Spirits

• 
  Art of Drink

• Still Waters Distillery

  Darcy O'Neil

  8 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am

  Starting a distillery from scratch can be a daunting task, especially in Canada, but the gentlemen at Still Waters Distillery have succumbed to their passion and taken the leap anyway. For cocktail aficionados they are planning to produce a 100% rye whisky, but with aging that is a few years away. Single malt whiskies seem to be their true passion, but again good whisky takes time. While they are laying down stocks of malt and rye for aging they have put the still to work making a 100% barley malt vodka. This may be the best use of vodka yet--to support micro-distillers.

• Tales 2010

  Darcy O'Neil

  6 Oct 2009 | 4:34 pm

  Do you have a great idea that you absolutely need to share with the bartending community? If so Tales of the Cocktail is now accepting submissions for presentations for Tales of the Cocktail 2010.  I’m sure most people are familiar with this event, so I’ll skip the rehash. You don’t need any previous speak experience to submit an idea, but the idea needs to be good. Here’s some of my tips on how to weasel your way down to New Orleans. 1. Have a good presentation idea. It doesn’t need to be excessively complex, sometimes too much information is a bad thing. I did a presentation…

• Ammonia Coke

  Darcy O'Neil

  1 Oct 2009 | 6:46 pm

  Adding things to Coca-Cola is a time honoured tradition, two that immediately come to mind are cocaine and rum. Another is Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia. Now this isn't kitchen cleaner ammonia, which would be a big mistake, this is a pharmaceutical preparation that has been used for over a century, even before Coke was invented. For druggists, this preparation was an over-the-counter medicine used to treat a variety of conditions. Unlike other patent medicines (snake oil), Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia survived and can still be bought at some pharmacies today. It makes for an interesting taste…

• Beverages De Luxe (1914)

  Darcy O'Neil

  24 Sep 2009 | 6:08 pm

  Just prior to prohibition, a great little booklet was put out by The Wine and Spirit Bulletin called Beverages De Luxe. It is a collection of articles, and recipes, written by owners of distilleries and others in the business. Some of the contributors include George Brown (Brown & Foreman) and A.M. Hanauer (Hamburger Distillery, Pittsburgh, PA) among many others. Hanauer wrote a piece on rye whisky and quotes Bismarek as saying “Beer is for women, wine is for men and rye is for heroes.”  There is some great info on vermouth, New England Rum and Gin. Plus some really interesting…

• National Bartenders School

  Darcy O'Neil

  7 Sep 2009 | 5:34 pm

  Disagreements are normal, and I'm happy to debate the finer points of bartending and cocktails with anyone. Sadly, some people prefer the angry dictator approach. David Rattner, of National Bartenders School, being one of them. But that's OK. What's not cool is the his inability to separate the topic from the individual. Another charming letter from Dave follows.

• 
  The Joy of Drinking

• What a horrible Veterans Day

  11 Nov 2009 | 11:51 am

  How can we celebrate this patriotic national holiday when Pabst is being put up for sale? Pabst is nearly cheaper than water, so it's the natural choice for those of us on a tight budget (Yes, that IS a hint to our wealthy readers. Donations are accepted). Noelle and I really enjoy it because it's light on the wallet, light on the stomach, and still tastes good. Most cheap beers leave me feeling like crud after just one, not to mention their wateriness. And at 11 bucks for a case of 24, well, hell, I'm getting tears in my eyes. God Bless America, and God Bless Pabst! *Salute*Hipsters get out…

• White Wine vs Your Teeth

  21 Oct 2009 | 10:36 am

  Apparently, even with brushing, white wine wins. Stick with reds, or better yet, gin. White Wine Bad for Teeth

• Don't Be Bitter

  20 Oct 2009 | 8:52 pm

  I'm rather envious, one may even say bitter, over of Kyle's trip to participate in the annual Mai Tai competition on Maui. Part of the "Don't be bitter" giveaway

• Something short on orange wines

  11 Oct 2009 | 10:12 pm

  Cross post from Holy Kaw on orange wines!Just trying to keep things fresh, yo.

• Bubbles aren't just for cheap thrills

  28 Sep 2009 | 3:35 pm

  Apparently, the bubbles in champagne and sparkling wine do more than throw a party in your mouth (to which everyone is invited). Quoth the BBC: "Research shows there are up to 30 times more flavour-enhancing chemicals in the bubbles than in the rest of the drink." So next time someone offers you champagne in a solo cup at New Years, you can throw it in their face, citing this article. Don't expect an invite for next year, but hey, who wants to go to that kind of party anyway? Champagne bubbles' flavour fizz

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  Liquor Snob

• Liquor Snob Holiday Gift Guide 2009

  Liquor Snob

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:25 am

  It's time once again, ladies and gentlemen, for the holiday tradition that is the Liquor Snob Holiday Gift guide. If you're wondering what to buy for the boozer, sot, or lush of your life, fret no more, because we're gonna hook you up. This year we're changing the format a bit to include some hot deals and gift guides we've noticed (which will be updated as we find more) and the Top 11 items people have bought through us at Amazon in the last year (which pretty much translates to "things we want for Christmas"). To top it all off, we've also rounded up a bunch of other cool stuff we covered…

• The Search for God and Guinness

  Liquor Snob

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:02 am

  We've spent significantly more time searching for one than the other, but this book is right up your alley if you're interested in either, or just a fascinating history. Don't be afraid to take this bad boy to your local and pull up a stool...you may end up discussing the book with your fellow patrons more than reading it, but hey...that's what going to a bar is for. The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World at Amazon

• What Do You Think About Organic Vodka

  Liquor Snob

  12 Nov 2009 | 10:10 am

  Some one sent us this video thinking we might be interested in it, probably because the question "What do you think about organic vodka?" is asked during the proceedings. We can't, however, figure out what it has to do with organic vodka. We can't figure out what it has to do with being entertaining, for that matter. Maybe you, our brilliant readers, can tell us what the hell is going on in this video and why we should care? Hilarious pansyyyyyyyyyy - Watch more Funny Videos

• Akvinta Vodka Review

  Liquor Snob

  12 Nov 2009 | 4:02 am

  Akvinta Vodka Triple-distilled organic super-premium vodka 80 Proof (40% ABV) Review Sample Supplied By: Avkinta Vodka Typical Price: About $40 Available in: New York, New Jersey, California The Look: The Akvinta bottle is pretty striking, shot through with crimson and gold on the label and a cool little bronze button on the side. In the glass, Akvinta looks like, well, vodka. The Nose: Lemon and other citrus peels. The Taste: Citrusy with some pepper and an herbal bite. Very dry mouth feel, almost astringent, which we liked. Once we chilled it some of the sharper edges went away, and we were…

• Absinthe, Coffee, and Spice: Let's Get Nice

  Liquor Snob

  9 Nov 2009 | 12:23 pm

  It's fall, and apparently that means we've more reviews to do. While we're (finally) digging through our backlog of tastings and reviews to write up, the FedEx men have been busy the last few days bringing us all sorts of goodies. Below is what we've gotten lately, most of which we've already tasted and ramping up to write the reviews: Pernod Absinthe Superior It's been a while since Pernod has included the word "absinthe" on its label instead of the more innocuous "liqueur," and we're looking forward to trying it out. We'll taste it as an absinthe, and in comparison to some of the Pernod…

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  Drinks After Dark

• Gift Guides to keep you Merry

  Colleen

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:02 am

  If you’re anything like me, the christmas season requires a steady stream of good alcohol. The pressure from family, the rampant consumerism - everything - it all drives me to drink. Starting tomorrow, Miss Manifesto’s Drinks after Dark will bring you the best of spirits, accessories and more, to make your holiday season brighter, or to put a smile on your favourite spirits lover. Everything you’ll need to know to purchase the gifts will be included in the post, but as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment! That’s the fastest way to get…

• 2009 Vancouver Sortilege Cup Competition

  Colleen

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The 2009 Sortilège Cup competition for professional mixologists is coming up!  On Monday, November 23rd and Tuesday, November 24th, men & women bartenders will compete to win a trip to Montreal in summer 2010 to visit the Sortilège plant. The Gentlemen’s Competition will be held on Monday, November 23 2009, and the Ladies’ Competition will take place a day later.  Both events will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The details for the recipe, judging and scoring are as follows. Many of the competitions follow similar guidelines: Recipes and ingredients: o Must be…

• Spiral Wine Cellars

  Colleen

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:55 am

  Whenever someone in my wine world mentions their cellar, I can’t help but roll my eyes a little bit. Private wine cellars are usually associated with the creme de la creme of society - they’re large, set deep in the ground before the house is built. That’s no longer the case anymore - as is illustrated by my friends, none of whom, as fantastic as they are, are creme de la creme. The UK company, Spiral Cellars, are planning to change all of the preconceived notions around cellars. They’ve created a precast storage solution that can be installed in practically any room…

• Macallan 57

  Colleen

  15 Nov 2009 | 9:11 am

  Macallan, my favourite scotch (I am loving on the 18 year old scotch - it’s the first scotch I’ve able to really enjoy) produced a 57 year old single malt whisky in Lalique’s Finest Cut decanter – the third in a series of six decanters that are inspired by The Macallan’s six pillars, the unique elements that combine to make the whisky so special. Containing an exceptionally rare single malt whisky, the Finest Cut decanter is valued at $15,000 and will be available by special order beginning in October 2009, and there are only 72 bottles available. The introduction of The…

• Cornucopia 2009, Whistler.

  Colleen

  14 Nov 2009 | 9:33 am

  Cornucopia is the annual Celebration of Wine and Food; a delectable four days of wine, food and tasting events, is this weekend. Cornucopia Celebrate gourmet food coupled with fine wine in one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. With interesting tasting seminars with wineries, critics and wine professionals and Winemaker Dinners where sumptuous multi-course meals are paired with a variety of wines. Swirl, sniff, & sip a selection of vintages at various tasting events, take a Chef’s Trip to the Farm, or make the scene at the renowned after-parties and brunches. I…

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  Girly Drinks

• Godiva Liqueurs: Carameltini

  Rachel

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:40 pm

  Godiva Liqueurs: Carameltini is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Godiva Liqueurs: Carameltini is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. I was fortunate enough to receive a sample of one of the newly reformulated Godiva Liqueurs this past week. Available in four new flavors (Chocolate, White Chocolate, Mocha and Caramel), I received the Caramel Liqueur and a few [...]

• Martini Recipes From Kit Kat Lounge: Peanut Butter Cup, Root Beer Float, Samoan Girl Scout Cookie

  Rachel

  10 Nov 2009 | 9:50 am

  Martini Recipes From Kit Kat Lounge: Peanut Butter Cup, Root Beer Float, Samoan Girl Scout Cookie is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Martini Recipes From Kit Kat Lounge: Peanut Butter Cup, Root Beer Float, Samoan Girl Scout Cookie is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. This past weekend, two of my girlfriends and I reunited in Chicago for a “College Roommate Reunion,” a time to remember college, drink fun martinis, [...]

• Halloween Cocktails: The Jack-O-Lantern

  Rachel

  30 Oct 2009 | 11:20 am

  Halloween Cocktails: The Jack-O-Lantern is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Halloween Cocktails: The Jack-O-Lantern is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Happy Halloween! We’re busy compiling a roundup of 31 Halloween Cocktails from around the web to go out with our newsletter - our you signed up to receive it yet? In the meantime, here’s a quick and fun [...]

