Drink the Bottles

  A Taste of Sonoma History in Every Glass When many people hear the word Zinfandel, they immediately think of a sweeter, easy-drinking wine style that became popular decades ago. But true California Zinfandel has a much deeper story — one rooted in history, old vineyards, and winemakers who have worked for generations to preserve some of the country’s most treasured vines. The 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Vineyard is a perfect example of why this grape deserves more attention. This is not simply a fruit-forward California red. It is a wine built around heritage, balance, and the character that can only come from vines that have stood the test of time. Located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Dry Creek Vineyard has long been recognized for its commitment to Zinfandel and the preservation of old vine vineyards. In fact, the winery is credited with first coining the term “Old Vine Zinfandel” in 1987 when it wanted to highlight the unique character of its historic viney...

There is something fascinating happening in American whiskey right now. The category is no longer defined only by century-old distilleries and traditional production methods. Some of the most interesting bottles are coming from brands willing to challenge what whiskey should look like.  So far, everything we have tasted from Whiskey JYPSI has been nothing short of fantastic. Whiskey JYPSI’s Legacy Series has embraced that idea from the beginning — not simply blending whiskey together, but reconstructing flavor profiles by selecting mature spirits from different origins and bringing them together with a specific vision. Legacy Batch 003, appropriately named “ The Declaration ,” might be their boldest statement yet. Bottled at 115.74 proof , this limited release is built around a reimagined Colonial-era Maryland-style rye profile. Instead of following a single distillery’s recipe, The Declaration combines aged whiskey components from three distinct whiskey traditions: Indiana rye, ...

  We’re always drawn to brands that show up in real life — not just on a label or shelf. Hot Crispy Oil is one of our newest lifestyle partners, and it’s already become one of those things we reach for without thinking.   It doesn’t try to overcomplicate food. It just makes it better. Some things don’t need reinvention — they just need heat. Hot Crispy Oil is one of those rare pantry additions that doesn’t try to be complicated. It doesn’t ask for attention. It just quietly transforms whatever it touches. It started, like most good things do, with curiosity. A drizzle over something simple. A bite that suddenly tasted like it had been waiting for that exact moment. And then it became a habit — the kind you don’t really think about, because it just works. There’s a rhythm to it: the crackle when it hits warm food, the way the oil carries depth without overpowering, the subtle heat that builds instead of shouts. It’s not about making food “spicy.” It’s about making it comp...

National Toast to the Troops July 4th encourages consumers to tune in live, raise a glass and send message of support to our service men and women  Lynchburg, Tenn. (June 29, 2026) – In honor of America’s landmark 250th anniversary, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the USO are proud to announce a new partnership dedicated to celebrating the legacy, service, and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. Through support as a leading partner of the USO’s “United We Toast” initiative, this collaboration brings  together America’s oldest registered distillery and the nation’s leading military support organization to honor the country’s milestone Semiquincentennial.  This nationwide effort brings civilians and service members together through a shared moment of gratitude, a collective toast to our nation's heroes, and an ongoing digital campaign to support active-duty troops. By connecting the distillery's 160-year history with the USO’s historic mission, the campaign invites ...

Baltimore, June 29, 2026 -  Sagamore Spirit , the leading and award-winning Maryland-style whiskey distillery, proudly announces that their High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be launched nationwide on July 1st, 2026. This release, a prestigious addition to the Sagamore Whiskey Reserve Series, represents the brand's vision to expand beyond rye while remaining rooted in its core values. This unique bourbon-style whiskey has been crafted to pay homage to Kentucky's bourbon heritage while celebrating and advancing Maryland-style whiskey traditions. This Maryland-made high rye straight bourbon whiskey features a mash bill of 60% corn, 25% rye, and 15% malted rye, aged for 6 years in new charred American white oak barrels and bottled at 54% ABV. This exceptional whiskey presents a striking bright cinnamon hue that immediately signals its character. On the nose, it opens with inviting aromas of dark brown sugar and grilled peaches, rounded out by luscious mixed berries. The palate...

Some whiskey releases are designed to tell a larger story.   Penelope's Limited Series, Architects of Golf, came together over a love and discussion about golf.  It seems simple enough, but if you know anything about the spirits game, you know nothing happens overnight.   This is Penelope Architects of Golf Hole 2 , a six-year-old straight bourbon whiskey with a mash bill consisting of corn (60%), rye (36%), and malted barley (4%).  The elevated rye content promises a more assertive profile while the finishing introduces a layer of complexity that we appreciate.   While many limited releases arrive with a one-and-done approach, Architects of Golf appears to be building something much larger. With Holes 1, 2, and 3 already announced, the series invites an obvious question:  How many holes are left to play? While no official roadmap has been released, the golf-inspired theme naturally leads enthusiasts to wonder whether the collection could eve...