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Producer Description

Aged for a minimum of four years in our federally bonded warehouse, bottled at precisely 100 proof. Ideal for those who like plenty of spice, and a single, unmalted grain expression. Not shying away from a complex flavor profile, grain-forward spiciness nuanced by cinnamon and ginger give a nice kick to the entire drinking experience.

Producer Description 

Our small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are offered as a Small Batch, up to 12 barrels per batch, which was the result of one fermenter. The goal of the Small Batch is to capture the total essence of more complex notes from multiple barrels from distillate of the same fermenter. Weve decided to release the Small Batch Bourbon as a Bottled in Bond so fans of our Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon can do a side-by-side comparison.

Our Small Batch release mash bill is 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley using our yeast strains. We entered the cooper select, toasted and #4 char barrel at 110 proof after coming off the still around 137 proof. All of our whiskeys are aged and matured on our 168-acre campus inside any one of our six rickhouses. We have more than 100,000 barrels aging onsite.

Produced Description

Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish.

The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye marked yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter's more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but they believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the releases range from 107 to 112 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys rye whiskey. 

Expert Reviews 

99 Points Tasting Panel | Bottled at barrel strength (108 proof), this Kentucky straight rye exudes Michter’s always complex aromas—full of orange peel, burnt sugar, choco- late leather—with an extra stirring of the senses i ncluding cherrywood and peach. On the tongue, the alcohol sets a tone, then dissipates, leaving a warmth of peppered cherries, orange zest, toffee nibs and cocoa.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | This limited-release rye offers a rich aroma of vanilla and caramel. Bottled at barrel strength, it's initially drying and hot on the palate. Complex and echoing with rounded vanilla and allspice, it stands up to plenty of dilution, and finishes on a hint of almond.

Producer Description 

The team at Michter's conducts their distilling by the tried and true Kentucky practices, while experimenting for the purpose of making the greatest American whiskeys. The Michter's team conducted years of research on different barrel finishes for their rye whiskey, and have proudly produced the Michter's US-1 Limited Release Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey.

To produce this Toasted Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, they took their US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and aged it longer in a second custom barrel. The second barrel is assembled from 24 month air dried wood, and toasted to Michter's specification.

The deep reddish brown color leads to scents of spicy rye and cooking brown sugar. The initial flavors of rye and dark brown sugar gives way to the subtle hints of oak and dark baking spices. There is a silky finish that ends with more rye and orange peels. Producer Notes.

From the heart of Alsace, one of France's most celebrated wine regions, the Domaine Justin Boxler Sylvaner 2021 is a pristine, terroir-driven white that captures the quiet elegance and mineral precision that defines great Alsatian winemaking. Understated yet deeply satisfying, this is a bottle that rewards those who seek authenticity over spectacle.

The Boxler Estate

Domaine Justin Boxler is a benchmark producer in Alsace, farming some of the region's most expressive terroirs with a commitment to minimal intervention and varietal integrity. Their Sylvaner is a testament to what this often-overlooked grape can achieve in the right hands — fresh, focused, and genuinely compelling.

Tasting Profile

Pale yellow with a bright, clear appearance. The nose offers delicate anise, fresh citrus, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate it's powerful and mineral-driven with lively acidity, a clean texture, and a fresh, lingering finish. Classic Alsatian Sylvaner at its finest.

Vintage

2021

Grape

Sylvaner

Region

Alsace, France

Format

750ml

Why Sylvaner?

Sylvaner is one of Alsace's most food-friendly grapes — less aromatic than Riesling or Gewurztraminer, but prized for its refreshing acidity, mineral backbone, and remarkable versatility at the table. It's the kind of wine that makes every meal better.

Perfect Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with shellfish, whitefish, sauerkraut, choucroute garnie, fresh goat cheese, or light vegetable dishes. An effortless companion to Alsatian cuisine and beyond.

Producer Description 

One of our most limited production items, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s).

The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky’s unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often significantly older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in these highly limited releases.

Château d'Esclans | Whispering Angel Rosé | Côtes de Provence 2025

There is a reason Whispering Angel became the world's most recognized Provence rosé: it is simply, consistently, beautifully made. Sacha Lichine and his team at Château d'Esclans set the benchmark for pale Provençal rosé, and the 2025 continues that tradition with the effortless elegance the wine is known for.

