September 6, 2024 -- What’s Come Over October?  It’s an idea that originated with Karen MacNeil, a highly respected wine author, educator, speaker and consultant, to bring people together over a glass of wine to celebrate friendship and community. Wine has been a part of civilization for at least 8,000...

August 9, 2024 -- If you don’t have beaucoup bucks under the mattress, don’t bother reading. The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky has launched one of its rarest releases, The Balvenie Fifty.  This is the First Edition of what will be a trilogy with the Second and Third Editions being...

August 1, 2024 -- Champagne is in the news with falling sales, a ship wreck discovery, and a new bottle that reduces carbon footprint coming on the market soon: Falling Sales According to the business networks, Champagne sales are down 15.2% over this time last year and the slump is...

July 25, 2024 --  Captain Morgan Sliced Ready-to-Drink has just launched a sweepstakes that offers winners a really fun choice prizes. From now through August 5, fans 25+ can enter the “Sliced is Better'' sweeps for a chance to embark on a truly epic, bucket list-worthy adventure of a lifetime....

July 15, 2024 – The Mediterranean Diet has been popular for several decades but the good news is that moderate wine consumption as a part of the diet, is critical to benefiting fully from its healthy effects. The diet is based on the foods consumed by the inhabitants of Southern...

June 24, 2024 – The Founders would have been astonished as they sweltered in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1776 crafting the separation from England and the King, to learn that a British gin with a very aristocratic  pedigree would be a celebratory libation for Independence Day 248 years later (recipes...

June 16, 2024 --  We love it when wine and spirits companies seek to do good by supporting organizations that make life better for everyone.  St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is using the occasion of the launch of the inaugural vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from its Rutherford Estate Vineyard...

May 17, 2024  --  We wrote about Via Carota Craft Cocktails when their line of pre-mixed cocktails was introduced in February of 2023.  After that successful launch of elegant four-serve bottles of six classic cocktails, Via Carota has followed up with a new line of single-serve, ready-to-pour sparkling cocktails which...

April 17, 2024  -- You’d think Prohibitionists might have learned their lesson with the “Noble  Experiment” of the 18th Amendment also known as the Volstead Act in 1919, but no, they haven’t and they are now harnessing the World Health Organization (WHO) to restrict production and consumption of alcohol globally....

March 14, 2024 – If it’s St. Patrick’s Day, then our tastes turn to Irish Whiskey and the perennial favorite, Irish Coffee.  But for the adventurous, we found two new ways to mark the occasion created by Roe & Co’s North American Brand Ambassador, Josh Cameron. We’re intrigued by his...

March 7, 2024 -- The Macallan has unveiled Tales of The Macallan Volume II, the second edition in a remarkable series of rare single malt Scotch whiskies which tells the story of The Macallan pioneers and their whisky-making legacy.  The second release pays homage to Alexander Reid, founder of The...

February 2, 2024 --  How about trying something new and different this year!  We’ve found several interesting spirits that might not be familiar: Hollywood-themed whiskies from Filmland Spirits, romantic Italian aperitivos from Italicus & Savoia, and one of our all time favorites Hood River Distillers.   All are not only delicious...

January 15, 2024 – There’s nothing like a hot toddy to warm us up on a cold day and it’s hard to beat a good rum as the base for a true deliciousness.  If you haven’t tried Barceló Rum from the Dominican Republic now is a good time.  We tried...

December 18, 2023 -- Stress no more!  We’ve got a delightful and delicious shortcut for festive cocktails to get you through the season of celebration and parties. No need to search out new recipes or buy ingredients you may never use again.  Simply add a splash of Clear Creek Cranberry...

December 8, 2023 --  Dassai, a sake brewery founded in the 1700s in Southern Japan, has opened a state-of-the-art brewery and tasting room in Hyde Park, N.Y., as well as launching a new U.S. brand, Dassai Blue.  On hand for the opening were Hiroshi and Kazuhiro Sakurai, the father and...

November 15, 2023 – Here’s a good guessing game next time you’re downing a few:  Which country can boast being the biggest guzzlers of alcoholic drinks? Apparently those fun fellows at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) thought so too.   They conducted a study of binging habits in...

October 21, 2023 – Halloween is around the corner and if you’re planning a celebration with adults, here’s a cocktail that will spook them out:  the Black Blood Sour from Filmland Spirits.   It’s easy to make but takes a bit of effort to organize the special effects. The marvelous smoke...

October 16, 2023 – Despite the on-going Russian invasion and warfare, as paradoxical as it sounds, Ukraine’s wineries that are still operational are doing well and business is growing.  Ukrainians are drinking more local wine rather than the preferred imports.  Importing wine has become difficult logistically, and the collapse of...

October 12, 2023 -- The always highly anticipated Flaviar Advent Calendar is now available and this year’s is a winner so grab yours right away – they sell out really quickly every year. The Lost Art of Distillation – The Amber Kingdom features :             Twenty-four superb whiskeys including gold...

September 15, 2023 --  Negroni Week is back and here’s what you need to know. The classic Negroni was invented around 1919 in Florence, Italy.  The recipe is simple – equal parts each of Campari, Red (sweet) Vermouth and London Dry Gin served with an orange twist for garnish.  Over...

August 30, 2023 – Labor Day spells the unofficial end of summer, which for those of us who love the heat and bare feet, is a bit depressing.  But we have a cocktail to make those last “Golden Hours” amazing and it requires no skill at all. The recipe calls...

August 28, 2023 – Bob Dylan’s classic protest song, “The Times They Are a-Changin” seems as apt today as it did in 1964, but one thing that has stayed constant is the percentage of people in this country who drink alcohol and the number who don’t.  It’s been pretty much...

August 17, 2023 -- Lemonade isn’t just for kids.  Grown-ups enjoy it too and Smirnoff certainly knows how to make any celebration more festive with suggestions for informal gatherings or just a relaxing libation after at the end of a long day.  Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Lemonade offers refreshing tart and...

Augus14, 2023 -  Hood River Distillers, founded right after Prohibition ended in 1934, got its start crafting fruit brandies with the excess apples and pears from local orchards.  It has prospered to become the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer and marketer of distilled spirits.  In 2021 they released...

August 5, 2023 – Inspired by an orange creamsicle, newly released Sunshine Punch in the sassy orange bottle is there to savor wherever you find your sunshine.  The ready-to-serve cocktail is made from orange, crème, rum and vodka.  Served chilled or over ice, at just 18% ABV it is designed...

July 28, 2023 – There seem to be a lot of articles lately warning that any kind of alcohol is bad, causing quite a list of unpleasant health issues like cancer.  So it was a relief to read that researchers, from Harvard Medical School no less, have found that a...

July 20, 2023  -- The launch of Cierto Tequila will be one for the marketing books.  More importantly, the tequila itself will become the gold standard by which all other tequilas are measured.  The project was the brainchild of Todd Chaffee, a successful venture capitalist who had never been in...

June 29, 2023 – With Independence Day falling on Tuesday this year, we’re looking for a way to have a stylish celebration but keep the preparation and clean up easy.  Ready-to-Drink cocktails are a great solution and we have two suggestions:  Smirnoff Poco Pico ICE and Fishers Island Lemonade. Smirnoff...

June 22, 2023 – What country does the jaguar come from?  We’re talking about the animal, not the automobile.  Did you know it is native to the Americas?  If you guessed Africa, don’t feel bad because that’s the popular misconception.  So what’s the connection between tequila, jaguars and Independence Day? ...

June 13, 2023 – Bourbon should have the title of America’s national drink.  After all, the first rule of making bourbon is that it is made in America.  More rules follow:  It must be at least 51% corn.  The balance can be made up of wheat, rye and barley.  It...

First a word about World Gin Day June 8, 2023 -- The modestly named World Gin Day has been celebrated on the second Saturday of June every year since 2009.  This year it falls on June 10.   The date changes every year but it is always on Saturday, which was...

June 3, 2023 --  Flaviar, America’s #1 luxury spirits membership club, has a spectacular gift for Dad on his big day.  In collaboration with six-time World Barbecue Champion, Tuffy Stone, they’ve come up with a Tasting Box for the Dad that grills and enjoys his whiskey too.  We think this...

May 22, 2023 -- May is Military Appreciation Month, and to continue the month-long observance, Crown Royal Whisky, country music star Mitchell Tenpenny and charity partner CreatiVets teamed up to make May the most generous month yet. While filming for a Chefs & Vets segment, linked HERE, Mitchell presented a...

