Licensed image-NOT a Baltimore Bang Cocktail (def.): A mixture of spirits, liqueurs, wines, sugar, bitters, or water; an elevated presentation of spirits prepared for enjoyment by people of discriminating tastes. As declared by the gods of Whoever Declares National Days, today is “National Cocktail Day.” I’ve also checked with my resident theologian (he lives in … Continue reading Happy National Cocktail Day!
Spirits & Wine Education
I know why you don’t like vermouth
Spoiler alert: It’s not the vermouth. Here’s an actual conversation I had at a recent spirits tasting—and l have some version of this conversation at least once a week with someone somewhere: Customer: “Oh, I like that cocktail. I hate dry vermouth, but I like that cocktail.”Me: “Why do you hate dry vermouth?”Customer: “Because it … Continue reading I know why you don’t like vermouth
Spice up your cocktails with mezcal. Heck, make it the star!
My personal mezcal stash, because I identify as a millenial ... Ask anyone in the spirits and wine industry, and you'll hear that agave spirits—principally tequila—are selling like crazy and gradually taking over retail shelf space from other categories (sorry, brandy and rum). According to Statista, U.S. sales of tequila more than doubled over the … Continue reading Spice up your cocktails with mezcal. Heck, make it the star!
Happy National Bourbon Day!
Today, June 14, is best known across the United States as Flag Day, but it is also (not making this up) National Bourbon Day (do you know where your bourbon is?)—a day to celebrate that most American of spirits. Well, it’s not really the *most* American of spirits. It may be only the second or … Continue reading Happy National Bourbon Day!
Gluten-free liquor: The science and regulations
“Can you tell me if this is gluten-free?” This question comes up regularly at spirits tastings I conduct and from customers at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, where I work part-time. Usually it’s about a vodka or whiskey; interestingly, the question seldom arises about gin or other spirits, although it very well could, as lots of … Continue reading Gluten-free liquor: The science and regulations
Genever and the Dutch Martini riddle
The riddle: Two Dutchmen walk into a bar, and each orders a Dutch Martini, but neither gets the same drink. What’s up with that?? I tripped across the Dutch Martini on a search of the very excellent Difford’s Guide website for another recipe, and when I did a wider internet search, I found at least … Continue reading Genever and the Dutch Martini riddle
Irish Whiskey Celebrated and Explained
There is so, so, so much more in the world of Irish adult beverages than Guinness—not that there’s anything wrong with Guinness, of course. For the final 13 years of my full-time career, I worked for a naturalized Irish-American gentleman whose motto was apparently, “Who needs food when there’s Guinness??” But yes, there’s more. According … Continue reading Irish Whiskey Celebrated and Explained
That’s Bond. Bottled-in-Bond.
Happy birthday to this landmark legislation. Whenever you sip American whiskey and it doesn't smell or taste of creosote and iodine, raise your glass in a toast to Col. E.H. Taylor (later U.S. Senator E.H. Taylor) and his allies in the distilling industry for working with then-Secretary of the Treasury John G. Carlisle to protect … Continue reading That’s Bond. Bottled-in-Bond.
Orange Liqueurs Classified and Explained
Or, “When is a curaçao not a curaçao, and should I even care?” Full disclosure: I work a few hours a week assisting customers at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor here in Rochester, NY. The orange liqueurs we carry at Pinnacle are pretty typical of what’s available across the country, and I’m linking to Pinnacle’s website … Continue reading Orange Liqueurs Classified and Explained
“Why does this bottle cost so much more than that one?”
My earlier post about the down side of over-aging bourbon led me to address the question above, which I encounter regularly in my work at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor from customers mulling choices between comparable spirits on the same shelf. It’s come up in front of the rums, the brandies and Cognacs, and all of … Continue reading “Why does this bottle cost so much more than that one?”
The Libation Lounge 