WELCOME TO SPRITZ LIFE
by KIRSTEN AMANN Today, the spritz is one of Italy’s greatest exports, an iconic drink in its homeland and one of the ten most ordered drinks in the United States. How did we get here, and more importantly, what can it do for us in Massachusetts? WATER INTO WINE In... Read More
A SIP OF LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS
by ANDY CROUCH As the United States begins to emerge from quarantine related to the coronavirus, beer industry stalwarts are busy discussing what the future will hold for the category. From board rooms to bar rooms across the country, everyone from chief executive officers to bar backs is wondering how... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: GORGEOUS GARNISH
by PINK LADY Spring tends to come in fits and starts here in New England, but the best way to show mother nature we are ready for her is to get into the spirit with what’s in your cocktail glass. I am pleased to introduce one of the simplest ways... Read More
MORE PREPARATION FOR SUMMER-VINHO VERDE
by HARVEY FINKEL During the forthcoming summer we shall be seeking wines that are white and light in body and alcohol, that evoke citrus, and that have preserved enlivening acidity, perhaps a bit of an added tingle too. In the last issue in this space we sampled Txakoli, which fulfilled... Read More
PANDEMIC PIVOTS THAT ARE HERE TO STAY
by KIRSTEN AMANN Nothing could have prepared restaurateurs and retailers across the state for the disruption the COVID19 pandemic would cause to their businesses. “I had 2O years of knowledge and experience in this industry rendered more or less useless literally overnight,” says owner-operator Lauren Friel of Rebel Rebel wine... Read More
PREPARING FOR SUMMER-APPETIZING TXAKOLI
by HARVEY FINKEL Grapes grown cool make wines for the hot days of summer. We want to drink dry wines light in body and alcohol that have retained lively acidity with our summer seafood and other dishes that lie lightly. Such wines are hard to grow in Basque Country (Pais... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH-THE ALEXANDER
by PINK LADY Sweet-toothed tipplers have no shortage of options in today’s beverage world. From candy-flavored vodkas to cinnamon and peanut butter “whiskies” to creamy liqueurs, the list goes on. To try a silky sweet dessert drink from a bygone era, we suggest reviving the Alexander Cocktail. You’ve probably heard... Read More
HERALDING A NEW ERA OF LAGER
by ANDY CCROUCH Craft beer fans, myself included, have long been heralding a new era of lager. We have preached the gospel of quality lager. We have proselytized the charms and character of pilsners, bocks, and dunkels. We have through sheer force of will tried to make lager a thing.... Read More
AN ELEPHANT AND A SHREW WALK INTO A BAR . . .
by HARVEY FINKEL, MD Tales have long been told of creatures of the wild encountering alcohol, with varying consequences. Perhaps most evocative is the apparently authentic story of the herd of wild elephants that crashed a brewery, consumed its great-tasting, less-filling product, and went on a rampage. African elephants have... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH – THE LADY REBEL COCKTAIL
by PINK LADY St. Patrick’s Day gets the lion’s share of cocktailing attention in the U.S. in March, but have you heard of International Women’s Day? It’s March 8th, which means you can A) raise a glass to badass women in your life and in general and B) get your... Read More