Below is a quick look at our latest reviews published at BevX on July 15, 2026. Click the links to get each beverage’s score and full analysis. Every Wednesday, we release new stories, introduce our latest reviews, and send subscribers their weekly, free digital newsletter. (Subscribe here.)
We had another busy week at BevX with new, tasty beverage reviews to share.
We have shifted our review format to offer more reviews for our review-hungry readers. The review pages (links below) will now feature a full tasting note, along with links to a comprehensive, detailed review of our Featured Beverages.
Sean Ludford’s book, Be A Beverage Expert (BABE), provides context for our weekly reviews, helping readers understand the materials, processes, and history of wine, beer, and spirits. Get a copy of BABE at Amazon.
As always, you can see all of our reviews here — BevX Reviews
Beverage of the Week
We Know Jack! Jack Florence Sr. Vineyard Zinfandel Rockpile 2024
We’re excited to present the third vintage (as reviewed at BevX) of We Know Jack Zinfandel! Like many brands in California, it started with wine enthusiasts—vineyard owners who sold their grapes to experienced winemakers. Eventually, they were tempted to craft their own wine from some of their harvest…
See the Beverage of the Week feature
Latest Reviews
Wine Reviews
Prats & Symington Post Scriptum Douro 2024
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black plum, violet, and blackberry with supporting notes of graphite, bramble, and slate. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis, blueberry, five spice, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe/juicy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $29 – 4 Stars/91 points
Prats & Symington Chryseia Douro 2023
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of blackberry, violet, and graphite with supporting notes of black tea, dark chocolate, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, baking spices, forest floor, oak, and hints of tamari. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $125 – 4.5 Stars/95 points
Beer Reviews
Sullivan’s Brewing Black Marble Stout (Ireland)
Deep, dark black, opaque, with a frothy white head. The nose is filled with the scents of espresso, black malted barley, dried fruits, and dark chocolate with properly subtle hop notes. The palate is in full agreement with the nose, delivering a coffee/black malt-driven core with waves of cocoa nibs, French roast coffee, and a touch of creamy vanilla. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced, with dry malt and coffee bean notes rising on the finish, drying the sweeter and fruity accents. $12, 4-Pk/Pub Can, 14.9 oz. – 4.5 Stars
Spirits Reviews
Empirical Olive Specialty Spirit
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very expressive, offering bold scents of green olives with crushed rosemary, parsley, and an assertive blast of salinity. The palate brings the promise of the nose into another dimension, delivering fleshy, green olive flavors with fresh herbs, blanched almonds, and an accent of citrus and a green finish. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with a pleasing oily texture that lifts the flavors on the palate. Add to your Martini or mix 50/50 with Vermouth di Torino Bianco. $35 – 5 Stars
Empirical Stonefruit Specialty Spirit
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is beautiful and inviting, revealing scents of Amaretto, marzipan, jasmine tea, and dried flowers with hints of brandied cherries and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose, delivering drier-than-expected notes of cherry, peach stone, bitter almond, and vanilla bean. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced, offering orchard fruit with a pleasing bitter edge. Add to your Aviation or Amaretto Sour. $35 – 4.5 Stars
Empirical Cilantro Specialty Spirit
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is bold and unapologetically cilantro-forward, with leaves and stems filling the air, supported by notes of coriander seed, sea salt, and tomato leaf. The palate takes a softer, gentler approach, with the cilantro-flavored notes buoyed by supporting notes of wildflower honey, fennel fronds, and citrus zest, finishing dry. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with an herbaceousness that would make Chartreuse blush. Add a splash to your Margarita or Bloody Maria. $35 – 4.5 Stars