Pale salmon in the glass, it opens with fresh peach, strawberry, and delicate red berry fruit, with a floral lift that is quintessentially Provence. The palate is full and lush yet bone dry — pink grapefruit and hints of peach, lively acidity, and a smooth, round finish with real concentration. Grenache provides the body, Cinsault the freshness, and Rolle (Vermentino) the aromatic lift that ties it all together.

Drink it from mid-day to midnight. It goes with everything and offends no one.

James Suckling 91 Points | An elegant and scented nose of pink cherry pits, peach skin and cherry blossoms. Medium-bodied with fresh, round acidity and a textured finish. Elegant and pure finish. (Vintage 2025). 

Pair with: Grilled seafood · Summer salads · Charcuterie · Light pasta · Goat cheese

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOP
• Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Size: 750ml

For red and white wines. This glass is all about elegance and finesse, created from a single piece of mouth-blown glass from the lip of the bowl to the base of the stem. It has been hailed by wine lovers as the perfect Riesling glass, but is also particularly fine for Chardonnay and Gruner Veltliner as well as Chianti and roses.

Technical perfection is the basic principle of the Zalto Denk'Art glasses, and they have always been produced following a tradition of using only the most highly skilled glass-blowers working with a selection of the best raw materials. Originally designed by Father Hans Denk, the famous Austrian "Wine Priest" who was inspired by the tilt angles of the Earth which influenced the design of the curve of the bowls.

All Zalto glasses are lead free and dishwasher safe.

Height: 235 mm, Volume Capacity: 530 ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

Producer Description 

Each year as part of the Parker's Heritage Collection, we select a special whiskey to be released in the name of our late Master Distiller Parker Beam. The barrels selected for this series include Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskeys, among others, and are some of the finest and most diverse American Whiskeys ever produced. They are a fitting tribute to the expertise of Parker Beam.

The 17^th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection consists of 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey pulled from 142 barrels. For this release, we used our traditional rye mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. It was barreled in August, October or December of 2012 and aged on the first floor of Rickhouse H1 and H2, the fifth floor of Rickhouse FF, the third and seventh floors of Rickhouse BB, and the second floor of Rickhouse DD.

At bottling, the liquid was non-chill filtered. This is only the second Rye in the collection and is the longest-aged Rye Whiskey in the Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio, making this a truly special edition. 

High West Double Rye is the flagship expression from Park City, Utah's celebrated High West Distillery — a pioneer of American craft whiskey and the art of blending. A harmonious marriage of column-still and pot-still rye whiskies, aged a minimum of two years, Double Rye is built to showcase the bold, spice-forward character of high-rye whiskey alongside an unexpected botanical brightness that sets it apart from the crowd.

The nose is complex and inviting: mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts, and dark chocolate, with a surprising gin-like herbal quality woven throughout. On the palate, rye spice leads the charge — assertive and warming — before giving way to menthol, eucalyptus, wildflower honey, and allspice. The finish is long and satisfying, with cinnamon and mint gradually sweetening into a lingering hint of anise. Bold, layered, and endlessly sippable at 92 proof.

High West's approach to blending — sourcing and marrying whiskies of different ages, mash bills, and distillation methods — is rooted in the tradition of the great Scotch blenders, applied with a distinctly American spirit. Double Rye is the result: a whiskey greater than the sum of its parts.

Outstanding neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. A natural fit for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Whiskey Sours. Equally at home by a campfire or at the bar.

Created for the complexity and refinement of charming, focused white wines, this glass will make them sing as never before. The shape of the bowl will highlight and articulate the subtle layers and minerality of the wine. This glass will also bring out the more elegant notes in medium bodied red wine that does not have overt barrique development.

Use for fruit-forward Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Frizzante, Muskateller and unoaked Chardonnay, as well as the style of reds mentioned before such as St.Laurent, Blaufrankisch, Chianti and Dolcetto. Older vintage Champagnes also benefit from the shape of this bowl.

The height of the glass is 9.1 inches and it is 3.2 inches at its widest part. The volume capacity is 400 ml.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The NV Brut Pinot de Diel is an assemblage of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a réserve perpetuelle predominantly harvested in 2021. Aged sur lattes for two years and disgorged with a dosage of four grams per liter in May 2024, the wine opens with deep, bright and fresh, lemony fruit intertwined with delicate brioche, sur lie and also flinty terroir aromas. Round but dry and fresh on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Brut with a clear, long and mouth-cleansing finish. It's excellent in structure, complexity and length. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Burg Layen in February 2025.

