Although I generally don't practice, I am a lawyer, so it is both weird and cool for me to be cited in a Federal Appellate Court opinion, the Sixth Circuit's ruling in Maker's Mark v Diageo, a trademarks case.It begins with Justice Hugo Black's famous statement (written in dissent) that, “I was brought up to believe that Scotch whisky would need a tax preference to survive in competition with Kentucky bourbon.” Justice Black grew up in Alabama.After that there are several pages of American whiskey history, which is where I come in. It's easy to read, not at all legalistic, and very…
Spirits
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Most Topular Stories
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A Weird But Cool Career Milestone.
The Chuck Cowdery Blog11 May 2012 | 5:00 am -
How to Mix a Mojito (In a Bustier)
Liquor Snob1 May 2012 | 11:02 amThe woman in this video appears to be making a simple cocktail of some kind. We THINK it says something about a mojito, but our lizard brains keep getting in the way because she's wearing lingerie while she does it. Oh well, we suppose we'll just have to watch the video again to see if we can retain something... [via EyeHandy] -
Bartending and Your Boobs
Art of Drink21 Apr 2012 | 5:33 pmSo there I was, making tongue-in-cheek statements on Twitter when I went and stuck my foot in my mouth, or so it seems. My offending statement was about applying for a bartender job in places where the idea of talented mixologists has yet to entrench itself. My exact words were: "Should I consider breast implants before applying for a bartending gig?" Considering I'm a guy, I thought it was funny, as did a few others. However, a talented bartender…...More -
Big - a new little bar in San Francisco
The Joy of Drinking21 Apr 2012 | 2:10 pmWhen you walk into Big, SF's newest bar, you've stepped into another dimension. With enough room to fit about 22 people comfortable, you'd better check out Big very soon before it gets...well...big. The decor is perfect. Big reminds me some of Chicago's Violet Hour, since both strategically use heavy, velvet curtains to absorb both noise and light. The result is a cool, quiet atmosphere in which you can actually talk to your companions. It's got a very living room feel.The drinks are incredibly fresh and very citrus forward. The bartender has come up with some pretty interesting concoctions,… -
How to Build a Kegerator Freezer (Keezer)
Liquor Snob8 May 2012 | 3:26 pmWe've been thinking about getting a kegerator for Liquor Snob headquarters (because why not, right?) but we really like the idea of building our own. We don't have a chest freezer like the one used in this how to video from Northern Brewer, and that's pretty much the only thing keeping us from heading upstairs and pawing all the frozen waffles and ice cream right out of the damn thing post haste. HOW TO BUILD A KEEZER by Northern Brewer
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Art of Drink
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Bartending and Your Boobs
21 Apr 2012 | 5:33 pmSo there I was, making tongue-in-cheek statements on Twitter when I went and stuck my foot in my mouth, or so it seems. My offending statement was about applying for a bartender job in places where the idea of talented mixologists has yet to entrench itself. My exact words were: "Should I consider breast implants before applying for a bartending gig?" Considering I'm a guy, I thought it was funny, as did a few others. However, a talented bartender…...More -
Irish Mermaid Cocktail
16 Apr 2012 | 7:56 pmCreating a good cocktail is tough, making it popular is even tougher. There are currently thousands of very talented bartenders around the world who take their profession seriously. Many have honed their skills so they can mix high proof spirits with bitter components to make a worthwhile cocktail, which is no easy task. Once you have a good cocktail, how do you make it popular? That's actually the hardest part, but with enough publicity, anything is possible. The inspiration for…...More -
Why Prohibition Didn’t Work
11 Apr 2012 | 8:00 pmIt's one of those often repeated debates that goes nowhere: Why didn't prohibition work? Both sides of the debate ante up and hences forth argue ad nauseum. So with the help of Google's Ngram Viewer I'm going to provide a simple, visual explanation of human nature and why prohibition failed. If this doesn't explain it, nothing will. Google's Ngram Viewer is a cool little tool that graphs the occurrence of words in literature…...More -
Abbott’s Bitters Quest
6 Apr 2012 | 1:07 pmTasting history is one of the more enjoyable aspects of classic cocktails, however many of those original ingredients have been lost to time. Abbott's bitters is one of those ingredients, and without it we really don't know how the original Manhattan tasted. Sure, there are those rare vintage bottles of Abbott's bitters floating around on eBay, but those bottles are at least 70 years old and have undergone some serious aging. The extreme aging basically creates a new flavour, but…...More -
Beverages De Luxe (1914)
1 Apr 2012 | 7:04 pmJust 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 (sic - most likely Bismarck) as saying “Beer…...More
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The Joy of Drinking
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Big - a new little bar in San Francisco
21 Apr 2012 | 2:10 pmWhen you walk into Big, SF's newest bar, you've stepped into another dimension. With enough room to fit about 22 people comfortable, you'd better check out Big very soon before it gets...well...big. The decor is perfect. Big reminds me some of Chicago's Violet Hour, since both strategically use heavy, velvet curtains to absorb both noise and light. The result is a cool, quiet atmosphere in which you can actually talk to your companions. It's got a very living room feel.The drinks are incredibly fresh and very citrus forward. The bartender has come up with some pretty interesting concoctions,… -
Winter Cocktails at AQ Restaurant and Bar
27 Mar 2012 | 1:21 amIt really can't be said that San Francisco doesn't have seasons.Sure, the city's east cost counterparts boast the full blusters of winter and dramatic fall displays of color and leaves. And even Midwest cities, like Chicago and Minneapolis, may claim seasons intense enough to freeze your tears and melt your skin and all of the earned bragging rights in leathered character.But thin-skinned and soft-hearted San Franciscans may be, it cannot be said that the City on the Bay does not have seasons. You really only have to look to what San Francisco devotes so much of its pomp and circumstance: the… -
Leopold's Navy Strength Gin
25 Mar 2012 | 4:54 pmEver since having Leopold's Navy Strength Gin, I've got the unshakable feeling that all other gin (which I love, don't get me wrong) is somehow imperfect, somehow flawed in a crucial way. It's bold, juniper forward, and rich.Trevor Easter, over at Heaven's Dog, introduced me to Leopold's. He explained the totally bad ass origins of the "Navy Strength" category. In a nutshell, one deck of Navy ships was set aside for gunpowder–unless a liquid was over a certain proof, it was not allowed on this deck at all, since if it leaked, it would ruin the gunpowder. A liquor of high enough proof,… -
James Beard awards celebrates cocktails!
25 Feb 2012 | 3:24 pmThe list is finally out! Every year, the James Beard Foundation recognizes excellence in the food industry. But this year, this is an exiting new addition: This is the first year the James Beard Foundation is recognizing outstanding bar programs. Campari is sponsoring the new award category, which recognizes excellence in wine, spirits, and beer.Hats off to them.It's a welcome addition to the awards program, in my mind. The surge of interest in the so-called craft cocktails have brought an exciting new standard for the quality of drinks—and the places that have pushed this bar the most (so… -
New Drink on The Slanted Door's Menu
25 Feb 2012 | 3:10 pmI should pause and note that this picture is actually somewhat significant. For big fans of The Slanted Door—and bar manager extraordinaire Erik Adkins, for that matter—there is a new drink on the cocktail menu. Check out the Brandy Lift—brandy, orgeat, Benedictine, cream, and seltzer. I haven't tried it myself yet. But it looks awfully delicious.Yes, I just gave you an excuse to enjoy yourself. You're welcome. ;-) Enjoy!P.S. The Classico Negroni is the way to go! I already know Josh takes issue with this because he loves everything and anything Campari. But for those who find it too…
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Liquor Snob
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How to Build a Kegerator Freezer (Keezer)
8 May 2012 | 3:26 pmWe've been thinking about getting a kegerator for Liquor Snob headquarters (because why not, right?) but we really like the idea of building our own. We don't have a chest freezer like the one used in this how to video from Northern Brewer, and that's pretty much the only thing keeping us from heading upstairs and pawing all the frozen waffles and ice cream right out of the damn thing post haste. HOW TO BUILD A KEEZER by Northern Brewer -
Get Insta-Drunk with WA|HH Quantum Sensations
7 May 2012 | 8:36 pmFor us, drinking is the fun part and the buzz is the awesome side effect, but apparently there are people out there who'd rather get the loopiness without crushing their way through a cocktail. For those people, we offer you Quantum Sensations, which is apparently the Binaca of booze. You breathe it in, you get a buzz, and apparently you're unbuzzed seconds later. Sounds like the opposite of a good time to us, but maybe it'd be good if we decide we need to freshen up our buzz while we're in the bathroom. [via Gizmodo] Seriously, it's not available in the States yet and even when it is you may… -
How to Mix a Mojito (In a Bustier)
1 May 2012 | 11:02 amThe woman in this video appears to be making a simple cocktail of some kind. We THINK it says something about a mojito, but our lizard brains keep getting in the way because she's wearing lingerie while she does it. Oh well, we suppose we'll just have to watch the video again to see if we can retain something... [via EyeHandy] -
Win an Oktoberfest Dream Trip from Hacker-Pschorr
24 Apr 2012 | 8:10 amOktoberfest is still a few months away, but it's never too early to plan for your blackout festivities. This year, don't waste your time in some sports bar drinking "spaten" that tastes suspiciously like Budweiser...head directly to the source (that's Germany, FYI) and do it for free with Hacker-Pschorr's Oktoberfest dream trip contest. And if the chance to go to Germany isn't enough, sign up because the consolation prize is lederhosen (not joking). ...Hacker-Pschorr is making it easy to enter, as every beer enthusiast 21 years of age and over, can enter on Facebook. Hacker-Pschorr's… -
Drunk in Public vs Bohemian Rhapsody
30 Mar 2012 | 7:15 amThis dude got picked up for intoxication, and he wasn't quite sure he was guilty. In fact, as he says in the video, the issue isn't intoxication but "brotherhood of man on the planet earth." I think it's really about being able to say "let me go" to a cop 100x from the back of a cruiser without feeling a nightstick on your adam's apple. Oh, you also get to irritate the cop. This guy's a genius - he'd get 1,000 Internet points but he's Canadian (or at least he was picked up by the RCMP)...what's the exchange rate nowadays? Thanks for the link, Racey.
