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Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum Review
Published on 2012-05-24 20:02:26
Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum launched in April 2012 with a lot of fanfare. In addition to the very visible advertising campaign, the “darker, bolder” rum sports a higher proof and a more sophisticated package for an overall grownup feel. … > read more
Highland Park Releases Thor Scotch Whisky
Published on 2012-05-21 13:31:06
Highland Park just released its newest whisky, Thor, the first expression in the Valhalla Collection — a range of four unique whiskies taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods. In creating Thor, the Orkney-based Scotch whisky maker aged the spirit … > read more
Z Tequila Review
Published on 2012-05-18 18:31:56
Z Tequila is the product of Jose “Pepe” Zevada. As the story goes, he spent his career in the spirits industry working with brands like Jack Daniels, Sauza and Espolon Tequila, among others. It was during this time that, … > read more
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Perrier Panel Talks Cocktail Trends
Published on 2012-05-16 23:41:12
On Monday, we learned that the Manhattan Cocktail Classic isn’t just one big cocktail party. It’s also an educational convention offering a wealth of industry-specific information to the curious. This lesson came in Perrier’s panel discussion called “What’s Shaken’: Cocktail … > read more
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Count Negroni’s Birthday Bash
Published on 2012-05-14 13:11:08
On 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 … > read more
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Diplomatico Rum, Amor y Amargo and Cooking with Angostura
Published on 2012-05-13 08:09:28
Day 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 … > read more
Manhattan Cocktail Classic: The Gala
Published on 2012-05-12 14:09:26
On 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 … > read more
Tequila Partida Announces Texas Spirit Bird Challenge
Published on 2012-05-11 00:05:36
Tequila 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 … > read more
Bulleit Bourbon Review
Published on 2012-05-09 16:38:16
Of 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 … > read more
Tales of the Cocktail Comes to Texas
Published on 2012-05-06 17:24:45
This week marks the second Tales of the Cocktail Texas Tour, which brings a festival preview to cocktail bars in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. This time around we’ll be celebrating with a toast of Herbsaint cocktails and a … > read more
Cinco de Derby
Published on 2012-05-04 13:50:09
With the Kentucky Derby falling on May 5th, our collective inbox is filled with a confusing mess of cocktail recipes. We’ve got the requisite mint juleps, of course, plus a handful of tequila cocktails for Cinco de Mayo. … > read more
Nolet’s Gin Cupboard to Cocktail Program
Published on 2012-04-30 14:20:01
Over the past two months, Nolet’s Gin has sent us a trio of packages as part of it’s Cupboard to Cocktail Program. This program encourages bartenders and home enthusiasts to utilize ingredients found in their cabinets, with less reliance on … > read more
Introducing Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
Published on 2012-04-26 19:28:02
One of the biggest product splashes of the past two weeks was the introduction of Captain Morgan Black – a higher proof, bolder take on Captain Morgan’s flagship spiced rum. Spiced rum is a popular market segment, mostly due to … > read more
The New Traditionalists Bar Cart
Published on 2012-04-20 15:34:46
Whether your bar serves tableside cocktails or you’re simply in the market for an at-home accent, this bar cart from the New Traditionalists should do the trick. Crafted from North American Black Walnut, the stylish and functional bar cart has … > read more
Maison Lillet Releases Lillet Rosé
Published on 2012-04-19 15:06:03
Maison Lillet, producers of the French aperitifs Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge, announced their first new product in 50 years: Lillet Rosé. Lillet Rosé has just launched on the public market, but it was introduced to the industry last year, … > read more
Rhum Clement Premiere Canne and ‘Ti Punch
Published on 2012-04-18 18:53:42
Rum is a fun category. Aside from the differences between aged and unaged, there are spiced rums as well as designations to denote from what the spirit is distilled. Rum is usually, but not always, distilled from molasses, which is … > read more
Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Review
Published on 2012-04-14 21:41:41
Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon is a 10-year-old straight bourbon from Kentucky. It is distilled and distributed by Buffalo Trace. Eagle Rare first hit the market in 1975 as a 101 proof straight bourbon, and since its inception has changed … > read more
Malibu Red Review
Published on 2012-04-10 16:03:42
Malibu Red is the latest product from Malibu Rum, whose flavored rum portfolio includes the original coconut, plus line extensions like mango, pineapple and banana. But rather than another flavor, Malibu Red adds silver tequila to the rum and coconut mix. And like last year’s Malibu Black, Malibu Red clocks in at 70 proof. Malibu [...] > read more
Clase Azul Plata Tequila Review
Published on 2012-04-06 17:42:09
