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Buying wine in the United States used to be a big deal, something almost ceremonial and definitely out of the ordinary. One of the major reasons that consumption’s reached a new height of popularity in the past decade is that we’ve finally overcome the idea of wine as a “special... Read More

Sounds like Jim Koch knows what he’s talking about, doesn’t it? The “lunatic fringe of brewing” indeed. Utopias sounds like an insane concept: a unique gold-tone bottle shaped like a brewing vessel, a beer that’s 5O proof and practically flat, blended from several batches of beers aged for different periods,... Read More

We don’t need it, but it certainly enriches our lives when used in moderation. Be it a can of Budweiser while out fishing or the reward of a well-aged barleywine to cap a family celebration, beer lets us know that we are not simply automatons seeking the barest wares of... Read More

Among the loveliest of wines, Burgundy can be understood and purchased wisely only by close contact and tasting. There is no better way – no more foolproof way – of accomplishing this than by visiting the source, all the more important now that fine Burgundies have become luxuries. So I... Read More

THE IMPORTS Jagemeister’s brownish red pulls in major green. The number one import, again, Jagermeister grew almost 28% in 2OO5. Amanda Lechner, Marketing Brand Manager of Jagermeister for The Sidney Frank Company, chalks the success of Jagermeister up to several things. “Perseverance over the years as well as innovation and... Read More

TIFFANY TAYLOR • 35 • Wine Director & Restaurant Manager • Rialto Restaurant, Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA Even the elegant places suffer stressful moments; Rialto, the Charles Hotel’s flagship destination dining room – since its 1994 opening the bailiwick of award-winning Chef Jody Adams – has weathered wintry changes. Restaurateuse... Read More

So you’ve finally decided to get serious about collecting wine. The idea of having a cellar is certainly an enticing one – especially to your significant other who wants the cases of wine stacked all over the place put away somewhere. Like any real estate agent will tell you: location,... Read More

Where status formerly was the overall driving force behind product selection, some industry observers say the “Me” factor has gained considerable clout. That is, more consumers appear to be wondering, “How well-made is this, how enjoyable will it be, and how will it make me feel?” instead of how good... Read More

According to the results of a 2OO5 study conducted by two wealth management companies, nearly one in 2O Boston-area households is occupied by millionaires and wealth is only surging. Add that to the fact that new super-premium products are unveiled each year – limited edition scotches, anniversary cognacs, boutique aged... Read More