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Girly Drinks
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Cinco de Mayo Margarita: Non Traditional Margaritas
22 Apr 2012 | 9:17 pmCinco de Mayo Margarita: Non Traditional Margaritas is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Two non-traditional margaritas to help non Tequila fans enjoy Cinco de Mayo: Van Gogh ‘rita: Created by local Chicago mixologist, Mary Breclaw 2 oz Van Gogh BLUE Vodka .5 oz triple sec 1 oz Sour mix 2 oz Soda Lime wedge Pour the Van Gogh BLUE Vodka and triple sec in a glass over ice. Top with the sour mix and soda and garnish with a lime wedge. Abuelorita 2 oz Ron Abuelo Añejo 1 oz triple sec 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice In a shaker filled… -
Mad Men Cocktails
12 Apr 2012 | 9:49 pmMad Men Cocktails is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Old Fashioned Mad Men Old Fashioned 1 sugar cube 2 or 3 dashes of aromatic bitters, such as Angostura 2 1/2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel Soda water Orange slice, for garnish Maraschino cherry, for garnish Lemon zest twist, for garnish Instructions: Put the sugar in an old-fashioned glass and moisten with the bitters. Crush them together with a muddler. Add the whiskey and fill the glass with ice. Stir well. If desired, fill the glass with soda water. Add the orange and cherry, and lemon… -
I Love Skinnygirl Sangria & Skinnygirl Cocktails
7 Apr 2012 | 3:16 pmI Love Skinnygirl Sangria & Skinnygirl Cocktails is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. A few years ago, while watching Real Housewives of New York, I made a post about Bethenny Frankel and her consistent promotion of the Skinnygirl Margarita on the show — the product hadn’t been bottled yet nor sold to Jim Beam, but at the time, I couldn’t help but think that this was one smart lady. My exact words after the first season Skinnygirl Margarita appeared were: Gotta give this girl credit – she was on a popular reality show with an… -
Bourbon Street Blackberry Brut
18 Mar 2012 | 5:49 pmBourbon Street Blackberry Brut is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Bourbon Street Blackberry Brut Ingredients: blackberry cocktail: Bourbon Street Blackberry Brut 1 1/2 oz Camarena Silver Tequila 2 oz Brut Champagne 7 Large Blackberries 1/2 oz Agave Nectar 1/4 oz Lemon Juice Blackberries Garnish Directions: Place blackberries, syrup and lemon juice in mixing glass. Muddle. Add tequila with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Double strain into large rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with brut champagne. Garnish with skewered blackberries. Pin it -
Green Drinks: St. Patrick’s Day Drinks
18 Mar 2012 | 5:22 pmGreen Drinks: St. Patrick’s Day Drinks is a post from: Girly Drinks. Check out more ice wine and martini recipes. Camarena Shamrock Shaker Ingredients: Green Drinks: Camarena Shamrock Shaker 1 1/2 oz Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila 1/2 oz Sour Apple Liqueur 1/4 oz Agave Nectar 2 oz Lime Juice Directions: Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fan of thinly sliced green apples. Emerald Crush Ingredients: Emerald Crush 2 oz Blue Ice Organic Wheat…
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Cocktails News
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Get sweet on liqueurs
16 May 2012 | 1:06 pmMy latest article at Culinate takes a look at a few liqueurs that have recently arrived on the market, highlighting three to try and cocktails in which to mix them. -
Already fighting the Dallas heat? Fight summer with these cool drinks, both alcoholic and not
16 May 2012 | 8:46 amWe've slaked our thirst while shopping, downing agua fresca at Fiesta Mart and lassis at Taj Mahal Imports in Richardson. -
New way with a Southern classic: shrimp and grits
16 May 2012 | 4:47 amThe shrimp in cookbook author Nathalie Dupree's take on the Southern favorite shrimp and grits are tender and taste like the sea. -
Spirited Traveler: Dawa, Nairobi's "medicinal" cocktail
16 May 2012 | 12:42 amOur day's top images, in-depth photo essays and offbeat slices of life. See the best of Reuters photography. -
A toast to healthier cocktails
15 May 2012 | 8:43 pmThe Charlotte Stone Crabs blitzed the Fort Myers Miracle for 13 runs on 16 hits in a 13-1 blowout... Sophia is the new most popular baby name for girls, while Jacob is the top name for boys for the... This April 2, 2012, photo made in Concord, N.H., shows three cocktails for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
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About.com Cocktails
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More from the Manhattan Cocktail Classic
14 May 2012 | 11:52 amEditor's Note: The following is a contribution from Valerie Peterson. Read more about her beneath the post. In dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues New York City-wide, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is providing an enhanced taste of the spirits world. Liquor companies, mixologists, restaurateurs, cocktail publications, and supporting businesses have been gathering with interested amateurs to discuss and learn about tastes, trends, techniques, and technologies that go into making those tippling sips most satisfying. Since last Friday, no ice cube has been left unturned in the quest for… -
The Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala
13 May 2012 | 8:27 amEditor's Note: The following is a contribution from Valerie Peterson. Read more about her beneath the post. Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala 2012 Photo Courtesy: © Valerie Peterson The Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicked off Friday night with a gala at the New York Public Library. The crowd of visiting mixologists, liquor company representatives, and other bar professionals shook and stirred with New York City cocktail--and party--aficionados, all dressed to the nines and infused with high spirits....Read Full Post -
Martinis for Mother's Day
9 May 2012 | 5:12 pmIf you plan to celebrate Mother's Day by making a special cocktail for Mom, check out these recommendations:...Read Full Post -
Booze News: May 9, 2012
9 May 2012 | 12:47 pmFun stuff in the news this week. Beyond all of this, don't forget that the Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicks off Friday. Try This... Strawberry-Basil-Gin Lemonade - I am still on a lemonade kick so this recipe on Imbibe last week caught my eye. Definitely worth a taste....Read Full Post -
May 2012: Vodka Cocktail Contest
8 May 2012 | 6:34 amAs I revive the cocktail contest after its winter rest, I want to give everyone a blank canvas to work with. It does not get much more transparent then when we work with vodka as the base and that is the theme of this month's contest....Read Full Post
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Liqurious
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Mai Tai~ Simple ingredients make this rum tiki...
16 May 2012 | 7:17 amMai Tai~ Simple ingredients make this rum tiki cocktail simply delicious. No phony colored mixers here. (Still thirsty? See Liqurious) -
Strawberry Pineapple Daiquiri
15 May 2012 | 11:56 pmStrawberry Pineapple Daiquiri (Still thirsty? See Liqurious) -
This week’s roundup from Tasteologie and...
15 May 2012 | 9:56 pmThis week’s roundup from Tasteologie and Liqurious includes strawberry mojitos, dandelion pancakes and mini rainbow vanilla bean donuts! (Still thirsty? See Liqurious) -
Aged cachaça meets honey, lime and spiced...
15 May 2012 | 7:56 pmAged cachaça meets honey, lime and spiced pineapple syrup! (Still thirsty? See Liqurious) -
Take advantage of strawberry season and blend...
15 May 2012 | 5:56 pmTake advantage of strawberry season and blend up some strawberry mojitos -- they're light, fruity, and totally refreshing. (Still thirsty? See Liqurious)
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Drink of the Week » Cocktail Blog
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Hamburger Week Is Here!
7 May 2012 | 4:50 pmWe've rounded up an awesome burger recipe and some great cocktails to satisfy everyone from the safe sipper to the daring drinker ...Read More -
Happy Cinco De Mayo! Enjoy with this Twisted Sister Mariachi Mashup
5 May 2012 | 1:40 pmIt’s Cinco de Mayo! Starting with Cheap Trick and Surrender, Hornitos is making a annual event of mashing up famous rock groups with a mariachi band. This year, Twisted Sister jumped in. Dee and the Band created this new, one-of-a-kind version of their 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. Look like last year’s video was taken off of YouTube? Hornitos folks we want to see that! Enjoy! Download it for free:… Read more -
Kentucky Derby Drinks & Eats
4 May 2012 | 4:44 pmWhether you're into horses, into betting or just love a good, old-fashioned race, this year we've got some awesome choices to make sure the fun keeps going well past the two-minute mark. ...Read More -
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Cocktails
4 May 2012 | 1:09 pmThe sun is out, the weekend is here and it's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! ...Read More -
May Is National BBQ Month!
2 May 2012 | 3:21 pmThis year it’s all about cool drinks with fresh, seasonal ingredients and great flavors that compliment your yummy meal. Lucky for you, there’s still time to try out some of our best spring recipes! ...Read More
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Drink of the Week
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Hamburger Week Is Here!
7 May 2012 | 4:50 pmWe've rounded up an awesome burger recipe and some great cocktails to satisfy everyone from the safe sipper to the daring drinker ...Read More -
Happy Cinco De Mayo! Enjoy with this Twisted Sister Mariachi Mashup
5 May 2012 | 1:40 pmIt’s Cinco de Mayo! Starting with Cheap Trick and Surrender, Hornitos is making a annual event of mashing up famous rock groups with a mariachi band. This year, Twisted Sister jumped in. Dee and the Band created this new, one-of-a-kind version of their 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. Look like last year’s video was taken off of YouTube? Hornitos folks we want to see that! Enjoy! Download it for free:… Read more -
Kentucky Derby Drinks & Eats
4 May 2012 | 4:44 pmWhether you're into horses, into betting or just love a good, old-fashioned race, this year we've got some awesome choices to make sure the fun keeps going well past the two-minute mark. ...Read More -
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Cocktails
4 May 2012 | 1:09 pmThe sun is out, the weekend is here and it's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! ...Read More -
May Is National BBQ Month!
2 May 2012 | 3:21 pmThis year it’s all about cool drinks with fresh, seasonal ingredients and great flavors that compliment your yummy meal. Lucky for you, there’s still time to try out some of our best spring recipes! ...Read More
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WhiskyCast
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WhiskyCast Episode 369: May 13, 2012
13 May 2012 | 12:14 amJapanese whiskies have won numerous awards in whisky competitions over the last decade, yet many whisky lovers have yet to try them. Until now, very few whiskies have been exported outside Japan, and even fewer to the U.S. Hakushu 12-year-old single malt has been available in Europe and other regions for a while, but it's just now becoming available in America. Suntory's Mike Miyamoto is a former manager at Hakushu and Yamazaki, and he'll explain the differences between the two whiskies, Michael Jackson's role in developing Hakushu's style, and answer some of your questions as well. In the… -
WhiskyCast Episode 368: May 6, 2012
5 May 2012 | 11:01 pmIt's festival week in Speyside, and the Spirit of Speyside Festival has become one of the region's largest events of the year. We'll talk with Festival chairman Jim Royan about this year's event, as well as growing up downwind from Glen Moray, life in Speyside, and the region's unique character. In the news, another Irish whiskey bottler is looking for a new distiller, new whiskies from The Dalmore, Highland Park, The Macallan, Buffalo Trace, and plans for a high-altitude whisky tasting... -
WhiskyCast Episode 367: April 29, 2012
28 Apr 2012 | 11:51 pmWhisky can be one of the most versatile spirits for chefs as well as cocktail lovers. We'll talk about cooking with whisky for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this week's episode with Stacy Laabs, one of the authors of "The Never Cook Sober Cookbook", and discuss how whiskies can complement and even enhance the flavors of your next meal. In the news, Heaven Hill announces plans for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville's downtown "Whiskey Row", and we'll have tasting notes for the first Clan Speyburn exclusive bottling. -
WhiskyCast Episode 366: April 21, 2012
21 Apr 2012 | 9:26 pmDave Pickerell left Maker's Mark as Master Distiller four years ago, and since then, he's been one of the leaders of the craft distilling movement. He's worked as a consultant for dozens of distilleries, and has just taken on the role of Master Distiller at the Hillrock Estate Distillery in New York. In this week's episode, Dave tells us why he's having more fun than ever, and just what new distillers need to have to make it in the whisky business. -
WhiskyCast Episode 365: April 17, 2012
17 Apr 2012 | 10:42 pmThis week's episode features highlights from Whisky Live New York, including interviews with distillers from two of the city's own craft distilleries. We'll also get the latest on Adelphi's plans for a new distillery on Scotland's Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Ardbeg in orbit, and plenty of new whiskies!
