G’Vine Gin has just launched its 2012 Gin Connoisseur Program – a global quest for the world’s best gin bartender. This year’s theme is French Classics, remembering the golden age of French mixology from the 19th and early 20th centuries….
Read MoreNosing and tasting spirits isn’t easy. It’s fun, but it isn’t easy. And according to NEAT creators George Manska and Christine Crnek, typical tasting glasses make it even more difficult. Most tasting glasses are tulip-shaped and direct all of a…
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Jefferson’s Straight Rye Whiskey is the newest addition to the Jefferson’s portfolio, which also includes three small batch bourbons. Released in August 2011, Jefferson’s Rye is a 10-year old 100% North American rye. Though the bottle doesn’t specify, the rye…
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Woodford Reserve recently announced the newest addition to its lineup – Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Available in March, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked isn’t a limited time release or part of the brand’s Master’s Collection; it’s a permanent line extension. The…
Read MoreLeave it to well-funded scientific studies to tell us what we already know. A recent University of California study examined the endorphin release that results from drinking alcohol and the particular regions of the brain affected by this release. Scientists…
Read MoreYou might have seen this floating around the Web of late. If not, it’s definitely worth a look. Many of us have witnessed this bartender at work – the one who scoffs at your light beer request or bristles at…
Read MoreFile this under the I-can’t-believe-this-is-a-real-holiday-but-I’m-sure-glad-it-is category. January 17th marks Hot Buttered Rum Day, and as with all drinking holidays, we’re happy to partake. Hot Buttered Rum is one of our favorite seasonal drinks and is a nice change-of-pace from egg…
Read MorePAMA Pomegranate Liqueur has announced the launch of its “Best Home Bar Star Contest.” Beginning today and running through February 29th, the contest encourages home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts to submit cocktail recipes that are delicious, balanced, elegantly presented and,…
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The Macallan has become one of the most popular and recognized single malt Scotch whisky brands in the world, enjoying particularly good success in the United States. The Macallan range starts with the entry level 10-Year and includes the pricey…
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The Brandy Crusta was perhaps the pinnacle of 1800s cocktailing. First created around 1840 or 1850, the Brandy Crusta modified the classic cocktail template — spirit, sugar, water and bitters — with some fresh lemon juice and a dash of…
Read MoreIt’s no secret that we’re fans of Espolon Blanco Tequila, as it’s one of the best value buys in the 100% agave tequila market. But how fares the Reposado? Espolon Reposado Tequila is crafted at the San Nicolas Distillery in…
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Ron Abuelo makes a line of fine rums, including the Ron Abuelo Anejo and the Ron Abuelo 7 Anos. The latter is a blend of Panamanian rums produced entirely from estate-grown sugar cane and then aged seven years in small…
Read MoreLet’s ring in 2012 the way we left 2011 – with a nice buzz. New Year’s Eve calls for Champagne, but if you want to augment your drinking with something more than a bottle of bubbly, try some easy-to-make Champagne…
Read MoreCamus is a prolific maker of Cognacs, registering as the fifth largest Cognac house in the world. But until recently, Camus Cognacs weren’t available to the U.S. market, and it’s still a mostly unknown brand inside the states. Camus produces…
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Fernet, that most bitter of Italian amari, has reached cult-like status in recent years. It’s a favorite shot for bartenders, a popular digestivo in San Francisco – Northern California accounts for nearly 40% of all Fernet Branca’s U.S. sales –…
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Hendrick’s Gin has been busy this holiday season, having recently unveiled its Enchanted Forest of Curiosities in San Francisco and Brooklyn. The snowy indoor scene was brought to life with trees, woodland creatures and bizarre performances – think ukulele bands…
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Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky traces its roots back to 1907, when explorer Ernest Shackleton fortified his Antarctic expedition with several cases of his favorite whiskey from the Glen Mhor distillery in Inverness, Scotland. Shackleton and his men ultimately…
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Denizen Rum is a new white rum that harkens back to the days of yore, when white rums were full-flavored spirits to be both sipped and enjoyed in complex cocktails. To achieve its desired flavor profile, Denizen enlisted rums from…
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The holidays are approaching, which means our inboxes are being inundated with holiday cocktail recipes. We’ll include some of the better ones below and will continue updating this post as drinks roll in. Here’s to happy and festive drinking this…
Read MoreWith the introduction of Heaven Hill’s Red State and Blue State bourbons, voters can now wear their political affiliations on their whiskey bottles. The new bourbons are identical except for packaging, so the politically apathetic can choose based on color…
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