Spirits Vodka rum Whiskey Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey has experienced somewhat of a renaissance in recent years and while it is undeniably linked to St Patrick's Day celebrations across America, the reality is that Irish whiskey distillers are working hard to innovate and change the perception of their craft as simply a seasonal libation. We are particularly impressed with the aging process delivered by Glendalough Double Barrel since it takes a classic Irish whiskey but then let's it age in American oak Bourbon barrels and finish in Spanish oak Oloroso Sherry barrels for that ultimate sense of refinement that defines this unique expression of Ireland's treasured spirit.

Looking for some perfect drinks to cool down this summer? Our friends at Ketel One and Zacapa have some suggestions for the perfect summertime cocktails...

The Humboldt Distillery is located in Humboldt County, California and makes several spirits, including vodka and rum, that appeal to those with a more humble(dt) preference. We tried Humboldt’s Finest vodka as well as the organic small batch vodka they make. Both are excellent. Our preference in sipping is perhaps with the organic small batch, but it’s a close race. For mixers, Humbdoldt’s Finest is a great one.

Happy Scotch Day everybody! Even though Scotch is better known as a sipping spirit, it's exciting to see more and more mixologists breaking with convention and creating new experiences for our pallets like this Tartan Collins by Jordan Felix of Portland, Oregon featuring Laphroaig Select.

 Cutwater Spirits is one of my favorite distillers and Bali Hai is one of my absolute favorite brunch spots in San Diego... plus they make the most wickedly awesome Mai Tai this side of Hawaii. The folks at Cutwater Spirits came out of Ballas Point Brewing and are one of the most exciting success stories in San Diego for not only innovation with creating excellent beer and then spirits but also truly understanding marketing and hospitality. Here are some of their Tiki Drink Recipes featuring Bali Hai Rum!

In honor of Mexican Independence Day, I'm sharing a tasty little recipe from Zinum Mezcal for their Basil Margarita!

Everyone should have a neighborhood bar. It's one of those places that can be a home away from home where the bartenders welcome you warmly when you enter the door and you feel comfortable before you even have a chance to order a drink. That's what San Diego's The Whiskey House is to me, so when I got the opportunity to join them for a Glenfiddich tasting a few weeks ago I jumped at the opportunity. Then I discovered that they were opening a $4,000 bottle of Glenfiddich 40 year and I cleared my schedule for the rest of the evening!

Making a classic cocktail is a skill that will impress your guests at a party, but sometimes that can prove to be challenging to get things "just right". Here's a way to cheat a bit and make some classic drinks such as an Old Fashioned or a Boulevardier quick and easy.

Wolf Spirit distillery based in Eugene, Oregon is quickly becoming one of my favorite spirits producers due to their innovative assortment of fine spirits brands that connect deeply with a sense of heritage, history, and culture that allow them to integrate easily into any man's collection. For me anyhow, there are spirits I have and need to blend different drinks... and then there are ones like Puncher's Chance Bourbon and indeed Bosscal Mezcal (also by Wolf Spirits) that exist to create conversations around and will be featured on the shelf of my bar for people to see, while others will be stored in my liquor cabinet hidden from sight.

This premium brand is unveiling a collection of delectable cocktails, perfect for celebrating the season. The Cantera Negra portfolio, including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Café, stands out with no additives (except in the Café) and aging that exceeds the standard for Reposado and Añejo.

 National Rum Day is coming up and so we've put together a roundup of recipes paired with hotels and resorts around the world. These picks range from daiquiri's in Key West to Rum Punch in Belize and so we're looking forward to being transported to these amazing locals virtually right now while we wait for the pandemic to recede again.

I'm a huge fan of cocktails, but as much as I love pushing the envelope with fancy bitters and exotic alcohol - nothing beats the pure simplicity of a classic Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Last month I spent some time in Vegas Las Vegas (where I sampled many many Old Fashioned derivatives). I realized that there was really no reason why you had to stick with tradition. Old Fashioned Or Manhattan might be the name... but really, there's no reason why you can't swap bourbon for rye or even cachaca!

Who's ready to celebrate National Rum Day? Here's some awesome rum cocktail recipes from Zaya Rum!

We all know bourbon and rye work great with cocktails, but Irish whiskey is a hidden gem that most people don't fully appreciate. However, it's sweeter, smoother nature compared to other whiskey cousins offers a fantastic opportunity to mix it up into some delicious creations. The folks over at Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey seem to agree since they sent over some fantastic recipes for us to share with you guys!

Vodka is one of those spirits that moves easily among the seasons. It’s versatile, making for cool cocktails during warmer months, while effortlessly accepting spicy flavors over many a chilly evening.

We're excited to see some new options from one of our favorite vodka company - CIROC when it comes to canned cocktails. Don't worry though... they haven't abandoned the "pour it yourself" variety of cocktails either. Which of these is going to be on your table for Memorial Day weekend parties?

We were recently sent a sample bottle of Dos Hombres new Espadin Mezcal. Mezcal is a less abrasive form of tequila for those not in the know. For people like myself, who aren’t straight tequila fans, it’s a more palatable option with less sugar in the taste and more smoothness to the pull. 

Ok guys, I've shared some easy recipes here in the past and there's something to be said for a cocktail recipe that can be shared in 3-4 lines. However, sometimes it's good to try something a little more advanced and that's what I have to share with you today from our friends at Basil Hayden's, part of the Beam Small Batch Collection.