James Suckling 92 Points | This creamy, barely medium-bodied sparkling wine tastes very French, with appealing aromas and flavors of yellow apples, brioche and flint. The lively mousse deftly lifts the long candied-citrus finish. A cuvee based on the 2022 vintage plus some reserve wine, disgorged June 2025. Drink now.

Producer Notes

Variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (co-planted and co-fermented) • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Various estate sites • Soil Type: Slate & quartzite • Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel fermentation and aging, minimum 20 months en tirage, dosage is sweet Pinot Gris aged in barrique.

Memo Summary Notes

The Schlossgut Diel Pinot de Diel Brut NV is a sophisticated German sparkling wine (Sekt) from the Nahe region. While many German sparkling wines are made from Riesling, this specific cuvée is a "Pinot" blend, modeled after the traditional Champagne style but with a distinct German terroir.

Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s most prestigious estates. While they are famous for their Grand Cru Rieslings, Caroline Diel spent time training in Champagne, and that influence is clear here. The "Pinot de Diel" is designed to be their "luncheon" sparkling—elegant enough for a celebration but versatile enough for the table.

Food Pairings

• Classic: Raw oysters, sashimi, or lightly fried calamari.

• German Pairing: Veal schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon.

• Casual: It is famously good with high-quality salty snacks like truffle popcorn or Marcona almonds.

Expert Review

F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal rating: 5 Stars/Highest Recommendation - "Extraordinary whiskey by any measure." - F. Paul Pacult

Sweet baby Jesus what is this? An extraordinary aromatic nose. The alcohol will sear your taste buds so add some ice. Spicy. Wild at heart – David Broom

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

There are vodkas made to disappear into a cocktail, and then there is Belvedere. Poland's most celebrated rye vodka, Belvedere Organic is a testament to what happens when nothing is added and nothing is hidden. Distilled from 100% Dankowskie Diamond Rye grown on the Mazovian Plain and purified with water from the estate's own artesian wells, it is produced under Poland's strict Polska Wódka regulations — zero additives, no exceptions.

The result is a vodka of genuine character. The nose offers soft almond, a whisper of vanilla, and a gentle warmth of white pepper. On the palate it is structured yet silky, with a clean, velvety finish that lingers just long enough to remind you this is not a neutral spirit — it is a deliberate one.

Sip straight from the freezer, build a clean martini, or let it anchor any cocktail that deserves a thoughtful foundation. Belvedere rewards attention.

Origin: Mazovian Plain, Poland
Base: 100% Dankowskie Diamond Rye
Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
Format: 1.0 Liter

Producer Description 

Bottled Summer 2019 at 112.1 proof. Aged at least 6 years in new, charred oak barrels.

• Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey distilled in Indiana (MGP) and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Proof and Wood
• Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barlels
• Small batch, blended from approximately 10–20 barrels
• Lemon meringue on the nose with a lively palate of Red Hots and lemon zest with light tobacco and citrus on the finish. 

Distilled in Indiana from the same mash bill as Proof and Wood’s Roulette Rye, this barrel proof expression shows a compelling new side to the distillate’s personality

Understanding Mas Blanc i Jove 

Winemaker Description 

Petit Saó Blanc is a young white wine from Catalonia, Spain that contains Garnatxa, Macabeu, Viogner and Riesling.

Costers del Segre is a region in northwestern Catalonia. It's hilly and therefore a little cooler. This makes the area very suitable for different grape varieties than those grown in the rest of the province.

Macabeo and white Grenache are naturally abundant, but Viognier and even Riesling are also planted—for this wine, for example. 

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Viogner, Riesling

The Mas Blanch i Jové Petit Saó Blanc 2023 (often listed as Petit Blanc Saó) is a vibrant, organic white blend from the high-altitude vineyards of the Costers del Segre DO in Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its "mountain wine" freshness and unique blend of Mediterranean and continental grape varieties.

Types of Alcohol and Their Characteristics

Alcohol comes in various forms, including beer, wine, and spirits. Each type has distinct characteristics, flavors, and alcohol content. For instance, beer is typically lower in alcohol and often enjoyed casually, while spirits like vodka or whiskey have a higher concentration. Understanding these differences helps people select the right drink for each occasion.

Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Many studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption can offer some health benefits, such as improved heart health. However, moderation is key, because excessive drinking can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner might be beneficial, but overindulgence can negate those advantages.

