LARKMEAD VINEYARDS: Quietly Elite
by HARVEY FINKEL History was unscrolled for me recently when my inbox received a notice concerning Napa Valley’s Larkmead Estate. I recalled with favor Larkmead wines from my California-wine enlightenment of the 196Os and 197Os, and the long, complex, and interesting life story of the site, which has managed to... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: SANGRIA
by PINK LADY April weather can be touch and go here in New England, sometimes kicking off with a snowstorm and winding down with spring buds. As our favorite bars start to throw open their windows and patio furniture creeps onto sidewalks, it seems these days like every watering hole... Read More
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
by SANDY BLOCK, MW Brunello di Montalcino is the stuff of legends, the product of a walled fortified Medieval hillside village south of Siena overlooking the southernmost part of the rolling Chianti Colli Senese zone where grapes have been ripening continuously for centuries. Perched on a ridge at heights of... Read More
A LOOK AT THE BRUT IPA TREND
BY ANDY CROUCH There is no denying that the India Pale Ale style has been pure fire in the past five years. And IPA has substantially evolved from its early days in American brewing, when it more closely resembled its maltier British predecessor. It changed over decades, growing less reliant... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH:IRISH COFFEE-REIMAGINED
by PINK LADY Most of the world get shamrocks in their eyes in March, to which we say Slainte! We can thank Irish monks for turning the stills invented in ancient Mesopotamia (by early female chemists, ahem!) into Irish whiskey making machines. Back then they drank the first stuff that... Read More
WINES OF THE ALENTEJO: WELL WORTH YOUR ATTENTION
by HARVEY FINKEL The immense wine resources of the small country of Portugal remind me of those diminutive circus cars from which issue forth endless numbers of clowns. Technology and sophistication have added finesse to the robust vigor we had come to expect. And while no longer nearly giving wine... Read More
SAMUEL ADAMS GAMEDAY VARIETY PACK
This year’s Gameday Variety Pack includes Cold Snap, Sam ’76, Boston Lager and the new Bavarian Lager that has a floral, citrusy aroma with notes of tangerine and lemon. Medium-bodied, crisp with a slight sweetness. Suggested retail is $15.99 to $17.99 for a 12-pack. AVAILABLE FROM Burke Distributing, Commercial Distributing... Read More
IPSWICH ALE 162O PILGRIMAGE SERIES
This new line will be an evolving series using the 162O New England style IPA as the base beer recipe. The first release slated for March is dry-hopped with El Dorado, along with natural coconut and pineapple flavors added. The series artwork will feature the 162O Pilgrim skeleton, re-imagined to... Read More
HENDRICK’S ORBIUM GIN
This limited-edition release is a reinterpretation of the house style of the original Hendrick’s Gin. It has additional extracts of quinine, wormwood and lotus blossom. 5OOO cases. Suggested retail for a 75Oml is $35. AVAILABLE FROM MS Walker and United Liquors.
WILD TONIC HARD JUN KOMBUCHA
This line of hard Jun Kombuchas is now available. They are made from fermented tea and honey with organic golden cane sugar, fruit, herbs and botanicals. Flavors include Blueberry Basil, Raspberry Goji Rose, Mango Ginger, Hoppy Buzz, Tropical Turmeric. 5.6% ABV. Suggested retail is... Read More