• Weekly Cocktail Roundup: October 23, 2009

  Rachel

  25 Oct 2009 | 7:48 pm

  Weekly Cocktail Roundup: October 23, 2009 is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Weekly Cocktail Roundup: October 23, 2009 is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Cocktail Blog Roundup: Cocktail Recipes From Everday Drinkers: The French Kiss (with X-Rated Fusion!) and the Pink Kitty From The Hostess Blog: Halloween Cocktails, including the Black Widow Martini and Screwed Up Shooters The “Liquor Fairy” brings Doug [...]

• The Melting Pot: Chocolate Fontini Recipe

  Rachel

  25 Oct 2009 | 7:25 pm

  The Melting Pot: Chocolate Fontini Recipe is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. The Melting Pot: Chocolate Fontini Recipe is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. While having dinner at The Melting Pot a few weeks ago, I imbibed in one of their signature cocktails, the Chocolate Fontini. Made from a combination of Godiva chocolate liquer, Kahlua, Baileys, and the actual [...]

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  SpiritsAndCocktails.com

• Bacardi ad

  Jamie Boudreau

  5 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  I’ve always said that Salvatore Calabrese couldn’t mix a drink to save his life! Seriously though, this is pretty fun to watch:  it should be  a ride for bartenders at Disneyland, or used as a learning tool for how long and hard to shake Ramos gin fizzes.

• Art of the Cocktail

  Jamie Boudreau

  31 Oct 2009 | 3:17 pm

  Art of the Cocktail is rapidly approaching. Don’t know what it is? Click here and/or read below: A two day festival celebrating the art, craft, and tradition of the cocktail. November 7 & 8, Victoria Arts Connection – 2750 Quadra Street The Art of the Cocktail opens the door to a world of elegant spirits: great classics, the [...]

• Cherry Old-Fashioned

  Jamie Boudreau

  30 Sep 2009 | 10:05 am

  Once again, I wrote the following for a great Slovak bar magazine, entitled appropriately enough, Bar Magazine. Occasionally Stanislav will contact me and ask me to create a recipe for him in the “molecular mixology style” that will fit in with the magazine’s theme of the month. (Note: Unfortunately Stan has now moved on to [...]

• Portland Watering Holes etc

  Jamie Boudreau

  28 Sep 2009 | 12:08 pm

  Portland is a mere two and a half hour drive from Seattle, and on occasion I’m able to escape to Washington’s Mexico. While there I stop at the bars listed below, and can occasionally set up a tasting or tour at one of the distilleries mentioned below. Oh, and I like  to harass the editors [...]

• Historic New Orleans Watering Holes

  Jamie Boudreau

  28 Sep 2009 | 12:04 am

  I’ve had the great fortune to go to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans the past three odd years and in that time have had a chance to explore some of the great old bars that NOLA has to offer. I’ve even seen some great bars that aren’t that old. You can check them [...]

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  The Cocktail Chronicles

• An Evening of Holiday Drinks, November 16

  Paul

  11 Nov 2009 | 11:22 pm

  I’ve always hated it when stores put up their Christmas displays right after Halloween, and cities start hanging wreaths and ribbons on everything in sight while everyone is still getting accustomed to the idea of autumn. I know I have good company in this, but this year I’m thinking about the holidays a little bit [...]

• Don’t Be Bitter

  Paul

  31 Oct 2009 | 8:05 pm

  Sure — I’ll play along with Dietsch’s “Don’t Be Bitter” contest. After all, the gentlemen from The Bitter Truth have supplied some of the best bitters in my liquor cabinet, and the opportunity to win a bottle of their Beefeater 24 Bitters — which apparently aren’t for sale — is too good to pass up. According [...]

• MxMo Vermouth: The flower with the power

  Paul

  26 Oct 2009 | 11:48 pm

  I’ve been a bad blogger recently, what with the infrequent updates and all (though I’m still writing regularly over at Serious Eats), but even after spending a busy day writing about booze and a busy evening judging a cocktail contest for Domain de Canton (congratulations, Jay!), I’ve still got to log in to WordPress for [...]

• MxMo XLIII: Vermouth

  Paul

  22 Oct 2009 | 4:46 pm

  I’m running late in getting this announcement up, but considering the theme for October’s Mixology Monday (which takes place Monday, October 26), I’m guessing most regular (and new) participants already have the stuff on hand. The details: This month’s MxMo is hosted by Vidiot at Cocktailians, and for the theme Vidiot has chosen a subtance that’s [...]

• MxMo XLII: Dizzy Dairy

  Paul

  28 Sep 2009 | 11:12 pm

  It’s still Monday here on the West Coast, which means I’m still on time for this month’s Mixology Monday. Hosted by Chris Amirault and the gang over at eGullet, the theme for this month is “Dizzy Dairy”, which means whatever else you do to your drink, you’d better mix something in it that originated in [...]

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  Cocktails News

• Cocktail anyone? Great bachelorette signature coctails that are 'X-Rated' fun

  21 Nov 2009 | 6:27 pm

  Thank God it's Friday because I'm so in the mood for a party! With the holidays fast approaching it just gives me another reason to celebrate.

• The big meal isn't complete without some complementary cocktails

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:19 pm

  By RUTH FANTASIA You'll slave over the turkey, sweat out lumpy gravy and pray the potatoes aren't too gluey.

• Bobby G's 3 New Cocktail Recipes

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:03 am

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• Gobble-Gobble Up: Three Thanksgiving Cocktails

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:48 am

  Thanksgiving is around the corner. You've probably already made your side dish shopping list and have chosen the cooking method for your turkey.

• 10 cocktails enter, one cocktail wins

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:44 am

  Ten local bartenders put their cocktail knowledge and mixology skills to the test this Sunday on-stage at the Uptown Theater during the third annual Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition .

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  About.com Cocktails

• Celebrate The Wonders of Pomegranate

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:43 am

  There is a fruit other than the cranberry that is in season right now, the pomegranate, and it happens to be National Pomegranate Month. That may seem a little odd to some considering that it is November, but fall and winter happen to be when pomegranates are at their peak in the Northern Hemisphere. PAMA Ginger-tiniPhoto Courtesy of: © PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur Because pomegranates are perfect this time of year, that also makes it a perfect fruit to don holiday dinner tables and with Thanksgiving this week, it's a great time to introduce it to the season. When it comes to food you have…

• Sipper of the Week: Leblon Cachaca and The Lemon, Lime and Blue Caipirinha

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:35 am

  In recent years the Caipirinha has developed into its own family of drinks, just like the fizzes, daisies, sours and all of those other cocktails that are similar to one another. Unlike most of those, however, the various Caipirinhas remain true to the base spirit - cachaça - but differ in the fruits that are used. The result of all of these experiments with flavor is an entirely different drink every time and this week's feature sipper is a prime example. It is The Lemon, Lime and Blue Caipirinha. The Lemon, Lime and Blue CaipirinhaPhoto Courtesy of: © Leblon Cachaca For this cocktail…

• Scotch Expansion from The Macallan and Compass Box

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:29 pm

  I love this time of year because it means, without fail, that a myriad of Scotch come in for me to taste. This year started out with a blending seminar with Johnnie Walker for their Black Label and has since been infused with some fascinating boutique Scotches. Two (okay, it's more like four) have made my new favorites list, one being a seasonal release turned non-seasonal and the other three special editions that you have to fly to find - and I will be looking for them on my next adventure. Orangerie Scotch InfusionPhoto Courtesy of: © Compass Box The first Scotch that I speak of is not…

• Timeless Tipple of the Week: Morning Glory

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:36 am

  The combination of whiskey and brandy is one that you will find in many of the great cocktails of all time. This week's timeless tipple is one of those and I love it's name: Morning Glory. In this classic cocktail those two ingredients are taken to the higher level with rye whiskey and cognac. They are brought together into this delightful drink with a myriad of flavors including orange and anise and adding some syrup and bitters with a splash of soda finishes it off to perfection. However, with all of that going on you need to make sure it retains a balance so pull out that jigger and start…

• More Precautions for Women Who Drink

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:48 am

  It is common knowledge that women should not drink as much as men because our bodies are smaller than men's and it takes less alcohol to get drunk. But, according to this article in last week's Kansas City Star there are more risks when it comes to drinking that women should at least be aware of. In the article Anne Brockhoff cites a 20-year study performed by the University of North Dakota School of Medicine that states that alcohol causes more damage to a woman's body than previously thought. Women have less of a certain enzyme and water than men and these cause women to not only get drunk…

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  Liqurious

• #3653 - The Autumn Zinger: fresh persimmon puree and...

  ellenfork

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:43 am

  The Autumn Zinger: fresh persimmon puree and seasonal liqueurs make this drink a humdinger. (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)

• #3652 - Review of some of the best cocktail books to...

  jayhepburn

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:42 am

  Review of some of the best cocktail books to come out over the past few months - just in time for Christmas. (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)

• #3651 - OK, so you may not like The Twilight Saga: New...

  smartkitty

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:18 pm

  OK, so you may not like The Twilight Saga: New Moon ... but I dare you not to like the Twilight cocktail (made with Prosecco and creme de violette) (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)

• #3650 - Prometheus Springs Winter Warmer 2 oz Bourbon...

  prometheussprings

  21 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pm

  Prometheus Springs Winter Warmer 2 oz Bourbon or Whiskey 8 oz Prometheus Springs Garnish with three cloves and a cinnamon stick. (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)

• #3649 - Awesome Piccadilly and Gloom Raiser coctails...

  scomorokh

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:07 am

  Awesome Piccadilly and Gloom Raiser coctails for long but interesting autumn evenings. Classic never die! (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)

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  Drink of the Week

• Grateful Cranberry Cocktail

  marcia

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:22 am

  This fall cranberry cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s light enough that it won’t compete with a plate full of turkey and mashed potatoes. But the unique mixture of cranberry, honey, bourbon, green tea and ginger ale is full enough to satisfy the taste buds. Grateful Cranberry Cocktail 1 1/2 oz. bourbon 1 oz. cranberry-honey syrup (recipe below) Green tea flavored ginger ale Frozen cranberries Crushed ice Fill collins glass three-quarters full with crushed ice and frozen cranberries.  Pour in bourbon and syrup, then top off with ginger ale. Cranberry-honey syrup Boil…

• Mr. Boston Holiday Cocktails

  the Barkeep

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

  New from Mr. Boston, it’s Holiday Cocktails, a collection of seasonal drinks from top mixologists. Contributes include Gary Reagan, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Dale DeGroff, Jamie Boudreau, David Wondrich, Neyah White and many others. Mr. Boston Holiday Cocktails will help entertain like a pro this Holiday Season. The books covers party basics, supplies lists, and has 78 recipes ranging from ‘Hot and Steamy’ to ‘Party Punches’. In addition, ‘Trade Secrets’ from bartenders are sprinkled throughout the book. If your planning a holiday cocktail party or you…

• Dolche Rosso - Foodbuzz Blogger Festival 2009

  the Barkeep

  18 Nov 2009 | 11:01 pm

  Last week we had the pleasure to attend the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival in San Francisco. Skyy Vodka supplied the cocktails created and served by several of San Francisco’s top mixologists. The weekend was a wonder of gastronimic delight. It started with rooftop party at The Hotel Vitale, followed by a dinner of SF street food at the Ferry Building. And that was just Friday, the next day began with brunch at the Ferry Building Farmers Market. Next, it was on to the afternoon tasting at City View Room in the Metreon, imagine a room awash with cocktails, micro-brews, amazing food and…

