By Pink Lady Something just feels right about reaching for a gin cocktail in the spring, especially if you happen to be doing so at a tony restaurant while living your best “cafe society” life. The Colony restaurant was an epicenter of this lifestyle for the “see and be seen crowd” of New York society for almost 50 years. It’s where our cocktail of the month was created: special thanks to Boston-based writer Robert Dimmock of ETIQUETTEER for telling us all about it. Opened in 1919 by Joseph L. Pani, The Colony would become a status destination after it was purchased in 1922 by staffers Ernest ..read more

By Seema Tikare April is such an optimistic month. We know the spring is coming, the daffodils are out, the days are getting longer, and our coats are getting lighter. Coming out of the winter fugue state that I sink into, I also want to lighten and brighten the wines I drink. No more big, meaty reds. I am not ready for a chilled Vinho Verde yet, but Pinots offer everything I just mentioned. Bright fruit, good acid balance, the whites are floral and fruity, the reds are fruity and often have some charcuterie character. Pinot Noir is one of the world’s oldest documented grape varieties. It is t ..read more

By Maia Merrill Gosselin A warm greeting and a friendly smile. Your favorite drink poured before you sit down. A good conversation. Personalized service and an experience that makes you want to return. In a nutshell: hospitality. It’s the key ingredient to success in this industry and it’s what separates the good from the great. I can think of no person who better embodies this tenet than longtime industry veteran Josh Childs. If you’ve been in this business for any length of time, then his name is certainly familiar to you. If you’re lucky you sat at his bar when he was both a bartender and o ..read more

If you’re a fan of Netflix’s hit show Love is Blind then get your wine glass ready! Cupcake Vineyards has teamed up with the producers of the popular show to launch a limited-edition Chardonnay under the name Love is Wine. Season six kicked off on Valentine’s Day in conjunction with the wine’s release. Housed in a gold bottle to replicate the gold wine glasses that contestants drink from throughout the show, Cupcake Vineyards has enlisted former contestants to help launch its campaign for the wine. The streaming series, hosted by former 98 Degrees star Nick Lachey and wife Vanessa, follow ..read more

The William Fèvre estate has had something of a challenging time finding a permanent home lately. A little more than a year after the renowned top-tier Chablis producer was purchased by Artémis Domaines, it has once again been sold, this time to Domaines Barons de Rothschild for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is DBR’s first move into Burgundy. Encompassing vineyards ranging from Chablis village status to Grand Cru across its 72 hectare estate, William Fèvre already follows organic farming principles, chiming with DBR’s approach, with all the wine group’s estates either organically certifi ..read more

After a hiatus of a few years, John Paul DeJoria is back in the spirits game and part of a new venture called Round 2 Spirits. DeJoria, the founder of Patrón Tequila will be joined by a crew of former colleagues including Ed Brown, who was CEO of Patrón Spirits for more than 20 years; Lee Applbaum, former CMO at Patrón Tequila and Grey Goose Vodka; Brad Vassar, who was COO of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits for 15 years; and Dave Wilson, who was formerly president international and COO at Patrón Spirits. Antonio Rodriguez, former production director at Patrón Tequila in Mexico, wi ..read more

The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) has announced a new partnership with The Tasting Alliance, a leader in global spirits and wine competitions, that will open the door to the world of spirits competitions and benefits DISCUS members. Through this collaboration, DISCUS members will receive a 10% discount in all competitions hosted by The Tasting Alliance. From San Francisco to Singapore, The Tasting Alliance hosts several prestigious competitions every year, which are highly regarded throughout the spirits industry. Also, as part of the partnership, DISCUS is offering competitio ..read more

This new line of RTS cocktails from Absolut includes Raspberry Lemonade and Vodka Mojito flavors. The Lemonade combines Absolut vodka with natural raspberry and lemon flavors and simple syrup. The Mojito combines the brand’s vodka with natural lime and mint flavors and simple syrup. Each is 15% ABV. Suggested retail is $18.99 for a 750ml. AVAILABLE FROM from United Liquors ..read more

This new release brings together distilling traditions from Japan and Scotland. Unlike American oak, Mizunara oak requires more than 200 years to reach maturity. The Scotch was crafted using a unique four-stage aging process and imparts subtle hints of sandalwood, contributing to a smooth mouthfeel and flavors of coconut and a slight touch of creamy vanilla. Suggested retail is $149.99. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company ..read more

Produced and estate bottled in Uruguay, this red opens with oaky notes followed by red berry aromas with a hint of espresso. The palate features moderate tannins and enough acidity to back up red plum blended with coffee flavors. Persistent finish. Suggested retail is $29.99. AVAILABLE FROM Abacus Distributing ..read more