The market for Pisco hasn’t been this good in the United States since prohibition started. Unfortunately for Pisco, prohibition all but killed Pisco (and Pisco cocktails) in the United States. Fortunately, Pisco has been making a strong comeback over the last decade One of the newest entrants, Pisco Portón is being brought to the market by the Hacienda La Carvedo, the oldest continuous operating distillery in the Americas, which has been in operation since 1684 … Read more

With the Kentucky Derby coming up, thoughts are turning to the mint julep. This cocktail has been the signature drink of Churchill Downs since 1938, when they started serving the mint julep in souvenir glasses for 75 cents each.

If you don’t think the word “julep” sounds particularly Southern, you’re right. The cocktail, known as “julab,” originated in Arabia centuries ago. Eventually, it made its way to the US — with little changes along the … Read more

The Corzo Tequila (Tequila Silver) arrived in a fantastically attractive bottle—minimalism at its best. Carzo hired a famous French designer that modeled the bottle after modern Mexican buildings. The end result is a unique bottle, a tall, rectangular bottle with a square angular spout that would look great in any bar. Being a fan of modern architecture and minimalism (striving for something I will never achieve is my best guess), I immediately set about researching … Read more

I’m way past being fashionably late but I hear it’s better late than never. And I can’t NOT brag about the fabulous 14th Annual Beautiful People Party hosted by Absolut Wild Tea and Paper Magazine I was so lucky to score an invite to. I mean who could pass on a party performed Duran Duran and let me know they were “Hungry Like a Wolf” and that I was living in an “Ordinary World”?

I … Read more

Lunazul Tequila is a smooth, 100% blue agave tequila that tastes more expensive than it is.

Lunzaul Blanco

In general, the blanco variety of tequila can sometimes be too harsh, if not done well. However, Lunazul Blanco is very smooth while still possessing a little heat.

It has a strong agave nose (which is a good thing) with a hint of fruitiness. There’s a mild floral taste accompanied by a hint of pepper and citrus. … Read more

Learning to love a mysterious Italian bitter
By Carly Wray

This article originally appeared in TheSpir.it

There’s a fairy tale quality to fernet — we’re talking Brothers Grimm here, not Walt Disney. Alone in a glass, the cola-brown spirit conjures the woods and strange roots dealt by witches; there are medicinal notes, too, but of the sort bought in burlap and taken on faith.

A magical series of things happens when you do a shot … Read more

Holland’s Nolet Family, makers of Ketel One Vodka, recently introduced a line new gin to America. The Nolet’s are no stranger to gin, having made the spirit since 1691 in their Schiedam, Holland distillery. The line, know as Nolet’s Finest comes in a Silver, geared for cocktails, and a Reserve, which is meant for sipping.

The gin base for Nolet’s Silver is distilled over select gin botanicals using small copper pot stills. The gin’s botanicals … Read more

We recently attended a special event held by our friends at Nirvino where Tres Agave Tequila Ambassador Eric Ruben demonstrated the the fine art of the perfect margarita.  Eric keeps his Margaritas simple: 2 parts tequila, 1 part agave, and 1 part lime juice. Shaken and served on the rocks.

Tres Agave Tequila comes to us from the San Francisco Tequila Bar of the same name. The Company produces their own 100% agave tequila as … Read more

Giorgio G is fashion icon Giorgio Gucci’s foray into cognac. The distribution company, Emperor’s Brand, sent a sample of the Premier Cru Special Limited Edition, which is aged over 50 years. This was one of those situations where the small sample bottle left me wanting more.

The name implies it’s luxury liquor, but the taste confirms it. Made from Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne area, it has a deep gold color and gentle … Read more

Macallan’s Amber liqueur is so good that it’s worth sharing–even though it’s hard to find since they stopped making it. It’s a single-malt scotch liqueur with maple and pecan flavors. NOTCOT gave us some to try, and if you’re curious there are sources online for procuring a bottle. It smells like scotch and maple syrup! Have I built up enough of a demand and air of mystery?

The light smokiness of the scotch pairs perfectly … Read more