Social Aspects of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol often plays a significant role in social gatherings and celebrations. It can enhance the enjoyment of events, bringing people together. However, it's important to consume responsibly. Alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, ensuring everyone can have a good time while prioritizing safety and wellbeing.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages

There are various types of alcohol that cater to different tastes and preferences. The most common types include beer, wine, and spirits, each offering unique flavors and experiences. For instance, beer is often enjoyed for its refreshing nature and comes in various styles, such as lagers and ales. Wine, made from fermented grapes, offers a wide range of tastes, from sweet to dry. Spirits, which are distilled beverages like whiskey, vodka, and rum, present a stronger alcohol content, making them versatile for cocktails. Understanding these different types of alcohol can enhance your drinking experience and help you choose the right beverage for any occasion.

The Benefits of Moderate Consumption

When consumed in moderation, different types of alcohol can offer certain benefits. Research suggests that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may be associated with heart health due to its antioxidants. Beer, rich in B vitamins and silica, can contribute to bone health. However, it's essential to note that moderation is key because overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, knowing the right amount can allow you to enjoy these benefits while minimizing risks associated with excessive drinking.

Making Informed Choices

Understanding the different types of alcohol and their effects is vital for responsible drinking. It’s important to know your limits and the impact each type of alcohol can have on your body. For example, spirits can have higher alcohol concentration compared to beer or wine, so pacing yourself and choosing lighter options may sometimes be wiser. This knowledge not only helps you enjoy alcohol safely but also enriches your social experiences. As a result, you can navigate the world of alcohol with confidence and enjoyment.

Ridge Vineyards · Geyserville · Alexander Valley 2021

This 2021 Alexander Valley red blend brings together Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. The winemaker lists Zinfandel as 69% of the blend, with the other varieties in smaller proportions.

Ripe cranberry and cassis open into dark bramble fruit, cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity carries the opulent fruit through a long, elegant finish; critics also note plum, blueberry, pepper, blackberry and herbal complexity. The review sources give differing blend percentages, so each is kept with its own attribution below.

Winemaker Description · blend
Ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose. Focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances beautifully with opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish. Blend: 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro.

Wine & Spirits · 95 Points · 2021
When Geyserville hits in a great vintage, it takes me back to what I originally loved about California wine. Or to that sense of optimism on a spring day when I first visited San Francisco in 1984, to pitch this magazine on publishing services. I didn’t know at the time that I would still be publishing it 40 years later, and I didn’t know how much California wine would change. Or how little the style and intention of Geyserville would change. The team at Ridge manages the vineyard’s generations of vines to produce complex wines like this perfectly ripe 2021, with its dark, resinous scents of marijuana, its deep layers of rich fruit and the fruitiness of detailed tannins. The fresh, herbal complexity is pretty epic and the richness doesn’t stop. What I want from California.

Wine Enthusiast · 94 Points · Cellar Selection · 2021
Toasted oak and wood-smoke aromas lead to equally smoky, spicy flavors of black pepper, blackberry jam and maple in this full-bodied, muscular and firmly tannic wine. Great to pair with barbecue and hatchet throwing. The Zinfandel grapes were supplemented with 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Best from 2025-2035.

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points · 2021
The 2021 Geyserville checks in as 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. It has a pure, expressive bouquet of fresh plums, figs, mulberries, peppery herbs, leather, and vanilla bean, and it takes some air to show at its best, gaining depth and richness with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, spicy, elegant red blend has a touch more oak present than I'm accustomed to, but it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. Rating: 93+

Wine Spectator · 93 Points · 2021
Tightly focused and briary, this blend offers density without weight. Presents plum and blueberry flavors accented by dill and green peppercorn as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Wine: Geyserville
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Style: Zinfandel-led red blend
• Blend (winemaker description): 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Geyserville’s layered fruit, spice and vibrant acidity make this half bottle a distinctive expression of Alexander Valley.

A playful yet powerful limited edition from WhistlePig, PiggyBank is aged 10 years and bottled at a bold 100 proof. Housed in a collectible pig-shaped decanter, this straight rye whiskey delivers rich, spicy complexity with smooth oak character — making it a standout gift or centerpiece for any whiskey aficionado.

Producer Description 

WhistlePig PiggyBank is the latest release from WhistlePig Distillery. Aged for 10 Years, WhistlePig PiggyBank is a limited edition blend of straight rye whiskey bottled at 100 proof. 

