The Cocktail Culture is an established part of the drinks world. While craft beer will likely always be my go-to drink, there are situations where a well-made cocktail can set the mood and make the experience just that much more memorable. Making great cocktails at home requires the right ingredients and a few tools of... View Article
Could the next big thing in beer actually be whiskey? We are not talking about the use of former bourbon barrels for aging beer. That trend is well-established. We mean the real 90-proof variety. Some think that breweries might just propel the craft spirits sector—and whiskey in particular—through the roof. According to the Brewers Association,... View Article
California earned its place on the world wine stage at the Judgment of Paris in 1976 when, in a blind tasting, French judges selected both a Californian white and a red over wines from their country. Not only was this a major hit to the French psyche, it also signaled to the world that Americans... View Article
This column has always assumed that lovers of great beer stray on occasion. It doesn’t mean we love beer less. If you are feeling a bit guilty about stepping out on beer, open your beer fridge and say these six words: “It’s not you, beer; it’s me.”
Wine lists used to be fairly predictable. A few sparkling wines, some chardonnay, perhaps one or two other whites, then a bunch of reds. Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot. Pinot Noir. Syrah. Zinfandel. Bordeaux. Chianti. With a little luck even a brunello, a tempranillo or a malbec.
Rum is a tropical spirit that conjures up white sand beaches, salty ocean breezes and cocktails with names that sound as if they were created by Isaac, the bartender on the Love Boat. It’s not surprising that rum’s development is linked to the sea. While making alcohol from sugar cane goes back hundreds of years... View Article
Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rum This Jamaican rum is a warm amber-brown color and has an attractive sweet nose. The 86-proof rum has a mellow wood flavor that has a bright finish combining sweetness and citrus notes. Atlantico Reserva This Dominican Republic import pours a golden color and has a light, sweet aroma. The... View Article
Gin has a history that is more twisted than the fancy spiral lemon peels used to adorn many a happy hour martini.
Tequila Avion Silver A herbal, earthy nose. This brand came to fame as a story line on the HBO series Entourage. The flavor is smooth, with hints of spice, a touch of grass, a hit of citrus and fresh herbs. There is just a slight smoke note to the aftertaste. Cazadores Reposado Tequila A straw-yellow... View Article
