One jumps at the chance to spend a day at London’s Beefeater Distillery, particularly when given a personal tour by Beefeater’s master distiller Desmond Payne. Gracious and mannered, Payne has been making gin for over 40 years, his early days being at Plymouth Gin. An English picnic in Kensington Gardens and a week full of fine food and cocktails at… Read more →
A 3 1/2 hour train ride through the rolling, green English landscape (yes, dotted with sheep and cows), remains as idyllic as my memories. Ten years ago I explored the central and northern parts of the country, feeling strangely at home in the English countryside and moors. This Summer brought me to the southwestern coast of England and the town… Read more →
Jasper’s Corner Tap and Kitchen, Downtown/Union Square (401 Taylor at O’Farrell, 415-775-7979) You heard it in my Guardian column a couple weeks ago: Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen is going to be a drink destination, no doubt about it. Pair its all-star bartender line-up and impeccable cocktail menu with 18 beers on draft (like Telegraph Reserve Wheat from Santa Barbara), a… Read more →
I sample dozens of spirits, wines, beers in any given month. If there are tasting events (and there are), then multiply that a few times. Here are ones that rose above in recent weeks: WHISK(E)Y LAPHROAIG 2011 CAIRDEAS – Laphroaig’s master distiller John Campbell and Global Brand Ambassador Simon Brooking were in SF a couple weeks ago. I spent an… Read more →
Intimate and focused, there’s nothing like hearing from and tasting with a winemaker directly. Last issue, I met with three Napa/Sonoma winemakers. This issue, it’s two European ones from the unparalleled regions of Bordeaux and Kamptal. Look (or ask) for these wines in local wine shops. LAURENZ V., Austria – Technically Laurenz, the 5th (but read as Laurenz Five), Laurenz… Read more →
I concur with the Chronicle’s choice of 2011 Bar Stars, calling out the maturity in the craft of these five. You’ve heard me talk about drinks from all five bartenders (like Kevin Diedrich and Alex Smith). This issue, I want to focus on Carlo Splendorini. MICHAEL MINA, 252 California Street between Battery & Front, 415-397-9222 Carlo made beautiful drinks at… Read more →
It’s been a rich few weeks of winemaker dinners and luncheons. Intimate and focused, there’s nothing like hearing from and tasting with a winemaker directly. This month, we focus on three local winemakers in Napa and Sonoma, who impressed with impeccable wines or gracious (often hilarious) personalities. KAPCSANDY WINES, Yountville – Kapcsandy may not be the easiest name to remember,… Read more →
I sample dozens of spirits, wines, beers and beyond in any given month. If there are tasting events (and there are), then multiply that a few times. Here are the ones that rose above, recommends for everyday sipping (and beyond): COCKTAILS LOCANDA, 557 Valencia Street between 16th & 17th, 415-863-6800 I am sad not to see the talented Brian MacGregor… Read more →
THE WILSON, aka Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency 505 Jones Street (between O’Farrell & Geary) On the same shady Tenderloin block as Bourbon & Branch, is its latest sibling. Look for a barred window labeled “Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency” next to a wood door sporting a peek hole. Do not enter here. Rather, you go through Bourbon… Read more →
I sample dozens of spirits, wines, beers and beyond in any given month. If there are tasting events (and there are), then multiply that a few times. I am working on perfecting spitting… and, yes, some tastes rise above others. Here, I share three (or less) sips in varying categories that rose above others: COCKTAILS ALEMBIC, – Alembic‘s Georgia Mud… Read more →