Winemaker Description 

Straka's Mash skin-fermented white is a blend of Straka's specialty, Welschriesling, with a bit of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. It spends 20 days on the skins followed by 10 months in large, neutral oak. The result is a wine that is both aromatic and tertiary, lending intriguing savory notes making it a perfect accompaniment to food.

Straka, which means Magpie, is a small family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland, Austria. It has been run by Tom Straka since 2008. Tom farms organically and practices minimal intervention in the cellar. Located on the last foothill of the Alps, in Rechnitz, his primary focus is Welschriesling, the main indigenous grape of the area. His best vineyard site is Pratner (he farms all but 4 rows of it) which is very densely planted old vines dating from 1932.

Since taking over the family winery, Tom has slowly expanded their vineyard holdings from 3-7 hectares and converted to organic farming. The estate was established by his family in the 18th century when they moved to the area from Bohemia. In the 1950s they were the first family in the area to start a Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine tavern) so that people could come and eat while sampling their wines. It proved a very successful model for them and today, their Buschenschank remains a staple of the area while most others have closed. It remains a great way for many people to try their wines.

Tom is huge advocate of Welschriesling which he says can pair with anything if grown properly. Welschriesling is an old indigenous grape perfectly suited to the geography of this rare geological area. Rechnitz sits 360 m above sea level on the slopes of the Geschriebenstein, the highest mountain in the Burgenland. The vineyards climb as high as 500m and are known for their unique geological soils -- a combination of crystalline schist and magmatic deposits that can only be found in 3 other places in the world. It is a very windy and dry area which cools off considerably at night. This results in very few pests, no need for herbicide or any other treatments and crisp clear mineral-driven wines. The parentage of Welschriesling is not known (it is not related to Rhine Riesling) and is thought to be a most closely related to Elbling, originating in Northern Italy and Croatia along the Danube and typically shows good acidity and fruit with notes of lemon, salt and green apple.

For one and a half decades Thomas Straka has been working with organic waste and cattle manure, but very little compost. "I apply some phosphor from time to time as fertilizer, and also a little chalk, because without it the vines would suffer malnutrition. But all in all I don't have to interfere much in the vineyards." Green cover like vetch between the rows contribute nitrogen to the soil. He lets them grow rather high. "Because we do little work with tractors and most by hand, our soils are nearly uncompressed and rich in humus. And as our soils are meagre and constantly wind-blown, we have almost no problems with fungal diseases." The biggest threat in Rechnitz is and always has been drought. "Today the only things I do in the cellar are a clarification with bentonite and addition of neutral yeasts if necessary."

Jefferson’s Rye Blend · 88 Proof

Jefferson’s brings together straight rye whiskeys drawing on American and Canadian distilling traditions. Bottled at 88 proof, this full-bodied blend is presented in a 750ml format.

At a Glance

• Style: Blended straight rye whiskey
• Proof: 88
• Size: 750ml
• Blend: American and Canadian distilling traditions

A bold, full-bodied rye blend shaped by two distilling traditions.

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast by Joe Czerwinski writes 92 Points | Dark amber in color, this example of classic Muscat is wonderfully balanced between the freshness of youth and the power and complexity of age. Raisin, malt and Guinness stout-like notes meet vibrant orange-zest and honey characters in a sweet, harmonious whole

Producer Description

Complex & layered

Average age 12 years

We affectionately call this the ‘Goldilocks’ tier—it’s just right! Our Classic Muscat is a perfect blend of fresh and older Muscat parcels, this wine offers the best of both worlds. It showcases vibrant, fresh fruit flavours alongside the deeper, richer complexity that comes with extended time in oak.

With notes of Turkish Delight, raisins, walnuts, and dense fruit cake, this tier has a much greater richness and complexity than the Rutherglen tier, hinting at the mature wood-aged characters that will continue to develop as it ages. It’s the ideal middle ground for those who want a balance of youthful fruit and the beginnings of that beautiful, layered depth Muscat is known for.

Stanton & Killeen acknowledges and deeply respects the Bangerang people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and gather. We honour their Elders—past, present, and emerging—and celebrate the continuation of their cultural, spiritual, and educational practices that have shaped this place for generations.
We are committed to learning, listening, and fostering a future that respects and uplifts all voices.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

The "Classic" Pairings:
    •    Desserts: Sticky date pudding, dark chocolate tart, or pecan pie.
    •    Savory: Strong blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort (the salt/sugar contrast is legendary).
    •    Affogato: Pour it directly over high-quality vanilla bean gelato.