Somm Blog
Spirits
March 14 • Distillers
A Whiskey for St Patrick’s Day
Which Irish whiskey to choose for St Patrick's Day? For personal reasons our writer chooses something from the Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland.
March 05 • Armagnac
French Brandy and Cognac 101
French brandy, cognac, and armagnac: all you need to know to tell the difference between them and choose your brandy wisely.
February 15 • Flavors
Spice Up Your Spirits for Valentine’s Day
If your idea of a spicy spirit is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky you definitely need to up the ante and get a special liquor for a special occasion. Here are eight of our favorites spicy spirits for Valentine's Day.
February 14 • Bars
XOXO; What it means (and can you drink it?)
Most people understand XOXO means hugs and kisses. It’s a short, simple way to sign off on a cute valentine to a family member or loved one. While it may be more romantic to write out the full phrase – it’s kind of hard to do with a glass of wine in your hand.
If you want to really wow your valentine, explain the root of the shorthand XOXO, and then prepare them a cocktail drink like the XOXO – because nothing heats up the room like a bit of trivia.
February 11 • Champagne
Boozy Chocolates for Valentine’s Day
Forget regular chocolates, what you need are boozy chocolates for Valentine's Day. We take a look at some of your spiked chocolate options.
January 15 • Distillers
Bats for Tequila
When you're a tequila distiller, it must be quite a challenge to go to your fellow distillers and ask them to make less tequila. It was a challenge facing Carlos Camarena, the owner and Master Distiller of El Tesoro Tequila, which is made at his La Altena Distillery in the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico.
July 24 • Barrel-Aged
Types of Tequila
As with any other spirit, there are several types of tequila. There are different styles that might suit different palates, some that are better for sipping and some that are better for mixing in cocktails. So if you tried a tequila once and didn't like it, don't let that be the end of it. If your only experience of tequila was slamming shots as a student, it's time to go beyond that. Get down to the tequila shelves at the liquor store or grocery store, browse around and try a different one. Tequilas are as varied and can be as subtle as scotch or bourbon.
July 04 • Spirits
Types of Whiskey
What is whiskey, and how does it differ from country to country? A look at the whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Canada, and Japan.
March 01 • Distillers
Cognac: One Of The French “Spirits”
France’s contributions to the world involve gourmet food, beverages, wine, the revolution, and the Eiffel Tower, to name some. Beverages like Cognac, Armagnac, and Champagne are famous the world over.
