I’ve got a backlog of reviews and notes to clear out, and among these are quick tasting notes about the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails from California-based Knox & Dobson, which offers a variety of premixed cocktails. Early in the year I received samples of the full lineup from the company, and I confess I hadn’t gotten around to drinking them until the weather was nicer. But I will say, while I’m sure these drink great year-round, they do taste especially good in summer.
These aren’t just canned cocktails, either; they are positioned as premium cocktails, packaged in heavy-duty bottles, and apparently crafted with premium ingredients. From Knox & Dobson’s about page:
Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Our multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and authentic Angostura Bitters.
I didn’t take extensive notes on these when I drank them, just quick one- or two-line thoughts, but I will say that I found all of these to be quite good and flavorful
Daiquiri
The daiquiri is one of those basic, essential cocktails that classically consist of only rum, lime, and sugar, shaken with ice. K&D’s version fits that classic recipe, and is 20.57% ABV. The description on the website says:
A true classic made with a blend of Jamaican and Florida rum, sugar and lime to create a crisp, balanced and endlessly drinkable Daiquiri.
I found it to be tart and bright with a nice lime peel bitterness, lime juice, and a nice kick of rum. I’m not well versed in the daiquiri but this seems pretty good to me.
Margarita
You can’t really talk about RTD cocktails without including another staple, the margarita. The standard recipe is tequila, triple sec, and lime; K&D mixes that up a bit with agave nectar instead of triple sec:
Our Crisp, refreshing Margarita, crafted with 100% Blue Agave Tequila, agave nectar, and real lime.
It’s 22.85% ABV, and one that my wife wanted to try as well.
My wife finds bitterness. I think it tastes pretty good with a good balance of tequila, lime, and sweetness.
Martini
Knox & Dobson continues its line of classic cocktails with the martini, a 34% ABV version made with dry gin and vermouth (the simplest, classic recipe). K&D has won awards for this Martini. The website says:
Experience the timeless elegance of a refreshing classic martini, expertly crafted with London dry gin and a touch of dry vermouth for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Each 200 ML bottle provides two premium servings, ideal for savoring or sharing.
Tasting Notes
Our version of the classic martini blends gin with dry vermouth, delivering an aromatic profile with subtle earthy notes. This refreshing take on the gin martini offers a perfect balance of boldness and sophistication.
With dry gin and vermouth, it tastes like a classic dry martini. Not too spicy from the gin, I get a bit of the floral/fruity vermouth, it’s tasty. Unfortunately I didn’t have any olives to garnish.
Old Fashioned
If there’s any one cocktail that crosses over well with beer, I’d nominate the old fashioned, made from whiskey, bitters, sugar, and garnished with orange or cherry. The cocktail has inspired a number of beers, particularly barrel-aged specialties, and I find there are complementary flavors between them.
K&D’s version of the old fashioned is 34% and uses bourbon; the website says:
This award-winning Bourbon Old Fashioned is designed to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseurs.
Each bottle is 200 ML and includes 2 servings.
Tasting Notes
The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned ready-to-drink cocktail features straight-aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura bitters.
I found it sweet, boozy, and rich. Nice bourbon character bringing the heat with subtle orange flavor from the bitters, which have a nice counterpoint to the sweet sugar.
Improved Whiskey Cocktail
Knox & Dobson took its Old Fashioned and said, “We can improve on this,” and introduced the Improved Whiskey Cocktail—for which I was going to have a snarky comment about naming but it turns out this is a real recipe that dates back to the late nineteenth century. All right then.
This version comes in at 35.42% ABV and features rye whiskey over bourbon. The description says:
Originally crafted in 1862, the Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail offers a sophisticated twist on the classic rye Old Fashioned. Smooth, effortlessly elegant, and a true crowd favorite, each 200 ML bottle delivers two perfectly crafted servings.
Tasting Notes
Experience the refined taste of our Improved Whiskey Cocktail, a masterful blend of straight-aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail boasts a rich, spiced flavor profile, perfectly complemented by hints of American oak, zesty citrus, and vibrant cherry notes for a balanced and memorable finish.
Nothing against the previous Old Fashioned, but this is the Old Fashioned I want to drink, because it’s not as sweet and I get nice spice from the rye, and the maraschino liqueur is subtle and balanced. This is the best of the bunch so far.
Moscow Mule
Finally, the Moscow mule, another popular cocktail that seems to work well in RTD format. I don’t drink a lot of this, but it’s made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, traditionally served in a copper mug. K&D’s version wasn’t made with ginger beer, but fresh ginger, so the company recommended adding club soda for the full effect (I didn’t have any club soda when I drank this, however).
It’s 20% ABV and the description says:
Knox & Dobson’s Moscow Mule is a perfectly crafted classic, made with premium vodka, fresh ginger, and lime for a bold, spicy, and refreshingly crisp flavor. Shake well, pour over ice, and enjoy every sip!
The ginger is strong and spicy in this, bringing heat that’s only slightly tempered by lime juice. There’s some sweetness as well, and a light alcohol note. I’m not really familiar with the cocktail so it tastes fine to me but I don’t have a benchmark.
