We got a sample of this actually sent to us, albeit on the coat tails of something called ‘Hot Dickel’ which was a whiskey aged in Tabasco barrels. However as we told the company that reached out to us – that was a bridge too far for us, and since they sent it any way we’ll merely remark that whatever you are thinking George Dickel aged in hot sauce barrels tastes like – it’s not that, and much more mediocre.
Dandelion: 4.5 – The saison backing this is pretty damn good, but if the bottle’s log wasn’t a dead give away – strap in for some flowers. This has that summer floral notes in spades, and because of that – there’s a problem. For most people this is simply not for them, and really meant for a hyper niche group of folks, and we have to judge it as such.
Price Average: $12 for 4-pack
Website: https://www.norwaybrewing.com/
We arrive here at a contradiction. We actually like this vodka, but then we do have to ask ourselves if this is truly a ‘vodka’ or if it should be labeled as ‘Underproof’. That’s because this rests at a 23.8% ALC/VOL or 47.6 proof. Maybe this is down to the specific distilling process, or watering down – but what you get is something that is nice, and yet fails to complete the job?
Martha’s Oktoberfest: 5.0 – It feels a bit like a red ale, and there’s a distinct coppery sort of taste here. Hard to tell if intentional or just a bad pour. It is an otherwise flavorful and spiced Oktoberfest
Price Average: $6 draft
Website: http://www.marthas-exchange.com/
Red Chaos: 5.5 – There cherries are nice, and it’s overall a fine sour. The problem is it’s competing in the field of sours and you ned to really step up your game to get points.
Price Average: $12
Website: https://www.trvebrewing.com/
This gin was introduced to us by our Editor-in-Chief’s boss (of their real job), and it was a good thing that it turned out to not be a bad gin. (No need for awkward discussion about why their tastes are bad and they should feel bad). It however does exactly what you typically want from a London gin – to do well in tonic.
The Exorcism of Rich Ackerman: 4.0 – While there is a delicious creamy chocolate flavor here, it’s ruined. That imperial ‘aspect’ of alcohol has made this into something that’s difficult to drink, and overall not worth it.
Price Average: $14
Website: https://www.clownshoesbeer.com/
We here have been long time fans of the Grand Macnish 12 year for being all the scotch your well decanter ever needs, at a price that’s competitive. It lets you feel good about buying some new single malt because it’s always there for you if it ends up being something like Jura. This is a new edition (much like the 15yr sherry) that’s aged in charred casks – and proves that maybe you should just leave things well alone.