May 8, 2023 --- When Mom struggles home loaded with a week’s worth of groceries we seriously doubt there’s a bottle of a luxury spirit just for her in the shopping bags.   So why not slip one in as an unexpected surprise with your other plans for the day.  We...

May 1, 2023 – When Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday, as it does this year, it’s a double reason to celebrate since the specter of that 9:00 a.m. meeting the next day isn’t spoiling the fun.   We never need an excuse to dust off the Margarita glasses but...

April 26, 2023 – What the heck is World Marselan Day?  Which brings us to what the heck is Marselan?  It’s a red wine grape but don’t feel bad if you have never heard of it.  Me neither! Marselan is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache which was created...

April 14, 2023 – On May 6 the 149th Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs for what is known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”.  It is also the 50th anniversary of the amazing Secretariat winning The Kentucky Derby, a historic moment in thoroughbred history.  Woodford Reserve, the Presenting...

Portland, OR March 26, 2023  -- Our Legacy Harvested (OLH), is a nonprofit founded in 2020 dedicated to educating, advancing and empowering the BIPOC community at any career level within the wine industry.  BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color including Latin and Asian.  The Internship, a four-month...

Pack your walking shoes!  You and a friend could be headed to Ireland to soak in the beauty of Glendalough, County Wicklow – also known as the “Garden of Ireland.”  Besides touring the sights of Dublin, winners will have a unique three-hour excursion with Glendalough Distillery’s full-time forager, Geraldine Kavanagh...

March 11, 2023 -- St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 17 means it’s time for Irish Whiskey and Irish Coffee and, of course, corned beef and cabbage.  But this year we have something even better.  How about a trip to Dublin? Roe & Co Irish Whiskey will be launching the cleverly...

March 8, 2023 --- Spiced rum is a hot category and the latest entry comes from The Kraken.  Capitalizing on their popular Black Spiced Rum launched in 2010, The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum is set to take the cocktail world by storm.  And that’s appropriate since the Kraken is a...

February 9, 2023 – With Cupid’s approval, we’re introducing two fresh ideas for Valentine’s Day celebrations:  Empress 1908 Gin and ready to pour Via Carota Craft Cocktails.  Get ready to fall in love! Empress 1908 Gin Empress 1908 Gin comes to us from the island of Victoria, just a ferry...

January 24, 2023 – Below is a link to a fascinating story.  It is the story of Charles Valentine Riley.  It’s the story of a root-devouring bug called phylloxera that was destroying vineyards from Australia to France in the 1860s.  It’s the story of the role played by the wine...

December 28, 2022 – After the mess caused by the weather, staying warm, taking it easy and enjoying a good cocktail sounds exactly right.  We don’t have snow but we are being drenched by an atmospheric river, and that Irish Coffee from Keeper’s Heart Whiskey looks awfully good.  Whipped cream...

December 13, 2022 – Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky has brought a new meaning to “smelling like whisky”, which is generally not recommended.  But Monkey Shoulder likes to defy convention.  Their creative Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who obviously has a great sense of humor, created a limited-edition soft scent of the...

December 12, 2011 – We’ve just received an interesting update from Marilyn Wines. They are celebrating the Holiday Season with a fantastic offer: Choose from their select Vintages of Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon. Buy one of each to drink, one to gift, and one to keep. Shipping is just $1. ...

December 5, 2022 – No need to stress over gift giving.  There’s something for everyone in the realm of wine and spirits.  Whether it’s a bottle of a well-known brand that they enjoy frequently or something new and different, it will be an appreciated gift.  Here are our suggestions: OCEAN...

November 18, 2022 --  A popular topic of discussion these days is about reducing our impact on the environment in every conceivable area, including the wine industry.  Does it start in the vineyard?  Happily, in most wine-growing regions of the world, wine growers big and small, are very conscious of...

October 10 , 2022 ---  The introduction of a new gin is exciting news to gin lovers everywhere.  And when it comes from Kenya’s first craft distillery, that’s really something we all want to know about.  But it gets better.  All the botanicals are from the continent of Africa as...

September 28, 2022 – As we transition from summer fun to tailgate parties, watching the game with friends, early fall barbecues and other fall and winter socializing, we need a great cocktail that has its own vibe.  Black Infusions Dirty Shirley is just the thing. You can mix it yourself...

August 19, 2022 -- The 2022 Great American Beer Festival or GABF will be held in Denver, Colorado October 6 – 8.  Brewers and consumers alike are buzzing with excitement after a two-year pandemic induced hiatus, and it promises to be a great event for everyone. Five hundred craft breweries...

August 17, 2022 – You may have heard or seen someone referred to as Master of Wine or MW and wondered what really qualifies someone to use this term after his or her name.  And as someone interested in wine, you may have wondered if you could qualify too.  Well,...

August 7, 2022 – A carbon dioxide shortage means brewing trouble for America’s 9,000 plus craft breweries.  Beer without effervescence is flat and carbon dioxide is the gas responsible for that lovely foam. According to Chuck Skypeck, Technical Brewing Projects Director for the Brewers Association, some members have had to...

August 3, 2022 – First the bad news.  A headline in the New York Post on July 26 read “Just five alcoholic drinks a week will age you – and mess up your DNA”.  Great.  Yet there are a whole lot of studies showing that people who drink moderately live...

July 21, 2022 –Patrón Tequila, the world's number one super-premium tequila, and Lalique, the crown jewel ofFrance’s crystal industry, have unveiled their third remarkable collaboration: PATRÓN en LALIQUE: Serie 3. The stunningly beautiful bottle, created by Marc Larminaux, Lalique’s Artistic and Creative Director, is an artistic interpretation of the agave...

July 1, 2022 --- There’s plenty to celebrate on July 4, Independence Day but July 10 and 11?  Well, it turns out July 10 is National Piña Colada Day and July 11 is National Mojito Day.  Then there’s the rest of July when we find ourselves craving something light, refreshing,...

June 29, 2022 – Attention lovers and collectors of The Macallan Scotch whisky! The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan M Collection, a range of limited release single malt whiskies celebrating the brand’s acclaimed Six Pillars. The whiskies come in beautifully crafted decanters created in collaboration with renowned creative director, Fabien...

June 23, 2022 – We recently wrote about California’s success at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London.  Sending wines half way around the world involves some planning and expense but for US wineries it was a piece of cake compared with the extraordinary measures required of a Ukrainian winemaker....

June 15, 2022 --- Buying Dad a bottle of something special is a simple solution to the gift dilemma, but why not make it extra special by creating a cocktail to enjoy together as you indulge in recollections of the past.  We’ve selected suggestions from Grand Marnier, Rémy Martin, George...

June 13, 2022 -- Wines from the USA fared very well at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards held recently in London with an impressive total of 314 medals, including 1 Best in Show, 4 Platinum and 9 Gold.  California was the big winner for the USA taking all the...

May 26, 2022 – Hard to believe, but Memorial Day Weekend is upon us.  That summer vibe we all look forward starts this weekend, and what better way to celebrate it than with an easy, breezy cocktail.  Tullahoma Tea 1.5 oz Dickel Bourbon0.5 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice0.5 oz Texas...

May 20, 2022 -- Italians know how to relax as the sun goes down and we get ready for dinner with friends or family.  They sip an aperitivo which comes from the Latin word aperire “to open” meaning, in this case, to open the appetite for the meal to come. ...

May 4. 2022 – Making Mother’s Day special each year is something we all strive to do.  Gifts, flowers, lunch are all wonderful but making a special cocktail is probably not something Mom does on a daily basis – if ever!  So here’s your chance to add some unexpected glamour...

May 04, 2022 --- As we watch the systematic destruction of Ukraine by the Russian dictator, it is hard to imagine businesses reopening but this is what is happening in parts of Ukraine where the Russian army is still at bay, and President Zelenskyy is encouraging reopening where safe. One...

April 6, 2022 – Thursday, April 7 is National Beer Day but the cheeky folk at Bulleit Bourbon have figured out how to horn in on their beer brethren’s celebration.  They even go so far as to suggest a Bulleit Boilermaker will “elevate your beer drinking experience”.  What a nerve!...

What’s an AVA and why is it important? March 25, 2022 --  Thirty-two wineries that make up The SLO Wine Collective are celebrating the newest American Viticultural Area (AVA) along the San Luis Obispo coast.  The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau awarded the designation March 9, 2022....