• Findlandia Vodka: Drink a bottle, plant a tree

  marcia

  16 Nov 2009 | 4:22 pm

  Drink up, the Earth needs you to! Now when you drink, you can say you’re doing it to help the environment. Finlandia has some specially marked bottles that can be redeemed for a donation to plant one tree in your honor, through non-profit Trees for the Future. So drinking one bottle of vodka means adding one more tree to the planet. In stores, look for bottles of Finlandia original, lime, mango, wild berries, grapefruit, and tangerine vodkas with pictures of trees on them. This promotion runs through the end of the month. Finlandia Vodka Trees for the Future Via Mother Earth News

• Spiced Tea Holiday Punch

  marcia

  12 Nov 2009 | 11:01 pm

  The holidays are time for gatherings and warmth … and a little booze. This spiced punch can be served hot or cold. It’s a tasty way to welcome guests and stay warm. Spiced Tea Holiday Punch 3 cups water 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 tbs. vanilla extract 10 whole cloves 10 cardamom seeds 2 tbs. ginger 2 tea bags (black tea) 1 bottle red wine 1/4 cup dark rum Boil water, honey, sugar, spices and vanilla in a large saucepan, stirring frequently until honey and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and add tea bag, steeping for five minutes. Strain it into a bowl and add…

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  Dr.Whisky

• Malt Mission 2009 #370

  16 Nov 2009 | 1:08 am

  Honest McGee"Medicial Elixir"bot. Oct 31, 2009Blended American Whiskey abv% uknown $¢£ pricelessIt's about time that I wrapped up this pentad of American whiskies and what better way to do it than with something terribly unique and wholly unusual. I was intending to feature Parker's latest Heritage release but when Greenback Dollar and Associates handed me this wee bottle of goodness at WhiskyFEST NYC earlier this week I knew that it had to be tasted and shared post haste.With an attractive matte label of vibrant although muted colours, Honest McGee comes complete with multiple text fonts…

• Malt Mission 2009 #369

  21 Oct 2009 | 3:06 am

  Michter's 10yo, GH-1Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey47.2% abv$75 (USD)"Michter's: the Whiskey that warmed the Revolution."In 1753, Swiss Menonite farmer John Shenk joined the American tradition of whiskey making and built a farm distillery in Schaefferstown, PA for "local use". Within four generations the family distillery became a commercial venture (apparently on the back of supplying Washington's troops with liquid courage) and was sold.After prohibition closed the distillery, a confusing web of tales seems to exist that this author tries to untangle, but the story seems to end the same:…

• Malt Mission 2009 #368

  19 Oct 2009 | 3:04 am

  Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey TN 85-4L 50% abv$40 (USD)Although Wikipedia tells us that Four Roses was possibly named after original founder Rufus Mathewson Rose, his brother and two sons, Four Roses' website tells the story of Paul Jones, Jr., founder of Four Roses, whose love interest accepted his invitation to a grand ball and showed up wearing, as promised, a corsage of 4 red roses. I guess if we whisk(e)y nerds weren't spending all our online time surfing porn and writing vitriolic comments on whisky websites and fora we could remedy the spread of…

• Malt Mission 2009 #367

  13 Oct 2009 | 2:12 am

  Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 45% abv£50$45(USD)Keeping the American theme going with a few more drops from whiskEy country up my labcoat sleeve. Sorry if it takes me weeks to pull 'em out.Typical of American whiskey, the Bernheim story is shrouded in mystery, some confusion, and even a little intentional deceit. The Bernheim website reads, "Brothers Isaac Wolfe and Bernard Bernheim, pioneering German immigrants with little money and big dreams, established a distillery in Louisville, Kentucky in the 19th century. Since that time, the Bernheim distillery has consistently…

• The Man Who Walked Around the World

  26 Sep 2009 | 5:20 am

  Just before setting off to Scotland, friend and colleague Andrew Weir sent me a link to the new Johnnie Walker short film/ad "The Man Who Walked Around the World."When I first viewed it, there had been 3000 views. There have now been 130,000, I believe the viral will continue to spread, and I feel no shame in sharing the contagion. Oh wait a sec, this one has subtitles. Ha. The one Andy sent me did not. Anyways... Will use this one for those of you who don't speak English, or those who do but cannae speak Scottish. The video came up over conversation in the Highlander Inn, with a group of…

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  Scotch Chix

• Update

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:16 pm

  So sorry for not being able to stay in touch, Loyal Scotch Chix Fans. It has been a brutal month, both physically and in terms of balancing work with the multitude of doctor's appointments. CA Scotch Chick most definitely did not have the time to be run over by a car!The recovery process, particularly for the foot, has been disappointingly slow. It ended up living in its splint for 8 weeks instead of 6, and when it emerged it was a quivering mass of raw nerves, unused muscles, and excruciatingly tight ligaments and tendons. Learning to walk on it again is requiring a fair amount of gritted…

• Life can Change in a Split Second

  14 Oct 2009 | 8:02 pm

  Hey Loyal Scotch Chix Fans! Sorry that it has been awhile since there has been a post. Life recently changed pretty dramatically for the CA Scotch Couple. On Labor Day Weekend, the CA Scotch Couple was car-jacked in a parking lot in Northern California.CA Scotch Gent was violently assaulted and suffered from broken wrists, head wounds, and multiple lacerations. CA Scotch Chick was more than a bit too slow on her feet, and ended up being run over by the car. She spent the next 8 days in the ICU and 10 days in the hospital trying to get her lungs to work again, nursing a split open left foot,…

• Single Malt and Scotch Whisky Extravaganza

  12 Sep 2009 | 9:53 am

  The Fall Schedule of the Single Malt and Scotch Whisky Extravaganza has just been released! It's the perfect opportunity for both novice and experienced scotch drinkers to sample a wide range of premium single malts. The event focuses exclusively on single malt and Scotch whiskies. There will be 85 whiskies available for sampling. Included in the price of admission is a gourmet dinner buffet, premium imported cigars, a Robb Report magazine, a souvenir tasting glass, raffle prizes, and of course, the whiskies. Tickets are $115 for Society members and $130 for non-members. The Fall Schedule is…

• Park Kitchen

  21 Aug 2009 | 9:07 am

  422 NW 8thPortland Oregon 97209503 223-7275http://www.parkkitchen.com/The Chef and the Saint chose Park Kitchen, a cutting edge restaurant focusing on local seasonal cuisine, for their night on the town with the CA Scotch Couple. And, as the two couples strolled through the the North Park blocks, a hip and happenin' arts area in the Pearl District, they noticed that the temperature had dropped and the breeze had picked up. It was almost cool, certainly cool enough to sit outside — a very pleasant surprise.The second pleasant surprise came when the very friendly and highly efficient waiter…

• 4 Roses Small Batch

  21 Aug 2009 | 5:48 am

  This Four Roses Small Batch was a bit disappointing. Although the caramel and citrus palate was pleasing, the long bitter finish was a bit harsh. Single Malt Whisky: Four Roses Small BatchRegion: Lawrenceburg, KYColorLight YellowNoseButtery sweetBodyMediumPalateLemon/Citrus, Carmel, Hint of ButterFinishLong and bitterCommentHad me until the finish

• 
  WhiskyCast

• WhiskyCast Episode 227: November 22, 2009

  Mark Gillespie

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:26 pm

  McKinlay's Rare Old Scotch Whisky was one of the many brands destined to be part of the history books...until two cases of McKinlay's were discovered in 2006 beneath a hut used by Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition from 1907 to 1909. Now, whisky lovers all over the world want to know what a whisky stored in ice for a century would taste like. We'll hear from Al Fastier of the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust and Richard Paterson of Whyte & Mackay on plans to recover the whisky from its icy home in February...and what should happen to it. In the news, Edrington Group plans to…

• WhiskyCast Episode 226: November 14, 2009

  Mark Gillespie

  14 Nov 2009 | 8:55 pm

  The whisky world gathers every November for Malt Advocate's WhiskyFest in New York. The 12th annual edition featured new whiskies and longtime favorites. We'll cover the entire show in this episode, including Lifetime Achievement awards for retired Edrington Group master blender John Ramsay and Beam Global's Robert Hicks. In the news, Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail adds two stops, Woodford Reserve releases a Seasoned Oak version, and details on a new competition for WhiskyCast listeners!

• WhiskyCast Episode 225: November 8, 2009

  Mark Gillespie

  7 Nov 2009 | 9:26 pm

  America is in the forefront of a global micro-distilling boom, with more than 200 licensed artisanal distilleries. 42 of them are producing whisky, and many have received guidance from Bill Owens of the American Distilling Institute. Bill shares some of the benefits and potential pitfalls of starting a distillery in this episode. In the news, new Scotch whisky regulations will take effect later this month, Diageo changes course in the Canadian market, Glen Grant prepares for a U.S. debut, and if you missed out on tickets for Malt Advocate's WhiskyFest New York, there's a preview of this…

• WhiskyCast Episode 224: October 31, 2009

  Mark Gillespie

  30 Oct 2009 | 3:28 pm

  Whisky is a treat for many of us, but the trick is finding the right one (obligatory Halloween reference). Keith Law is one of the master blenders for Diageo, and suggests that a blended Scotch may be the way to go for some people. In the news, English Whisky is just a few weeks away, the Knob Creek drought of 2009 is over, The Balvenie's coppersmith celebrates his 50th anniversary, and tasting notes for several rare Islays and the 2000 Vintage Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon.

• WhiskyCast Episode 223: October 25, 2009

  Mark Gillespie

  25 Oct 2009 | 9:25 am

  This week, I'm on the road at Proof on Main in Louisville! Heaven Hill is celebrating Parker Beam's 50th anniversary as a distiller this weekend, and you'll share in the fun as we hear from Parker and some of his many friends and colleagues. In the news, David Stewart scales back his duties at William Grant & Sons, new travel retail releases, and tasting notes for the Gold Bowmore! We'll also hear from noted chef Charlie Palmer and more about one of Louisville's best bourbon bars.

• 
  Nonjatta

• The unbearable lightness of being a whisky highball

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:42 pm

  Highball billboards in Shinjuku, Tokyo.There is a really good article in Metropolis Magazine by Nicholas Coldicott telling the story of "how Japan's least fashionable drink came back from the grave": the whisky highball.As Nicholas says, the highball was extremely popular during the golden age of whisky drinking in Japan, between the 1960s and 80s. I've quoted this before but Eiji Eigawa at the Jūsō Torys Bar described the salaryman's drinking culture of that period: "The boss used come in and order a highball. Then, everybody with him would order a highball, right down to the newest guy in…

• Indy Karuizawa bottling

  30 Oct 2009 | 9:32 pm

  Japanese whisky fans Tapani Kuusela and Johan Hofvander have bottled their own Karuizawa 14-year-old single cask whisky (cask 5024) and expect the bottles to arrive in Sweden shortly. It was distilled back in 1995 and matured and aged in a wine cask. There are 114 bottles, each packing quite a punch at 66 per cent alcohol. I can't wait for the tasting notes, which Tapani has promised to send in. So jealous!

• Double whammy for Japanese boozehounds!

  20 Oct 2009 | 6:47 pm

  Japanese whisky is world class but, of course, it is only one part of Japan's extraordinary alcohol culture. I have just realised that, because of a very fortuitous accident of timing, visitors to Japan for the Whisky Magazine Live! festival next year will have a great opportunity to explore a little bit further into some of the other attractions Japanese booze has to offer.A bit of background: a genuinely exciting effort to kick-start sake tourism in Japan, called Sake Brewery Tours, has just started to organise five day tours of some of the country's most celebrated sake districts, offering…

• Nikka triumphs at International Spirits Challenge

  8 Oct 2009 | 8:29 pm

  Nikka whisky's Taketsuru 21 year old pure malt whisky won the overall trophy for the whisky category at the 2009 International Spirits Challenge in London on Wednesday. The Taketsuru 21 adds the honour to the "World's Best Blended Malt" prize it won at the 2009 World Whisky Awards in April.The five gold medals earned by Japanese whiskies at the Challenge went to Hibiki 17 year old (blended whisky), Taketsuru 21 year old (pure malt whisky), Yoichi 15 year old (single malt) and Hakushu 18 year old (single malt), and, my current favourite, the Yamazaki 1984 single malt.

