In The Spotlight

1. How to measure in 'parts'

   Drinks Wire
   

   Normal people measure things in ounces, cups, tablespoons and other recognizable increments. Cocktail people often use "parts" instead, which puts the recipe in the form of a ratio. A part can be any type of measurement. All you have to do is assign a measurement increment to be a part—for example, one part equals one ounce—then ...Read More

2. Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs. Chivas Regal 18

   Drinks Wire
   

   We were recently asked to taste two amazing whiskies head to head, Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs. Chivas Regal 18. Chivas Regal 18 Chivas Regal 18 includes over 20 of Scotland’s rarest single malt whiskies Quite strong on the nose with a slight oakyness. The color is a rich dark amber. On the tongue Chivas 18 is smooth, fruity and ...Read More

3. Cullen Cocktails: Toast To Twilight!

   Drinks Wire
   

   Midnight on November 18th marks the long-awaited premier of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part I. For those of you who haven't guessed, I have a bit of a vampire fetish. I will admit that I watch True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. I even loved that canceled series Moonlight. And, yes, I really ...Read More

4. Black Vodka for Halloween Cocktails

   Drinks Wire
   

   Mixing a Halloween cocktail that looks dark and sinister without the aid of sweet additives like grape gelatin is a challenge. Enter black vodka. You won't find American black vodka, because US government regulations say domestic distillers can't call a spirit vodka unless it is "without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color." Other countries aren't ...Read More

5. Highland Park 1968 Review

   Drinks Wire
   

   I was recently summoned to Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco’s Tenderloin to celebrate the debut of a very special Scotch whisky, Highland Park 1968. This 40 year-old single malt is the first in their Orcadian Limited Edition Series. To be released over the next 5 years, each bottling will consist of just 8 casks ...Read More