It's true: Good things come to those who wait. Just a quick note here, really. Early in 2019, because Whisky Advocate (WA) publishes its Top 20 list early in the year following the nominal year) I saw that WA named Nikka Whisky From the Barrel the top new whisky of 2018. I was already familiar … Continue reading Review: Nikka Whisky From the Barrel
Reviews
Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
If gin flew to Mexico and had a fling with mezcal, this would be their love child. Stick with me, because this love story takes a little explanation, starting with a 30,000 foot review of how gin is made before we get into the particulars of Gracias a Díos (GAD) Agave Gin. “Daddy, where does … Continue reading Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
I Try This S**t so You Don’t Have to: Glow Coasters
Well, they sounded like a good idea ... I saw this product mentioned in a trade magazine article a couple of weeks ago, along with a very lovely photo, so I decided to try them. In some of my cocktail photos over the years, I've experimented with various approaches to up-lighting, and the premise is … Continue reading I Try This S**t so You Don’t Have to: Glow Coasters
Of Irish Maids and Dead Rabbits
What penance does the Archbishop of Dublin prescribe for a supplicant who makes a drink called “Irish Maid,” using Irish whiskey, but incorporating an English cucumber?? Asking for a friend. Okay, don’t answer that. Anyone who has a drop of Irish blood in them—or who lives within 100 miles of anyone who does, which is … Continue reading Of Irish Maids and Dead Rabbits
Method Spirits Sweet Vermouth: A kiss from the Finger Lakes
Locavores and Upstate New York cocktail lovers in general, this sweet vermouth is especially for you. In post-World War II United States, vermouth was one of the most under-appreciated and therefore under-used beverage categories behind the bar; blame that on Prohibition and on the millions of GIs, sailors, Marines, and airmen who came home from … Continue reading Method Spirits Sweet Vermouth: A kiss from the Finger Lakes
Time for a Cool Change in Your Ice Game
The Quick Take: Clear ice is better than ordinary ice for several reasons. It’s easy to make clear ice—try True Cubes. Need more information? Read on. Ice is so much more than frozen water. Do you ever make cocktails “on the rocks” at home, or do you ever plunk an ice cube into your glass … Continue reading Time for a Cool Change in Your Ice Game
Glendalough Rose Martini
As much as I love gin (and you all know how much I love gin), I just can't keep up with all of the emerging producers out there - and, frankly, I'm loving the journey through other categories of spirits, too. But pretty regularly I try some new (to me) gin; mostly they're heartbreakingly bad … Continue reading Glendalough Rose Martini
The Libation Lounge 