• New Malt Whisky Yearbook

  6 Oct 2009 | 11:26 pm

  My copy of the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2010 arrived yesterday. The section on Japanese whiskies has been revised slightly but is on pretty much the same basic template as last year's section, which still makes it perhaps the most reliable, succinct source of information about the subject in print.If you own the 2009 version and are thinking about purchasing purely because of an interest in Japanese whisky, you may find yourself retreading some familiar material, but other sections of the yearbook have been completely rewritten and anybody with a broader interest in whisky will not regret the…

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  caskstrength.net - whisky blog

• Do You Want Ice With That?

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:43 am

  Yesterday we came across a brilliantly amusing tale of discovery, which was almost too good to be true. Whisky, trapped in the abyss of time, waiting to be discovered and tasted! Sounds like the back of Joel's cabinet, where he keeps all the good stuff for himself.... ;-)Apparently, 2 cases of whisky dating back to Sir Earnest Shackleton's failed polar expedition in 1909 have been discovered, encased in a thick layer of ice, where they have rested silently, untouched for 100 years.Scientists at the site of the abandoned expedition are now using special drilling equipment to reach the whisky -…

• One & a Half Wheels To Victory!

  14 Nov 2009 | 4:47 am

  Last week, I had my first tentative ride out on a new purchase- a brand new 'modern' take on the old classic- the Penny Farthing bike. I say tentative for two reasons;One: It has a fixed wheel propulsion system, meaning that taking your feet of the pedals whilst in motion means it is virtually impossible to get them back on again, as they spin round manically with an ankle-maiming pace.Two: It has no brakes. That's right. No brakes. Not even a little one for the wheel at the back. Hmmm. And the last time you rode a regular bike was? .... About 10 years ago.Ah.My first challenge was to be a…

• Slow Tasting - 4 Connoisseurs Choice

  9 Nov 2009 | 4:40 pm

  Quick!We!Live!In!London!Where!Everything!Is!Done!Really!Fast!"I'm!Late!For!Work!""The!Film!Is!About!To!Start!Get!Me!My!Popcorn!Faster!" "If!This!Night!Bus!Doesn't!Get!A!Move!On!I'm!Going!To!Miss!Match!Of!The!Day!" "Shit!The!Condom!Broke!" It's time to slowwwwww.... dowwwwwwnn.... Here at Caskstrength.net we would never dream of a speed tasting. Not when it comes to whisky anyway!Slow.Down.Savour and enjoy.Be it Bells 8 Year Old or the Port Ellen Feis Ile Bottling, pouring that magical liquid in to your glass should afford you time to sit back and savour. That stuff has taken at least three…

• The Show MUST Go On!!!!

  7 Nov 2009 | 5:12 am

  Sometimes ideas are probably best left on paper. The Millenium Dome is arguably now one of London's most successful music venues, but of course, was a huge white elephant in its former life. Same goes for the Band Aid 20 (despite its obvious charity appeal) and when I heard that there was to be another whisky event in London, I had a few doubts.A tiny thought crossed my mind earlier this year in that is there really a sustainable audience for 2 (including Whisky Live) major whisky events - especially in the run up to Christmas, when we're already being battered by constant tabloid negativity…

• Whiskers Galore!

  1 Nov 2009 | 4:28 am

  Gentleman....the wait is over. Today is the first of November and your shavers should be well and truly packed away - well at least for your top lips. Ever fancied growing a moustache, but needed a reason to run it past the wife/girlfirend/boss?.... we'll here's a great one. And there's even some whisky involved!!!Movember is a global charity raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues whilst having a spot of fun along the way. Every November, chaps around the world show their support by growing Marvelous Moustaches and putting on events to raise funds.Whisky 4 Movember is a…

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  The Chuck Cowdery Blog

• The Retro Bourbon You Really Must Try: Old Grand-Dad Bonded.

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:10 pm

  With its bright orange label, there is no chance you will mistake Old Grand-Dad for one of those new, trendy bourbon brands. Old Grand-Dad Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is proudly retro, from its package to the taste of the whiskey inside.There are several expressions of Old Grand-Dad, but my favorite is Bonded Old Grand-Dad. As a bond, it must by law be 100° proof (50% ABV) and the product of a single distillery during a single distilling season. There can be no mixing of younger and older barrels. It must also be at least four years old.Old Grand-Dad is a bourbon, but it contains…

• Templeton Rye. Hoist On Its Own Petard?

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:22 am

  There are some subjects that keep recurring, so often I get tired of writing about them. One is the great spelling controversy--to "e" or not to "e"--another is Jack Daniel's; bourbon or not? Today it's whiskey producers who call themselves distilleries but whose products are made by somebody else. I wrote about it here and many, many other places, but when I saw this picture I just couldn't resist.It's a picture, supplied by them, of Templeton Rye barrels. See, it says "Templeton Rye" right there on the head. But look at what else it says, "distilled 10/03."Leaving open the…

• Gifts for Bourbon Lovers.

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:03 pm

  What should you give to the bourbon lover on your list? Well, it's pretty hard to beat bourbon, but let's say you want to give them something else.Two great suggestions are, BOURBON STRAIGHT; The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey, and "Made and Bottled in Kentucky," the definitive bourbon documentary on DVD.Need more? Many of the top American whiskey brands have online stores, where you can pick up T-shirts, hats, flasks and other gifts, helpfully emblazoned with the brand's logo. Here are a few of them. Woodford ReserveJack Daniel'sJim BeamEvan WilliamsBuffalo TraceMaker's…

• FDA Orders Manufacturers To Prove Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Are Safe.

  16 Nov 2009 | 12:24 pm

  You've seen it a thousand times in movies and TV shows. Someone needs to sober up quickly and starts pounding black coffee, even though science tells us that doesn’t work. Caffeine will not counteract the effects of alcohol, it just makes the drunk more alert. A decade ago, Red Bull launched the craze for so-called energy drinks, which deliver a big dose of caffeine. Pretty soon, these drinks were being combined with alcohol. No one should have been surprised, therefore, when drinks companies put two and two together and started to sell caffeinated alcoholic beverages. Almost immediately,…

• Latest Research Provides Nuanced Picture Of Alcohol-Releated Problems.

  15 Nov 2009 | 4:16 pm

  "Alcohol abuse" is defined as use that repeatedly contributes, within a 12-month period, to the risk of bodily harm, relationship troubles, problems in meeting obligations and run-ins with the law. "Alcohol dependence" includes those symptoms, plus the inability to limit or stop drinking; the need for more alcohol to get the same effect; the presence of withdrawal symptoms; and a consumption level that takes increasing amounts of time.With that as a starting point, everyone who enjoys beverage alcohol should frequently monitor both their own actions and those of the people close to them. The…

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  American Hooch

• Eagle Rare Single Barrel

  Nathan

  16 Nov 2009 | 7:12 pm

  Eagle Rare seems to have changed hands a few times in its history.  Starting off in the ’70s as a Seagram brand, the bourbon is now in the hands of Buffalo Trace Distillery – and that’s a good thing considering they produce some of my favorites like W.L. Weller and Buffalo Trace.  By all accounts this seems to be a classic bourbon aiming for a classy slot on the shelf yet comes in cheaper than I’d expected. Stats: - $25ish - Buffalo Trace Distillery - 90 proof Presentation: The first descriptor that comes to mind for the Eagle Rare line’s packaging is…

• Jim Beam Distillers Series

  Nathan

  2 Nov 2009 | 7:14 pm

  It looks like I’m about a year late on this one particular bottle.  Announced and released around this time last year, Jim Beam’s Distillers Series was supposedly available only through January 2009, but I managed to pick up a bottle at Astor place just last week.  I was intrigued by the friendly price point right around $20 and since I’ve enjoyed most other Beam releases I’ve tried – Jim Beam Black being one of the better bangs for your buck.  Then again, maybe there’s a reason this “limited” release is still on shelves a year after it hit…

• High West Whiskey – Rendezvous

  Nathan

  14 Oct 2009 | 7:25 pm

  Well this is a new one for me.  High West Distillery is a relatively new outfit from Utah – and is the first legal distillery to open in that state.  It seems that while they’ve started distilling their own product, none of it has aged enough for their standards, so Rendezvous was created from two whiskeys distilled in Kentucky: a 6-year old rye and a 16-year old rye.  This seems like a decent way to solve the problem of having to wait for the barrels to do their work before having anything to sell – this way High West has product on the shelves, paving the way for their…

• Elmer T. Lee

  Nathan

  2 Sep 2009 | 7:20 pm

  I bought this bottle in the same trip as last week’s Wathen’s and I can’t say it wasn’t because they use the same bottle.  Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel is named for the Master Distiller Emeritus of the Buffalo Trace distillery – supposedly having selected the barrels for this bottling himself.  This alone sets the expectations pretty high (especially considering the price), let’s see if it lives up. Stats: -$25ish - Made by Buffalo Trace - 90 proof Presentation: As previously noted, the bottle is the same fat-upright rectangle of the Wathen’s bottle…

• Wathen’s Single Barrel

  Nathan

  25 Aug 2009 | 8:47 pm

  Wathen’s was a new one for me when I saw it on the shelf a few weeks ago.  I’d never even heard of this brand which claims to be the product of “whiskey’s royal family”.  A little digging on Google reveals a ten-year old string of postings on Straight Bourbon in which Chuck Cowdery and some others discuss the arrival of this new bourbon – so apparently I’m a bit late to the game. Wathen’s seems to have an interesting and typically complicated (for bourbon) history as a brand, having been the result of distilleries being bought, sold, closed,…

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  Dowd on Drinks

• Hibiscus: Next big thing for food, drink

  William Dowd

  17 Nov 2009 | 12:02 pm

  “Hibiscus has gained buzz recently for its healthful reputation and potential medicinal properties, but chefs long have prized the flower’s full flavor, deep red color and its heritage as an ingredient used around the globe,” begins a report in Nation’s Restaurant News. The various uses of the exotic flower raneg from using it as a poultry [...]

• Dr. Konstantin Frank free wine tasting in Cohoes

  William Dowd

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:13 am

  The Harmony House Marketplace, which hosts free weekly tastings of various New York State wines on a year-round basis, this week will be hosting Jan McGuire and wines from Dr. Konstantin Frank. The Marketplace, founded in Cohoes by Diane Conroy-LaCivita, is a series of businesses that includes The Wine Seller, The Baker Shop and R&G Cheesemaker, [...]

• A celebri-quote: Elizabeth Hurley

  William Dowd

  13 Nov 2009 | 3:22 pm

  • Actress-model Elizabeth Hurley, 44, told a reporter from London’s Daily Mail that she has switched from wine and coffee to vodka to maintain her famous figure. “I used to drink an awful lot of coffee, but I was told after the age of 40 you have to be careful with coffee and wine. I don’t [...]