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Nonjatta
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Libidinous Suntory (NSFW)
15 May 2012 | 7:32 pmI am a bit worried that Nonjatta might be turning into Penthouse circa 1972, what with my interest in Ocean Whisky's erotica (NSFW) and Busty--the whisky bottle cover (NSFW) and suchlike. But, while the shirt buttons are unbuttoned and the medallion is in place, it is worth mentioning that Ocean is by no means the only Japanese whisky operation to have dabbled in erotic marketing. Step forward Suntory, with a deserved reputation as one of the most sophisticated marketing operations in Japanese business. It seems not even they were above a little titillation to help the whisky down. First, a… -
Mars Malt Gallery Single Cask 1985 23YO American White Oak #324 58% abv
12 May 2012 | 6:52 pmReview by Nonjatta contributor - Dramtastic: Mars Malt Gallery Single Cask 1985 23YO American White Oak #324 58% abv Nose: This one leads with vanilla, toffee and a floral note. Then, strawberries, manuka honey, light oak, maple syrup on flapjacks, stewed plums. Water adds toasted marshmallows Palate: Chewy toffee, honey on wheat toast, teak, macadamia nut, port, brazil nut, light pipe tobacco, marshmallows, creamed corn, stewed plums. Balanced. Finish: Medium on burnt toffee, marshmallows, strawberries, macadamias, creamed corn, some drying oak. Excellent. Another fine Mars from an American… -
Mars Malt Gallery Single Cask 1991 18YO American White Oak #1110 58% abv
12 May 2012 | 6:31 pmReview by Nonjatta contributor - Dramtastic: Mars Malt Gallery Single Cask 1991 18YO American White Oak #1110 58% abv Nose: Quite light. Honey, creme brulee, strawberries, sugared apples, fresh oak, ginger, toasted muesli, pine needles. A little water brings out toffee, vanilla and a floral note. Palate: Toasted oak, honey toasted muesli, strawberries, pancakes, a little resinous. With water some vanilla. Finish: Medium on honey toasted muesli, pancakes, vanilla, strawberry and a dash of dry oak. Really liked it. Rating: 88/100." (Dramtastic's ratings explained.) -
Chichibu The Floor Malted 2009 3YO 50.5% abv
12 May 2012 | 5:43 pmReview by Nonjatta contributor - Dramtastic: Chichibu The Floor Malted 2009 3YO 50.5% abv Nose: Shy it's not. Big notes of fermenting pears, cookie dough, pine needles, eucalyptus, soap flakes, malt soaked timber, tinned peaches, kiwi fruit and menthol. Palate: Intensely malty. Czech pilsner, cornflake cookies, muesli bars, pine, menthol. Also brings back memories of walking past the yakitori stalls in the alleyways along the north west side Shinjuku station. Quite oily. An unusual but appealing profile. Finish: Actually a bit short considering the bold nose and palate. Mostly follows the… -
The Fridge Door Bar, Hokkaido
7 May 2012 | 2:51 amPhotograph by Glen Claydon Photography I have never been to the Fridge Door Bar in Hirafu, Niseko, Hokkaido, but I desperately want to. Its official name is the "Gyu+ Bar" but people know it as the Fridge Door because of its unique entrance. It is actually the door from a Coke machine, and there is a lot more than Coke on offer if you do get to Hirafu. Ioanna Watanabe, who runs the bar with her husband Hisashi, says: "We have been into Ichiro's for years now and have collected almost all the card series. The bar has slowly progressed over the years to carry more and more whisky; the bottles…
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www.caskstrength.net - whisky blog
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Singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
13 May 2012 | 4:58 amWe are surrounded in life by things which are hugely successful but lack any real personality, managing to court the mainstream by being utterly bland and providing absolutely no challenge to the consumer whatsoever: Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston, Coldplay, Dan Brown, Nick Clegg, Pizza Express, The Hunger Games, the entire nation of Switzerland, every Nissan car ever made, Arsenal Football Club, Roger Federer, Kelloggs Cornflakes, Wednesdays, Starbucks, Dell computers, Fanta, the game of golf, the internet...The Singleton of Dufftown - 18 Years Old… -
A Royal Flush
11 May 2012 | 1:29 pmIs it me, or has everyone jumped on the 'Jubilympics' bandwagon? To be honest, with the Olympics, the Mayoral elections and the Queen's celebrations (god bless her) living in London is a little like living in Disneyland. It feels surreal to think that around the world, images of fairytale royal carriages, flotillas, Olympic torches and of course, Boris Johnson's ludicrous mop top are becoming potent symbols of the city in the 21st Century. Practically every whisky company has released some sort of extortionate lovingly authentic, celebratory bottling - we reviewed… -
A Stellar Whisky Tasting: The Dalmore Constellation Collection
1 May 2012 | 4:32 pmHot on the heels of new releases in to travel retail from Glenfiddich, Auchentoshan and Laphroaig, to name but a few, is a brand playing on a whole different level altogether.In our last post, I wrote about Auchentoshan releasing five new expressions in to travel retail, ranging from around thirty five quid to around a hundred and thirty pounds. However, Richard Paterson and the good people at The Dalmore distillery have only gone and, as they say in South London, ‘dropped da bomb’ when it comes to Global Travel Retail as today saw the launch of the new collection of whiskies from The… -
The Heart(wood) of the Matter: Auchentoshan Travel Retail Whisky
1 May 2012 | 5:54 amAuchentoshan Samples at Caskstrength HQIt’s been a while since we last reviewed an Auchentoshan. One of our top visits when in the southern-half of Scotland, the triple-distilled spirit is made just outside Glasgow and their visitors experience really is excellent as is their Three Wood, which is fast becoming a standard behind bars and a fantastic flavour in a good whisky sour.Later today I’m off to Heathrow to sample a new range of Duty Free Only Dalmore bottlings, as it seems the whisky world has gone Travel Retail mad over the last few months and Auchentoshan have embraced this world… -
Burn Baby 'Burn
29 Apr 2012 | 2:39 pmAfter returning from a fairly relaxing week on a beautiful Portuguese Quinta (sadly after being robbed not once but twice - once is bad enough, but when the local police mug you sorry, charge you 48 Euros for the crime report, you realise something is deeply wrong!) Still, i'm refreshed, slightly tanned (bizarrely only on my hands) and in need of a whisky. As the UK seemingly dissolves under gallons of rain, I find myself digging through a pile of damp post, bottles and boxes and one particular sample caught my attention. Speyburn distillery, recently buoyed by…
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The Chuck Cowdery Blog
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Sixth Circuit Sez I Win.
15 May 2012 | 7:17 pmJust kidding, of course. I know only the parts that go into deciding the case count, but I'm still basking in the glow of the Sixth Circuit's citation to my work and wanted to point out that Judge Martin sided with me on two contested points of Bourbon history.First, he agrees with me (and others) that Kentucky whiskey probably was first distilled at Fort Harrod, the first permanent European settlement in what is now Kentucky, in 1774, and not by Jacob Spears, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, or any of the other claimants.Second, he agrees with my explanation for why bourbon is called bourbon and… -
You Don't Need A Kindle Or Nook To Read An Ebook.
13 May 2012 | 5:00 amAlthough the idea of ebooks, and a kind of reality, has been around for a decade or more, the recent introduction of ereaders like Kindle and Nook, and tablets like the iPad, has caused them to really take off. For a writer and small publisher like me, ebooks have many advantages in terms of cost and logistics. There is still a place for prints books and probably always will be, but equally there are situations when ebooks are better. I've talked to people who say they love being able to carry just their ereader when they go on vacation, rather than a suitcase full of books.These ebook… -
It's Time To Promote The Hirsch Book Again.
12 May 2012 | 5:00 amIn the 17th and 18th centuries, large numbers of Germans and German-Swiss migrated to William Penn’s American colony known as Pennsylvania. Most were fleeing religious persecution. Many were members of Anabaptist sects such as the Amish and Mennonites.One large group settled in the area around modern Lancaster and came to be known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Among them was the Shenk family, Swiss Mennonites who farmed in what is now Lebanon County’s Heidelberg Township. In 1753, Johann Shenk built a small distillery on his farm. Like most early American farmer-distillers, he distilled his… -
A Weird But Cool Career Milestone.
11 May 2012 | 5:00 amAlthough I generally don't practice, I am a lawyer, so it is both weird and cool for me to be cited in a Federal Appellate Court opinion, the Sixth Circuit's ruling in Maker's Mark v Diageo, a trademarks case.It begins with Justice Hugo Black's famous statement (written in dissent) that, “I was brought up to believe that Scotch whisky would need a tax preference to survive in competition with Kentucky bourbon.” Justice Black grew up in Alabama.After that there are several pages of American whiskey history, which is where I come in. It's easy to read, not at all legalistic, and very… -
A Little LDI News.
10 May 2012 | 1:59 pmFor my own selfish purposes, I prefer it when whiskey producers are public companies, because they routinely report information of interest. For example, this is from MGPI's First Quarter Results Statement, released yesterday. MGPI is the new owner of Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana (LDI), the distillery responsible for Templeton Rye, Bulleit Rye, Redemption Rye, and others."Also in the current quarter, the Company recorded initial sales, including premium bourbon and whiskeys, from its recently-acquired distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ind. Operational improvements are underway at the facility…
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Liquid Irish
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Whiskey spearheads food exports
10 May 2012 | 7:02 pmThere was an article in The Economist recently on the success of Scottish food and drink exports: ...the ease with which her chocolates have found foreign buyers owes much to the reputation for quality that Scottish food and drink have gained thanks to malt whisky distillers. "Small artisan producers like us are following in their footsteps", she says. The export value of Scotch whisky, which has proved virtually impervious to the global economic slowdown, rose by 71% between 2006 and 2011 to £4.23 billion ($6.72 billion). Over the same period food exports have risen by a similarly… -
Liquid Irish
7 May 2012 | 11:30 pmI've been doing a spot of redecorating on the site. What do you think? The new template is lighter and easier on the eyes, I hope. I'll probably continue moving things around and adjusting the colours for a while yet. The bigger change is the name of the website. It's now Liquid Irish, rather than Irish Whiskey Notes. Twitter forced me to accept that the old name was too long. It wasn't all that catchy either. There are also Irish spirits besides whiskey that I want to write about occasionally. Fruit brandies and poitín, for example. The new title accommodates that. The domain will move… -
Beam's intentions
4 May 2012 | 8:54 amI just had a good chat with an Irish PR company representing Beam. Obviously we are still in the early months under the new management so things are still fluid. But I am assured that Cooley's DNA remains intact despite recent developments. Kilbeggan distillery will continue as a tourist attraction, as we knew, but it will also keep its two stills running (5 days a week), producing malt that will be casked and stored on site. It is important that the distillery will be seen as the home of the flagship Kilbeggan blended whiskey. Since the resurrected distillery has only been producing for 5… -
Axe falls at Kilbeggan
2 May 2012 | 10:35 pmBeam Global, Cooley's new owners, reported a great first quarter today. Sales of Kilbeggan whiskey are up 73%, thanks to Beam's distribution muscle. While shareholders in the US toasted the good news, employees at Kilbeggan distillery back in Ireland were getting the sack. I won't go into much detail yet except to say that most of the Cooley folk that have featured in this blog have been let go by Beam. Some have been with Cooley from the earliest days - 22 years now - and some were even involved with the preservation and restoration of Kilbeggan distillery before that. That it is today both… -
Irish whiskey shorts
22 Apr 2012 | 1:29 pmIt feels like yonks since I last did a quick roundup so let's see who's been doing what... Potent Potables Matt Lange kicked off a new regular podcast on drinks with an episode dedicated to Irish whiskey. Jim Clarke of the Irish Whiskey Society sits in for a long and excellent discussion on distilling history, whiskey styles and what's coming down the road for the industry. On Jim's recommendation (no surprise to those who know him!), Matt cracks open a bottle of Black Bush at the end of the podcast. 2 Gingers Potent Potables also interviewed Kieran Folliard, an Irish guy whose home has…
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Dowd on Drinks
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B.A.M. beerfest and competition set
16 May 2012 | 1:46 pmSARATOGA SPRINGS — “B.A.M.” has nothing to do with chef Emeril Lagasse. It’s the B.A.M. Fest, the initials standing for beer and music. The beer portion includes beer sampling and a homebrew competition. The music portion includes New Regime and Will Severin. The inaugural event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 2, [...] -
The Living Room gets liquor license in Saratoga
15 May 2012 | 2:03 pmSARATOGA SPRINGS — Drinks are being served in The Living Room. No, not an English drawing room. It’s the new Caroline Street bar and restaurant that had a dry soft-opening last month but now that it has received the proper licensing from the State Liquor Authority is offering a full bar. The Living Room is [...] -
Mexican Radio closer to Schenectady opening
15 May 2012 | 2:01 pmSCHENECTADY — Anyone who has been too lazy to drive down to Hudson to sample the wares of the Mexican Radio restaurant there (right) may be tempted to go “all the way” to Schenectady when the owners of the Mexican dining gem open their third venue. The topic of a Mexican Radio in Schenectady isn’t [...] -
Troy’s Broadway Brew Biergarten to open Saturday
15 May 2012 | 1:59 pmTROY — The former Broadway Brew will reopen this Saturday as the redesigned and repurposed Broadway Brew Biergarten. After the city ordered a two-month closing of the business because of public nuisance complaints, owner Kareem Jandali vowed to reopen after changing the direction of the eatery. German beer garden was his decision. “We will have [...] -
Tickets dwindling for wild game beer dinner
15 May 2012 | 1:58 pmALBANY — “I’m game,” she said flirtatiously to the hunter, so he shot her. OK, a hoary old punchline, but it got your attention. Now, I’m here to report there are a few tickets left for Wednesday’s “Wild Game Night with Ithaca Beer Company” at the City Beer Hall. It is the latest in the [...]
