Kendall Johnson

About the Author Kendall Johnson


DrinkWines

KIVELSTADT CELLARS

When asked to describe his portfolio of wines, Jordan Kivelstadt, the gregarious and talented winemaker behind Kivelstadt Cellars, spiritedly describes them as “as eclectic as the people who make them.” While this sentiment is certainly reflected in the unique varietals and fresh take on the wine industry, his humble description …

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Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon Drink Me Magazine
Spirits

KNOB CREEK SMOKED MAPLE BOURBON

Self-professed Bourbon enthusiasts might scoff at the idea of a flavored newcomer entering the line-up of a tried & true premium brand; however, a judgmental attitude about the Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon  will leave you missing out. Born out of Booker Noe’s nostalgia for the smokehouse and the sugar …

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Absolut Chicago drinkmemag.com drink me
Spirits

ABSOLUT CHICAGO

If your city was a flavor a vodka, what would it be? According to the limited-edition Absolut Chicago, the Swedes think Chicago should be green olives and rosemary- or in their words “a unique blend of the past with the cutting edge of right now…” While we wholeheartedly agree these …

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Spirits

DEFIANT SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Even without the boldly stated identity on its label, your first impression of the new Defiant American Single Malt Whisky ($45) might be one of blatant defiance. That’s right, American Whisky; and that wasn’t a whiskey fueled typo either. Blue Ridge Distilling Co., founded by marine salvage divers (true story), is a maverick little …

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DesignWines

PENFOLDS AMPOULE PROJECT

With only 12 handblown vessels in existence, the Penfolds Ampoule Project ($168,000) is a testament to the respect that Penfolds has not only for fine wine, but for innovation and heritage. Penfolds commissioned South Australia’s finest artists and craftsmen to create a rare objet d’art, designed to store wine in the most ideal environment. Sealed in …

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Spirits

JOHNNIE WALKER PLATINUM

Like the rare metal after which it is named, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label ($110) is rich, refined and carries an air of prestige. A complex blend of single malt and grain whiskies are matured for a minimum of 18 years before bottling. The Platinum Label is a skillful blend of …

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Wines

SCARLETT CABERNET SAUVIGNON

At first glance, it’s the exotic, redheaded beauty on the label of the 2011 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon that captures your attention; but it’s the wine inside that will win you over forever. This complex Cab hails from some of the best vines in Napa Valley, which is immediately evident in …

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BeerDrink

FOUNDERS BREWING CO. BREAKFAST STOUT

Microbrews & controversy. Not only are they two of the hottest trends of 2013, but also a topic that Founders Brewing Co. is quite familiar with. The Founders Brewing Co. Breakfast Stout ($11.99/4-pack) is a seasonal beer with a cult-like following, only available October – December. Touted as the “coffee …

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Fever Tree Mixers Drink Me Magazine
DrinkMixology

FEVER TREE PREMIUM MIXERS

Remember when you had that perfect G&T in London and then spent weeks trying to replicate it at home without success?  So does everyone. The good news is, the moment Fever-Tree Premium Mixers entered the U.S. market, the dilemma immediately vanished. Subtle botanical flavors mixed with spring water and the …

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