• PC-compatible humidifier in a can

  William Dowd

  10 Nov 2009 | 11:30 am

  I don’t know about you, but if I were in the market for a humidifier I doubt one of the criteria for choosing it would be that it looked like a beer can. I also wouldn’t be looking for it to be USB-compatible with my computer. So, I suspect, Green-House of Japan didn’t have me in mind [...]

• Highland Park releasing pricey ‘64 whisky

  William Dowd

  10 Nov 2009 | 11:27 am

  William M. Dowd photo illustration • This is part of “Gotta Have …”, a series of occasional postings on unusual products at unusual prices. Anyone who is into rare and limited whiskies may want to gear up to lay claim to a 45-year-old single malt about to hit the market. Highland Park, the world’s most northerly single malt [...]

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  Olly Wehring's beverage industry blog - from just-drinks.com

• Vinopolis eyes expansion

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:29 am

  Vinopolis, the world wine tourist attraction in central London, plans to expand after marking a decade since opening its doors. just-drinks deputy editor Chris Mercer attended the Vinopolis tenth anniversary dinner last night, held in the attraction's Cantina restaurant. Vinopolis board members took the opportunity to announce expansion plans for the attraction. Planning permission has already been received to knock through into a further four disused railway arches, under which Vinopolis is built. The new space will be used to build a 'street' that is likely to tie the attraction…

• Stella Artois - curioser and curioser

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:25 am

  Take a look at this email from InBev UK, which I received earlier this week. How very intriguing. I'll let you all know on Monday just what on earth is going on.   Dear Olly Vous êtes invités to the exclusive launch of Le Recyclage de Luxe Show, premiering on le cyberspace on 22 November. And to make votre expérience plus chic, Stella Artois would like to offer you a haute-cuisine three-course TV dinner to enjoy while watching the show. To have this magnifique gourmet dinner delivered straight to your door between 6pm and 8pm on the evening of the premiere, please RSVP with your name,…

• Wine tasting etiquette

  17 Nov 2009 | 8:46 am

  Young wine critic Matt Skinner has been stung in the UK this week after it emerged that he does not taste all of the wines that are recommended in his annual guide. Skinner, an Australian who became a household name in the UK as the wine guru for chef Jamie Oliver, did not taste all of the wines recommended in his The Juice 2010 book. Having thought about it, and weighed up Skinner and the publisher's excuse that "a lot of the wines in the book are consistent each vintage", this looks bad. Publishing deadlines or not, this sort of practice undermines consumer confidence in the authority of…

• FDA probe on caffeine and alcohol

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:35 am

  The Food and Drug Administration's probe on caffeinated alcoholic beverages raises several important questions. While the FDA is adamant that it has yet to make up its mind on the drinks, it left Friday's conference call listeners in no doubt that it sees no reason why caffeinated alcoholic beverages should be considered legal - without fresh regulation. However, there are several difficult issues with this investigation. The first is that one must question why the FDA has not looked at this before, given that caffeinated alcoholic drinks have been on the market for more than two years.

• just-drinks on CNBC

  13 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  just-drinks deputy editor Chris Mercer was called up for a chat on the rise and rise of InBev (now Anheuser-Busch InBev) on the CNBC business news channel yesterday evening (12 November). To see Mercer's debut as a live television pundit on the mighty A-B InBev, click here.    The piece was broadcast live on CNBC's Europe Tonight programme and followed A-B InBev's third quarter results announcement.  

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  Bevlog

• Too Much Rum in the Jumbie

  admin

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  August 28, 2009 was a bad day for Rum Jumbie. In a slew of “approvals,” TTB directed Varela Imports to make “rum” much, much, less conspicuous. TTB said: When new labels are printed, the word “rum” in your trademark name Rum Jumbie cannot appear more prominent than the Class and type. The [statement of composition] and the words Rum Jumbie must appear in the same color print. … No more use-ups will be granted. That is, Varela must make their brand name and trademark much less conspicuous because this is not “rum” and the actual designation…

• Puzzle Time Wines

  admin

  16 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  As lawyers, we would never condone playing games on wine labels. But here are two examples where TTB was okay with it. On the left, Puzzle Time wine has a word search game. On the right, the Fetzer label features a “rebus.” That’s right, a rebus. The approval describes a rebus as “a kind of word puzzle that uses pictures to represent words or parts of words.” Can you read the rebus on this label? I don’t want to spoil the fun here, but the answer can be found on the label approval. Related Posts: Wine Without Pretense (0) Water 2 Wine (3) Punk Bubbles: Do…

• Wine Without Sulfites

  admin

  13 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  TTB classifies sake as a wine, for label purposes. Most wines have sulfites — but sake appears to be a notable exception. On the Shiga Sake label above, Village Wine reports that “Sakes do not contain sulfites.” TTB does not seem to disagree and has approved many such labels. Another sake importer, Vine Connections, concurs and reports that “Premium sake is gluten-free, sulfite free, and kosher.” Related Posts: Vegetable Wine (0) The Prominence of Vodka (0) Sucralose and Ace K (1)

• What is Eau de Vie?

  admin

  11 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  Every now and then, TTB approves another eau de vie. This leads to wondering if it’s the same as brandy. At long last, Tim Patterson has explained how they differ: Unlike grape brandy, eau de vie puts the emphasis on freshness, liveliness, and capturing the intense essence of fruit — rather than on depth, weight, and the complexity that comes from years of interaction between spirit, oxygen and wood. By way of example, here is Peak Spirits Peach Eau de Vie. And here is Clear Creek Plum Eau de Vie. Patterson explains further: In the market for distilled spirits, dominated by slick,…

• Alcohol from Brad Paisley

  admin

  9 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  What do these three things have in common? All three are featured in Brad Paisley’s song, “Alcohol.” Of all the songs about alcohol beverages, this one is worth covering, because it mentions specific brands and deals directly with the interplay of alcohol and society. It also has witty lyrics. It would be even better for this blog if it dealt specifically with a legal topic, but perhaps that’s asking too much of Mr. Paisley. Here are the most pertinent lyrics: Well I’ve been know to cause a few breakups And I’ve been known to cause a few births I can make…

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  DrinkBoy: Adventures in Cocktails

• Article: Sour Mix: How to Wield That Hammer

  21 Nov 2009 | 12:00 am

  Sour mix is an ingredient that many beginners find to be rather confusing. Hopefully I can assist in removing some of the mystery off this very simple ingredient, as well as provide some pointers on it's proper useage.

• Website: Uber Bar Tools / ProDesign

  28 Oct 2009 | 9:54 am

  Michael Silvers created ProDesign, an integrated design, manufacturing, and fulfillment company which produces unique and elegant barware. UberBarTools is the result of this project and can be relied on as a source of innovative and exciting tools for any bar, home or professional.

• Website: Miss Charming

  28 Oct 2009 | 9:42 am

  Cheryl Charming has turned her love of bartending and instictive creativity into an ever broadening set of opportunities and resources. On her site you will find facinating information for consumers, bartenders, and bar owners.

• Website: Cocktail Kingdom

  28 Oct 2009 | 9:24 am

  Greg Boehm, owner of Mud Puddle Books, has turned his facination for classic cocktails into a thriving business. Starting out by simply providing accurately reproduced reprints of some of the most acclaimed cocktail books from the past, he has expanded the offerings available on his site to also include a variety of imported barware that is difficult, if not impossible, to find in the US. He also provides a great selection of bitters which are so crucial to a craft cocktail.

• Website: Summit Sips

  28 Oct 2009 | 8:55 am

  Summit Sips is an ongoing collection of musings about recipes, techniques, tools and other cocktail-related topics. Subjects include classic and contemporary cocktails, homemade ingredients, bars, restaurants and other social aspects of life in and around St. Paul.

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  Beachbum Berry

• A CAPITAL IDEA

  Beachbum Berry

  10 Nov 2009 | 5:17 pm

  Admiral Lucius Johnson brought the Daiquiri to Washington, D.C., in 1909.  A hundred years later, D.C. cocktail kingpins Phil Greene (co-founder of the Museum Of The American Cocktail), Derek Brown (Washington City Paper’s 2009 Bartender of the Year), and Jon Arroyo (Mixologist In Chief at Farmers & Fishers restaurant) are throwing the Daiquiri a birthday [...]

• ALOHA! WELCOME TO THE GROG BLOG

  Beachbum Berry

  9 Nov 2009 | 9:24 am

  The Beachbum’s site is getting a makeover to prepare for the publication of his newest book, Beachbum Berry Remixed.  New features and revamped favorites are coming soon.  In the mean time, the Bum will continue to post new blog entries in his usual untimely manner.

• ZOMBIES AND ZINGERS

  Beachbum Berry

  4 Nov 2009 | 9:18 am

  Our pal Kevin Allman found this 1960s newspaper ad featuring two of our favorite things: Don The Beachcomber’s and Don Rickles, both on offer at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. The Beachcomber’s stayed open till 3 a.m., while Rickles (billed as “the provocative potentate”) started his last set at 5:10 a.m.  Don [...]

• COCKTAIL COMBAT, HAWAIIAN-STYLE

  Beachbum Berry

  10 Oct 2009 | 6:02 pm

  Recently the Beachbum was invited to co-judge the first annual “Battle For The World’s Best Mai Tai,” held at the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s big island.  As a rule, the Bum is not into competition.  That’s for Type A personalities, and we are Type Zzzz.  Nevertheless, we deliberated for a whole tenth of a [...]

• RUMAKI REDUX

  Beachbum Berry

  7 Oct 2009 | 3:20 pm

  The Beachbum always orders Rumaki at Polynesian restaurants, because no matter how many guests at his table, he invariably gets the dish to himself.  People with high cholesterol, vegetarians, and calorie-counters all recoil like vampires exposed to sunlight when they discover that Rumaki consists of water chestnut and chicken liver wrapped in bacon, skewered and [...]

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  Oh Gosh!

• PX – Part II

  Jay

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:19 am

  Join Todd Thrasher at PX, a small speakeasy style bar in Alexandria, VA, for Eamonn's Cocktail. Named after the son of Todd's restaurant partner, the Eamonn's Cocktail combines Powers Irish whiskey, yuzu citrus fruit and Todd's take on Irish Red Lemonade along with a bit of molecular mixology for the "air" garnish.Click here to watch “PX – Part II”...

• Scrappy’s Bitters

  Jay

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:07 pm

  It seems like you can't blink these days without another bitters producer popping up somewhere in the world. The latest bitters line I've become aware of are Scrappy's, produced by bartender Miles Thomas of Seattle. But how do they stack up to existing bitters from the likes of The Bitter Truth, Bob's Bitters and Bittermens?Continue reading “Scrappy’s Bitters”...

• Becketts Kopf

  Jay

  15 Nov 2009 | 1:32 pm

  Oh Gosh! TV pays a visit to Becketts Kopf, a small bar in North Berlin that can be found by the illuminated portrait of Samual Beckett hanging in the window. Join Oliver Ebert and Cristina Neves for a Lusitanian cocktail, a tribute to Portugal using an aged variant of the Portuguese brandy aguardente.Click here to watch “Becketts Kopf”...

• This is starting to get silly…

  Jay

  13 Nov 2009 | 3:11 pm

  Continuing the theme of bitters heavy drinks, I take a look at two cocktails from New York bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez that make use of frankly insane amounts of Angostura bitters to delicious effect. What better way to celebrate Angostura bitters going back in to production!Continue reading “This is starting to get silly…”...

• Martini Bitter

  Jay

  10 Nov 2009 | 2:43 pm

  More than a year after coming across a cocktail that called for the mysterious ingredient "Martini Bitter" I've finally tracked down a few bottles. But was it worth the wait, and how does Martini Bitter stack up to its more famous rival - Campari?Continue reading “Martini Bitter”...