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Olly Wehring's beverage industry blog - from just-drinks.com
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Beery future for Coca-Cola Amatil?
16 May 2012 | 8:48 amI spy some interesting manoeuvring by Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA). Earlier today (16 May) the group announced that it has signed distribution deals with three major brewers – Grupo Modelo, Carlsberg and Molson Coors – to distribute their brands in some of the markets CCA is currently allowed to sell beer in, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Pacific Islands. The company will have to wait until the end of next year before it can once again start to sell and distribute beer in its home market of Australia. CCA group MD Terry Davis suggested to reporters in Sydney yesterday that… -
Soft Drinks International Conference - See you down the front
11 May 2012 | 8:36 amWe're less than a week away from the inaugural Soft Drinks International Conference here in London, and just-drinks will be there in force. Taking place at the Tower Hotel in London on 17 and 18 May, the trade event will see a wealth of soft drinks companies attend. We will be there on both days and hope to see you there. I'm told that, if you book now, you'll get a 50% discount off the standard delegate rate (use the code SDIVIP50). To register, click here, and hopefully we'll see you there. -
Diageo's "dirty trick" brews up a Twitter storm
10 May 2012 | 6:51 amThere really is nowhere to hide on Twitter. Particularly when you're a global corporation and you've been caught with your pants down, metaphorically speaking, by a notoriously PR-savvy independent brewer. Step forward Diageo, the latest giant to feel the wrath of Tweeters. Late yesterday, the company's name was trending – and not for the kind of reasons it would hope. It came after maverick Scottish brewer BrewDog accused the drinks firm of intervening to stop them winning 'Bar Operator of the Year' at an awards ceremony in Scotland. Apparently BrewDog got the judges' vote, but a… -
Anheuser-Busch InBev - My cup, it runneth over
10 May 2012 | 4:16 amWhen Anheuser-Busch InBev lined up a three-year tie-up with the English Football Association last year, the romantic in me got all excited. "Maybe," he pondered, "I'll get to see Liverpool in the FA Cup Final." The realist in me quickly took hold and, considering the season my team has just put me through, was quite valid in dismissing such flights of fancy. Okay, they didn't win, but I still got to watch my team play at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, thanks to A-B InBev here in the UK. Not only that, but I also managed to get another snap for the 'Me with a Trophy' photo album. Thanks to A-B… -
Vimto's sweet success for Ramadan
4 May 2012 | 4:43 amA trading statement from UK soft-drinks maker Nichols this week unearthed an interesting nugget: apparently, Nichols-owned Vimto is very popular in the Middle East during Ramadan. The brand has been sold in the region for the past 25 years, Nichols told just-drinks, and performs well throughout the religious festival because it's non-alcoholic and sweet. A quick call to a handful of popular Ramadan restaurants in the UK backed this up. "People like fruity drinks during Ramadan," said Ali from Imran's Restaurant & Sweet House in Birmingham's famous Balti Triangle. "When people…
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Bevlog | beer, wine, spirits trends | beverage blog
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The Triple Sec Lobby
8 May 2012 | 8:45 amThe highly secretive and powerful Triple Sec lobby has struck again — this time to require at least one drop of triple sec in certain alcohol beverages. Google it as much as you wish, and you will find little about this uber-secret institution, rumored to have strong ties leading all the way back to France. That’s because it’s secret. Some even say that Sen. John Kerry, with his thinly disguised sympathies for many things French, is Triple Sec’s man in Washington. On a more serious note, for many years, TTB has required at least some triple sec in products that purport… -
Dogs + Fishes, Beer + Wine
24 Apr 2012 | 8:35 amShanken News Daily recently alerted us to Dogfish Noble Rot. It is: a wine/beer hybrid that combines traditional barley, hops, water and yeast with winegrapes. Named for the grape fungus botrytis, which is associated with Sauternes and Tokaji dessert wines, Noble Rot uses Viognier and Pinot Gris grapes sourced from Washington’s Alexandria Nicole Cellars. The 9%-abv offering will be available in about 27 states this week, priced at $13 a 750-ml. The statement of composition on this product looks a bit redundant, with two references to grape must — but upon closer review it nicely… -
Label Flexibility
2 Apr 2012 | 7:55 amTTB has been working on a new COLA form, with new and more flexible rules about what may change without seeking a new label approval. TTB announced this in the January 13, 2012 Newsletter and the Federal Register two weeks prior. The new rules, if/when implemented, could allow a huge variety of big and small changes — without the need to submit, wait, haggle. Here is the draft form. For example, the new rules (at page 3) would allow you to: Move mandatory around. This is at category 2. This would allow you to move VODKA from the bottom of the front label to the top of the front label,… -
The Five Year Rule
20 Mar 2012 | 7:55 amBe careful about the five year rule as above and here. The rule says TTB formulas expire five years after approval. Not all formulas. Just the ones for imported products such as vodka, sake, and liqueur for example. This is in substantial contrast with TTB label approvals, permits, and domestic formulas. Generally speaking, they don’t expire unless the applicant changes something. In our experience, TTB tends to explain the expiration date on the relevant formula approvals, but not in the regulations or widely elsewhere. An example is here. It can come as an unpleasant surprise, if you… -
Streamlining at TTB
13 Mar 2012 | 7:55 amIn recent months TTB has been busy tinkering with the label approval process. TTB announced the culmination of its streamlining efforts here. This is important for all regulated entities because, despite all these streamlining initiatives (plus the advent of computers and online filing), the average processing time for spirits has moved from a few hours to well over a month, during the past 20 years. Most spirits labels are currently taking well over 30 days, and TTB often says you should allow up to about 90 days. Since last summer, things seem a lot better with wine labels (moving from over…
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Beachbum Berry
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TIKI DRINK TV, PART II
8 May 2012 | 3:01 pmYou are forgiven for not recalling Part One, since that post appeared here some four years ago. The Bum would have followed it up sooner, if he wasn’t a bum. At any rate, here are more sightings of Tiki drinks on TV: THE APARTMENT (1960): Fred MacMurray downs Daiquiris with Shirley Maclaine in a perfect [...] -
DEEP SOUTH PACIFIC
15 Feb 2012 | 7:00 pmIf you’re still wondering whether the Tiki Revival has legs, consider Black Mountain, North Carolina, where the last pop culture trend to penetrate city limits was bear-baiting. Passing through the area recently, the Beachbum entered the local Ingles supermarket in search of limes and ice. There, just inside the door, he found a coin-operated novelty [...] -
HAS MIXOLOGY JUMPED THE SHARK?
3 Dec 2011 | 4:23 pmLet’s make one thing perfectly clear right up front: we love mock speakeasies. We love bartenders who wear bowler hats, Jerry Thomas facial hair, and sleeve garters. Even more than the theatricality, we love the ceremony of watching a vintage cocktail being scrupulously and lovingly brought back to life before our eyes. It’s what makes [...] -
COOL CATALONIANS
26 Oct 2011 | 10:11 amWhile London has a severe case of Polynesiaphilia (six Tiki bars opened there this year alone) and Hamburg, Oslo, and even Moscow show signs of infection, Barcelona has long been Europe’s most Tikified city. And Kahala has long been it’s most Tikified bar. The Beachbum’s host during a recent Barcelona visit, Ivan “Bastardo Saffrin” Castro, [...] -
OUR NIGHTLY BREAD
23 Oct 2011 | 12:01 pmBerliners do not take their drinking lightly. A recent week there had us sprawled in our bed at the end of every night, barely able to move. Fortunately we had company. Nightly from 12 to 6 a.m., a local TV station aired an unbroken closeup of a dour puppet trapped in a Sartrean void. His [...]
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Alcademics.com
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A Blackberry and Beer Cocktail from A New Book
15 May 2012 | 1:50 pmIn last week's FineCooking.com post, I put up a recipe from the new book Beer Cocktails, by Howard & Ashley Stelzer. As I said in the post I really like the book and the recipes are very original. "The drinks are divided into recipe categories by beer type: lagers, Belgian/trappist ales, stouts and porters, and other dark beers. They include ingredients like root beer liqueur, mezcal, and pistachio liqueur to go along with the brews, plus lots of fresh ingredients... [Visit Alcademics.com for the full post.] -
The Sangria Spectrum in Fine Cooking Magazine
9 May 2012 | 10:13 amIn the June/July issue of Fine Cooking magazine I have a story about sangria. We kind of rewrote it a bunch of times and now it's mostly a list of tips on how to make a good sangria, but here is the intro. Traditional sangria is delicious, but it can also be a bit predictable: a pitcher of red wine with orange liqueur or brandy, slices of citrus, and sometimes a splash of soda for fizz. Recently, though, sangria has... [Visit Alcademics.com for the full post.] -
We Have Ice, And We Have Backup Ice
8 May 2012 | 6:31 pmIt turns out that Wayne Curtis has a lot of connections in the iceberg business. Wayne and I are co-leading a talk about Exotic Ice at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic on Monday, May 14th and we thought it would be cool to get some iceberg ice for it. Because the rate of precipitation in the Arctic is actually pretty low, it's not that hard to get some ice that is 10,000 or so years old. The air trapped between the... [Visit Alcademics.com for the full post.] -
Cocktail Menu: Midnight Cowboy Modeling in Austin, Texas
8 May 2012 | 10:45 amThe new bar Midnight Cowboy has opened on the sight of Midnight Cowboy Oriental Modeling, basically a brothel, in Austin. The bar opened at the end of February. Below is the menu and below that, a press release about the bar. I see: Celery Julep! Josh Harris' Del Rio! Vinegar! house cocktails. $12 pisco sourgrass*- peruvian pisco,sorrel-honey syrup,lemon,tiki bitters,cracked pepper,egg white. courting two sisters- sweet and dry vermouths, tenneyson absinthe,orange twist. jinx remover- herbsaint,pineapple,hiver amer,tiki bitters,grated cinnamon, mint, crushed ice.... [Visit Alcademics.com for…
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Chowhound's Latest » Spirits
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Generic Triple Sec ==> Cointreau
16 May 2012 | 1:24 amDid you check that horse for a pulse? -
vanilla infused simple syrup - cocktail ideas?
15 May 2012 | 1:57 pmI googled and found only one vanilla mojito recipe (not necessarily a good sign, although I did also find a tahitian vanilla bean infused rum) but it sounds potentially good- it uses vanilla extract and adds Angostura bitters. I'd recommend giving those combinations a try before serving, however- I've tried bitters in a mojito before and wasn't impressed. If you use orange or tangerine in a mojito, you'll need some kind of sour ingredient to balance it out or it'll be way too sweet. To my mental tastebuds, vanilla pairs better with lemon, but I think it could be perfectly fine with lime too… -
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
15 May 2012 | 1:51 pmWell I got that bottle of 1792 - gotta say though there is nothing bad about it, it is definitely not very interesting. Reminds me a lot of Maker's mark, sweet entry no middle decent finish though with some nice wood. I didn't notice the bitterness that Sku did in his review at LA Whiskey society. Very nice bottle, glad I only paid $20 for this. At least it doesn't have the off taste I noted in the Eagle rare 10 yr when I first opened it - I am going to let this one sit a while and see if air helps it as it did with that one. -
Has anyone tried Hum Liqueur? Do you like CARDAMOM?
