiskey tradition, rye whiskey has never scored top billing in my events. It's not that I find the spirit to be distasteful, or unpleasant; as a self-professed "Scotch Man" I tend to enjoy the deep, oaky flavor of a Kentucky bourbon rather than the sharp bite of a rye. That doesn't disqualify me from enjoying a rye or two on a brisk spring evening, however — quite the contrary. This is when I feel it's most necessary to branch out and expand one's horizons.
A few nights ago I had the opportunity to
A few nights ago I had the opportunity to
Laird’s AppleJack
by Jason Lightner March 20th, 2013 | Liquor
In keeping with the current trend, I had an opportunity to sample something off the beaten path and I couldn't help but take the plunge. Those familiar with the gentle kiss of brandy may also be familiar with apple brandy or, Calvados. I will not be sampling apple brandy today. I will, however, be sampling something a bit similar and, potentially, just a tad bit more authentic.
Laird & Company is a distillery that produces a whole host of spirits, but their most famous product is what is known simply as AppleJack. Harkening back to 1780, AppleJack seeks
Laird & Company is a distillery that produces a whole host of spirits, but their most famous product is what is known simply as AppleJack. Harkening back to 1780, AppleJack seeks
Plymouth Sloe Gin
by Jason Lightner March 13th, 2013 | Liquor
Either I'm running out of ideas, or the weather's finally getting to me. Whatever the reason for this week's exposé, it was fun to put together.
I've heard of it, and I've peered at it from across the bar, but I'd never thought it necessary to try a sip of sloe gin. A deceptively simple liqueur derived from sloe berries (a fruit similar to the plum), sloe gin is traditionally made by infusing gin with the berries, although some manufacturers use neutral spirits for the base and add flavoring — artificial or otherwise. The resulting liqueur weighs in at anywhere
I've heard of it, and I've peered at it from across the bar, but I'd never thought it necessary to try a sip of sloe gin. A deceptively simple liqueur derived from sloe berries (a fruit similar to the plum), sloe gin is traditionally made by infusing gin with the berries, although some manufacturers use neutral spirits for the base and add flavoring — artificial or otherwise. The resulting liqueur weighs in at anywhere