March 10, 2022 --- At last we can get back to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends, parades and parties. How great is that!   And what could be more appropriate than raising a glass of Irish whiskey to toast our return to tradition.  If you’ve never tried Irish whiskey, then...

February 28, 2022 -- A world-renowned scientist advising not to give up a glass of wine when trying to lose weight, as it may actually help weight loss, certainly caught our attention.  The scientist is Prof. Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós who has a Ph.D in Pharmacy and is the Director of...

February 10, 2022 --- Here’s a great gift suggestion for the person on your gift list that enjoys making, creating, even just drinking, cocktails.  It is “Barkeep:  The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails” by Danilo Bozovic.  His first book published in 2016, “Barkeep:  The Guide to Becoming a Professional...

February 11, 2022 – Pink.  Red.  Roses.  Chocolate.  It’s Valentine’s Day and we have cocktails that pay homage to the day but also delight year ‘round. Could there be anything more romantic than a pink gin made from the roses in an Irish garden distilled with botanicals from the mountains...

February 4, 2022 – Smirnoff Vodka will have no problem being served chilled when it reaches a remote gold mining camp in Alaska 100 miles north of Anchorage.  And the 15-plus miners in the camp will have a very unexpected and fantastic Super Bowl party courtesy of Smirnoff. When the...

January 19, 2022 --  A Burns Night Super isn’t quite as front of mind as say Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day but it is gaining in popularity.  It’s all about celebrating the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was born January 25, 1759...

January 9, 2022 --  Let’s face it, it’s cold, gray and gloomy but rum producers know how to get us cheered and warmed up deliciously.  January is the month for hot rum with Hot Toddy Day on January 11th and Hot Buttered Rum Day on January 17.  But you don’t...

December 29, 2021 – Kahlúa, the famous coffee liqueur, wants to get couples to switch off their devices and put some fun and playfulness back in their lives.  All they have to do is go 30-nights without the internet.  Easy, huh?  But for the effort, they’ll get $25,000.  Hey, I’ll...

December 19, 2021 – It’s the time of year when we all make a bit more effort to produce food and drinks that are special.  It’s also the time of year when we should be able to experience the joy of the season that comes from gathering with family and...

December 18, 2021 – When it comes to partying, Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky doesn’t monkey around (couldn’t resist it!).  Fun and food are what it’s all about.  Take their spin on making 12 Old Fashioneds in one fell swoop created by Brand Ambassador Anna Mains.  It’s genius and a great...

December 8, 2021 – Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has completed Year One of its Five Year Plan to plant one million trees over five years in partnership with American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. Since the partnership's inception in 2020, 427,825 seedlings have been planted,...

December 6, 2021 --   Budweiser is looking for a special pup to feature on their holiday beer cans.  It could be your hound.  Here are the rules to enter. Contest closes December 15. However, no need to wait to see if Fido won the #PupweiserContest.  You can put your pup...

November 22, 2021 – It’s time to make the gift list again so here are a few ideas to help in the process.  The world of wine and spirits is a great place to shop as there are options at all price points and a huge variety of choices.  There...

November 12, 2021 --- Starward Australian Whisky is now the Official Whisky Partner of the globally renowned Michelin Guide.  Starward will work with the leading authority in the culinary arts to roll out a 12-month U.S. partnership that complements Starward’s simple brand ethos of being a delicious and versatile whisky,...

October 27, 2021 – What happens when the Jacques Pépin Foundation, Jacques Torres Chocolate and Woodford Reserve come together?  You get a box of a dozen yummy chocolates just in time for the Holiday Season. Chef Jacques Torres created a deliciously smooth and silky ganache using the flavorful pairing of...

October 20, 2021 -- National First Responders Day is October 28.  To celebrate our first responders, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey has released two limited-run, whiskey-infused doughnuts in collaboration with Dough Doughnuts - The Proper Irish Coffee Cream-Filled and The Proper Irish Coffee Glazed.  A portion of the proceeds of...

October 17, 2021 – Oskar Blues Brewery’s cult classic Death by Coconut Irish Porter along with Ten FIDY Imperial Stout are now both available nationwide on draft and in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans. Death by Coconut combines a semi-sweet Irish Porter with flavors of smooth chocolate and creamy coconut....

September 17, 2021 -- Two American companies loved and respected for quality and innovation – Woodford Reserve and Williams Sonoma --have partnered to bring unique cocktail experiences to homes across America.  The partnership kicks off with a line of co-branded cocktail mixers, which are now available for the Fall entertaining...

September 1, 2021 -- It’s unofficial but whether we like it or not, Labor Day is summer’s send off.  Even if it stays blazing hot, our thoughts turn to fall so let’s drink to the summer of 2021 which was waaay better than last year.  Choose rum, tequila or vodka...

August 16, 2021 – Today is National Rum Day, and we’ve got some recipes for you, mostly simple but with a few interesting twists. For example both Butterfly Oasis and Trader Vic’s Classic Mai Tai call for Orgeat, a syrup made from almonds which is a great addition to any...

August 8, 2021 -- In Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries, Bonders were responsible for blending and bottling whiskey. These individuals ranged from publicans and merchants to independent bottlers, who sourced new make spirits from distilleries which they aged in their own casks, before blending and bottling for local...

July 16, 2021 --  The halcyon days of 2013 when Wine Spectator pronounced Chateau Miraval the best rosé in world seem a very long time ago.  It got even more idyllic and romantic in 2014 when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie got married in the chapel of their estate, Chateau...

July 5, 2021 --  Remember the opening line of the Cheers theme?  “Sometimes You Want to go Where Everybody Knows Your Name”.  That sums up the enticement of the dive bar.  But, like so many small, independent businesses, the dive bar world has suffered thanks to the pandemic.  However, help...

June 30, 2021 -- The Fourth of July falls on Sunday this year which is great for anyone organizing a celebration.   The following recipes are festive, easy to make and definitely have the appropriate color scheme.  What’s more, they will carry you through every summer occasion. Smirnoff Red, White &...

June 16, 2021 --  Time is running out, friend, but here are some suggestions to save the day and ensure you are not cut out of the will, at least this year.  These are for the Dads who like to make cocktails, think about making cocktails one of these days...

In Tennessee May 22, 2021 – The historic George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey released the latest vintage of their highly acclaimed Bottled in Bond whisky series, Spring 2007, which will be available as a limited-time offering. This bottling is the first offering of the series from a spring distilling season, and...

May 27, 2021 – The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of the summer season so a new cocktail recipe is a good way to celebrate.  We’ve selected four that are “doable” – they taste good, look good, but are not too complicated.  You almost certainly have one or...

May 13, 2021 – Stags Leap District devotees, as well as wine enthusiasts in general, have an opportunity to listen in and watch winemakers chatting with each other “over the fence” in the region’s legendary Cabernet vineyards starting this month, and follow the progression of the 2021 vintage each month...

May 3, 2021 – Still pondering what to give Mom next Sunday?  Need a hostess gift in a hurry for that fabulous weekend at the cottage on the shore?  Forgot a bestie’s birthday?  No worries.  Nickel Dime Cocktail Syrups of Oakland, California has just launched a line of cocktail syrups...

April 30, 2021 --- What could be a more amazing and memorable gift than a scenic tour of the Napa Valley in a vintage aircraft followed by a relaxing private wine tasting featuring Aileron Estates Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aileron Estates is a new luxury Napa winery headed by...

April 23, 2021 --- On Earth Day I was reminded of the numerous stories we’ve posted about distilleries, wineries and breweries, large and small, taking steps to improve our planet.  One such company is Flor de Caña, a premium rum producer in Nicaragua, the world’s first spirit to be Carbon...

April 19, 2021 --- Canned cocktails are the hottest item in the adult beverage business.  They have exploded in popularity.   Referred to in the trade as ready-to-drink or RTD, the pre-mixed canned or bottled single serve category increased 90% year-over-year in 2020.  There are predictions it will reach $1.63 billion...

April 10, 2021 --- The summer of 2020 was a bummer, but Smirnoff Red, White & Berry has big plans to make 2021 the BEST. SUMMER. EVER.   They’re giving away 2,021 prizes from now until August 15.  How great is that!  The vodka company is teaming up with actor, comedian,...

April 4, 2021 -- It’s spring.  Things are getting better.  Let’s celebrate! Our friends at Bacardi have a few ideas to lend a touch of glamour to brunch or cocktails and they couldn’t be simpler.  In fact, these are recipes to have on hand for any occasion all summer long. The...