15 May 2012 | 7:22 amJust a little thank you, kathleen440--while I still can't get Hum, from your recommendation, I did ask a local package store to order Small's gin for me and it's fantastic! This weekend, I made a rhubarb simple syrup with cardamom and half a vanilla bean--the syrup is nice-nice in a rhubarb Collins for warm weather sipping. Since I can't get my hands on Hum, I had to improvise! ;) -
Found it! Hard to find ingredients and where to find them
15 May 2012 | 3:24 amLONDON - Not exactly practical for USA locals, but I happened to be in London over the weekend, and while wandering around Soho, happened into a store called Amathus (117 Wardour Street -- they also have a branch in the City at Leadenhall Market). I was astounded to find full shelves of a wide range of Van Winkle whiskeys --Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr, Pappy Van Winkle 13yr, Special Reserve 12 yr, Family Reserve 20 and 23yr, and Family Reserve Rye 13yr -- a fully-stocked shelf, multiple bottles of each. Also a shelf full of bottles of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This is more Van Winkle…
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Bottoms Up
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The Lagunitas Beer Circus Is Coming To Town Again
15 May 2012 | 7:15 pmThis weekend — Sunday May 20 to be exact — the circus is once again coming to the town of Petaluma as the fourth annual Lagunitas Beer Circus will be held on the grounds of the Lagunitas Brewery. If you haven’t been to the beer circus before, it’s one of the most amazing events of [...] -
World Beer Cup Awards 2012
6 May 2012 | 11:20 amAnother record crowd of 2,034 sat down to a beer dinner by Adam Dulye of Monk’s Kettle and to listen to the awards for the 2012 Brewers Association World Beer Cup. This was the 10th World Beer Cup, which takes place every two years. This year’s competition saw 3,921 beers in 95 categories from 54 [...] -
MillerCoors Looking To Hire Bay Area Beer Ambassador
23 Apr 2012 | 11:11 amApparently Monster.com had a recent job posting for an “Import & Craft Trade Brewer” position in the Bay Area advertised by MillerCoors. Actually, the person hired will work for 10th & Blake, which is their craft and import division. The company is looking for “a beer ambassador and homebrewing coach in the western U.S. [to] [...] -
Aging Beer
18 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amIf you read my most recent newspaper column on building a beer cellar, below is one of my earlier columns from 2010 about what beers work well for aging. Once you’ve built your beer cellar, here are some tips for choosing beers to fill up your new cellar. AGING BEER Ninety-nine percent of the world’s [...] -
Toronado Belgian Beer Dinner This Sunday, No Fooling
30 Mar 2012 | 12:25 pmI just learned that one of my favorite beer events of the year still has a few seats left. The annual Toronado Belgian Beer Dinner — really a luncheon — or I like to call it, a Blunch, is this Sunday, April 1, and that’s no joke. The food for this always amazing beer dinner [...]
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Diner's Journal
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Thomas Keller and Andoni Aduriz Start a Food Fight
16 May 2012 | 1:10 pmTwo of the world's top chefs agree that they should not have to carry the torch for local and sustainable agriculture. Here are a few posts from the firefight that has resulted on Twitter. -
What We're Reading
16 May 2012 | 9:01 amA collection of links from the reporters and editors of the Dining section. -
Three Dishes at Perla
15 May 2012 | 4:04 pmPete Wells picks three highlights from the menu at Perla in the Village. -
Leaving Manhattan for a Taste of the Tiki
15 May 2012 | 10:29 amA Manhattan Classic Cocktail event takes drinkers over the bridge for rum cocktails. -
What We're Reading
15 May 2012 | 8:41 amA collection of links from the reporters and editors of the Dining section.
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The Intoxicologist
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Barefoot Beach Splash
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amBarefoot Beach Splash is light and refreshingly sweetened. Its lovely pale pink hue is ideal for spring celebrations, but begs for summertime sipping. Ready, set, let’s go to the beach! Barefoot Beach Splash – created by Cheri Loughlin 2 measures … Continue reading → -
Camarena Delight
11 May 2012 | 5:00 amCamarena Delight tickles the senses as fabulous alternative to after dinner dessert. Great cinnamon aroma from the start with creamy, chocolate nut flavor throughout. Excellent for chocolate and coffee lovers. Camarena Delight 1 measure Camarena Reposado Tequila 1/2 measure Dark … Continue reading → -
Role Model
10 May 2012 | 5:00 amAs tribute to those who are the producer and anchor of our past; sculptors of what we ultimately become in the future… a toast to Mother’s around the globe. Role Model – created by Matt Robold 1-1/2 ounce Beefeater Gin … Continue reading → -
St. Zipaine
9 May 2012 | 5:00 amChampagne might be the first bubbly that comes to mind when one thinks of celebration cocktails, but sparkling sake mingles and tingles its way through cocktail culture with a burst of bubbly excitement. Its versatility is apparent as it is … Continue reading → -
Mom’s Sweet & Spicy Bloody Mary
8 May 2012 | 5:00 amJust in case your mother prefers something more substantial, Mom’s Sweet & Spicy Bloody Mary is just the ticket. Mom can slowly sip on this while basking in the lap of luxury (that means snuggled between the covers of her … Continue reading →
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Wild Scotsman Whisky
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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-13
13 May 2012 | 1:00 amWhisky boom helps profits at Glencairn http://t.co/sm1f2r4I # Pernod Ricard ponders plans for distillery http://t.co/CwQrhLDU # Going to L.A. in June to do a private scotch tasting event, Rock On Brothers # Check out TGI Friday's (9719 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati) on @foursquare: http://t.co/jEBKHZLk # Doing some restaurant consulting this morning. Just one of many faces of the wild scotsman. (@ TGI Friday's) http://t.co/xqU0fE5B # -
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-06
6 May 2012 | 1:00 amJust highlighting another idiot who leaves there dog in a car on an 82F day. Keep them at home! http://t.co/6yoqS3bR # Hmm..Cured meats board @nicholsons pub in cinci looks a bit lite for the price http://t.co/5XIMsA8L # #ff @trestle_board @glacierwhiskey @clep1 @bushmillsglobal @tanteoKing @cigarblunk @givan2code @governorssmokes @cigarexplorer @specmonkey # #ff @malted_barley @abbeywhisky @wemyssmalts @whiskyshop @scotchhunter @thewhiskyshop @velvetcigars @crispincider # Grilling out and having an 100% Irish Oyster Stout from the Porterhouse Brewing Co in Dublin http://t.co/T4tjmwrk #… -
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-29
29 Apr 2012 | 1:00 amOops, A Lack of Whiskey Galore! http://t.co/K308jWRt #whisky #whiskey #irish # Wild Scotsman VS Food! Bring on the triple atomic wing! (@ Quaker Steak & Lube) http://t.co/s3PQfwFY # Great food! I recommend the meals served in pots (@ Q2 Bistro) http://t.co/6wSx1sM4 # Master Blender and Master Distiller, John McDougall, have arrived in #chicago for a few private Scotch Dinners via columbus and cincinnati # Having a nice wood fired pizza and glass of wine with our sales rep (@ Bella Bacinos) http://t.co/FQeqFZXz # Come get a John McDougall or Wild Scotsman bottling from our friends at… -
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-22
22 Apr 2012 | 1:00 amJohn McDougall will arrive from Scotland in 25 hours! RSVP your seats for the April 18 #cincinnati show at http://t.co/4LRmEvs5 #Ohio .. # Vatted/Blended Malt reviews including #WildScotsman from our friend Serge @whiskyfun http://t.co/YdSKzGl4 # Vatted/Blended Malt reviews including #WildScotsman from our friend Serge @whiskyfun http://t.co/fVzFGSvO # With John McDougall and Black Watch members on http://t.co/BZ97Ob3v. Give a call. 513-724-3939 # Great night at Wings! Fantastic scotch night with John McDougall # Having a Padron 1964 with @cigarexplorer at wings enjoying Wild Scotsman Black… -
WPAFB John McDoguall Livingn History Event tonight April 20, 2012
20 Apr 2012 | 1:26 pmWPAFB John McDoguall Livingn History Event tonight April 20, 2012 by Jeffrey Topping Many thanks to everyone at Wings in Columbus, OH for a wonderful evening last night! John McDougall and I have travelled now to Wright Patterson Airforce Base in Datyon, OH to do an event for the troops! Location: Wright Patt Club 4771 Lahm Circle, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433 Start: 630pm Blend 888 Dailuane Tormore Balvenie Laphroaig springbank Wild Scotsman Black Label Come join us on Tuesday April 24, 2012 at Smith & Wollensky in Columbus, OH Detal click here
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12 Bottle Bar
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Cinco de Mayo and The Lost Dutchman
4 May 2012 | 12:06 pmBy Lesley Jacobs Solmonson 2 oz Genever 1.5 oz Mango Puree 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 2 tsp Agave Nectar Tajin Seasoning Rim a cocktail glass with lime and coat with Tajin Add remaining ingredients to a mixing glass Shake with ice and strain into the cocktail glass Nothing quite captures Cinco de Mayo like Mickey Mouse. Now, before you start to worry, this story ends in the Arizona badlands circa 1860, but it begins just outside the home of everyone’s favorite rodent — on the streets of Toontown, to be exact. One of the questions that we get a lot around 12BB is… -
And the Winner is…
2 May 2012 | 12:21 pmWhenever we do a giveaway, part of me wants the prize to go to a reader who I’ve gotten to know over the years, and another part of me is concerned that if someone like Daniel over at FUSSYlittleBLOG wins, things will seem rigged. The logical solution is just to draw a name randomly as expected and if it appears as if favoritism was shown, oh well — we did the best we could. Part of that “best” is, of course, recusing ourselves from the selection process altogether and turning things over to the toddler. The lad surprised us this time out by forsaking the usual… -
“Gin: A Global History” is Released – Win a Copy
25 Apr 2012 | 11:48 amA few years back, musician David Byrne mused on the state of his industry, the decline of CD sales, and the pending demise of the retail record store. Byrne posited that CDs and music itself should not be confused with one another – that calling a CD “music” was akin to calling a shopping cart “groceries”. One was merely the packaging and delivery of the other. Music had existed long before recording and would continue to exist long after vinyl, cassette, 8-track, DAT, CD, and MP3. It’s a theory which I whole-heartedly endorse – with one exception. Ask any band about the… -
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails – Part Two: The Bramble Bar’s Affinity
20 Apr 2012 | 6:54 pmA few years back, Lesley and I were hanging out in London with a couple of days to spare when friends suggested that we head North to the Lake District. In preparation for our trip, we made a pit stop at our friends’ house to freshen up and gather a few necessities. Among the items deemed indispensable for the journey was a flat of mini Jägermeister bottles. It’s not a party without Jäger, right? When we posted our 1912 – Ready-to-Drink Cocktails back in February, those mini bottles of Jäger came back to mind. Outside of carrying a self-filled flask, there’s not much on… -
Income Tax Cocktail
16 Apr 2012 | 12:15 pmThis is a re-post. 1.5 oz Dry Gin 0.75 oz Dry Vermouth 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth 0.50 oz Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with an orange twist. This drink is from the Savoy Cocktail Book, and it is a Bronx with bitters, which is fair enough – new drinks have been created on shakier foundations. Ted Haigh says that “the bitters add another dimension to the construction, and with correct measurements… and the fresh-squeezed juice, it is memorable and delicious.” Which, in a…
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Drink Spirits
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Brugal Rum – Spirit of The Dominican Republic
11 May 2012 | 3:02 pmBrugal Rum To understand Brugal Rum, it helps to understand the country and culture where it’s produced. The Dominican Republic plays a very important role in American history. Christopher Columbus made landfall in this tropical Caribbean island and in the name of Spain opened the door to an indelible amount of Spanish influence, architecture, culture, and immigrants. Among these immigrants were the Brugal family, who came from Spain and settled in Puerto Plata, a small beach side community on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Like many of the islands in the Caribbean, the… -
