Published at NYC’s new Barcademy in February 2020, my article on r(h)um funk or hogo, namely Haitian clairin, including interview quotes from Calvin Babcock of Saint Benevolence in Haiti. My article here. “Funk” is a descriptor rum lovers are well acquainted with. The 18th-century term for funky rums is haut goût or hogo. Rum geeks often talk hogo or dunder, referring… Read more →
— Distiller New Release Roundup: My new bottle column.
— The Magical Italian Alps: Edible adventures in Italy’s stunning Dolomites and Alto Adige region.
— Top 10 New Orleans Bars: Plus interviews with Roulaison Distiller and Nola bar legend Chris McMillian.
— The State of Gin Cocktails in the States: My Gin Magazine UK update on what is happening in US bars and cocktails across the country.
Talking the state of gin cocktails and bars in the States for the UK and Europe in my guest column in Gin Magazine , issue 9/Nov-Dec 2019. Here I talk gin cocktail trends nationally, with mentions of PCH (Pacific Cocktail Haven), Gibson, True Laurel, Whitechapel, Bellota and Barcino in SF; The Gin Room in St. Louis; Musso & Frank and… Read more →
Published February 3, 2020, at Distiller Magazine, my new bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits. This first column calls out 2019 releases and trends in rum, clairin, gin, vermouth, whiskey, coffee liqueur, absinthe, coffee amaro, bourbon and Japanese whisky here.
My first article for London/the UK’s lovely The Cocktail Lovers print magazine (more coming!) in Fall 2019, Issue 33 (my article on pages 50-53). Those who know me know my lifelong passion for film and classic film (the latter of which my mother weaned me on to a deep degree). So it was a thrill to write this article for… Read more →
The latest in my NEFT Vodka column, which spotlights California’s best bartenders and bars — including a special cocktail recipe from each bartender featuring this Austrian alpine-distilled vodka. Why Karri Kiyuna and the team she leads at Wildhawk in San Francisco set an example in team spirit, service and exceptional cocktails here. Other NEFT Spotlights:— Nicolas (Nic) Torres of True Laurel, San… Read more →
As with the past decade plus, here are my top 5 new Bay Area bar openings of 2019. My top 12 restaurant openings are here.
Lustau Rose Vermut (Photo courtesy of Lustau www.lustau.es) Published at NYC’s new Barcademy, my feature on the ongoing rise of vermouth (vermut in Spain) internationally, from its Italian, Spanish, French roots to its US producers and pioneers (starting with California’s Quady Winery in the 1990s). I also hear from Spain’s Lustau Master Blender and Quality Director, Fernando Pérez, on vermouth/vermut… Read more →
Covering 11 standout national holiday cocktails around the US at Liquor.com, you’ll find my top national drinks on menus at these bars/restaurants:
In Distiller Magazine, my feature on the Mexican agave spirit tradition you didn’t know about: flavored bacanora.