• 
  drinkboston.com

• Barstool Mountain Monday - Nov. 30

  ljclark

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:27 pm

  Polish your cowboy boots and dust off your bolo ties! Drinkboston, the Independent and Brother Cleve are throwing a big ol’ hillbilly hoochfest on Monday, November 30 at 8:00 p.m. — Barstool Mountain Monday: Country Drinking Songs and Country Drinks. What says “only 25 shopping days ’til Christmas” more than bourbon, Dixie beer, Georgia Mint Juleps, and “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home?” Cleve will spin highlights from his vast collection of country drinking songs and “hillbilly noir,” while Evan “Harley…

• Nips - 11/14/09

  ljclark

  14 Nov 2009 | 1:43 pm

  Finally, last night, I met Seattle legend and internationally renowned bartender Murray Stenson. What a treat. As I’ve said here before, I’m one of many people nationwide who have encountered Murray’s hospitality from afar, by way of a surprise, complimentary drink delivered by a mutual bartending acquaintance. (I first heard about Murray from one of our city’s best bartenders, Scott Holliday, and was flattered to learn that Murray has been a drinkboston reader from early on.) Acting as ambassador of the Murray Stenson Fan Club, New England Chapter, I presented him…

• The net net on Fernet Night

  ljclark

  9 Nov 2009 | 5:27 pm

  Bankers, you know what I’m talking about: the bottom line is that Fernet Night at the Franklin Southie last Thursday was a good time. As I made my way through the crowd handing out Fernet Branca swag — shirts, aprons, posters — I clinked glasses with a mix of old acquaintances and drinkbostonians I’d never met before, sprinkled with a few bar industry folk. Joy Richard and Peter Cipriani kept the six Fernet cocktails on the evening’s menu coming, along with shots in iced ponies that Joy spent days painstakingly freezing. This was the first of several upcoming…

• Cordial confusion

  ljclark

  5 Nov 2009 | 3:42 pm

  I got to thinking about Massachusetts’ peculiar “cordial license” recently after sitting down with Courtney Bissonnette to get a sneak peak at her cocktail menu for Coppa. The latest venture by prolific chef Ken Oringer is set to open in the South End any minute now and amp up the Italian enoteca concept the way Toro has done with Spanish tapas. Bissonnette will helm the bar program at both establishments, in which her husband, chef Jamie Bissonnette, is a partner. Unlike Toro, which has a full liquor license, Coppa has a beer and wine license with a permit to serve cordials…

• Fernet at the Franklin 11/5

  ljclark

  26 Oct 2009 | 9:51 pm

  The eagle has landed. Boston imbibers, you’re invited to a joint drinkboston - Franklin Southie production: Fernet Branca Industry Night. What: A festive gathering for industry and non-industry folk alike who are curious or passionate about the pungent, dark and mysterious digestif Fernet Branca. A special drink menu will feature Fernet cocktails by bartenders around Boston. When: Thursday, November 5, 8:00 p.m. - last call. Where: The Franklin Southie, 152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston. Who: On the stick — Joy Richard, bar manager and head mixologist for the Franklin Southie and the…

• 
  The Cocktail Chronicles

• An Evening of Holiday Drinks, November 16

  Paul

  11 Nov 2009 | 11:22 pm

  I’ve always hated it when stores put up their Christmas displays right after Halloween, and cities start hanging wreaths and ribbons on everything in sight while everyone is still getting accustomed to the idea of autumn. I know I have good company in this, but this year I’m thinking about the holidays a little bit [...]

• Don’t Be Bitter

  Paul

  31 Oct 2009 | 8:05 pm

  Sure — I’ll play along with Dietsch’s “Don’t Be Bitter” contest. After all, the gentlemen from The Bitter Truth have supplied some of the best bitters in my liquor cabinet, and the opportunity to win a bottle of their Beefeater 24 Bitters — which apparently aren’t for sale — is too good to pass up. According [...]

• MxMo Vermouth: The flower with the power

  Paul

  26 Oct 2009 | 11:48 pm

  I’ve been a bad blogger recently, what with the infrequent updates and all (though I’m still writing regularly over at Serious Eats), but even after spending a busy day writing about booze and a busy evening judging a cocktail contest for Domain de Canton (congratulations, Jay!), I’ve still got to log in to WordPress for [...]

• MxMo XLIII: Vermouth

  Paul

  22 Oct 2009 | 4:46 pm

  I’m running late in getting this announcement up, but considering the theme for October’s Mixology Monday (which takes place Monday, October 26), I’m guessing most regular (and new) participants already have the stuff on hand. The details: This month’s MxMo is hosted by Vidiot at Cocktailians, and for the theme Vidiot has chosen a subtance that’s [...]

• MxMo XLII: Dizzy Dairy

  Paul

  28 Sep 2009 | 11:12 pm

  It’s still Monday here on the West Coast, which means I’m still on time for this month’s Mixology Monday. Hosted by Chris Amirault and the gang over at eGullet, the theme for this month is “Dizzy Dairy”, which means whatever else you do to your drink, you’d better mix something in it that originated in [...]

• 
  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

• Egg Nog

  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

  10 Nov 2009 | 12:15 pm

  Well, folks, it’s time of year again. I repost this recipe every year because I’m a man on a mission. You see, I love egg nog, but I can’t stand the thick, gelatinous goop they sell at the grocery store. Even if you were to cut it with alcohol, it’s still so overly-pasteurized and full of preservatives that it would be anything but enjoyable to slug down at a Christmas party. So a few years ago, I set about concocting the simplest, tastiest Egg Nog recipe I could, and after many trials and errors, here’s what I came up with. In terms of cocktail history, Egg Nog is…

• Art of the Cocktail

  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

  2 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am

  I’m back from Europe and getting ready for Art of the Cocktail next weekend. No, I’m not talking about the book by Philip Collins. Nor am I talking about this blog by Darcy O’Neil. I’m also not referring to Anthony Caporale’s long-running video series. No, this Art of the Cocktail is a new cocktail-centric event in Victoria, British Columbia. Distillery ambassadors, representatives and lounges will be offering tastes of their products or creating sophisticated cocktails for sampling. Wander around the Tasting Room sampling the cocktails that appeal to you while…

• Follow Along with My European Misadventures

  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

  21 Oct 2009 | 10:09 am

  I’m leaving in about an hour to head to the airport and ship off to Europe, so if you have any interest in learning more about what a small-town bartender does from hour to hour as he stumbles across a continent in search of the perfect cocktail, then please by all means follow along with my Twitter feed. I’ll be trying to make it to London in time to meet up with legendary bloggers Chuck Taggart of The Gumbo Pages and Jay Hepburn of Oh Gosh! for cocktails, and then mixing up tasty drinks with Boca Loca cachaça at RumFest UK all weekend. From there I’ll head to Finland to…

• The Solera Club

  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

  18 Sep 2009 | 12:29 pm

  You may or may not have known this, but I like making cocktails out of wine. Or things that were once wine. Or things that were made from wine. However you want to say it, I like making cocktails out of wine. So when I saw that there was a cocktail competition coming up that called for the use of sherry (a type of wine made from white grapes grown around the town of Jerez, Spain and fortified with brandy), I was like, “I’m all over this.” So I reached for the Morgenthaler Standby Formula book and grabbed this old chestnut. First, I bolstered the sherry with something bitter,…

• Ask Your Bartender: Running a Tab

  Jeffrey Morgenthaler

  4 Sep 2009 | 4:10 pm

  (I couldn’t find an appropriate photo, and I wanted to get this out there before I head to work tonight. Sorry - JM) Hey Bartender I went to the bar last night with a coworker, whom I was treating to drinks on my tab. When we got the bill, it was very high, so we asked to have an itemized list of the drinks we were charged for. That’s when another bartender told us that some girl had been charging Jack and Cokes on my tab, without my knowledge. Well, long story short, our bartender, a young girl, came right back WITHOUT an itemized list, but with a smaller bill, excluding the…

• 
  Alcademics.com

• Don't Forget the Wild Tofurkey

  Camper English

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:40 pm

  When you're out shopping for your liquor-loving vegetarian guests for Thanksgiving this year, don't forget to pick up some tofu and booze to make my special Wild Tofurkey dish. It's tofu marinated in a cocktail and baked. Mmm.

• Vodka, Vodka, Vodka: Flavor Trends, New Distillates, and Muscle-Building Additives

  Camper English

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:14 am

  Vodka is getting weirder, which makes it more interesting in my book. Vodka can be distilled from anything that ferments and is already made from wheat, rye, corn, sugar beets, molasses, potatoes, maple syrup, and other ingredients. Now it's also made from oranges. 4 Orange Vodka is "distilled from 100% orange spirits derived from four unique Florida orange varieties - the Hamlin, Parson Brown, Temple and Valencia."The website say 4 Orange Vodka it's initially only available in Florida, retailing for $24.99. 360 Vodka, an organic vodka made in the midwest, has launched a new flavor: Cola. The…

• Good Booze, Bad Booze: No Such Thing as Wine Flu

  Camper English

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:08 pm

  One day science says drinking will make you live forever. The next day science says it will kill you tomorrow. Good Booze, Bad Booze is an Alcademics category where I put all these stories together.11/19/09: Resveratrol Exhibits Antiviral Properties in Italian Study [link]From Wine Spectator: "Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in red wine and the focus of many medical researchers, may be able to fight off viruses, according to a new Italian study. While the chemical has shown hints of antiviral properties in previous studies, this research shows that it appears to prevent virus…

• Another Clue to Ice Clarity: Slow Freezing Like a Japanese Pond

  Camper English

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 am

  The other night a friend of mine told me that she read something about clear ice, which as you may recall is a topic of interest of this blog. Naturally I forgot what she said (we were at a bar, remember) but the next day I found the following email I had sent to myself:"Clear ice old japan sawdust"The amazing thing is that when you put that into Google the very first story it comes up with is what I assume is the exact thing my friend was talking about. In this story on natural ice (popsicles) in Japan, a person in the story gives a quote that could prove useful. Masao Yoshiara, the…

• Does Freezing Water in Layers Make Clear Ice?

  Camper English

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

  Here's a new edition in my ongoing ice experiments. So far, there experiments have been: Distilled vs. Tap Water Melting and refreezing water Hot Water vs. Cold Water Carbonated Water vs. Still Water Horizontal vs. Vertical Container Shapes With successes in: Releasing Air Trapped in Ice Cutting Corners to Make Clear Ice So far my conclusions have been that (at least with my San Francisco water), temperature and filtering have less of an effect than trapped air that migrates to the center of the freezing cube. Thus I am trying to minimize this effect. In this experiment I froze ice in layers…

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  Chowhound's Latest » Spirits

• what to do with a bottle of Maraschino liqueur?

  22 Nov 2009 | 7:15 pm

  If you like this, try adding Yellow Chartreuse (making it a 1:1:1:1 ratio). I've heard it called both a Final Ward and a Refined Speech - it's hard to keep track of all these Last Word variations.

• Oxidation from a decanter?

  22 Nov 2009 | 5:13 pm

  A good well made decanter is at least as air tight as a bottle. If you are using it for spirits even lead crystal is probably okay. Though I would not want to keep my whole liquor cabinet in lead crystal. Red wine, (little reason to decant white wine) which is somewhat acidic is a bit more problematic and will cause more of the lead to leach out. If you decant wine into lead crystal you should drink it that night, and not do it that often.

• Favorite use for Southern Comfort?