March 25, 2021 – If you love whiskey and have 15 grand lying around, a Minneapolis distillery has a great opportunity for you.  The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, which officially opens to the public this summer, has launched the Keeper’s Heart Cask Society.  You can join this members-only society and enjoy...

March 11, 2021 -- Observing traditions keeps us grounded and St. Patrick’s Day is steeped in traditions we love such as wearing green, parades, corned beef and cabbage, green beer (or not) and Irish coffee.  And you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy it all.  Parades are on the...

March 09, 2021  -- Woodford Reserve’s 2021 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle is now available in liquor stores across the country.  This is the 22nd such bottle which is beloved by racing fans, bourbon drinkers and collectors.  The label features the artwork of Louisville resident Richard Sullivan, a former professional baseball...

March 5, 2021 --- The annual World of Pinot Noir (WOPN) event is being celebrated all month during March 2021.  Normally held on the first weekend of March at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, the 2021 event will be entirely virtual. This year, the largest annual gathering of Pinot...

March 1, 2021 – Ready for some fun?  This Friday, March 5, Coming 2 America movie premieres on Amazon Prime Video.  Appropriately, Crown Royal, with its very real royallegacy (it was created in 1939 as a gift for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the first reigning monarchs to visit...

February 27, 2021 – Thieves cleaned out the entire inventory of a Manhattan wine and spirits store and it seems nobody knows exactly when.  The store has been closed for several months, according to the owner, but when he was last there on January 8, so was the inventory. According...

February 10, 2021 --  As the song says, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love…”  but if you can’t find love, try liking someone..  Valentine’s Day is all about romance but liking one another is a really good place to start and can really make a difference in...

January 31, 2021 -- Super Bowl Sunday might be a bit tamer and less raucous this year but that’s a good reason to make a special cocktail and a party mix to go with it. Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey has the recipe for both:  Long Snap Shandy and Whiskey...

January 29, 2021 – Getting away from it all has a new urgency after months of lockdowns and isolation.  A ski trip to Park City Utah sounds enticing especially with the added bonus of après skiing at High West Distillery’s charming Nelson Cottage. Here guests can enjoy the unique experience...

Theft in Burgundy of Wine January 15, 2021 – Crime stories from France are often quite entertaining, or perhaps it is the way the British report them.  Here’s one from The Guardian.  On January 5 at 5:15 a.m. thieves broke into the cellar of Domaine de Rymska Saint-Jean-de-Trézy, a luxury...

December 31, 2020 – NIPYATA! the adult party people who created the alcohol filled piñata, have come up with the solution to buying a socially distanced drink for a friend or family and we think it is sooooo cool.  It’s a drinkable greeting card that contains a 50 ml. bottle...

December 20, 2020 – Imagine being one of just five lucky people to own a Kona Beer hot tub.  This exclusive creation brings gorgeous Hawaii to your patio, yard or even the man cave in the garage, and is a must-have for the ultimate staycation. Check it out here and...

December 13 -- Time is running out but we have some gift ideas for anyone on your list who enjoys whisk(e)y or a great cocktail.  Thinking creatively will help your thoughtful giver reputation and bring joy to the lucky recipient.  The list we’ve compiled features limited editions and new releases...

December 4, 2020 – Tourism has been a catastrophe everywhere thanks to the wretched virus but for California wineries, there’s been the added disaster of the worst fire year in history.  The Glass Fire alone, which consumed almost 1,000 structures in the Napa Valley and beyond when it ignited near...

November 27, 2020 --  There’s a plethora of fabulous wines and amazing spirits that make wonderful and thoughtful gifts but we were searching for something really fresh, exciting and different.  Our two finds – one for cocktail enthusiasts and the other for wine lovers with an inclination for history and...

November 20, 2020 – There’s something fun about opening a box with all the fixin’s in it and that’s what you get when you order Bacardi’s Spiced Up Cider Kit from Cocktail Courier.  But that’s not all.  Each order will receive a 12-ounce bottle of Bacardi Spiced Hot Honey. The...

November 13, 2020 -- 'Tis the season for two new barrel-aged beers from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore: Guinness Imperial Gingerbread Spiced Stout and Guinness Imperial Stout, both Aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels. If you are in the Baltimore area, you can enjoy both on tap at the...

November 6, 2020 -- Just a year ago we told you about the Australian whisky brand, Starward that had made its debut in the U.S. with Nova Single Malt in May of 2019 followed by Two-Fold Double Grain in October.  This year both expressions each took home a Gold Medal...

October 30, 2020 – Since everything is different this year, Halloween is sure to be too.  So let’s try some really different cocktails that will make it pleasantly memorable. Anyone with a taste for both bourbon and red wine will love the Blood-Red Bourbon Smash.  The wine comes from Casillero...

October 23, 2020 --- The Captain never rests.  He’s taken his Original Spiced Rum, added a subtle hint of ginger and fused it all together with the taste of deliciously juicy, crisp fresh cut apples.  What’s not to like. Just in time for fall activities and party season that follows,...

October 21, 2020 – Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is teaming up with American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization, founded in 1875, to plant one million trees over the next five years.  The partnership will reforest eastern landscapes dominated by white oaks, a key species for wildlife, water conservation and...

October 15, 2020 -- Halloween 2020 is sure to be different because everything else is. The dilemma is how to celebrate safely.  For adults, no need to go virtual or ruin your one chance of the year to play dress up.  Smirnoff Vodka has come to the rescue with the...

October 6, 2020 --  It’s like a little United Nations.  Australian wine company, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) owns the historic and highly respected Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) in California’s Napa Valley.  The BV label will soon appear on a wine made in Bordeaux, France for the Chinese market.  OK, we’re clear...

September 23, 2020 – Sourced Craft Cocktails Is not only a service whose time has come but it is also helping unemployed bartenders and we applaud them for it.  Partnering with Balcones Distilling of Waco, TX, Sourced Craft Cocktails has created a special kit in honor of National Bourbon Heritage...

September 18, 2020 – Five straight bourbons, spaghetti westerns and silk pajamas. Yup, sounds kind of crazy but that’s the story of Fistful of Bourbon, a brand new all-American whiskey launched this month by the Scottish family William Grant & Sons. A blend of five straight bourbons – literally a...

September 11, 2020 –-  Spiced rum is hot.  In fact spiced rum makes up a third of the rum category and Bacardi is taking it seriously.  Just in time for Fall, their Oakheart Spiced Rum is being relaunched in a new package but with the same great spicy flavor. Bacardi...

September 4, 2020 – Just because this has been the weirdest year ever, the unofficial end-of-summer celebrations can still go on.  Hanging on to traditions is helpful, even if everyone is saying “Cheers!” from six feet away.    And trying something new and different keeps life interesting, even if there’s just...

August 28, 2020 – The Macallan has unveiled an exciting new virtual experience providing unprecedented access to the Whisky Mastery Team as they explore the journey of the creation of the new Double Cask Range, a perfect partnership of Oloroso sherry seasoned American and European oak casks creating a range...

August 13, 2020 – National Rum Day falls on Sunday, August 16 but if you want to get an early start on Saturday, or even Friday afternoon, it’s OK with us. Rum makes the best summer cocktails which is hardly surprising considering its Caribbean birthplace back in the 1600s.  As...

July 31, 2020 --- Summer will be different this year but back by popular demand, Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whisky will make it a whole lot more enjoyable. The smooth Crown Royal whisky is bursting with the juicy flavor of fresh Georgia peaches and we’re delighted it’s available again, starting...

July 27, 2020 --- Organic.  Botanic.  Sparkling.  Delicious. What more could any discerning, health-conscious Millennial or Gen Zer want in a canned cocktail?  But there’s more.  This new line of ready-to-drink cocktails comes from Square One, the organic spirits company founded, funded and run by a woman.   Its CEO Allison...

July 17, 2020 -- Wine has graced glass bottles, plastic bottles, boxes, cans, and Tetra Pak but a significant advancement is on the horizon with the introduction of the Flat Wine Bottle brought to you by Garçon Wines of the U.K. The saying that “necessity is the mother of invention”...

July 10, 2020 – Wild Turkey has rounded out its rye whiskey portfolio with the permanent addition of Rare Breed Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.  It is a blend of four-, six-, and eight-year-old non-chill filtered rye bottled directly from the barrels (Barrel Proof) without so much as a single...

July 8, 2020 – Sometimes we get lucky. National Piña Colada Day falls on a Friday this year – July 10 --- and just because bars are closed in some places or are limiting the number guests at any one time, doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t celebrate this delicious...