A lot goes into producing Clase Azul Plata Tequila. First, the agave: the plants are matured for at least nine years before being harvested for distillation. From there, the agave hearts are slow cooked for 72 hours in traditional ovens and then fermented using the company’s proprietary combination of yeasts. The tequila is double distilled [...] > read more
Van Gogh Releases PB&J Flavored Vodka
Published on 2012-04-04 19:25:18
Sigh. It’s true that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a beloved American classic. I had one for lunch, in fact. But do we really need a PB&J Vodka? Van Gogh thinks so, although their credibility must be examined after introducing the world to other questionable flavors (though non quite so horrid as those perpetrated [...] > read more
San Francisco World Spirits Competition Announces Winners
Published on 2012-04-04 15:51:32
The annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition took place March 22-25, and the results were just announced. The competition is the oldest and largest spirits competition in the United States and one of the most recognized in the world. This year saw 1215 products entered for evaluation, with the largest category increase belonging to tequila [...] > read more
Seasonal Tequila Cocktails
Published on 2012-04-01 15:23:32
With spring in the air and warmer weather upon us, let’s drink some seasonal tequila cocktails. Many people associate tequila with warmer weather – cue the margarita – and put the spirit away during winter months. That’s a shame, of course, as reposado and anejo tequilas can warm even the coldest and most sober soul [...] > read more
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin Review
Published on 2012-03-29 16:34:37
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin is crafted in Holland by the same family that brought us Ketel One Vodka. But the Nolet’s are not newcomers to the category, as the Nolet family has been producing gin since 1691. Nolet’s Silver is much different than your standard London Dry Gin, as it eschews a strong juniper base [...] > read more
Tuthilltown Spirits Launches Half Moon Gin
Published on 2012-03-28 17:13:07
Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery is New York State’s first whiskey distiller since Prohibition, and is best known for its lineup of whiskeys – including a bourbon, rye and single malt. The distillery also produces vodka and corn whiskey, if you’re keeping score at home. And today they announced an addition to that portfolio – Half [...] > read more
Introducing Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki
Published on 2012-03-22 18:08:30
Does the world need more flavored vodkas? Especially if those flavors are “Hot” and “Sticki”? Stolichnaya – one of the industry’s leading vodka brands and current producer of such flavors as chocolate raspberry, white pomegranate and wild cherry – just announced two flavor additions to their portfolio. From the company: Stoli Hot offers the warm, [...] > read more
Scrappy’s Bitters
Published on 2012-03-20 15:36:12
It wasn’t too long ago that the bitters world was dominated by Angostura, and your local liquor store was progressive if they carried Peychaud’s and Fee’s. These days, stalwarts like Angostura are joined on store shelves by Regan’s, The Bitter Truth and Bittermen’s, among others, which is good news for bartenders and home enthusiasts. One [...] > read more
Ultimate Spirits Challenge Announces Winners
Published on 2012-03-16 11:21:30
The results of the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge are in. The annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge was held last week at the Astor Center in New York City. More than 650 spirits were entered from more than 70 companies and 30 countries around the world. Judges included some of the industry’s foremost spirits authorities – like [...] > read more
Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin Review
Published on 2012-03-15 17:55:28
Greenhook Ginsmiths Distillery is a new Brooklyn-based outfit headed by gin aficionado, Steven DeAngelo. The company launched an American Dry Gin in February and will eventually be releasing a full line of small-batch, handcrafted gins. Greenhook Ginsmiths hopes to offer consumers new, accessible gins with more taste and character than what’s currently on the market. [...] > read more
Bacardi Films Celebrate 150th Anniversary
Published on 2012-03-13 14:38:56
Bacardi is one of the world’s biggest and most influential spirits companies, and the Bacardi USA portfolio encompasses some of the industry’s most recognizable brands – including gins, whiskeys, tequilas, and more. But Bacardi’s rich 150 year heritage is soaked in rum. And to celebrate that heritage, Bacardi released the below videos to showcase important [...] > read more
Introducing White Pike Whiskey
Published on 2012-03-09 15:01:31
Does America need another white whiskey? White Pike thinks so. Hailing from Schuyler County, NY, the just-released White Pike Whiskey is the alcoholic child of Mother Industries, a New York based creative company that was excited by the emerging culture of craft distilleries. Soon enough, they had the idea of creating a highly mixable white [...] > read more
Caorunn Gin Review
Published on 2012-03-08 18:31:00
Caorunn Gin (pronounced ka-roon) is a small batch Scottish Gin produced at the Balmenach Distillery in Scotland’s Spey Valley. Caorunn builds on the standard gin botanicals – like juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peels – with five unique Celtic botanicals. The most prominent is rowan berry, from which Caorunn takes its name [...] > read more