  22 Nov 2009 | 5:11 pm

  My favorite thing to to is mix it with strychnine and use it to poison skunks. They just can't resist the stuff.

• good low end liquor

  22 Nov 2009 | 5:09 pm

  Got some pretty good recs on this old thread. My only addition: Rum: Brugal Anejo Lemon Hart Demarara

• Homemade Drink for Christmas Gifts.....?

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:07 pm

  Egg nog might be a nice choice. Most people have never had good nog before and it really is quite tasty. The Chow recipe is really great: http://www.chow.com/recipes/10758 ... this year I made it with some allspice dram and a bit of peach liqueur in place of some of the bourbon--both modifications I found from Googling around for various recipes. But the base recipe is great as-is.

• 
  Bottoms Up

• Weekend Update 11.20

  jbrookston

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:28 pm

  ALL MONTH November 1-30 All November, the BRU/SFO Project will be going on at both 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant and Magnolia Pub & Brewery. What is it? “It’s an excursion of Belgian-style and Belgian-influenced beers, six from each brewery. Grab a boarding pass and take a trip to Belgium via Magnolia and the 21st Amendment. The first three beers at each brewery hit the taps on Monday, 11/2 and then both breweries will release a new beer every Monday for the rest of the month. Try all 12 and get the special commemorative glass.” The beers will be released…

• A bit on Sarah Valor of Oakland’s Commis restaurant

  jyadegaran

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:23 pm

  For my story on female sommeliers this week, I gleaned much from Sarah Valor, the maitre’d, sommelier and front-of-the-house manager at Oakland’s Commis. Unfortunately, my notes didn’t make it into the story, so I’m devoting this blog post to that interview. Commis recently received its first Michelin star – they were in during the restaurant’s first week of business, I’m told – and after talking with Valor, 28, it’s easy to see how quickly Commis has garnered the reputation it has. They opened in June. A little on Valor: She started her…

• A Good Start For First Bay Area Holiday Festival

  jbrookston

  18 Nov 2009 | 12:25 pm

  Last Sunday, Beverages & more hosted the first holiday beer fest in the Bay Area. Dubbed the BevMo Holiday Beerfest, it was organized by local beer festival promoter Jeff Moses, who also does the Monterey Beer Festival, among others. It was held at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco. It was a good space and they wisely used only a portion of the hall so it wasn’t too large inside. I’ve long thought San Francisco needs a holiday beer festival, Pacific Coast Brewing’s holiday tasting notwithstanding. Winter and Christmas beers are some of my favorite…

• Wine syrup and leftover wine

  jyadegaran

  17 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pm

  So I made a yummy chicken dish the other night using a few ounces of an Italian wine syrup. You can find them at most specialty grocery stores (mine, Vino Cotto, in full disclosure, was sent to me by the manufacturer, Montillo Italian Foods). It’s just cooked sweet wine, and more than 2 pounds of grapes go into one 8 ounce bottle.  It has no alcoholic content and has a richer fruitier (think plummy-raisin) flavor than maple syrup. I sprinkled salt and pepper on my chicken then sauteed it in olive oil and drizzled the syrup on it towards the end, letting it thicken and bubble before…

• Bistro Barrel Aged Fest Serves Over 70 Beers

  jbrookston

  14 Nov 2009 | 10:17 pm

  Today in Hayward, California, the Bistro held their 4th annual Barrel Aged Beer Fest, serving a record number of beers for any festival they’ve thrown, with over 70 beers. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for drinking extreme beers and there were some wonderful examples there. While I wasn’t able to try them all, here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order: Bear Republic Blackberry Grizz: Slightly sour nose but the tart blackberries really come through wonderfully to pair with rich malt. Lagunitas Crusin’ with Ruben & the Bretts on Cherries:…

• 
  The Pour

• Guilty Plea in Multimillion-Dollar Wine Arson

  By ERIC ASIMOV

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:12 pm

  A wine entrepreneur pleaded guilty today to setting a fire at a California wine storage facility that destroyed some six million bottles, valued at from $100 million to $400 million.

• False Demons

  By ERIC ASIMOV

  17 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pm

  In "Liquid Memory: Why Wine Matters, '' Jonathan Nossiter says wine is a battleground of good against evil. It's not.

• The Roots of Fine Wine

  By ERIC ASIMOV

  13 Nov 2009 | 9:55 am

  Is wine from grapes grown on ungrafted vines like cheese made from unpasteurized milk?

• Six Years of Thanksgiving Wisdom

  By ERIC ASIMOV

  9 Nov 2009 | 2:47 pm

  The distilled wisdom of six years of Thanksgiving wine tastings.

• Vintage Baseball

  By ERIC ASIMOV

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:12 am

  Some baseball announcers are like fine wine, others are like plonk.

• 
  InTheLandOfCocktails

• Sweet Adelaide, genesis of a classic

  Lu Brow

  2 Nov 2009 | 4:13 pm

  I wanted to create a cocktail for the Sweet gals to celebrate their first departure from NOLA.  I thought of the women that would be taking this cruise so I did something that would fit in as light and  refreshing to pair with all of the spicy and rich food that we serve in the city.  It has a hint of citrus in the cocktail so it is tasty to consume at any time during the day or evening.  I’ll be behind the bar at the Swizzle Stick at Loew’s Hotel in the CBD (Central Business District) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and would love to meet you!  Stop by and say hello.  Welcome to…

• Sweet Adelaide

  Cocktail Chicks

  2 Nov 2009 | 4:12 pm

  Sweet Adelaide (From Lu Brow) 1 ounce Smirnoff Vodka (red) 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc 1/2 ounce Cointreau 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice 1/2 ounce cranberry juice Mix all ingredients into a shaker with ice and pour into a rocks glass.  Add additional ice if necessary.  Orange slice for garnish.

• Home Bar Essentials, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

  Cocktail Chicks

  1 Nov 2009 | 10:26 pm

  For any and all of these products visit our STORE and… Kegworks.com.

• Sweet Times in New Orleans

  Cocktail Chicks

  30 Oct 2009 | 3:51 pm

  Cocktail Party and Meet and Greet Saturday, Nov. 7th 5–7 PM LOA bar in the International House Hotel 221 Camp Street New Orleans, LA  70130 Calling all fans of “We Have to Stop Now,” “The Sweet Adventures of Nat & Meg,” “CherryBomb,” “Shewired.com” and “In The Land Of Cocktails.”  Cast members and all your favorite behind the scenes girls will be in fabulous New Orleans where they will set sail on the inaugural voyage to the Caribbean on a Sweet Cruise vacation So to send them off in style, the Cocktail Chicks gang are hosting a Bon Voyage party — an intimate…

• Widow’s Kiss

  admin

  26 Oct 2009 | 1:50 pm

  1 1/2 ozs Calvados 3/4 oz Green Chartreuse 3/4 oz Benedictine 2 dashes Angostura bitters Fill a cocktail (martini) glass with ice to chill.  Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously.  Discard the ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Serve immediately.

• 
  The Intoxicologist Is In

• Cocktail Hour: Thanksgiving Coffee Drinks, Dessert Martinis, Low Calorie Recipes, & Football Pairings

  intoxicologist

  10 Nov 2009 | 11:58 am

  Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away.  Hard to believe!  Time to break out the coffee pots, delectable spirits and whip up some wonderfully warm coffee drinks to keep the winter chill from seeping into our bones.  Thanksgiving coffee drinks are a sure fire way to keep winter at bay (or take to football tailgate gatherings, too).  Individual articles have been put together using coffee and espresso as guide in hot drinks and chilled martini style holiday cocktails.  ‘Hot Brew’ is the complete listing of hot coffee drink recipes that will be updated all winter long for your…

• Cocktails, Martinis & Drink Recipes Guide

  intoxicologist

  3 Nov 2009 | 3:29 am

  Quick and easy recipes at our fingertips are what we all want when we are in a hurry.  The following drink recipe links present cocktails in a variety of presentation styles.  Most of the recipes include photo representations of the cocktail recipes.  Find the recipe you are searching for by base spirit, seasonal theme, celebration style or theme.  This drink recipe listing is updated as frequently as possible – usually weekly.  If there is something special you are searching for please feel free to use the comment form so the type of cocktails you want can be provided.  Thank you for…

• Halloween Drink Recipes, Football Drinks & Shots & 30 Days of Pink Cocktails

  intoxicologist

  30 Oct 2009 | 1:43 pm

  Tonight kicks off Halloween festivities as soon as the last work day clock ticks and cocktail glasses click to toast ghosts, ghouls, phantoms, vampires and all things that go bump in the night.  The Intoxicologist has dug deep into the crypt to find as many Halloween drink recipes as mortally possible to keep you chilled to the bone and morbidly satisfied.  Many thanks to all who dug up their best kept recipes from the tomb and placed them into my grateful hands so you and your guests could scare up a few eerie cocktails for a devilish good time.  Have a safe and supernatural Halloween…

• Halloween Drink Recipes, Classic Cocktails, Pink Drinks & Touring Buffalo Trace Distillery

  intoxicologist

  23 Oct 2009 | 10:45 am

  Halloween parties are kicking into high gear and the search for the most spirited cocktail recipes has begun with vigor.  At last check the Halloween Drink Recipe & Party Idea Guide combined with Photo Drink Recipe Slide Shows listed a total of 82 Halloween drink recipes with more on the way.  The Halloween recipe guide is updated frequently, so do bookmark pages with complete Halloween recipe listings to catch updates that are made every couple of days.  More classic cocktails and pink drinks have been added to the mix with a couple of reviews and recent trip to Buffalo Trace…

• For the Love of Cocktails: Fall to Halloween Drinks, Football Weekend Recipes, NUVO Liqueur & other Pink Drinks

  intoxicologist

  7 Oct 2009 | 3:17 pm

  Do You Know What Day It Is? There are holidays and celebrations that go on every day of the week.  There are also special nights we get together with friends for Girl’s Night Out, hanging with the guys or football weekend.  No matter the reason, themed cocktail posts like the ones below come in handy for party planning purposes or just plain fun.  Cocktail Recipes Enter The Twilight Zone – Reader choice episodes paired with drink recipes Top 10 Twilight Zone drink recipe pairings – Top 10 episodes as chosen by tv.com paired with drink recipes Bacardi Rum is Your Football Game Day…

• 
  Spirited Cocktails

• The Casillero del Diablo Murder Mystery

  Josh

  16 Nov 2009 | 12:26 pm

  Big news today!  I’m sure that many of you have heard about the murder that took place at Casillero del Diablo recently.  Well, I had the confidential notes written by the lead detective fall into my possession!  I won’t disclose my source, but I’ve been reading these notes, and judging by the little that I’ve skimmed so far, I think that this guy has the case figured out. He has interviewed the wife of the victim, who disappeared mysteriously, and only recently reappeared.  Apparently, her story doesn’t fit. The detective also thinks that…

• PS – I Passed BarSmarts

  Josh

  15 Nov 2009 | 5:35 pm

  Just a quick postscript to my post about BarSmarts last week: the official word came this weekend that I passed. I’ve got to admit, I was a little nervous, particularly about the blind tasting component of the written exam (I’m good at tasting; just not necessarily good at identifying *what* I’m tasting.) In any case, I’m quite pleased that I passed, though I fully intent to keep practicing for the practical anyway :-) Cheers, Josh