July 1, 2020 –Independence Day gatherings might be limited this year but we can still ring in America’s birthday with a vibrant and patriotic punch made with a combination of Bacardi white and flavored rums.  The great thing about the Red Rum Punch recipe below is it can be adjusted...

June 18, 2020  --  Summer 2020 officially starts on Saturday, June 20 which is the longest day of the year, officially known as the summer solstice.  Let summer celebrations begin!  Our official solstice celebrants are Hendrick’s Gin where Master Distiller Lesley Gracie takes the start of the summer season so...

June 12, 2020 --- If you’ve been procrastinating about getting Dad a gift, you are coming down to the wire.  Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21 so get off your duff get him something he’ll treasure but probably wouldn’t buy for himself.  You’re done with ties, tools and golf balls...

June 9, 2020 --- World Cucumber Day?  Really?  Indeed.  June 14 is the designated day.   There was something a bit odd, even a bit rum you might say, about the whole thing.  Sniffing around online we found who was behind it --- the sly, creative Brits at Hendrick’s Gin. World...

June 3, 2020 – Wild Turkey is releasing a rarity – Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond. It is the fifth release bearing the Master’s Keep imprimatur but only the second-ever Wild Turkey bourbon to carry the Bottled in Bond label.  This is sure to be of great interest to bourbon...

May 22, 2020 --- Award winning actor, producer, designer and entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker is adding a new rosé wine to her collection of wines with New Zealand-based winery Invivo & Co and it will be available just in time for summer sipping. This premium rosé - Invivo X, Sarah Jessica Parker Rosé - comes from...

May 14, 2020 – Have you noticed the acronym for Shelter In Place is SIP --- so let’s do it on Saturday to mark World Whisk(e)y Day.  Crank up FaceTime or Zoom or hang over the back fence and mellow out with something from Scotland, or the USA/Japan/Canada – even...

May 8, 2020 – Remember that blast you had on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17?  Not in 2020.  The day before, state Governors started locking down their states closing bars and restaurants, sports events, concerts and travel, all places and events where people congregate and drink.  I remember thinking...

May 2, 2020 – Like everything these days, celebrating Mother’s Day is going to be different this year so here’s a bold suggestion:  set Mom up with a membership at Haus the new, all-American aperitif that’s only available online. Haus?  Haus is the creation of winemaker Woody Hambrecht and his...

February 12, 2020 – So your dream is to start your own craft brewery.  Can’t be that hard.  There are thousands of them now – over 7,000 in 2019 – and they’re all making money and having fun.  Or so it seems and besides, everyone loves your homebrewed beer and...

April 27, 2020 – Have you noticed more hirsute males in the last month or so?  Undoubtedly the lockdown is to blame.  That’s a lame excuse but we have a really great one for you from Reyka Vodka.  The Icelandic vodka maker has just launched a campaign that’s good fun...

April 22, 2020 – As social distancing continues, we were delighted to come across the favorite martini recipe of the lifestyle maven herself, the Martha Martini.  If we’re forced to drink alone, then it may as well be special. Martha’s recipe uses Belvedere Vodka, no doubt in a nod to...

April 11, 2020 --- Toilet paper isn’t the only thing being hoarded.  People are stocking up on adult beverages too.  When the farsighted folks who run the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced on March 16 that the state-run stores would be closed effective March 17, they thought it would keep...

April 5, 2020 – A couple of nights ago, a TV commentator scolded the liquor industry for not stepping up to help ameliorate the hand sanitizer shortage.  Truth is, spirits, beer and wine companies are rushing to retool their plants to produce required 60 to 80 percent alcohol, and working...

March 31, 2020 – Travelers who love to frequent wine country know the problem so well:  how to safely ship their precious purchases back home.  VinGardeValise offers a safe and practical solution. It’s a very well designed and manufactured suitcase with high-density foam inserts that snugly fit the average wine...

March 25, 2020 – Bacardi Limited, the fabled premium rum producer since 1862, has shifted production at the distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico to produce much need hand sanitizer.  They have partnered with Olein Refinery to provide raw materials that will enable the production of more than 1.7 million units...

March 13, 2020 – On March 17, everyone is Irish and what could be better than a green cocktail to celebrate.  The recipes below cover the gamut from sweet shots using Sailor Jerry Rums to savory with Milagro Tequila’s Maria Verde.  This recipe requires a juicer.  iI you don’t have...

March 8, 2020 – We’re always thrilled to hear about the latest winners of the Annual Tales of the Cocktail Foundation LEGACY Cocktail Competition that Bacardi has been sponsoring for 10 years.  Having watched competitors create and present amazing cocktails under really stressful conditions, we’re huge fans of all who...

February 27, 2020 – Spiked Coffee is a trendy hot product right now and we think Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew Coffee is definitely the way coolest entry in this category.  What sets it apart from its competitors is the use of super-premium ingredients, including 100% Arabica Columbian Cold Brew...

February 12, 2020 – So your dream is to start your own craft brewery.  Can’t be that hard.  There are thousands of them now – over 7,000 in 2019 – and they’re all making money and having fun.  Or so it seems and besides, everyone loves your homebrewed beer and...

Valentine’s Day No Drama Drinks February 7, 2020 --  Valentine’s Day  --  some people love it; some people hate it.  Don’t let society’s expectations stress you out.  Make it whatever you want it to be, count your blessings and enjoy a lovely glass or two of bubbles or an interesting...

January 30, 2020 -  A study recently released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health outlines five healthy habits that at middle age may increase years lived free of chronic diseases.  Interestingly, one of the habits is to maintain moderate consumption of alcohol, as opposed to no alcohol.  Four...

January 26, 2020 – There’s nothing like a Bacardi Mojito to create the right atmosphere.  So if we can’t be in Miami on Sunday, February 2 to celebrate Super Bowl LIV we can still get the sundrenched feeling that comes with cocktails from Bacardi, the famous rum distillery in Miami’s...

December 7, 2019 -- The party season leading up to Christmas and New Year is the best time of year to shine with glamorous and sophisticated drinks, not just for guests, but for yourself, too.  There’s so much going on with shopping and festivities that you deserve a reward when...

December 4, 2019 – Just in time for the Holiday Season, Bacardi Rum has released a limited edition Bacardi Coquito.  This is the drink of Caribbean holiday celebrations that originated in Puerto Rico, a sort of tropical eggnog that is really delicious.  Traditionally home made, Bacardi has created a ready-to-drink...

November 23, 2019 – It’s Thanksgiving, it’s fall, it’s apple time, it’s time for fun and new and interesting cocktails.  If the Thanksgiving weekend means lazy mornings and enjoying someone else’s kitchen slog then by all means indulge in Svedka’s Rise & Shine and you’ll be in a good mood...

November 15, 2019 – As much as we all enjoy the Christmas and New Year season, it does come with its own stress and that includes entertaining and pocketbook issues.  Let’s face it, throwing a party can get expensive.  But we have a suggestion to alleviate some of the stress...

November 13, 2019 – The summer of hard seltzer has morphed into the fall and winter of hard seltzer.  If hard seltzer is a part of your journey to a healthier lifestyle, and if gluten-free is an important or necessary part of that, then you can rejoice. If neither applies,...

November 6, 2019 – Once again, Kona Brewing Co. has captured the flavor of Hawaii with a newly released Hibiscus Brut IPA.  We poured ours into large wine goblets and loved the rosy hue as it swirled under a big creamy head.  Hibiscus is Hawaii’s national flower so they must...

October 30, 2019 --  Starward Australian Whisky burst on the U.S. scene in May 2019 with Nova, an international award-winning single malt that led Forbes Magazine to opine that Australia might replace Japan as the hottest unconventional crafter of fine whisky.  Recently, the Melbourne-based distillery increased its visibility in this...

October 27, 2019 – Things aren’t quite normal on Halloween and neither are these cocktail recipes designed just for the occasion.  Want a Martini?  How about an appropriately red one from Belvedere Vodka?  Or for a crowd of creatively attired guests, offer creative punch recipes from Nolet’s Gin (frequently voted...

October 17, 2019 – For anyone seeking to live an all-natural lifestyle, Belvedere Vodka offers the three guilt-free recipes below for making ultra-premium vodka cocktails using healthy ingredients already in your pantry. Candice Kumai who is known as the go-to girl for healthy eating and drinking, created these recipes exclusively...

