by Rich Cook | Feb 14, 2026 | Uncategorized, Whiskey
Here’s a straightforward American whiskey that is like pulling on a warm blanket. Aromas of nut and toasted marshmallow entice, and the palate delivers the promised flavors with brightness and lightness. There’s no lingering viscosity to interfere with the flavors –... 
by Rich Cook | Feb 12, 2026 | Cognac
You don’t have to be a ladies’ man to enjoy this fine cognac, but you’ll see why Tim Meadow’s famed SNL character was a big fan from the first nosing. The aromatic profile leans more toasty than sweet, as it should at this grade, with notes of apple and cherry. The... 
by Rich Cook | Feb 12, 2026 | Whiskey
This is a new barrel number from the last iteration that I tasted, but the quality level remains very high in this barrel, as you might expect. The approach here isn’t the “take your breath away” smack in the nose, but rather a rich caramel and apple pie aromatic that... 
by Rich Cook | Feb 10, 2026 | Cognac
This bottling keeps crossing my desk as a top competition performer, taking a Platinum Award with a score of 95 at the 2026 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge after a score of 96 at the 2025 Critics Challenge and a 94 at the 2025 San Diego... 
by Rich Cook | Feb 9, 2026 | Mezcal
They say Mezcal is an acquired taste, and I recommend that you acquire a bottle of this and taste it as soon as possible. Cenizo is a particular type of Maguey agave, and here it shows notes of apple and roasted grilled banana under a layer of soft smoky character....
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