SPIRITS

Whiskey with a Viking Soul

When viewing the bottle, one can almost smell the scent of sea air, hear the call of gulls and the crash of surf. The beautiful knotwork on the bottle an homage to the Scottish Highlands: visions of bright green meadows and stony outcroppings pepp

Tussock Jumper Spreads the Word on Unique Wines

It's hard to deny that catchy labels are a potent factor in determining whether you pick something off the shelf and buy it. Wine distributor

Patron XO Cafe Coffee Liqueur Elevates Cocktail Recipes

Tequila is typically not my drink of choice. I can't take the inevitable burn without flashbacks of college chants of "1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila ..." In addition, the main tequila concoction, margaritas, mostly come with too much sweet and too much sour for that pucker-face drink to quench my palete.

Toast the Last Days of Summer with These Bubbly Cocktail Recipes

With less than one month left to bask in the glow of summer, it’s time to take advantage of every sunny moment before the brisk fall air rolls in. While you’re enjoying the final moments of sizzling outside, Mionetto mixologist Justin Noel, veteran bartender and owner of Closing Time Cocktails, has created a few sunshine-worthy drinks to freshen up the last month of the season.

Ultimate Libations: 5 Boozy Gifts for Expensive Tastes

Are you wondering what to give the person that has everything?

How about a unique, ultra-premium luxury spirit that has been carefully crafted over the years with the best ingredients, luxury of time and the best artisans from around the w

A London Hotel Specifically for Gin Lovers

Nowadays, you can find a hotel to suit any type of traveler. There are spa resorts, foodie locales, music hotels, fitness retreats and clothing-optional accommodations. And now, even gin lovers will have a place to call their own come December 16. The Distillery, located on Portobello Road, will open as a three-room property dedicated to celebrating the spirit.

Alain Ducasse & Dom Perignon Pair Up for Exclusive Champagne Dinners

In September, renowned chef Alain Ducasse's Ore restaurant within the Palace of Versailles opened featuring a French-inspired menu. Recently, the Michelin-starred chef announced his partnership with Dom Pérignon to create intimate events for Champagne lovers at the new restaurant. Beginning in 2017, diners will have the chance to enjoy the Second Plénitude of the 1998 vintage alongside a 10-course meal.

LOUIS XIII & Four Seasons Pair Up for Luxe Cognac Experience

LOUIS XIII Cognac is easily considered one of the world’s most luxurious spirits and right now and The Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel New York is one of the nation’s most expensive suites. So it makes sense that the two would come together to create an uber-extravagant experience for guests at the Four Seasons.

Farm-To-Bottle: The Importance of Going Organic With Your Spirits

In the last 100 years, the food and drink industries have experienced an immense transformation. As companies begin to take over and mass produce, naturally the demand for raw materials increases drastically, and the emphasis on quantity over quality tends wins out to meet demand. From bread to beer, we have found ways to make more, faster. 

Louis XIII Teams Up With Hermès for One-of-a-Kind Collaboration

Louis XIII has teamed up with three quintessential French luxury houses for a truly unique collaboration. Luxury goods maker Hermès, silversmith Puiforcat and crystal-ware purveyor Saint-Louis have joined forces with the famed cognac maker to create what the brand says is, “a bespoke tribute to the Louis XIII mythical journeys through the ages.”

The Uprising of Craft Vodka

From beer to whiskey, craft distilleries have been seriously capitalizing on millennial consumers and their desire for unique spirits that boast that cool hipster DIY feel. According to a recent release from the Aristocrat Group Corp. (ASCC), millennials represent the largest growing segment of the spirits market, which means big brands are now competing for their attention. 

Gin Holds Its Lead at SF Spirits Competition

Though the full list of winners won’t be released until April 4, the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition has unveiled the recipients of the Double Gold medal. The 16th annual competition was held March 17-20 at Hotel Nikko in SF and yet again, saw an increase in entries over the previous year. 

Demystifying Mezcal

Mezcal is one of the most misunderstood spirits available, with many confusing it for being interchangeable with tequila. Although they both use plants from the genus agave as raw material, tequila is arbitrarily restricted to one particular variety: the blue agave (also known as agave tequilana). Mezcal, on the other hand, benefits from a greater diversity with over 30 different species available for producing this unique spirit.

A New World Whisky of the Year?

Ever since Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 was named the “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015, it has become one of the most highly covetable whiskies on the planet. In the wake of the award, sales of Japanese whiskey exploded and new, non-age statement releases (such as Hibiki Harmony) were brought to market to help relieve some of the demand. 

A Really, Really Ridiculously Good-Looking Cocktail

Zoolander 2 has finally arrived and it’s really funny. With plenty of new jokes that don’t simply rely on the first film, there are a lot of surprises and tons of celebrity appearances (including some of fashion’s biggest names) that makes the sequel worthwhile. In order to properly celebrate Derek’s return to the big screen, Cîroc and photographer Mario Testino got together to design a limited edition Derek Zoolander Blue Steel bottle of vodka and a special cocktail to go along with it.