If you thought you could only enjoy a smoked cocktail at your favorite pub, think again. Bark & Barware’s Cocktail Smoker Kit makes it easy for everyone to unleash their inner mixologist skills. I love watching a smoked cocktail come to fruition. Each bar has its way of doing it, and it’s fascinating to me how such a simple method completely changes the taste of a cocktail. We have tried other smokers, and they were all too much work to use (too many parts and steps). I was recently offered the opportunity to try the Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker Kit, and I am glad I did. Admittedly ..read more

pink House Alchemy We keep a well-stocked bar that includes way too much bourbon and various other things. However, I never considered the unique simple syrups we could use to make fantastic cocktails. I regularly make simple syrup to have on hand for the classic old-fashioned, but that’s about it. That has changed since tasting pink House Alchemy’s simple syrups. Truthfully, if you don’t need a variety of simple syrups at home, you’ll want the bottles to sit on a shelf as decor…they’re made of glass and are beautiful. The company also makes garnishes, cocktail kits, and bitters. I received ..read more

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lawswhiskey If you’re itching to travel this spring, consider visiting Laws Whiskey House in Denver, Colorado. The tasting room debuts this April and is sure to impress with its lineup of straight rye, small-batch whiskey, limited releases, and more. Not only can you enjoy tasting the various whiskeys from Laws Whiskey House while there, but the ambiance of what’s known as the “Whiskey Church” with floor-to-ceiling arched windows is enough to make the visit worthwhile. Follow along as we discover why Laws Whiskey is quickly becoming a well-known name in ..read more

Photo Credit: Le Gruyere Switzerland I once said if a doctor ever tells me I must give up cheese or it will take years off my life, my immediate response would be, “How many years are we talking?” Cheese is on the same playing field as butter in my world — two things that make life worth living. I’ll eat cheap cheese in a pinch, but I’m a bit of a cheese snob and prefer a gourmet cheese that makes me want to chew slowly with my eyes closed to enjoy every layer of flavor. Tasting cheese is similar to wine or bourbon tasting. Each one is different, and many kinds of cheese have layers and subtl ..read more

The following is a press release from Chattanooga Whiskey: Chattanooga, TN (January 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey today announced the newest release in their award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 036: Herbal Infused. Inspired by the traditional kräuterlikörs of Germany, this experimental bourbon liqueur combines a German-malt-laden mash bill with an infusion of über-traditional botanicals, including star anise, ginseng, bilberry, and sarsaparilla. “Since it began in 2017, our Experimental Series has been a playground for our distilling team – allowing them to explore traditiona ..read more

Photo Credit: Stock Photo and Image Portfolio by Sokor Space | Shutterstock Chocolates are great, but I’ll take a fine bourbon instead. Are you over the heart-shaped box of chocolates? Do you want to impress your one and only on Valentine’s Day? Follow along as we look at 6 excellent spirits to wrap up for Valentine’s Day and how to use them in delicious cocktails that look as good as they taste…just like your sweetheart. Clonakilty Minke Irish Gin Photo Credit: Butter, Bourbon, and Other Sins Minke Irish Gin hails from the Clonakilty Distillery in beautiful Ireland. I recently enjoyed a tast ..read more

AFTER/GLOW, CAFE & BAR FROM ACCLAIMED ASHEVILLE RESTAURATEUR JACOB SESSOMS, NOW OPEN INSIDE THE RADICAL HOTEL Serving Coffee, House Pastries, Cocktails, Snacks & More ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (Jan. 8, 2024) – after/glow, a café and bar from Asheville’s local restaurateur Jacob Sessoms, is now open. Housed at The Radical, after/glow joins the hotel’s other venues Golden Hour and The Roof.  Open from 7am to 10pm, after/glow serves coffee by day and cocktails by night. Daytime counter service includes excellent espresso, drip coffee from North Ca ..read more

Image Credit: https://shutterstock.com/Billy Watkins Whisky enthusiasts worldwide recognize Glenlivet as the epitome of sophistication and craftsmanship. Among its renowned collection, Glenlivet 12 stands tall as a timeless classic. As we embark on a journey through the notes of aroma, palate, and finish of this exceptional single-malt Scotch whisky, prepare to be captivated by its elegance and depth. I. Aromas: Unveiling the Elegance image Credit: https://shutterstock.com/Boldyshav The nose opens up to a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes, exuding an air of refinement that is both int ..read more

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Sarakhan Vadym No, this is not a wine made from oranges; it’s orange wine, which is an uncommon and unique wine that uses very interesting techniques of winemaking to ensure an exciting wine is made. Orange wine has been made for centuries, and although it is not well known, it has a lot of historical significance. How Orange Wine Begins It is essential to understand that wine has been around for a very long time, and although it has advanced tremendously, old winemaking techniques are used constantly. One of those techniques would be that of making orange wine. Sep ..read more

It’s taken me a while to be willing to share this recipe. You know when you make something that is just damn good, and it becomes your thing? That’s sauce for me. Well, at least to my kids it’s “mom’s thing.” The funny thing is it’s just a few ingredients, and I start with canned tomato sauce and paste. It’s so fast and easy but tastes like it should be an old family recipe from Nonna. (which I suppose someday it will be). I would absolutely love to make sauce every week with garden fresh tomatoes, but I live in northern Illinois where our tomato season is so fast, if you blink, you’ll miss i ..read more