Welcome to The Tasting Room — 2025

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 This Sagamore Spirit Rye review explores a balanced, Maryland-style rye whiskey with notes of caramel, brown sugar, dark fruit, citrus, and warming rye spice.  

 This Starward Two-Fold review explores a smooth, fruit-forward Australian whisky from Melbourne made with wheat and malted barley and matured in red wine barrels.  

 This Open Road Vodka review explores a smooth, corn-based American vodka crafted on traditional pot stills with clean flavor, subtle white pepper notes, and a soft, polished finish. 

 The other week, a good friend flew in from Washington State — the land of rain, flannel, and people who say “you’ve probably never heard of this distillery” before handing you something incredible. 

Some bottles don’t just sit on your shelf — they glow. Absinthia Absinthe Verte is one of them. Every pour feels like an invitation into a different era

 We dropped into Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town Alexandria on a strong recommendation from a good friend — “Go see Big T. Trust me.” 

The other night, we pulled down a bottle we’ve seen pop up more and more on social feeds: Weldon Mills Peach Elderflower Whiskey. We were curious — 

The other day, I took the boys out for haircuts in Reston — a simple, efficient dad mission. But if you know me, you know that “simple errands” have a habit of turning into flavor expeditions. 

 Every now and then, a bottle jumps off the shelf and basically dares you to take it home.
That’s what happened.....

 We tasted dozens of spirits at ADI 2025 — everything from boundary-pushing experimental whiskey to botanical gin that smelled like a greenhouse on payday. But then, .....

 Recently, we cracked open St. Luke Lavender Whiskey, and let me tell you… we went through every stage of emotional processing you can imagine. 

 Recently, we cracked open New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye — a bottle that multiple friends had been nudging us about for months. And honestly? We hesitated. 

 The Fireside Scotch That Converted the “Not a Scotch Guy” in the Room 

 A Living Room Pour with Two Camps: “Solid Value” vs. “What’s That Twang?” 

 When Your Wife Knows Your Palate Better Than You Do — Beer Meets Whiskey, and Somehow It Works 

 Soul, Story, and a Tequila That Deserves Your Attention 

 Bourbon with a Scotch Accent — Malt, Citrus, and a “Wait…what is THAT?” Kind of Pour 

 Ice, Lava Rock, and the Search for a Worthy Pour