• Upcoming class in high tech cocktails

  Josh

  10 Nov 2009 | 8:29 am

  I’ve been slow to get behind the whole “molecular mixology” movement. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that a big part of my mission is to help make the creation of quality, classic cocktails accessible to the home bartender. But anyone who knows me also knows that I’m a hardcore geek. I like gadgets, tools and technology. And that’s why I’ll be going to the Holiday Cocktail class at the International Culinary Center, taught by Nils Norén and Dave Arnold, both of the French Culinary Institute. (I’ve mentioned…

• BarSmarts

  Josh

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:41 pm

  I had the privilege this week to complete the BarSmarts Live course – a training program geared toward the new generation of bartenders. The course was put together by spirits giant Pernod Ricard, but I found that, while many of the examples obviously cited Pernod Ricard brands, the course was very comprehensive and conveyed a wide range of industry information. The course is broken up into five parts: four self-paced modules completed at home with a book, DVDs, and online quizzes, and a one-day live session which includes seminars, a written exam, and a practical exam. The four…

• The Pumpkin Pie

  Josh

  28 Oct 2009 | 7:43 pm

  This evening, my friend Laren (@sweetblogomine) and I joined Jonathan Pogash for his Cocktail Lab class at the Astor Center Lounge. I’ve mentioned Jonathan here before (he was the source for our post on the Maple Plum Sparkler), but to refresh your memory, Jonathan is a cocktail development consultant, and the beverage director for Hospitality Holdings (which manages a number of major bars here in New York, including the Campbell Apartment and Bookmarks Lounge). I’ve taken a number of classes at Astor Center in the past, and they’ve all offered an opportunity to learn a…

• 
  Paradiseontherocks

• Rosita

  paradiseontherocks

  12 Nov 2009 | 3:01 pm

  I love this cocktail. It’s simple, yet complex and strong, without being overbearing. The inspiration for this drink’s revival was Manny from Corzo and Casadores tequila. He shared his love for and insights on tequila with the Hawaii bar guild a few weeks back. Since then, I have sat at four different bars watching my colleagues mix up drinks that he inspired them to do. I went in a little different direction and tried to find a classic tequila recipe other than the margarita that was still worth a damn; Mission accomplished. The Rosita is a wonderfully simple mix of sweet and dry…

• Busy Bee

  paradiseontherocks

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm

  What am I blocking? It’s been a fun summer. You wouldn’t know that, though, mostly because I ignored you for three glorious months. I travelled to Maui for fun and The Big Island to try to win some dough (note: I’m still poor). I will update you about the Mai Tai comp on the big isle when I’m a little less bitter, maybe. I got myself a couple new gigs and left my position at the hotel. No more silly hotel bar junk. I’m part-time at apartm3nt in Honolulu which is perfect because I am working for a liquor distributor on the side. I’m still at THE…

• Satan’s Whiskers

  paradiseontherocks

  28 Oct 2009 | 9:58 pm

  Been busy. Really busy…and lazy. I’m going to get back to this whole blog thing now. Okay? Halloween is right around the corner and it cant pass without a proper blog post. Possibly the greatest drink name I have ever come across is the Satan’s Whiskers cocktail. Holy awesome name, Batman. Aside from being an amazing moniker, this drink has depth and will kick you in the ass. The Satan’s Whiskers originally appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book (duh) in 1930. It has two versions: curled & straight. The only difference is the use of orange curacao or Grand Marnier,…

• Tom & John’s contribution

  paradiseontherocks

  21 Jul 2009 | 5:12 pm

  Well, maybe Tom & John didn’t do anything but donate their names to versions of the Collins. This class of drink (base spirit and sour mix topped with soda) is so popular it has a glass named after it. Go grab that tall glass behind your bar..no, not the pint…yep. Now let’s use it for a classic cocktail. Grab your favorite base spirit. Rum? Put it back. Vodka? If you insist. Gin or whiskey will lend a better base with their complexity. I’m going to use Bombay Sapphire because they gave me a bottle (fair?). Snag a couple lemons and the simple syrup you cooked up on…

• The Cherub’s Sin

  paradiseontherocks

  2 Jul 2009 | 3:28 pm

  The story goes something like this… There was an omnipotent being who had some cronies. The cronies were, and maybe still are, Cherubim. One day a cherub decides he’s tired of playing crony and he wants to be all-knowing and all-powerful just like his boss, a fella by the name of God. When God finds out about this prideful cherub’s deceit, he banishes him from heaven. Now, stuck on Earth forever, that cherub spends his days messing with us. Awesome. This drink is made in remembrance of that sinful angel and his fall from grace. The life of most angels must be sweet, but…

• 
  Captain McBoozy's

• The once and future Gin.

  CaptainMcBoozy

  15 Nov 2009 | 1:21 pm

  If you’ve never tried Ransom Old Tom gin, then perhaps it’s time for you and me to see other people.  I’m not saying we can’t be friends, but I just don’t feel like this is working out.  Listen, it’s not you, it’s me.  I’m just… at a difficult place in my life.  I need to spend some time alone, getting to know me.  Anyways, the point is, Ransom gin.  Yes, it’s delicious.  Yes, it’s good for you.  Yes, it does temporarily grant you the powers of flight.  Well, okay, but two out of three ain’t bad. Negroni Variation 2 oz. Ranson Old Tom Gin .75 oz. Punt e Mes…

• Weird things…

  CaptainMcBoozy

  8 Nov 2009 | 2:04 pm

  No sexy pics here, I just want to post about the various crap I’m working on. Root Beer Bitters 375 ml 151* rum 1 tsp. Root Beer Extract 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1 tsp. Gentian I started this one today, so I’m going to give it about ten days.  It’s a pretty heavy amount of gentian, so I’ll be checking it frequently. Update (11/15/09): Added 2 oz. Spice Tincture to this… not quite bitter enough, but definitely getting there.  Adding 1/4 cup caramelized sugar and 100 ml water should get the flavor about perfect. Toasted Walnut Bitters 375 ml Toasted Walnut 107*…

• Strega Liqueur: The Brooklyn Variation

  CaptainMcBoozy

  15 Oct 2009 | 4:56 am

  Okay, this is a weird one.  I’m stocking up on the sauce earlier;  grabbed on some gin, a nice peaty scotch, maybe a bottle of tawny port, throw in some rye for Gary and the boys, a classic recipe french vermouth for good measure, and I was hoping to find a nice Amaro.  Maybe an Averna or even an Amaro Nonino… I dunno – the day was young and I was drunk with anticipation – and the seven beers I had at lunch – but, the important thing here is that when I told the woman behind the counter I was looking for an Amaro, and she replied with a confused and somewhat…

• The Dark ‘n Stormy

  CaptainMcBoozy

  26 Sep 2009 | 4:13 pm

  So, it’s fair to say that I have been smashing on what most would consider a pretty boss amount of rum – as is common for me in the summertime.  Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to score any high quality Bermudan (Bermudian?, Bermudish?) rum.  And then, there I was, exhausted from multiple unsuccessful attempts at hovercrafting (hovercraftering?, hovercraftinating?) - which, it turns out is actually a thing – thinking to myself, summer may be nearly over, but I still need to get drunk immediately.  And then I happened to buy a bottle of Gosling’s Black…

• What’s the Como?

  CaptainMcBoozy

  4 Sep 2009 | 5:02 pm

  Great question.  Very great question.  The Como is a mojito-ish cocktail I came up with just a few minutes ago.  Because let’s face it, when you live in Capital Park, you’re gonna have to deal with some weird shit.  Sometimes, upon stumbling home from the bar, you may find a stray dog and take it home, as I did last night.  Other times, you might get drunk and give half your jalapeno, ham and pineapple pizza to a homeless dude that smells like popcorn and shoes, as I did two nights ago.  The point is, as difficult as it can be sometimes, it’s important to be…

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  Wild Scotsman Whisky

• Wild Scotsman on Twitter for 2009-11-22

  The Wild Scotsman

  22 Nov 2009 | 5:21 pm

  Had a nice dinner with the family eating some thai food. # Just been asked to attend an event in DC. I need to get my kilt pressed and my boots with a military shine! # Rt @chrisbrogan head for the bar ,order a Scotch Whisky neat, and own the moment #

• Wild Scotsman on Twitter for 2009-11-21

  The Wild Scotsman

  21 Nov 2009 | 5:21 pm

  We don't give a damn for the whole state of Michigan 'cause we're from O-hi-o. We're from O-hi-o… Let's go Bucks Muck Fichigan #osu # Buckeyes 21 Michigan 10. Final Score. Looking foreword to going to the rose bowl # Nothing like comming home and have your child cheer like you are a Heavy Metal Rock Star #dad #

• Wild Scotsman on Twitter for 2009-11-20

  The Wild Scotsman

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:21 pm

  O-H # Working on whisky schedule for my trip to New York on Dec 2-4. Master Distiller and Master Blender John McDougall will be in from Scotland! #

• Wild Scotsman on Twitter for 2009-11-19

  The Wild Scotsman

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:21 pm

  Many thanks to everyone at bella luna for a great event! # Disappointed the peopel at Ardbeg are not on the ball in Ohio. The "Super Nova" will not be at the Western Hills CC tasting Tonight #scotch # Time to put on my Whisky Face and get my gear on for tonights show at the Western Hills CC. # Tasting line up: Compass Box Hedonism, Wild Scotsman Black Label and Royal Lochnagar, Springbank 10yr 100p, and McDougall Vatted Islay # At the western hills CC and ready to greet the punters for an evening of Scotch #

• Scotch Tasting at Western Hills Country Club

  The Wild Scotsman

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:29 am

  Scotch Tasting at Western Hills Country Club By Jeffrey Topping Come and Join me on November 19th, 2009 at the Western Hills Country Club. Whisky Line Up: Hedonism Vatted Grainby Compass Box Whisky Wild Scotsman Royal Lochnagar Wild Scotsman Black Label Springbank 10yr 100proof John McDougall’s Vatted Islay Western Hills is a Private Club so please call to attend. Contact Darrel Smith at Telephone (513) 922.0011 for more details. Western Hills Country Club 5780 Cleves-Warsaw Cincinnati, OH. 45233 View Larger Map

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  Thursday Happy Hour

• Capital Brewery's Autumnal Fire

  Erin Malone

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:42 pm

  On a recent trip to the Midwest, I was determined to drink in as much brisk, sun-kissed November air as I could. After a chilly bike ride, some slices of smoked Gouda, a handful of pumpkin crackers, and an Autumnal Fire doppelbock by the fire quickly turned the tingle in my nose into a warm glow in my cheeks.

• Slightly Dirty Martini

  Shelly Bowen

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:49 pm

  On the phone: "My 5 year old is writing sentences, and his homework is to trace the letter A." She was livid. "Education is now about staying in line, not discovery and challenge." Pause. "Tell me how to make a Slightly Dirty Martini."

• Layer Cake Primitivo Zinfandel

  Diane Timba

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pm

  I found myself dreaming of the decadent 3-tier chocolate cake on the wine label. Lured by the prospect of a bottle of wine that could actually fulfill my rich chocolate cravings, I was anxious to have a glass--and share some with my friends at book club.

• Alpine Beer Company's Great

  Erin Malone

  13 Nov 2009 | 11:10 am

  A Beer That Lives Up to Its Name I had a great time at the San Diego Brewer's Guild Festival this past weekend. Great music, great location, great beer . . . and I mean it literally on that last...

• Head Cleaner

  Shelly Bowen

  12 Nov 2009 | 1:32 pm

  With colds, the flu, and even pneumonia flying around town, our pals are lying low this week. We got away easy with a little head stuffiness. To breathe easier, we tried a variety of home remedies, from hot Earl Grey tea with honey to steaming Vietnamese soup Pho to this delicious, bright cocktail made with ginger wine.