The Art of Whisky Tasting with Stephen Marshall
Published on 2012-03-06 14:33:02
At the recent TED 2012 conference in Long Beach, CA, Stephen Marshall, Whisky Masterblender and Global Brand Ambassador for Dewar’s, hosted an exclusive class to teach attendees the art of whisky tasting. In the below video, Stephen reveals his guide to getting the best sensory experience out of your whisky (we’ll drop the ‘e’ in [...] > read more
Introducing Caliche Rum
Published on 2012-03-02 16:19:15
Puerto Rico’s Distileria Serralles just announced the launch of Caliche Rum. The new white rum is a collaborative product from sixth-generation rum maker Roberto Serrallés and hospitality/nightlife impresario, Rande Gerber. Caliche is billed as a “super premium” rum, a designation more often associated with vodkas and tequilas. The name “Caliche” comes from a type of [...] > read more
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Review
Published on 2012-03-01 15:40:49
Founded in 1992, Knob Creek is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. And to commemorate the occasion, Knob Creek has introduced its first rye whiskey, a 100 proof spirit that pays homage to America’s favorite pre-prohibition drink. Aside from a 20th anniversary present to itself – and to its legion of Knob Creek Bourbon fans [...] > read more
Leap Year Cocktail Recipe
Published on 2012-02-29 17:11:31
Let’s raise a glass to Leap Year, and let’s fill that glass with booze. In this case, the gin-based Leap Year Cocktail, a fitting drink for the once-every-four-years day of February 29th. The Leap Year cocktail was created by Harry Craddock, famed bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London and author of the seminal drinks [...] > read more
Bushmills Irish Honey Review
Published on 2012-02-27 15:15:58
Bushmills Irish Honey is the newest addition to the Bushmills range. It’s a blend of Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey with honey, which follows the template introduced by Wild Turkey American Honey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. Bushmills is one of the only distilleries in the world that produces its whiskey completely under one roof. The [...] > read more
The Glenrothes 1998 Scotch Whisky Review
Published on 2012-02-23 21:47:36
The Glenrothes makes a range of vintage single malt whiskies, including the 1998. This whisky was distilled in 1998 and spent 12 years in barrel before being bottled in 2010. The 1998 Vintage was Gordon Motion’s first bottling as the Speyside distillery’s Malt Master, and due to its tropical fruit notes, he describes it as [...] > read more
Introducing C By Courvoisier
Published on 2012-02-21 13:47:27
In Cognac news, Courvoisier recently announced the addition of C by Courvoisier to its portfolio. C by Courvoisier is produced in small batches and double aged, which – says the company – imparts an intense flavor profile that showcases a new side of Cognac. In creating C by Courvoisier, a blend of small-batch Cognacs specially [...] > read more
Cocktail Enthusiast and FindTheBest Launch Whiskey Guide
Published on 2012-02-19 15:23:27
Today we’re excited to announce the launch of the Cocktail Enthusiast Whiskey Guide, created in partnership with FindTheBest. The guide will help drinkers sort and compare whiskeys based on a number of factors, including rating, style, region, price, and more. For example, users can compare various Highlands Scotches and American Ryes, or scroll through a [...] > read more
Mixing with Cynar
Published on 2012-02-16 19:49:29
Cynar is perhaps my new favorite ingredient for crafting cocktails. I’ve been drinking the stuff, usually straight, for several years, but it’s only recently that I’ve begun to really experiment with Cynar in cocktails. While the bottle prominently features an artichoke, one can hardly claim that Cynar tastes like artichokes. Rather, it’s a bittersweet Italian [...] > read more
Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes
Published on 2012-02-13 13:15:41
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and with it comes a slew of romantically-inclined drink recipes flooding our inbox. Some are sickeningly sweet, chocolate-fueled disasters, while others are quite drinkable. Here are a few in the latter set. This first drink comes courtesy of Jason Littrell and Marshall Altier of JBird in New York. In the [...] > read more
Zignum Reposado Mezcal Review
Published on 2012-02-08 18:08:38
Zignum is a new player in the mezcal market, having launched in the U.S. late last year. Offering a silver and reposado mezcal, Zignum is made from 100% green agave and claims to be a smooth spirit that’s easy to mix. The smoothness and general lack of smokiness comes from Zignum’s production technique. In traditional [...] > read more
Don Julio 70 Anejo Claro Tequila Review
Published on 2012-02-04 14:47:43
We wrote about the launch of Don Julio 70 Anejo Claro back in July, when it was unveiled at Tales of the Cocktail. It sounded interesting, but we didn’t sit down with a bottle until now. Don Julio 70 Anejo Claro is the newest tequila in the Don Julio lineup, and it’s certainly the most [...] > read more
G-Vine Launches 2012 Gin Connoisseur Program
Published on 2012-02-02 19:38:03
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. The intense program requires an absolute understanding of the gin category,. But beyond that, competitors [...] > read more
A New Glass for Tasting and Nosing