How to Make The Perfect Mint Julep – Drink Spirits Happy Hour Podcast
3 May 2012 | 10:09 pmThe Mint Julep On this week’s Drink Spirits Happy Hour (on KPAM Talk Radio), we take a look at the iconic Mint Julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: The Perfect Mint Julep Key links from the show: Woodford Reserve Best Rye Whiskey Reviews Maker’s 46 Review Here’s the recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep Mint Julep 1 oz of simple syrup or 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar 2 sprigs of mint 2 1/2 oz of bourbon Gently bruise one sprig of mint in the bottom of a julep glass or highball with simple syrup. Add half the bourbon and fill with crush iced. -
Spirits From Portland Oregon – Drink Spirits Happy Hour Podcast
2 May 2012 | 10:41 amLocal Spirits From Portland Oregon On this week’s Drink Spirits Happy Hour (on KPAM Talk Radio), we take a look at artisan spirits made in Portland, Oregon and talk about one of the largest spirit tastings for artisan spirits in the world. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: Spirits from Portland Oregon Key links from the show: Portland 88 Vodka Review Aviation Gin Review Bull Run Distillery Lavishmint Vodka New Deal Distillery House Spirits Big Bottom Whiskey In case you missed them, be sure to listen to some of our passed shows: The Moscow Mule The Old Fashioned Martinis – Shaken or Stirred? -
Karlsson’s 2008 Single Vintage Vodka
26 Apr 2012 | 11:00 amKarlsson's Batch 2008 Vodka We’ve been big fans of Karlsson’s Gold Vodka since its launch. Rather than focusing on creating a neutral spirit, Karlsson’s showcases the flavors of what goes into the spirit. Karlsson’s uses a variety of seven different virgin Swedish new potatoes to make their Karlsson’s Gold Vodka. The result is a delicious vodka with light tones of chocolate and black pepper. Karlsson’s Gold is one of our favorite sipping vodkas and one of the best examples of how a vodka can be flavorful and have great character. Karlsson’s… -
Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum Review
25 Apr 2012 | 11:02 amCaptain Morgan Black Spiced Rum In the US, spiced rum is a popular segment of the rum category. It’s often the jumping off point for people who want to explore the universe of rum beyond the typical white rum. It’s also quite popular because its spicy flavor profile doesn’t get lost when mixed with Coke (and it’s sold at a price point that makes it easy to mix with Coke). Going “black” has been one of the key ways major brands have extended their lines this year, and often it involves mixing deeply charred barrels with a popular spirit. The most notable…
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Drink Spirits
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Brugal Rum – Spirit of The Dominican Republic
11 May 2012 | 3:02 pmBrugal Rum To understand Brugal Rum, it helps to understand the country and culture where it’s produced. The Dominican Republic plays a very important role in American history. Christopher Columbus made landfall in this tropical Caribbean island and in the name of Spain opened the door to an indelible amount of Spanish influence, architecture, culture, and immigrants. Among these immigrants were the Brugal family, who came from Spain and settled in Puerto Plata, a small beach side community on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Like many of the islands in the Caribbean, the… -
How to Make The Perfect Mint Julep – Drink Spirits Happy Hour Podcast
3 May 2012 | 10:09 pmThe Mint Julep On this week’s Drink Spirits Happy Hour (on KPAM Talk Radio), we take a look at the iconic Mint Julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: The Perfect Mint Julep Key links from the show: Woodford Reserve Best Rye Whiskey Reviews Maker’s 46 Review Here’s the recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep Mint Julep 1 oz of simple syrup or 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar 2 sprigs of mint 2 1/2 oz of bourbon Gently bruise one sprig of mint in the bottom of a julep glass or highball with simple syrup. Add half the bourbon and fill with crush iced. -
Spirits From Portland Oregon – Drink Spirits Happy Hour Podcast
2 May 2012 | 10:41 amLocal Spirits From Portland Oregon On this week’s Drink Spirits Happy Hour (on KPAM Talk Radio), we take a look at artisan spirits made in Portland, Oregon and talk about one of the largest spirit tastings for artisan spirits in the world. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: Spirits from Portland Oregon Key links from the show: Portland 88 Vodka Review Aviation Gin Review Bull Run Distillery Lavishmint Vodka New Deal Distillery House Spirits Big Bottom Whiskey In case you missed them, be sure to listen to some of our passed shows: The Moscow Mule The Old Fashioned Martinis – Shaken or Stirred? -
Karlsson’s 2008 Single Vintage Vodka
26 Apr 2012 | 11:00 amKarlsson's Batch 2008 Vodka We’ve been big fans of Karlsson’s Gold Vodka since its launch. Rather than focusing on creating a neutral spirit, Karlsson’s showcases the flavors of what goes into the spirit. Karlsson’s uses a variety of seven different virgin Swedish new potatoes to make their Karlsson’s Gold Vodka. The result is a delicious vodka with light tones of chocolate and black pepper. Karlsson’s Gold is one of our favorite sipping vodkas and one of the best examples of how a vodka can be flavorful and have great character. Karlsson’s… -
Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum Review
25 Apr 2012 | 11:02 amCaptain Morgan Black Spiced Rum In the US, spiced rum is a popular segment of the rum category. It’s often the jumping off point for people who want to explore the universe of rum beyond the typical white rum. It’s also quite popular because its spicy flavor profile doesn’t get lost when mixed with Coke (and it’s sold at a price point that makes it easy to mix with Coke). Going “black” has been one of the key ways major brands have extended their lines this year, and often it involves mixing deeply charred barrels with a popular spirit. The most notable…
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American Drink
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newyorker: The Photo Booth gives us a Prohibition slide-show,...
14 May 2012 | 9:51 amnewyorker: The Photo Booth gives us a Prohibition slide-show, complete with protesters, secret flasks, and flappers -
youllbehealed: Ladies do not drink, nor do they smoke in...
21 Apr 2012 | 3:17 pmyoullbehealed: Ladies do not drink, nor do they smoke in circles that I have ever moved in, in St. Louis. It may prevail in homes that I do not know of, but I am sure that the rule is quite different. I certainly would not like to revisit a home where cocktails or liquors of any kind were served to ladies, or where the hostess would permit such customs. I should no more think of going to an entertainment where such things were permitted than I would go to the house where they permitted bridge whist to be played for money. —Mrs. Ashley D. Scott of 3515 Morgan St., St. Louis. She’s quoted… -
Scientists discover booze helps with problem-solving
5 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pmScientists discover booze helps with problem-solving: Getting a buzz from booze may boost creativity. Men who drank themselves tipsy solved more problems demanding verbal resourcefulness in less time than sober guys did, a new study finds. h/t Miles Van Pelt -
therewillbebourbon: Happy Opening Day!
5 Apr 2012 | 12:43 pmtherewillbebourbon: Happy Opening Day! -
"If one needs an example of how to drink a proper daiquiri, one need only go back to the 1960s. On..."
31 Mar 2012 | 1:45 pm“If one needs an example of how to drink a proper daiquiri, one need only go back to the 1960s. On the night he was elected president in 1960, John F. Kennedy sat sipping daiquiris in the dining room of his house in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. When dinner was over, Kennedy rose and walked to a a nearby room to watch a small television with bad reception. Here, he checked in on the election returns, and here—infused with the glow of a daiquiri—he learned he would be the next inhabitant of the White House.” - And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World In Ten Cocktails by Wayne…
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Cocktail Enthusiast
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Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Count Negroni’s Birthday Bash
14 May 2012 | 1:11 pmOn Sunday night 200 top bartenders descended upon the Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Company to celebrate Count Camillo Negroni’s birthday. The Italian Count is credited with creating his eponymous drink in the early 1900s, so to honor his contribution to cocktails, attendees paired Negronis with their finest top hats and mustaches. DJ Questlove provided the music, and food trucks provided the food. Cocktails included classic and barrel-aged Negronis as well as carbonated Negronis and the bourbon-based Boulvardier. For the impatient, Negronis were also on tap. Here’s a look at… -
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Diplomatico Rum, Amor y Amargo and Cooking with Angostura
13 May 2012 | 8:09 amDay two of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic started at the Andaz Hotel, where brands staked out conference rooms, lounges, penthouse suites and tight corners to display their wares. The second floor was buzzing with educational seminars and tasting rooms from the likes of Haus Alpenz, Ron Diplomatico and Molinari, who conducted a blind Sambuca tasting. But the star of the show was Angostura Bitters, who held an elaborate cooking demonstration — and provided food. In the second floor kitchen, chefs created a variety of Angostura-fueled dishes, including breakfast biscuits, mini burgers,… -
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: The Gala
12 May 2012 | 2:09 pmOn Friday night the Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicked off with the opening Gala at the New York Public Library. As the glitziest and booziest of all MCC events, the Gala is the hottest ticket in town — apparently this year’s party sold out in about 10 minutes. Of course, all good parties have a pre-party, and this was no exception. So prior to sipping cocktails in the library, we sampled some beverages at the Madarine Napoleon popup bar inside the Andaz Hotel. Upon entering the Gala, attendees were treated to a huge William Grant and Sons bar, with Charlotte Voisey and others… -
Tequila Partida Announces Texas Spirit Bird Challenge
11 May 2012 | 12:05 amTequila Partida is calling all Texas bartenders to create a Partida cocktail that represents the true spirit of Texas and exemplifies the spirit of tequila. Entries are due by May 18th, and the bartenders who submit the best drinks will be asked to compete in person at the Southwest Food Expo, taking place in Dallas on June 25th, 2012. Creators of the three best cocktails will win cash prizes of $1200, $600 and $400, and the winning drink will be featured on the Partida website. This should be a fun challenge. Partida’s Reposado Tequila is one of our favorites, and if you’re keeping… -
Bulleit Bourbon Review
9 May 2012 | 4:38 pmOf all the bourbons we’ve been drinking this past year – for the record, there’s a lot of them – Bulleit bottles might be drained the quickest. For a number of reasons: 1) it’s good; 2) it’s moderately priced; and 3) it’s accessible. For an everyday whiskey, that trio’s hard to beat. Bulleit Bourbon traces its roots back to the 1830s, when founder Augustus Bulleit first produced the whiskey in Kentucky. After his untimely disappearance, production ceased, and the market was Bulleit-less until 1987, when great-great-grandson Tom Bulleit stepped in to revive the family legacy.
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It's just the booze dancing...
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Beer Review – Lancaster Brewing Rumspringa
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amIn search of the Duchesse De Bourgogne Flemish Red Ale, I stopped at the Roger Wilco at Eagle Plaza. While I did find the Duchesse and the Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour, I picked up a couple of cans to fill out the beer fridge. One of the selections was the Rumspringa Golden Bock from Lancaster Brewing. I had had the Kölsch and the Milk Stout and looked forward to another of their lineup. Here is what Lancaster Brewing has to say about its Rumspringa: Embrace your slightly rebellious side with our feisty Golden Bock Lager brewed with real Lancaster County honey. It delivers subtle malt… -
Celebrate American Craft Beer Week!
