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Malibu Introduces Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Malibu announced the February debut of its newest addition to the Malibu Sensations portfolio, Malibu Pineapple Upside Down Cake. The indulgent treat can be shared over casual connections with friends or during a relaxed night out in shots, mixed with fruit juices or blended with ice cream. “We are very...
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Berkshire Brewing Company to Distribute Ciders of Spain

BBC Distributing announced that effective January 25, the entire Cider of Spain portfolio will be available to its customers in Massachusetts. With ciders mostly from the Asturias region in northwest Spain where the cider culture dates back to Roman Times, these exemplify some of the most prized ciders in the...
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A VISIT FROM MALBECISTAN

When I began writing about wine in the 197Os, few and odd were Argentine wines in this market. In recent years, however, Argentina, riding on the shoulders of Malbec, has become a world wine power. Many of its wines are very good, especially with famed Argentine or other beef, yet,...
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Zind-Humbrecht

It’s amazing how unknown the wines of Alsace remain throughout the United States.  Of all of France’s classic districts, these cool climate northern wines are among the most consistent in quality, especially in the context of their compatibility with seafood.  They’re also remarkably easy to understand because, unlike most French...
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Profile: Michael Gillen

MICHAEL GILLEN63 • Wine Buyer/Wine DirectorBusa Wine & Spirits, Salem THERE’S A PATTERN, a ring to this series of once-well-known restaurants for Greater Boston wine-lovers.  Michael Gillen, the man behind that name, is still a hardworking, forthright, practical guy.  Passionate about wine.  Devoted Francophile, now with family connections.  Funny, quick,...
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HOW RESVERATROL WORKS

Scientific evidence has been accruing for nearly half a century supporting the healthfulness of wine in moderate doses. Initially, population (epidemiologic) studies endorsed folk experience. Then ethyl alcohol, contained in common with other beverages, was deemed to supply a major share of the health benefits. But both strengthening some of...
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THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Marty Siegal, the owner of Marty’s in Newtonville, has been working in liquor retail for 44 years. (“We’ll make that from when I turned 21, let’s keep this legal,” he told me, adding that he got married that same year.) The family’s liquor business dates from 1948, when Marty’s grandfather...
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A DRINK WITH ALEXEI BERATIS

If you’ve been in this industry awhile, you’ve likely been served a drink by Alexei Beratis.  From behind the bar to behind the scene of some of Boston’s hottest bars and restaurants, Beratis now divides his time between beverage consulting(he owns Of the Spirits Beverage Consulting) and running the newly...
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ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: THE ROSITA

We LUPEC ladies love agave spirits – and few things beat a good margarita.  Every once in a while, though, it’s nice to have your tequila strong and stirred. The Rosita is a perfect solution.  Made with tequila, Campari, sweet and dry vermouth, it’s an aperitif reminiscent of the Negroni...
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WINES OF THE VOLCANO

SANTORINI Now a much desired destination and source of estimable wines, Santorini is defined by volcanic and seismic upheavals. What is today a small archipelago among Greece’s Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea are remnants of the rim of an enormous ancient volcano surrounding the submerged former caldera, eight by...
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