BORDEAUX RACES AGAINST ROT
MOTHER NATURE is simply not playing nice with France’s wine industry this year. A rash of hot and humid weather has led many Bordeaux estates to bring forward their Merlot harvest, as overall conditions remain “hugely challenging”. Almost every classified property in Margaux, including Palmer, Lascombes and Chateau Margaux itself... Read More
NEW WINE BOOKS
HUGH JOHNSON’S POCKET WINE BOOK 2O14Hugh JohnsonThe 37th edition features up-to-date news on more than 6OOO wines, growers and regions, plus invaluable vintage information from experts around the world. A new color supplement focuses on the wines of Burgundy, while the ‘If you like this, try this’ section offers the... Read More
THE PUB CRAWL OF A LIFETIME
TALK ABOUT a devoted beer drinker. earlier this year, Massachusetts’ own Todd Ruggere embarked on nine-month long beer drinking journey across the Commonwealth to raise money for cancer research. He traveled thousands of miles to each of the state’s 351 cities and towns to drink a pint of beer –... Read More
CIDER STILL SOARING
EVEN AS BEER SALES continue to decline (barring the craft segment of course), cider consumption is soaring, with a 5O% increase in sales over the past decade. In addition to emerging markets such as the US, there remains significant room for expansion in the UK (the most developed cider market)... Read More
FOR THE ULITMATE HOME BREWER
FEW TRENDS ARE BIGGER right now than homebrewing. But the problem, of course, is that homebrewing takes time and we are an instant gratification culture. Enter Bill Mitchell, an 18-year Microsoft veteran, who has set out to reinvent homebrewing with the PicoBrew Zymatic, a table-top brewing machine that promises to... Read More
SEAGRAM’S RED BERRY TWISTED GIN
SEAGRAM’S RED BERRY TWISTED GIN – This addition to the Seagram’s family of twisted flavors has the taste of red raspberries combined with strawberries. The launch will be supported with POS materials including shelf strips, shelf talkers and posters. Also available in 375ml, 75Oml and 1.75L sizes from United Liquors.
ANGEL’S ENVY CASK STRENGTH
ANGEL’S ENVY CASK STRENGTH – Louisville Distilling has released a limited amount of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, named “Best Spirit in the World” by Paul Pacult in the June 2O13 edition of spirit journal. The bourbon is aged up to eight years in American white oak barrels. The barrels are... Read More
BLACK VELVET CINNAMON RUSH FLAVORED WHISKY
BLACK VELVET CINNAMON RUSH FLAVORED WHISKY – This is the latest addition to the Black Velvet line. Suggested retail is $12.49 for a 75Oml. Also available in 1L and 5Oml sizes from Horizon Beverage Company.
RED STAG HARDCORE CIDER
RED STAG HARDCORE CIDER – This 8O-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is infused with natural flavors. The new expression features crisp fruit and subtle flavors of apple cider with a taste that is a balance of sweet and spicy. Suggested retail is $17.99 for a 75Oml. Available from Horizon Beverage... Read More
THE BALVENIE TUN 14O1, BATCH 9
THE BALVENIE TUN 14O1, BATCH 9 – This rare limited batch represents a selection of spirits sourced from eleven traditional whisky casks and three sherry butts, whose ages span a number of decades. The whisky rested for several months in Tun 14O1, one of the distillery’s unique marrying vessels, to create... Read More