13 May 2012 | 11:00 pmIf you follow this blog, you probably don’t need a reason to enjoy great Craft Beer, but it’s always nice to have one. This week is American Craft Beer week, and a great time to thank those local craft beer artisans that take simple ingredients and create art. To find local events in your area, please point your browser to CraftBeer.com’s dedicated American Craft Beer Week Page. There are great events all over the country, so take a few minutes this week to raise a glass of the best Craft Beers your local brewer(s) have to offer as a way to say thanks and support the great… -
Beer Review – Krombacher Weizen
11 May 2012 | 10:00 amphoto courtesy of google images Recently, while waiting for our cruise to depart, I went on an advanced scouting trip in search of dinner. The absence of a children’s menu at the local German restaurant thwarted my efforts. Having walked nearly two whole blocks, I felt that I was entitled to some liquid refreshment and to my good fortune; the German deli (the Olde Heidelberg Deli) next door was open. I chose two bottles of ice cold German beer to quench my thirst. The first was the Kaiserdom Pilsener. The second was the Krombacher Weizen. Krombacher Brauerei was founded in 1803 and is… -
Beer Review – Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold
9 May 2012 | 10:00 amAs a part of a mixed six from Wegman’s, I picked up a bottle of Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold. Hacker-Pschorr has been a leading brewer in Bavaria since 1417 or nearly a century before the enactment of the Reinheitsgebot Purity Law of 1516. Additionally, their brewing process had remained virtually unchanged for over 580 years and their beers are not labeled “For Export Only”. So, the beer that you drink is identical to the beer sold in Munich. Today, Hacker-Pschorr is one of the six brewers allowed to serve its beer in Munich during Oktoberfest and is renowned for… -
Beer Review – Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale
8 May 2012 | 10:00 amThe other day, while out looking for something different, I picked up a six pack of Ellie’s Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Company. I felt secure in the purchase as the statute had run since my self-imposed Avery ban (see Philly Beer Week 2010), and since my fellow Booze Dancers have continued to sing their praises. Plus, I loves me some brown ale! Avery, located in Boulder, CO, has been a craft brewer since 1993. The brewery has been expanded to produce approximately eight thousand barrels a year, and the increase in size allows for the production of several year round beers, as well…
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A Wardrobe of Whisky
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Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch 35 Tasting note
16 May 2012 | 1:29 am“Wonderful whisky!. This Aberlour is really a no-brainer buying option if you like sherried whiskies. Batches vary between them but they are all rather good.” Warning: session_start() [function.session-start]: Cannot send session cookie - headers already sent by (output started at /homez.383/awardrob/www/rss.php:19) in /homez.383/awardrob/www/facebook-sdk/facebook.php on line 37 Warning: session_start() [function.session-start]: Cannot send session cache limiter - headers already sent (output started at /homez.383/awardrob/www/rss.php:19) in… -
Laphroaig Triple wood Tasting note
15 May 2012 | 1:39 am“Nice Laphroaig whisky with one foot on the woody area. Interesting.” The complex, peaty flavour of Laphroaig Triple Wood is the result of maturation in three different types of barrel: ex-Bourbon barrels, European oak casks (‘butts’) and traditional Quarter Casks. Laphroaig Triple Wood is then bottled – without being chill-filtered – at 48% ABV. You can think about it as a extra-aged Laphroaig Quarter Cask single malt whisky were sweetness has been replaced by a moderate woody profile. Interesting scotch. This dram has a amber-like color. Nose (90): more than average. -
Whisky shopping today at Ceuta
14 May 2012 | 2:39 pmI have been buying today some whiskies and I bought also a very nice Pink Gin. Where do you usually buy your whisky? Were you aware that you can compare online whisky retailers prices at A Wardrobe of Whisky before buying whisky? -
The Macallan the 1824 Collection Whisky Maker's Edition Tasting note
14 May 2012 | 1:43 am“It is hard to find an Oloroso cask aged whisky that let the character of Macallan shine in such a way. Absolutely delicious.” According to The Macallan, "Containing rare whisky distilled from barley grown on The Macallan's Estate which brings a velvety mouthfeel, Whisky Maker's Edition recognises the skill and dedication of The Macallan's Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno. Bottled at Bob's preferred strength of 42.8%, this has an intensity and robustness of flavor." Less obviously sweet on the nose than Select Oak, this Edition offers a nose of toffee, raisins, figs and honey. The… -
William Larue Weller 2011 Release Tasting note
13 May 2012 | 1:58 am“Mindblowing bourbon! Your dram for the coldest winter nights.” The 2011 release of Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection edition of Weller whisky. It's the wheated entry in the collection and bottled at an eye-watering 66.75%. One of the stars of an already impressive line-up for 2011. If you like this Kentucky straight bourbon, you should check the other two bourbons of the Antique Collection: Thomas H Handy and George T Stagg. Mindblowing stuff if you ask my opinion. This dram has a tawny-like color. Nose (92): more than average. corn, old, wood, spices, honey, raisins, cinnamon,…
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WhiskyNotes
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Speyburn distillery visit
15 May 2012 | 7:20 pmSpeyburn is one of four remaining distilleries in Rothes. It’s not open to the public which is a shame because it’s a charming plant located in a beautiful valley of the Spey. One of the main assets for visitors could be their steam-driven pneumatic drum maltings. Instead of spreading the barley on a malting floor, it was brought into big perforated cylinders through which hot air was blown. That way the barley could be dried quicker and in a much smaller space but energy-wise it turned out not to be particularly efficient. The process was abandoned six years after installation. It’s… -
Balblair distillery visit
12 May 2012 | 3:10 pmWhen approaching Balblair distillery, the oldest Highlands distillery still in operation, it was immediately clear that it’s set in a more traditional landscape than Old Pulteney. It’s a charming plant surrounded by the ever-present Highlands meadows that hold a standing stone within the premises. After its foundation in 1790, the whole equipment was moved in the 1890’s to be closer to the railway, but the water source is still the original well. We caught Balblair at a special moment as they were doing heavily peated runs and the aromas at the distillery were clearly smoky. The… -
Old Pulteney distillery visit
9 May 2012 | 5:39 pmThis morning I arrived at Wick airport for the first distillery visit in our little Inver House trip: Old Pulteney, the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland (until the plans for the reopening of the 19th century Wolf Burn distillery are granted). Wick is a fairly small town nowadays, but it used to be the busiest herring fishing harbour in Europe. We stopped a moment to visit the Isabella Fortuna, a herring boat that inspired the distillery for its WK499 release. After the series’ second release WK209, we’ll probably see other duty free releases in the near future. -
Old Pulteney 23 years (sherry cask)
9 May 2012 | 4:33 amAt this very same moment I’m visiting Pulteney distillery in the very north of Scotland. I hope to find some time and an internet connection to post my report in the next couple of days. Back in 2008, this Old Pulteney 23 years old was a limited edition for the World Duty Free market. There were two versions, one matured in ex-bourbon casks and the other fully matured in ex-sherry casks. It was one of the first efforts to put Old Pulteney on the map of single malt whisky through single casks and limited releases. Old Pulteney 23 yo ‘Sherry casks’ (43%, OB 2008) Nose: a broad… -
Balblair 1973 (G&M Centenary Reserve)
7 May 2012 | 5:15 pmThis Balblair 1973 was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Centenary Reserve, a series launched to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Balblair 1973 (40%, G&M Centenary Reserve 1995) Nose: excellent nose with big fruity notes. Plenty of oranges and dried apricots. Some yellow raisins. Cinnamon and cocoa. Waxed furniture and old oil paintings. Hints of cigar boxes. Subtle sherry in this one, very refined and lots of character despite the lowered strength. Mouth: nice but not too punchy. Again some oranges with a dash of honey and a caramel sweetness. Becomes fairly dry in the…
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Cocktail Enthusiast
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Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Count Negroni’s Birthday Bash
14 May 2012 | 1:11 pmOn Sunday night 200 top bartenders descended upon the Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Company to celebrate Count Camillo Negroni’s birthday. The Italian Count is credited with creating his eponymous drink in the early 1900s, so to honor his contribution to cocktails, attendees paired Negronis with their finest top hats and mustaches. DJ Questlove provided the music, and food trucks provided the food. Cocktails included classic and barrel-aged Negronis as well as carbonated Negronis and the bourbon-based Boulvardier. For the impatient, Negronis were also on tap. Here’s a look at… -
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Diplomatico Rum, Amor y Amargo and Cooking with Angostura
13 May 2012 | 8:09 amDay two of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic started at the Andaz Hotel, where brands staked out conference rooms, lounges, penthouse suites and tight corners to display their wares. The second floor was buzzing with educational seminars and tasting rooms from the likes of Haus Alpenz, Ron Diplomatico and Molinari, who conducted a blind Sambuca tasting. But the star of the show was Angostura Bitters, who held an elaborate cooking demonstration — and provided food. In the second floor kitchen, chefs created a variety of Angostura-fueled dishes, including breakfast biscuits, mini burgers,… -
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: The Gala
12 May 2012 | 2:09 pmOn Friday night the Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicked off with the opening Gala at the New York Public Library. As the glitziest and booziest of all MCC events, the Gala is the hottest ticket in town — apparently this year’s party sold out in about 10 minutes. Of course, all good parties have a pre-party, and this was no exception. So prior to sipping cocktails in the library, we sampled some beverages at the Madarine Napoleon popup bar inside the Andaz Hotel. Upon entering the Gala, attendees were treated to a huge William Grant and Sons bar, with Charlotte Voisey and others… -
Tequila Partida Announces Texas Spirit Bird Challenge
11 May 2012 | 12:05 amTequila Partida is calling all Texas bartenders to create a Partida cocktail that represents the true spirit of Texas and exemplifies the spirit of tequila. Entries are due by May 18th, and the bartenders who submit the best drinks will be asked to compete in person at the Southwest Food Expo, taking place in Dallas on June 25th, 2012. Creators of the three best cocktails will win cash prizes of $1200, $600 and $400, and the winning drink will be featured on the Partida website. This should be a fun challenge. Partida’s Reposado Tequila is one of our favorites, and if you’re keeping… -
Bulleit Bourbon Review
9 May 2012 | 4:38 pmOf all the bourbons we’ve been drinking this past year – for the record, there’s a lot of them – Bulleit bottles might be drained the quickest. For a number of reasons: 1) it’s good; 2) it’s moderately priced; and 3) it’s accessible. For an everyday whiskey, that trio’s hard to beat. Bulleit Bourbon traces its roots back to the 1830s, when founder Augustus Bulleit first produced the whiskey in Kentucky. After his untimely disappearance, production ceased, and the market was Bulleit-less until 1987, when great-great-grandson Tom Bulleit stepped in to revive the family legacy.
