I love apéritif wines. Byrrh, Lillet, Dubonnet, Cocchi, you name 'em, I'll drink 'em. These complex, Continental concoctions are wonderful on their own -- or with a wedge of citrus and some soda, a universal truth of drinking -- but sipping a tall, cold glass of quinine-tinged wine on a lazy afternoon sometimes feels just... Continue Reading →
Spring has arrived in Georgia, bringing with it the usual crop of weather conditions: wild fluctuations in temperature -- both morning-to-night and day-to-day -- tornadoes, rain, and exclamations from coastal Georgians and Floridians that run along the lines of, "Snow? In March? What!? Help me!!" (This is the Piedmont -- it happens every year. It... Continue Reading →
Here in the U.S. we now have access to a growing number of European spirits and liqueurs that, until now, were rarely seen on these shores: Carpano Antica and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Zucca, Bonal Gentiane-Quina, Cocchi Americano, and Suze, to name a few of them. Then there are the numerous Italian amari and Fernets... Continue Reading →
Almost time for the second meeting of the Heron Social Club! This time our crew of cocktailians will be focusing on drinks made with bourbon and rye whiskey. Neighbor Dave G. and I spent an evening testing out a few drinks, narrowing down the choices to the following (in the order that they'll be mixed):... Continue Reading →
The next meting of the Heron Social Club approaches! The theme? Bourbon and Rye. When you're looking at base spirits, whiskey is arguably right up there with gin, a well-established spirituous foundation on which rests a large family of cocktails. Choosing a whiskey can, however, become quite a dilemma, as each variety of this spirit... Continue Reading →
Mixology Monday! After missing the second post in August (thanks, Las Vegas, but I forgive you because of the Vesper), I'm back and ready to mix! As usual, take a look at the MxMo site if you're not familiar with the monthly gathering. The host this time ’round is Lindsay over at Alcohol Alchemy. The theme? "Local Color,"... Continue Reading →
Well, as usual, I'm getting impatient. Fall is entirely too far away; it's fresh, cool air and brightly colored leaves, which contrast with the oh-so-necessary crystal-clear blue sky, make it my favorite season. There should be a faint hint of woodsmoke in the air and a jacket over your arm. Curiously enough, what you'd like to... Continue Reading →
Yes, it's time for Part Two of the Southwest Booze Roundup: Yeeeeeee-haawwwwww!! Sorry. This second offering comes from the High West Distillery, located in Park City, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City. No, Matt, Jack, and I didn't manage to make it that far North. We spent our time in and around Bryce Canyon... Continue Reading →
Yesterday Dad & I headed southwest to visit the Yahara Bay distillery, one of two craft micro-distilleries in town. It is truly and mom & pop operation, with maybe half a dozen people working there at a time. We were the first to stop by for the day (yes, I sampled some booze at 10... Continue Reading →
Tempered Spirits 