Archive for Liquor
Warming up with Cognac (or Brandy)
by Dennis Mayer on February 16th, 2012 | Ask the Bartender, LiquorI've read that both cognac and brandy make excellent sipping drinks in the winter. What is the difference between the two? Is one a better choice to try first?
Not to get too cute, but cognac is brandy.
Just like Champagne is a specific type of wine, cognac is a specific, premium type of brandy, made in the Cognac region of France and following a specific set of rules outlined by the government. Both brandy and cognac can be great winter tipples -- they have much of the same body and effect as a good Scotch or bourbon, but with an underlying
Clique Vodka: Not Bad
by Jason Lightner on February 10th, 2012 | Liquor
Hey, everybody! Let's get the party started, shall we? We've got our hip hop and pop music endorsements, and our really lame DJ with the celebrity headphones. We've got our edgy logo and our trendy ad-campaign for our release party. We're even giving a bottle to your favorite liquor reviewer! Please love our vodka, won't you?
Now, to be fair, this isn't a bad vodka. I don't hate it because of the taste (I'll have a bit more on that in a bit). I hate it because it's trying to emulate the success of Patron by
Now, to be fair, this isn't a bad vodka. I don't hate it because of the taste (I'll have a bit more on that in a bit). I hate it because it's trying to emulate the success of Patron by
Everclear – So Much for the Afterglow
by Jason Lightner on February 1st, 2012 | Liquor
I’d like to introduce you to a feisty little spirit. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? It’s called Everclear. Yes, like the band. A neutral-grain spirit sold in both 151-proof and 190-proof varieties, Everclear is illegal in many states, and tough to find in others. Let’s not mince words – this spirit can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but when mixed liberally it can be a cheap and efficient way to liven up a party.
I had the opportunity to attend a college party this past weekend and, as it was 80’s themed, I couldn’t pass it up.
I had the opportunity to attend a college party this past weekend and, as it was 80’s themed, I couldn’t pass it up.
The Glenlivet 18 Year: A Smooth Criminal
by Jason Lightner on January 24th, 2012 | Liquor
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly three months since we last checked out some delicious Scotch whisky. I almost feel like I've been neglecting my duties. Fear not, fine reader, for we are about to take a trip to the wonderful world of Scotch. Grab your itinerary and your North Face jacket because this trip is taking us to Manayunk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a little place called Sapphire.
It's a cozy little pub, with chic decor and a warm atmosphere amidst dim lighting – perfect for meeting a random stranger whom you might eventually find out
It's a cozy little pub, with chic decor and a warm atmosphere amidst dim lighting – perfect for meeting a random stranger whom you might eventually find out
Long Story Short, Keep it Simple
by Jason Lightner on January 18th, 2012 | Liquor, Mixed Drinks
I've never been much into complex mixed drinks. I find them irritating to put together and a waste of time when you could be enjoying the simpler, finer things. That's why I tend to keep four go-to beverages in my pocket for when I go out with friends – a Jack and Coke, a Vodka and Tonic, a Gin and Tonic, or a simple draught beer.
In addition to keeping it simple, I'm never caught with my pants down when the bartender comes up and asks what I'll have. One cannot always be prepared, and one needs
In addition to keeping it simple, I'm never caught with my pants down when the bartender comes up and asks what I'll have. One cannot always be prepared, and one needs