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Boozenik
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Review: Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
11 May 2012 | 3:20 pmOne of the few (perhaps two) “Old Tom” gins with reasonable availability in the U.S. market, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin has been made since 2007 using what is supposed to be an old family recipe from the Victorian era. Do not expect anything like the London Dry gins you know and love or loathe. This gin, while from the same family tree is but a distant relative, has closer ties to Genever or Holland gin than other gins made in or near London. Nose: this is softer than many gins, with floral notes including lime blossom, rosemary, a bit of juniper, thyme, cardamom, lemon peel and a… -
Review: Tub Gin
27 Apr 2012 | 3:37 pmWhile many of the new gin makers in the U.S. are making what is often calls “New American Gin”, the makers of TuB seem quite content to make what is close to an old style “London Dry Gin”, albeit with western six-shooter art. Nose: Moderately strong juniper, lemon peel and pith, grassy, with some floral/perfume components, probably from the oris root. It has notable alcohol in the nose, not quite enough to call harsh, but strong. Taste: Rather strong juniper, quite mineral laden, with lime peel and a lesser amount of lemon peel, some coriander, and lots of cardamom. It’s… -
TOAST 2012 Update/Promo
17 Apr 2012 | 3:13 pmUpdate: Discounted tickets to TOAST are available to our readers. Go here and use “Boozenik” as your promo code for discounted admission to the event. On Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, 2012, on the sky bridge level of the World Trade Center in Portland, the Oregon Distillers Guild will hold TOAST 2012, the largest public tasting of craft spirits in North America, featuring more than 50 local, national, and international artisan producers, pouring over 100 different spirits. TOAST allows small distillers to showcase their handcrafted spirits, while providing an… -
Recipe: Around Cape Horn
13 Apr 2012 | 1:06 pmHere’s an original Boozenik cocktail recipe mixing together spirits from a couple categories often overlooked in the U.S., but which are very popular in South America, and rapidly growing in popularity world-wide: cachaça and pisco. I named this one “Around Cape Horn”, imagining the sea voyage from Brazil to Peru to collect the ingredients. Around Cape Horn 1 oz. Novo Fogo Silver Cachaça 1 oz. acholado pisco (Encanto Pisco or Piscología Pisco Achlado work quite well) 1 oz. lime juice ½ oz. rich simple syrup (2:1) Shake sharply with ice. Double-strain into cocktail glass. -
Review: Piscología Pisco Acholado
6 Apr 2012 | 3:39 pmPiscología Pisco Achlado is a typical acholado pisco, blending quebranta, torontel, and italia grapes. We sampled a bottle from batch number 3, and it was one of only 820 made in that batch, so we’re fairly lucky to have even seen this in the U.S. Nose: light alcohol, green apple, white grape juice, flowering lime, sweet, tinge of sour, touch of mango, dry Riesling wine, dolmades. Taste: Has a definite initial bite, but it’s not especially warm, after the bite. A trace of bitter, but fairly well balanced between sweet and sour, lots of minerals and salts, some honey, dried orange…
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American Drink
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newyorker: The Photo Booth gives us a Prohibition slide-show,...
14 May 2012 | 9:51 amnewyorker: The Photo Booth gives us a Prohibition slide-show, complete with protesters, secret flasks, and flappers -
youllbehealed: Ladies do not drink, nor do they smoke in...
21 Apr 2012 | 3:17 pmyoullbehealed: Ladies do not drink, nor do they smoke in circles that I have ever moved in, in St. Louis. It may prevail in homes that I do not know of, but I am sure that the rule is quite different. I certainly would not like to revisit a home where cocktails or liquors of any kind were served to ladies, or where the hostess would permit such customs. I should no more think of going to an entertainment where such things were permitted than I would go to the house where they permitted bridge whist to be played for money. —Mrs. Ashley D. Scott of 3515 Morgan St., St. Louis. She’s quoted… -
Scientists discover booze helps with problem-solving
5 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pmScientists discover booze helps with problem-solving: Getting a buzz from booze may boost creativity. Men who drank themselves tipsy solved more problems demanding verbal resourcefulness in less time than sober guys did, a new study finds. h/t Miles Van Pelt -
therewillbebourbon: Happy Opening Day!
5 Apr 2012 | 12:43 pmtherewillbebourbon: Happy Opening Day! -
"If one needs an example of how to drink a proper daiquiri, one need only go back to the 1960s. On..."
31 Mar 2012 | 1:45 pm“If one needs an example of how to drink a proper daiquiri, one need only go back to the 1960s. On the night he was elected president in 1960, John F. Kennedy sat sipping daiquiris in the dining room of his house in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. When dinner was over, Kennedy rose and walked to a a nearby room to watch a small television with bad reception. Here, he checked in on the election returns, and here—infused with the glow of a daiquiri—he learned he would be the next inhabitant of the White House.” - And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World In Ten Cocktails by Wayne…
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Master of Malt Whisky Blog
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Breaking News: Women drink whisky
16 May 2012 | 3:17 amI know what you’re thinking: The shock! The horror! Scratch that. You’re thinking: I know. Boring. Old news. Who gives a doodle? Full disclosure: until 3 March, 2010, I was a whisky hater. Full on. In my youth, I partook of the occasional whisky sour, but that was in an attempt to sound sophisticated to a bartender who could not care less about my ingénue posturing. Mostly, I just couldn’t stand the stuff. Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I was approached by Alwynne Gwilt (aka Miss Whisky) and asked if I might join a panel discussion of women only held… -
£100 Bounty for Responsibly Sourced Juniper
11 May 2012 | 11:10 amOkay, so here’s the thing – I’ve got a reasonably good idea. It’s a secret for now, but won’t be for much longer – in fact to those of you with reasonably astute imaginations, the cat’s probably out of the bag already. The idea hinges on being able to find sources of Juniper which are specific to one particular location, and to be honest I’m drawing a little bit of a blank.Now it’s worth pointing out that as I type this post, I have a rotavap going behind me, I’m planning the details of a trip to Islay, ordering some Vinyl Graphics… -
Glenfiddich: The World's Highest Whisky Tasting
10 May 2012 | 5:39 amThe weather may have thwarted the brave Walking with the Wounded team’s attempt on the summit of Everest, but their journey is still an inspiring story. And tonight, they will commiserate by staging the world’s highest ever whisky tasting, streamed live on Glenfiddich's website at 7pm tonight. Technology eh? Private Jaco Van Gass, said: “As a team, we are all deeply disappointed not to be assaulting the summit during this year’s climbing season, however, we are all really looking forward to toasting our last day at Everest Base Camp and breaking the world record for… -
Bowmore: The Darkest Night
4 May 2012 | 9:58 amMagic happens on the darkest night according to Bowmore, and to prove it the company recently employed some of the dodgiest Scottish accents in North London to guide a group of slightly bemused drinkers through “a sensory-filled journey of exploration that conjures mystery, myth and legend.” Some things are better in the dark. Nightclubs, hiding from people, sleeping… being Fred West… It’s an exhaustive list. Bowmore’s exploration of darkness and/or novel marketing strategies didn’t include any of these things, but we did get to try Bowmore 15… -
Blending at Compass Box
27 Apr 2012 | 6:40 amI’m a big fan of Compass Box whiskies, particularly Flaming Heart and Spice Tree, so the chance to blend my own concoction under the expert tutelage of John Glaser was like offering chateaubriand to a starving dog. You may have noticed we’re also running a competition to win several bottles of Compass Box, and giving away a free dram with each bottle bought, so it was good to go up and sample some of the company’s whiskies and meet the team at their office in Chiswick. We started with a food matching session to get things off to a salubrious start. This in itself was both…
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MicroLiquor
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World’s First Spirits Competition for Small Brands – MicroLiquor Spirit Awards
8 May 2012 | 3:45 amWorld's First Spirits Competition for Small Brands - MicroLiquor Spirit Awards. Liquor entrepreneurs, craft distillers, brand managers, marketing professionals and micro-distilleries have the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial thought and insight to their brands. -
SMALL BRANDS, BIG AWARDS
3 May 2012 | 5:00 amMicroLiquor Spirit Awards is the World’s First Spirits Competition for Small Brands. MicroLiquor Spirit Awards sponsored by Flow Design provides professional and confidential feedback on product quality, packaging and design, and overall value. -
Mast Capital Partners – Wine, Spirits and Beer Financing
1 May 2012 | 10:01 pmSmall wine, spirits and beer entrepreneurs sometimes have a difficult time obtaining financing for their working capital needs. It is often very difficult for producers/importers to fund monthly operations since working capital is tied up in accounts receivables and inventory, and payment schedules of distributors lag the expense schedules of producers. -
HEINEKEN’S PASSION 4 BEER
1 May 2012 | 4:39 pmBeginning in 2010, Heineken USA set out on a mission to reconnect employees, distributors and the trade with the magic of beer. -
hum liqueur
1 May 2012 | 3:20 amTechnically a liqueur, hum (70 proof) is made from pot still rum infused with four botanicals — hibiscus, ginger, cardamom and kaffir lime — then bottled unfiltered. hum’s crimson red color comes from fair trade hibiscus, a peppery kick from organic ginger, heady aromatics from cardamom & the intoxicating fragrance of kaffir lime.
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DBR - Spirits News
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China New Borun Q1 revenue increases 26.1%
16 May 2012 | 5:07 amChina New Borun, a China-based producer and distributor of corn-based edible alcohol, has reported total revenue of $114.6m for the first quarter of 2012, up 26.1%, compared to $90.44m during the same period in 2011. -
Restrictive measures impact spirits consumption in Norway: Report
15 May 2012 | 4:25 amSpirits consumption in Norway witnessed marginal decline during 2006-11 due to various restrictive measures taken by the country to prevent young people from drinking, according to a new analysis by Canadean – Wines & Spirits. -
Panache Beverages to foray into Canada with vodka brands
10 May 2012 | 12:19 amPanache Beverages, a New York-based alcoholic beverage company specializing in the development, global sales and marketing of spirits brands, has selected OBH Wine and Spirits to represent its Wodka Vodka and Alchemia Infused Vodka in Canada. -
Drinks Americas fourth quarter sales soar
8 May 2012 | 12:53 amDrinks Americas, an owner, marketer and national distributer of premium alcoholic beverages, has reported $1.8m sales revenue for the quarter ended 30 April 2012, a 54% rise, compared with $1.1m for the period ending 31 January 2012. -
Zodiac Spirits signs distribution partnership with Aveniu Brands in US
4 May 2012 | 12:48 amTexas-based Zodiac Spirits has signed a distribution deal with Baltimore-based Aveniu Brands for distribution of Zodiac Potato Vodka, the American made luxury vodka, in the US.
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Easy Cocktail Recipes
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Pearl from Ipanema
16 May 2012 | 12:43 amCombine Brazilian cachaca with sweet lime-flavored KeKe Beach liqueur and a refreshing splash of grapefruit, and arrive at this shimmering pink cocktail with pure liquid rhythm. Ingredients: Light Rum – 1 1/2 ounces Fresh Grapefruit Juice – 2 ounces KeKe Beach Lime Liqueur – 1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice – 1/2 ounce Pomegranate Syrup – [...] -
Bossa Nova
14 May 2012 | 12:52 amThis cocktail mixes rum’s fiery cousin with the brandy-orange warmth of Cointreau, a splash of tangy cranberry, and the mellow hazelnut flavor of Frangelico for a surprising chocolate like finish. Ingredients: Light Rum – 1 1/2 ounces Frangelico – 1 ounce Cointreau – 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice – 3/4 ounce Cranberry Juice – 3/4 [...] -
Atlantic Breeze
10 May 2012 | 2:10 amThis thirst quencher contains all the elements of a great breeze with a floating whisper of anise, courtesy of the Galliano. Ingredients: Light Rum – 1 1/2 ounces Apricot Liqueur – 1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice – 2 1/2 ounces Fresh Lemon Juice – 1/2 ounce Galliano – 1/4 ounce Orange Slice Method: Pour all the [...] -
Green Flash
6 May 2012 | 9:57 pmJust as the sun goes down, a green glow appears along the horizon for 2 or 3 seconds. This dazzling moment has inspired many a tropical green concoction. This is a refreshing rum fizz laced with the herbal notes of green Chartreuse and lends the drink a celadon-hued glow. Ingredients: Silver Rum – 1 1/2 [...] -
Guavalicious Daiquiri
3 May 2012 | 2:32 amAn exotic spin on the Daiquiri, this cocktail pairs sweet guava nectar with honey, melon, strawberries, Barbancourt rum and a delicate lime tang. They come together beautifully in this pink-hued flower of a drink that’s pleasantly reminiscent of pink grapefruit. Ingredients: Rhum Barbancourt – 2 ounces Guava Nectar – 2 ounces Fresh Lime Juice – [...]
