SPANISH VERVE
by Harvey Finkel WHEN ENVISIONING Spanish wines, we picture ripe reds grown on high, dry, hot Mediterranean land. But today, we shall consider a most uncharacteristic wine of Spain, yet a worthy one, that is white, aromatic, and crisp with enticing acidity, a wine that is often floral or suggestive... Read More
THE ALASKA
PINK LADY’S ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH THE ALASKA from The Savoy Cocktail Book VODKA COCKTAILS are so ubiquitous on modern cocktail lists, it’s nearly impossible to imagine a time when you couldn’t have ordered one from your favorite barkeep. Pre-Prohibition, an era we often reference as the Golden Age... Read More
WINE FOR CATS . . . IT’S A THING
THIS TAKES spending time with your cat to a whole new level. To be clear, it’s non-alcoholic wine but your feline friends can now sip on a little Pinot Meow or MosCATo while you enjoy your glass of Chardonnay. Produced by Denver-based Apollo Peak, the drinks are actually made with... Read More
Beaujolais Crus ravaged
THEY ARE NOT celebrating in Beaujolais these days. Parts of the wine region have been damaged by bad weather. One month after a first episode of hail, northern Beaujolais was hit by another hail storm and rain in late June. Mélina Condy, from wine body Inter-Beaujolais, said “3OOO hectares or... Read More
A $6 BEST IN SHOW WINE
IT JUST GOES to show you that good wine doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Or even $1O for that matter. A Chilean wine sold exclusively at British supermarket chain, Asda, a subsidiary of Wal-Mart, was recently awarded a platinum “Best in Show” medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards.... Read More
ROSE ROUNDUP
by Sandy Block, MW FOR THE LAST few years rosé has been sizzling hot on the US market. In this regard, we are catching up with our European brethren, who have long consumed Rosés both before and with meals. In reality, a little known fact, the French actually drink more... Read More
SOUR BEERS
by Andy Crouch THE RISING popularity of sour beer both exemplifies the strength of the craft beer industry and signals how far the United States has come since the time of light lager’s dominance. Aromas of earthy farmhouse funk, acrid smoked ham and sausage, or spicy rye bread are not... Read More
THE GYPSY QUEEN
by Pink Lady VODKA COCKTAILS are so ubiquitous on modern drink lists, it’s nearly impossible to imagine a time when you couldn’t have ordered one from your favorite barkeep. Pre-Prohibition, an era we often reference as the Golden Age of Cocktails, was that time. The spirit was available in the... Read More
BRAVO SPUMANTE!
by Harvey Finkel THERE IS NO GAINSAYING the nearly unrivaled keen elegant edge of Champagne, though some seek other vinous pleasures and less fiscal challenge in their sparkling wines. Fruitiness, floweriness, softness, and aromaticity are not characteristic of Champagne, but may be found elsewhere. The risk is the cheap shot... Read More
HOMEMADE BEER SYSTEM
AT-HOME SODA KIT maker Sodastream announced the launch of its inevitable line-extension, the “Beer Bar”. Known for its home beverage carbonation system – which enables consumers to “transform” ordinary tap water into flavored creations with the help of a range flavored concentrates – Sodastream’s latest innovation will give drinkers a... Read More