Nick Strangeway on Absolut Craft Herbaceous Lemon

We recently met bartender Nick Strageway at San Francisco’s Tick Dog to learn about his new line of all natural vodkas, Absolut Craft. Created by a master bartender, Absolut Craft was made specifically for bartending pros.

In the video below, Strangeway discusses the process of creating the Herbaceous Lemon, which contains no lemon at all. Rather, the vodka is made using a combination of lemon myrtle, lemon thyme, lemongrass and other other flavors that are … Read more

Madison Craft Beer Week 2013

The third annual Madison Craft Beer Week hosts more than 100 events celebrating craft beer in and around Madison, Wisconsin.
 
Madison Craft Beer Week runs from Friday May 3 through Sunday May 12, 2013 and features a wide variety of events highlighting Dane County’s vibrant craft beer culture. MCBW 2013 will feature beer dinners, festivals, rare bottle tastings, cheese pairings, brewery tours, classes, movies, Friday Fish Fries, and more – there is truly something for … Read more

The Perfect Drink For Every Occasion – Literary Monday

If you are always looking for the perfect drink for any occasion, then this little book is the one for you.  In The Perfect Drink For Every Occasion, the author will help you find drinks to help with the problems in your life, drinks that will impress a myriad of people and drinks for major life events.  I was particularly fond of the categories entitled Marriage, Second Marriage and Third Marriage and Up.  For the … Read more

Highland Park Loki Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Loki, is the second bottling in Highland Park’s Valhalla series. This limited edition single malt scotch is named for Loki, the Norse God of mischief or fire or both. He may not even be a full God, his status has been debated for many years. He is also a shape-shifter, for all you True Blood fans.  What does this have to do with Whisky?

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says,

“While everyone will recognize … Read more

Mama Walker’s Breakfast Inspired Liqueurs Review

New from Pernod Ricard comes Mama Walker’s, a new line of breakfast inspired liqueurs.

“Mama Walker’s delights with home-style, made-from scratch goodness in flavors consumers want,” said Juli Falkoff, Brand Director for Mama Walker’s, Pernod Ricard USA. “Breakfast isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Consumers are more and more adventurous, seeking flavors across a variety of categories,” Falkoff added. “Comfort food, sweet & savory flavor combinations and retro-inspired flavors are among three of the hottest trends … Read more

Making Sense of Wine – Literary Monday

Matt Kramer is a nationally renowned wine writer who has been writing and teaching people about wine since 1976.  He brings an incredible amount of experience and expertise to the subject.  In his first book Making Sense of Wine, Mr. Kramer puts this knowledge to good use.  He covers a wide array of topics from how wine is made, stored and consumed.  The information contained in these chapters is invaluable, regardless of whether you are … Read more

Doolittle Raiders to Enjoy 1896 Hennessy Cognac

We recently read about the final reunion of the Doolittle Raiders who were celebrating the 71st anniversary of their attack on Japan.  The Doolittle Raiders were 80 brave men who launched an attack on mainland Japan from an aircraft carrier in retaliation for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.  Not only did these brave men lift the spirit of a nation recovering from Pearl Harbor, they managed to survive a virtual suicide mission.  Launching from an … Read more

Shellback Silver Rum Review

Shellback Rum is a new offering from Grande Antilles Cane Spirits (Gallo). 

A mid-range offering, Shellback Silver and Spiced versions. Made at the famed West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, Shellback Silver Rum is made using a combination of pot and column still distillates that are then blended together.  The resulting rum, is smooth and fruity. It makes a killer base for rum punch. 

Appearance: Clear with viscus legs

Nose: Clean, youthful with medium notes … Read more

Shellback Spiced Rum Review

New on the rum scene is Shellback Rum from the folks in Modesto, Grande Antilles Cane Spirits (Gallo). No, it is not produced in Modesto, the rum is made at the famed West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados.

A mid-range offering, Shellback comes in both Silver and Spiced versions. Shellback Spiced is made in a combo of pot and column stills and then  aged 12 months in former Bourbon barrels.

Appearance: Clear, medium amber with … Read more

Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails – Literary Monday

Many, many moons ago, and not too long after we started DOTW (and before the recent cocktail revolution), we made a journey to Paris.  We were excited to try the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz (where we were turned away for not being dressed nice enough) and even more excited to try Harry’s Bar.  I am a huge fan of the Sidecar.  I have written many times of my love for that drink.  It has … Read more