October 15 , 2019 – Merlot has overcome the Sideways effect  and is back with a vengeance.  The main character in the 2004 hit movie, Miles, played by Paul Giamatti despised Merlot, vehemently threatening to leave a dinner date if anyone ordered Merlot.  His passion was Pinot Noir which immediately...

October…, 2019 – Martini fanciers have very strong views on how a martini should be made.  It starts with whether it should be made of gin or vodka and heats up from there.  But we’ve found a recipe that is sure to impress even the most stubborn Martini maven.  Its...

September 24, 2019 – The cult classic, Sideways, turns 15 on October 22 the date when it first hit the theaters in 2004.  And in the interest of never letting a reason to celebrate go to waste, the Santa Ynez Valley wine country is ready to welcome fans to Sideways...

September 19, 2019 – The Fall or Autumnal Equinox occurs on Monday, September 23 this year.  It marks the time when the length of the day and the length of the night are almost equal.  This occurs at 3:50 a.m. on the east coast or 12:50 a.m. on the west...

September 13, 2019 – Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has just released Grand Cru. This exclusive and elegant whisky has matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvée casks for up to six months. What exactly does...

September 6, 2019 – Jägermeister, the iconic and popular shot liqueur, is adding intense rich Arabica coffee and cacao to its 56 herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits to launch Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee. “Combining Jägermeister with coffee has been a fan favorite for years, so we wanted to perfect that...

September 29, 2019 --- Friends coming over for Labor Day?  Sometimes we just want to show off a bit, right?  We think the Venezuelan Colada below does just that.  Santa Teresa 1796 Rum is the base of this yummy cocktail.  And the secret is, as long as you have the...

August 25, 2019 – Right now you can purchase a limited edition 1.75 Svedka Vodka for your Labor Day bash that will decorate your bar cart or drinks table in eye-catching and festive red, white and blue – with a dash of gold – totally appropriate for the national holiday...

August 22, 2019 -- Drinking pink comes to summer reading with the publication of Hip, Hip Rosé,  a delightfully illustrated parody of a well-known children's story portraying Alice, passionate patron of the pink drink who, after a particularly happy, happy hour, finds herself in for a rouge awakening: The next...

August 21, 2019 – If Meiomi Pinot Noir is on your favorites list, then you can rejoice at the news that its creator, Joseph Wagner, has launched a new line of wines, including Pinot Noir, under the name of Böen.  Back in 2015 the industry was abuzz when Meiomi was purchased...

August 12, 2019 – Good news on two fronts: Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whisky Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whisky is back by popular demand at least for the month of August which, it turns out, is National Peach Month.  This super delicious offering from Crown Royal was a limited release...

August 11, 2019 – Calling all bourbon enthusiasts, hog and chopper zealots and denizens of the man cave start your engines!  Easy Rider Bourbon is back and even better. In 2018, Hood River Distillers acquired Easy Rider and have reintroduced the brand as Easy Rider Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  The distillery,...

August 8, 2019 – The Summer of 2019 is almost in the history books but it’s still hot and we’re still inviting friends to gather around pool and patio for a final fling.  We’ve got some great cocktail suggestions to carry you from now through Labor Day.  They’re new, different...

July 31, 2019 – Guinness, the storied Irish brewer is marking the first anniversary of the opening of its Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore this weekend and a super celebration is planned. Among the celebratory activities is daily live music at the brewery all week leading up to the anniversary,...

July 25. 2019 --- Well, Comic-Con is over and apparently so is The Walking Dead.  But fans can drown their sorrows in The Walking Dead Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey coming soon. The announcement was made at a sneak preview event at Comic-Con in San Diego last weekend.   For those...

July 17, 2019 -- The limited edition fourth iteration of Crown Royal’s Noble Collection is now available nationwide.   Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished used new oak casks sourced from the Voges region in France.  The tight grain of this oak helps to impart subtle flavors and...

Note: Last Friday was National Diquiri day and we apologize we missed the post date due to a minor technical issue. July 19, 2019 – It’s hot, you’re tired, but TGI Friday.  Not only that, it’s National Daiquiri Day.  Here’s a recipe (below) from Bacardi that’s so simple you don’t...

July 15, 2019 --- An unparalleled collection of wines and spirits that date as far back as 1796 are now on permanent display at The Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University in Union, N.J. Livingston and Kean Families The wines and spirits in this exhibition were collected by the Livingston...

June 10, 2019 – The Mojito is so popular that it has its own day for celebration -– Thursday, July 11 is National Mojito Day. The Mojito comes to us from Cuba and who better than Bacardi to offer a new take on this classic cocktail.  The latest addition to...

June 29, 2019 – Independence Day is such a fun holiday to kick back with friends, get the grill going and toast our great country with cooling drinks. Hosts want to enjoy the party too so we’ve come up four winning recipes, including dessert. Punch makes the drink scene super...

June 28, 2019 -- Tequila lovers and people with beautiful bars, this is your moment. Patrón, the ultra-premium tequila has gone super-ultra-premium with the release of Gran Patrón Smoky.  The bottle is so beautiful you absolutely have to have it and what a perfect gift for the third marriage of...

June 27, 2019 – The past week has been a very interesting and lively one for changes to long-standing laws concerning the sale and distribution of alcohol both in the U.S.A. and Canada.   Wisconsin   June 26, 2019 -- Did you know that in Wisconsin certain retailers were not...

June 20, 2019 – We know that wine labels sell wine so there’s a good chance the same can be said for beer.  We’ll admit to being suckers for Kona Brewing’s labels and the Gold Cliff IPA is no exception.  We want to be there! We were lucky enough to...

June 13, 2019 – Will the Napa Valley continue to flourish as the USA’s premier wine appellation or will the lure of big bucks from cannabis cultivation prove irresistible?  That is the question that promises heated debate between now and the March 2020 ballot. For A group known as the...

June 4, 2019 – The 39th Annual Auction Napa Valley raised nearly $12 million for nonprofit organizations that focus on health and children’s education.  Since 1981 when the first auction was held,  $185 million has been distributed to these good causes in the Napa Valley.  The wine industry, the hundreds...

April 30, 2019 -- Patrón Tequila announced the winner of the 2019 Margarita of the Year competition just in time for Cinco de Mayo.  This year May 5 falls on Sunday, so there’s time to work on mixology skills and be awesomely creative. The international competition, now in its fifth...

April 26, 2019 – For luxury brands, placement in a James Bond movie is worth buckets of money – Champagne buckets when the brand is Bollinger.  The UK Daily Mail reports that Bollinger Champagne is thought to have paid £10 million to be in the 25th Bond movie.  That’s $13,548,000...

April 17, 2019 – The debate over cork vs. other types of closures has been roiling the wine industry for about half a century.  And it still goes on.  A recent piece in Forbes by Thomas Pellechia described three separate tests in Europe and the U.S. illustrating that the jury...

April 5, 2019 –The 19th Century was regarded as the golden age of Irish whiskey and one of the most innovative distillers was George Roe. The Roe family began distilling whiskey in the 1700s, but it was George Roe in the mid-1800s who turned his family’s small distillery business into...

March 28, 2019 – Bulleit, one of the early contributors to the booming Rye Whiskey category, has released a limited edition ultra-premium straight whiskey matured to perfection in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of 12 years. Rye whiskey is the choice of bartenders around the world interested in...

March 22, 2019 –The hazy, lazy days of summer will happen, we promise, so be ready for some sweet sipping with Crown Royal Peach limited edition offering that’s in stores now. The addition of sweet, juicy Georgia peaches to Crown Royal’s signature smoothness and the result is delightful enjoyed on...

March 20, 2019 – Soon making a Margarita will be as easy as dropping a Keurig pod in a machine and pressing a button.  The two companies in the joint venture, Keurig Dr. Pepper and Anheuser-Busch InBev, tested the Drinkworks machine in the St. Louis market for four months and...

March 15, 2019 – Things with a green tinge are on the menu on St. Patrick’s Day and for a really festive touch from Smirnoff Ice, we’ve found a way to make shamrock ice cubes that won’t dilute your drink. (If you don’t have a shamrock shaped ice tray, just...

March 11, 2019 -- If beer is your go to beverage for celebrating, then make it a Guinness on March 17.  Black, creamy Guinness has been helping the Irish toast their patron saint since 1759 when Arthur Guinness founded the brewery.  According to the London Telegraph, as many as 13...