Published on 2012-01-29 21:59:47
Nosing 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 spirit’s aromas directly upward to the nose. This results in strong alcoholic top notes, which [...] > read more
Jefferson’s Straight Rye Whiskey Review
Published on 2012-01-25 15:27:40
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 is purportedly from Canada. Given its age, origin and similar flavor profile, one has to [...] > read more
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Review
Published on 2012-01-23 13:09:54
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 new whiskey gets its name from its double aging process. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is [...] > read more
Science Confirms that Drinking is Fun
Published on 2012-01-20 17:45:49
Leave 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 hope to better understand how alcohol affects the brain, and to one day use this [...] > read more
Shit Bartenders Say
Published on 2012-01-19 01:17:08
You 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 your inability to shoot Fernet. Or the patron with encyclopedic knowledge who tests your knowledge [...] > read more
Canadian Club Reserve Whiskey Review
Published on 2011-07-05 15:35:40
Canadian Club Reserve is a 10 year old whiskey that sits between the entry-level six year old bottle and the 12 year old Canadian Club Classic. The Reserve has a high percentage of rye grains and rye malt, which yield some rich flavors and spice note > read more
4th of July Cocktails
Published on 2011-07-02 11:32:44
The 4th of July – yet another excuse to drink cocktails, and another reason for spirits brands to disseminate some holiday-themed drinks. Celebrate your independence and your right to imbibe with these festive cocktails and American classics. Ameri > read more
Plantation 20th Anniversary Extra Old Rum Review
Published on 2011-06-30 17:27:19
Plantation’s 20th Anniversary Extra Old Rum is the jewel of the Plantation Rum lineup. It’s a blend of Barbados rums from some of the company’s earliest reserves, which are then matured in used Cognac casks for another 12 to 18 months before bo > read more
The Fitzgerald
Published on 2011-06-28 17:39:11
The Fitzgerald cocktail comes courtesy of Dale Degroff. Mr. DeGroff was instrumental in the revival of the American bar scene, starting with his early 90s tenure at the Rainbow Room in New York. A firm proponent of fresh juices, his work helped to us > read more
Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon Review
Published on 2011-06-24 15:25:31
Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon is the latest offering from Wild Turkey. The new whiskey gets a proof and label change over its 80 proof predecessor. It’s the product of Associate Distiller Eddie Russell, and it’s comprised primarily of six, seven and eig > read more
Russian Standard Vodka Review
Published on 2011-06-23 14:49:48
Russian Standard Vodka has been produced in St. Petersburg since 1998. It’s distilled from Russian winter wheat and cut with glacial water from a local lake. It’s also the vodka of choice in a Moscow Mule. Russian Standard’s aroma is light and > read more
Glen Garioch 12 Year Old Scotch Review
Published on 2011-06-22 15:06:08
Glen Garioch 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch is distilled in the Highlands region of Scotland. The unpeated whiskey is non chill-filtered and aged first in bourbon casks and then Spanish sherry casks before bottling. On the nose, Glen Garioch (pronoun > read more
Flor de Cana Grand Reserve Rum Review
Published on 2011-06-21 16:55:38
Flor de Cana Grand Reserve is a 7-year old rum out of Nicaragua. Flor de Cana produces a range of rums, from an entry level 4-year expression to its 18-year Centenario Gold. Each rum is produced with molasses from sugar cane grown on a single estate, > read more
Introducing Louis XIII Le Jeroboam Cognac
Published on 2011-06-20 14:37:28
Last week we promised some Louis XIII news, and here it is. Remy Martin has just launched Le Jeroboam, a new expression of its Louis XIII cognac. It’s contained in an impressive crystal decanter, as seen above, which holds a whopping 3 liters of Lo > read more
Drinking with Dad: Father’s Day Cocktails
Published on 2011-06-17 13:56:07
Nothing says “I appreciate you” on Father’s Day like a good cocktail. So this year, skip the gift card, tie or golf balls for something Dad really wants: booze that he’s not buying. These Father’s Day cocktails are tried-and-true, dad-appro > read more
Remember the Maine Cocktail Recipe
Published on 2011-06-16 15:44:13
Remember the Maine is a classic cocktail courtesy of Charles H. Baker’s fine book, The Gentleman’s Companion. It draws its name from the ill-fated USS Maine and the pre Spanish-American War rallying cry, “Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain! > read more
Highland Park 18 Year Old Scotch Review
Published on 2011-06-15 17:06:13
Highland Park 18 is one of the core expressions in the renowned Highland Park Scotch whiskey lineup. Founded in 1798, Highland Park is one of only two distilleries located on the Orkney Islands – the other is Scapa. The 18 Year Old spirit was twice > read more
Cognac News: Louis XIII by Remy Martin
Published on 2011-06-14 12:09:05
Remy Martin dates back to 1724, but its most iconic spirit, Louis XIII, didn’t hit the market until 150 years later. Louis XIII is a blend of 1,200 eaux de vie, some up to 100 years old, from the Grande Champagne region of France. It’s aged in Li > read more