March 3, 2019 ---  It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, on March 17 everyone is Irish.  And to help you celebrate in style, Tullamore D.E.W.  Irish Whiskey has teamed up with IrishCentral to give you the name change you need to qualify as truly Irish for...

February 22, 2019 -- Imagine owning an entire AVA (American Viticultural Area) in one of the most scenic parts of California.  For $3.3 million, it can happen. Viticultural Area Located in Mendocino County, the 150-acre Cole Ranch has just come on the market.  It isn’t just a vineyard.  It has...

February 20, 2019 --- National Margarita Day is this Friday February 22 – which is better than when it happens during the workweek.  But we keep wondering who chose Freezing February to celebrate America’s favorite cocktail.  Perhaps the idea is that sipping a Margarita after shoveling the driveway will remind...

February 16, 2019 – Aerating wine is a trending passion for wine lovers.  For an industry obsessive about blocking oxygen from wine packaging, it might seem odd to be finding ways and spending money to add it back in.   That’s because a little oxygen enhances the flavor.  Operative word being...

February 8, 2019 – It’s time to get into gear for Valentine’s Day and if staying home and keeping warm is in your plans, make it memorable with a really great cocktail. Rum cocktails are among the best and Bacardi has teamed up with actor and filmmaker, Michael B. Jordan,...

February 8, 2019 – What happens when a Scotch whisky meets a cocktail-inspired ice cream maker?  You get a totally decadent new romance called Monkey Shoulder PB&J Old Fashioned Ice Cream - perfect for Valentine’s Day! Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky teamed up with Tipsy Scoop just in time for Valentine’s...

February 1, 2019 -- To celebrate Chinese New Year, The Macallan has unveiled the Lunar New Year Limited Edition Gift Box. The box includes two bottles of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old in beautiful packaging featuring a specially designed label for the Year of the Pig. Somewhere in...

January 30, 2019 – Next Tuesday, February 5 marks Chinese New Year also known as Lunar New Year throughout Asia.  It will usher in the Year of the Pig in the 12-year Chinese zodiac.  Like Western New Year, it is a time for celebration and new beginnings. Family get-togethers, special...

January 17, 2019 – The small country of Georgia, bounded on the north by Russia, on the south by Turkey and on the west by the Black Sea, is the cradle of wine.  Justifiably proud of their 8,000-year wine history, the country is now embarking on research to find a...

January 10 – Heineken’s new alcohol-free beer is shipping to stores across the country this week just as Dry January is getting a bit tedious.  With Heineken 0-0 you can satisfy that craving for a nice cold one and at the same time, keep your resolution.  Fantastic!  And if you...

January 7, 2019 --- A Danish man was trying to open a bottle of Champagne on New Year’s Eve by holding the bottle between his legs when it exploded.  A shard of glass cut an artery causing serious blood loss.  He was rushed to a hospital in Copenhagen where doctors...

January 4, 2019 --- The annual Zinfandel celebration is scheduled January 17 through 19 in San Francisco.  If you are a Zinophile then join a couple of thousand like-minded tasters and indulge your passion at ZinEX in the beautiful setting of San Francisco Bay where the temperature is probably warmer...

December 27, 2018 -- Bloody Mary recipes are a staple at Brunch and since January 1 is National Bloody Mary Day, no New Year's Brunch would be complete without them. If you are looking to up your game, these three recipes will fit the bill -- no resolution needed! Here...

December 26 – New Year’s Eve calls for a celebration and something bubbly is pretty much de rigueur.  But even after breaking the bank with Christmas gifts and entertainment, a great party is possible without going into debt. Ruffino Prosecco to the rescue!  At around $13.00 a bottle, this lovely,...

December 20, 2018 – We want to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  We hope you’ll watch this touching video “My Christmas Eve” and please share it with family and friends.  Have the tissues nearby!   Have a wonderful holiday season and please don’t drive...

December 18, 2018 – Eggnog has been around for centuries.  Food historians believe it got its start in Medieval times when a drink called “posset” made of hot milk, sugar and spices was enjoyed in the winter months.  The sugar was surely honey back in the day.  There is a...

December 6, 2018 – We’ve rounded up ideas from stocking stuffers to the expensively elegant and plenty in between.  These gift suggestions cover the gamut of relatives, friends, co-workers and the client you really need to thank for making another year a big success. Let’s start with the Stocking Stuffers...

November 20, 2018 – Delicato Family Vineyards is a California Winery that was named the USA Wine Producer of the Year at the 2018 International Wine & Spirit Competition Awards Banquet in London on November 14. Now in its 49th year, the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition remains more...

November 13, 2018 --- You either volunteered in a weak moment or you have been dragooned into supplying a dessert for Thanksgiving, or a holiday gathering of friends, or Christmas dinner, or ….. whatever it is, you are now panicking. But you can be a hero with a Ruffino Prosecco...

November 10, 2018 – As great as this time of year is, sometimes there’s an overload of pumpkin/spice/sugar flavored everything, including cocktails. Ready for something clean and refreshing? Ketel One Botanical to the rescue. We love these Botanicals, all three of them. The flavors are so fresh and clean and...

October 24, 2018 – Halloween brings out the kid in all of us and if we’re going to dress up, then let’s have Halloween cocktails to match!  We’ve rounded up some really fun recipes from Bacardi, Smirnoff and Svedka.  We’re told the Svedka cocktails are being served at Heidi Klum’s...

October 19, 2018 -- Smirnoff Vodka bottles featuring New York, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Seattle, Chicago and California are now available in those markets for a limited time. The regular 750 ml bottle is decorated with iconic skylines and images associated with a particular city or state and includes an “ode”...

October 4, 2018 – Her name is Carley Gaskin and she hails from Chicago.  She is the North American Winner of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) 12th Annual “Most Imaginative Bartender” Competition presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin.  The story of how she won this title and what she and...

September 28, 2018 – Remember that small island nation of 335,000 people with the Viking chant that made the cut in the World Series when we didn’t?  Yeah.  That island – Iceland.  Well, with National Vodka Day coming up on Thursday next week, we checked in with Rekya Vodka’s Brand Ambassador,...

September 21, 2018 – On Saturday, the sun will be directly over the Equator marking the Autumnal or Fall Equinox, so summon your inner Druid and mark the occasion with the appropriately named cocktail:  Star of Autumn. Most of us won’t make it to Stonehenge, the 5,000 year-old ring of...

September 20, 2018 – If you want to stay somewhere really cool in wine country, get ready for a different experience next summer at the Cass Winery in Paso Robles.  The new guest quarters will be made of shipping containers so it will be the sleek, “un-quaint” bed and breakfast...

September 12, 2018 – This football season be prepared to take water breaks.  Frequently.  Crown Royal, the Canadian whisky in the nifty purple bag, has launched a responsible drinking campaign, which they claim is the largest ever, and it probably is. If you watched the season opener last Thursday, you...

September 8, 2018 – Metallica’s recently launched Blackened American Whiskey has gone through an unusual aging process: The black brandy barrels have been subjected to low hertz sound waves from their “…And Justice for All” album.  The sound waves cause vibrations that allow the molecules of liquid in the barrel...

September 7, 2018 – National Coffee Day on September 29 calls for a Cup of Joe with pizzazz and there’s even a kit to help make it happen - the Cold Brewtini Kit! Reyka, the Icelandic Vodka, and La Colombe Coffee Roasters have created a marriage made in heaven for...

August 29, 2018 – Nobody wants to be a party pooper but for many reasons, some of us prefer to go easy on the booze.  We’ve found some Detoxwater recipes that look pretty, have plenty of flavor but fall into the “better for you” category. The cocktails below have no...

August 25, 2018 – Ketel One Botanicals are the solution to laboring less on Labor Day, summer’s unofficial end and casual entertaining’s big finale. There’s every reason to offer guests a simple, sophisticated Botanical and soda.  Let’s start with great fresh flavor whether you choose to serve any one of...

August 23, 2018 – Treasury Wine Estates which enlivened the purchase and enjoyment of wine with augmented reality  labels on 19 Crimes and other brands, is launching emBRAZEN, a trio of California wines honoring trailblazing women on August 26 which is Women’s Equality Day.  In case you’ve never heard of...

August 21, 2018 – About 18 months ago a breathless media opined that blue wine was the next big thing for summer 2018.  It didn’t happen, at least, not in this country, but blue wine is back causing a stir in France. Last Year Last year Gik from Spain and...

August, 15, 2018 – Tomorrow is National Rum Day.  Too bad it falls on a Thursday but rum makers won’t mind if you move your celebration to Friday and Saturday and Sunday.  We’ve gathered a group of recipes to make sure you have the perfect choice to enjoy this intriguing...

August 9, 2018 – Captain Morgan’s latest foray into the fruit and veg department is Apple Smash now available in stores just in time for National Rum Day on August 16. Apple Smash comes in the familiar round cannonball bottle this time in bright green scratch and sniff cladding.  And,...

August 8, 2018 – Red wine has an emoji.  Sparkling wine has an emoji.  Beer has two emojis.  Cocktails have a plethora of them.  But white wine has none.  How unfair is that? But we can change that and thanks to Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards, white wine is now on...

August 7, 2018 – Kona Beer suggests it’s time to do something different before the summer of 2018 becomes one for the history books.  About this time every year we see news items invoking the well-worn phrase about the “dog days of summer” and we know it’s something to do...

July 31, 2018 – It’s hot and steamy and you’re tired but TGIF!  Not only is it Friday but National Watermelon Day to boot.  Celebrating summer’s favorite cold, sweet, juicy fruit can cool you off just thinking about it. Watermelon is high in Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin A and Lycopene...

July 30, 2018 – Guinness, the iconic Irish brewer, will open a new brewery in Relay, Maryland this Friday, August 3.  It’s 64 years ago that Guinness closed its brewery in New York. The new facility known as the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House is located in a...

July 27, 2018 – A member of the family that owns the famous Australian wine brand, Yellow Tail, will be spending a couple of years in the Big House, according to the Brisbane Times.   Marcello Casella, described as a winemaker and businessman, changed his not guilty plea to guilty...

July 26, 2018 – Suddenly the Cosmo cocktail will have a whole new meaning.   Silver Screen Bottling Company is collaborating with CBS Consumer Products to market a luxury vodka blended with vodka that has traveled beyond Earth.   Named Ten-Forward Vodka, for the bar on the Starship Enterprise-D, each bottle...

July 19, 2018 -- Bulleit Bourbon is teaming up with four trailblazing artists and shaking up tattoo culture with the announcement of Bulleit™ Bourbon Tattoo Edition.  The collaboration marks the first time the frontier-inspired Bulleit bottle will be altered and each design is guaranteed to become highly collectible and a...

July 18, 2018 – A new rose pink gin has just been released nationally.  After much success in France and Spain, Bosford Rose Premium Gin & Strawberry Liqueur is set to capture the market’s desire for all things rosé. Strawberry and raspberry flavors are blended with the original Bosford London...

July 12, 2018 – New Wine Glass Design You Need to Know About - 1 Wine Glass Wine drinkers who fuss about the shape of the glass are not being pretentious.  They know that the shape of the glass affects the taste of the wine.  This is something you can...

July 10, 2018 – Jägermeister has just released Mini Meisters nationwide.  The 20 ml minis chill quickly and are perfect single shot serves that can be taken anywhere.  The 10-pack fits in the fridge and the serving size works well for cocktails or alongside a beer. Jägermeister Price: Jägermeister Mini...

July 6, 2018  - U.K. Running out of Beer There’s a heatwave, it’s the World Cup soccer quarter finals starting today, and the U.K. is running out of beer.  It’s unthinkable but true. The reason sounds even more preposterous:  There’s a shortage of carbon dioxide, you know the stuff that...

June 28, 2018 – Easy Cocktails for Fourth of July July 4 is a day to celebrate our Independence with family and friends and not stress out over cocktail concoctions, especially this year with our national holiday falling on a Wednesday.  So we’ve selected eight recipes that do not require...

June 24, 2018  -- Smirnoff Ice Launches Contest to Win Five-Day July 4 Weekend Has it dawned on you yet that the Fourth of July falls on Wednesday this year?  That means back to work on Thursday and Friday.  That’s a bummer, no two ways about it.  But Smirnoff Ice...

June 23, 2018 – Should Wine Bottles be Stored on Their Side? A scientist says storing wine on its side is a myth.  The scientist is Dr. Miguel Cabral, Director of R&D at Amorim, a huge cork supplier in Portugal. In a recent interview with Patrick Schmitt of the UK publication,...

 June 20, 2018 – Crown Royal Texas Mesquite – Let the Grilling Begin! Don’t mess with Texas unless you are Crown Royal which has just released a limited edition Texas Mesquite whisky to go with summertime grilling.  How did they do it?  They used locally sourced Texas mesquite wood to give...

June 12, 2018 – Reyka Vodka Wants U.S. World Cup Fans to Root for Iceland Since Team USA’s face plant in the World Cup playoffs, who are we going to root for?  Reyka Vodka suggests Iceland.  Let’s overlook the embarrassing fact that a tiny nation of 335,000 made the cut...

June 7, 2918 – Mark you calendar.  Sunday, June 17 is Father’s Day and if you feeling challenged in the gift-giving department, here are some helpful suggestions.  We’ve listed suggestions in price points ranging from an affordable $24.99 up to $170.00 and we picked out interesting bottles of domestic whiskey...

June 6, 2018 – Augmented Reality Sells Wine Are you one of the 1.3 million wine lovers who have downloaded the Living Wine Labels app from Treasury Wine Estates on your smartphone? If so, we can guess that you enjoy a glass of 19 Crimes Australian wine from time to...

  May 23, 2018  -- Smirnoff ‘s Splashy Patriotic Bottle for Red, White & Berry Vodka Looking for a way to include the good old red, white and blue on your bar for Memorial Day?  Then pick up Smirnoff’s vodka flavor of Red, White & Berry in an eye-catching red,...

May 29, 2018 – Campari Italy’s famous red aperitivo, joins forces once again with Imbibe Magazine  for the sixth annual Negroni Week June 4 – 10, 2018.  Bars, restaurants and retailers around the world will come together over the classic Negroni – an iconic mix of equal parts Campari, gin...

May 22, 2018 – Quick & Easy Memorial Day Cocktails Whether having friends over or just kicking back this Memorial Day weekend, a no-fuss cocktail is a great way to welcome the unofficial start of summer.  Here are four suggestions that require no mixology skills or a vast bar.  And...

May 21, 2018 – MANCAN Rosé Wine Made for Memorial Day. MANCAN has added a delightful rosé to its popular white, red and fizz wines in a can and it’s available for the start of summer celebrations this coming weekend. MANCAN launched in 2015 and was an immediate hit with...

May 20, 2018 --- A first ever line extension has just been released by Jägermeister.  Manifest is hitting the stores this week and like its parent, it bold, irreverent and in a class of its own. Super-Premium Manifest Jägermeister Manifest has slightly sweet notes of anise and dried fruit, which...

May 18, 2018 – Sam Adams Summer Ale is celebrating its 22nd year so they must be doing something right.  We like this ale.  It is mellow but it still has bright flavor, just not that bitter, sour taste that we’re not too fond of.  The company credits a special...

May 16, 2018 – Royal Wedding Cocktails Fit for a Marriage. The marriage of Meghan Markle to Prince Harry is a real life fairytale come true and Americans are justifiably very excited to watch one of their own marry her Prince Charming at Windsor Castle on Saturday.  Wall to wall...

May 11, 2018 – Enjoy smooth-as-hell spiced rum cocktails and top tier musical talent at military bases across the country this summer when Sailor Jerry partners with BaseFEST and USAA to raise money to support on-base family programs. The first concert starring Dustin Lynch will be at Fort Bliss (Army),...

May 6, 2018 – Cocktails for Mom!  Let’s wow Mom on her special day with a pretty pink cocktail, or one that is creamy white and delicious, or one that involves coffee in a fashionable espresso shade.  We’ve got choices. The Strawberry Mamie Taylor has a wonderful history.  It dates...

May 2, 2018 – Two bottles of The Macallan 1926 recently sold for $600,000 each which makes Patrón en Lalique: Serie 2 and Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old look like absolute bargains. Peter Blake and Valerio Adami (PRNewsfoto/Le Clos) The Macallan 1926 The two bottles are extremely rare....

April  30, 2018 – Next Saturday May 5 two of the biggest celebrations of the spring will happen on the same day:  Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby -  The stars will not align like this again until 2029. Of course we went in search of a cocktail that...

April 20, 2018 – When is Prosecco really Prosecco? That’s the question that has Aussie winemakers and Italian winemakers shouting “Basta!“ at each other. Like so many things in the wine world, the prosecco question is complicated and it has become a major issue between the governments of Australia and...