spirits (29)

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Pigeon Forge's popularity has long been anchored in its ability to offer outdoor adventures and family-friendly entertainment. However, nestled within this lively destination are lesser-known treasures that promise an equally captivating experience. The local wineries and distilleries of Pigeon Forge are where tradition meets craftsmanship, offering visitors a glimpse into the artisanal processes that produce some of Tennessee's finest wines and spirits. These hidden gems provide a taste of the

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Whiskey is the perfect blend of allure and complexity when it comes to exquisite spirits. But what exactly is whiskey, and how does it differ from its counterpart, whisky? We will be enlightened as we discover the fascinating art and science behind this distinguished beverage as well as the legacy and craftsmanship of Buffalo Trace, a name synonymous with outstanding American whiskey, as we embark on this enlightening journey through the realm of distilled delights. You can often find Buffalo Tr

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12216544095?profile=RESIZE_930xDylan de Jonge


Few spirits have captured the hearts and palates of spirits enthusiasts quite like whisky, a sophisticated elixir born from the perfect blend of time-honored tradition, premium ingredients, and meticulous craftsmanship. Distilled in Scotland and Ireland since at least the 15th century, single malt is now also produced in more than two dozen other countries, even including the likes of Brazil, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, and Taiwan. Whisky is also widely available online, an

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Welcome to the world of Balvenie 16 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky—a fine spirit renowned for its rich flavors and exquisite craftsmanship. If you're seeking an exceptional whisky bottle, look no further. In this buying guide, we'll delve into the distinct qualities of Balvenie 16 Year and provide valuable insights to assist you in your whisky exploration. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a novice whisky lover, we'll uncover the key factors to consider before you buy whiskey online or vis

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Thursday, May 10, 2018 / Manhattan

13th Annual Taste of Hope is the American Cancer Society’s signature culinary, wine, and spirits event, featuring some of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors. Guests enjoy a walk-around tasting where they can sample signature dishes, premier wines, and spirits. Now in its 13th year, the event has raised over $1.8 Million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

Sarabeth Levine

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It says something that an entire region is named after France's signature liquor. Only three hours away from Paris by train, the village of Cognac, world famous for its namesake eau-de-vie (water of life) is also the birthplace of King François I, narrow winding streets, the towers of St Jacques' gate, and many large 18th-century houses made of stone typically coated with "black velvet" or torula compniacensis, a microscopic fungus that also graces the walls of the region's cognac cellars.


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Hist

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iStock_000010738692XSmall.jpg?width=292As I travel around the Caribbean (and to some extent this is true in Latin America, too), I find nearly every island has some kind of homegrown hooch (often rum-based) that purports to be “medicinal” (and sometimes certainly tastes the part), often  including revitalizing, curative, and even aphrodisiac qualities. And if you visit the Dominican Republic, you may well come across the Dominican variation on this type of esteemed elixir.

The name mamajuana (Spanish for “Mama Jane”) is thought to der

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Spirits of St. Augustine, Florida

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St. Augustine is a very old city - so old, in fact that it is celebrating its 450th year in existence.  Because of its age and rich history, people often come here looking for spirits, like the one at The St. Francis Inn, the oldest continuously operating inn in North America.

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The Inn, owned by Joe and Margaret Finnegan, is purported to have its own real ghost. Lily, a slave girl that had an illicit affair with a military man and committed suicide when found out.  Lily’s room is on the third floo

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Shoreham, Vermont's WhistlePig Whiskey Baron

RajBhatka.jpg?width=384Rye whiskey, an American original, came to life out of necessity during the American Revolution when rum supplies dried up. Scottish and Irish settlers in western Pennsylvania and Maryland came to the rescue using their longstanding expertise in distilling rye grain while a post-presidential George Washington popularized the endeavor distilling rye at Mount Vernon.

Today's American rye whiskey must by law be distilled from at least 51 percent rye grain. Other grains like barley and corn are oft

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9008731888?profile=originalPreparing the first chapter of our new e-book, Golden State Eating, we did much first hand research. It's a tough job...I know...hitting bars from Sacramento to San Diego, searching for the perfect margarita, but someone's got to do it.

Along the way, we've had some pretty unspectacular versions. I swear, the one we had at a nationally famous rib joint had to have been poured from a bottle of pre-made Jose Cuervo Margarita bought at the local supermarket. Another one, a high-end restaurant overlo

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Up until recently, when folks mentioned liquor from the Southern U.S., whiskey and moonshine immediately sprang to mind. Popularized through aggressive marketing and folklore, images of whiskies like ‘Ole Grand Dad and Jack Daniels are etched into a cultural milieu that also plays up images of pickup truck driving backwoods individualists. But of course reality is just a bit more complex and liquor production in what is commonly referred to as “the South”, an area roughly defined by the Mason D

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Last weekend, we found a unique something to celebrate my wife’s birthday - a tasting of the opening of the first aged dark rum barrel at Desert Diamond Distillery, a little run factory off of Route 66 near Kingman.
Of course, this was not an ordinary stand around the counter tasting, but an event catered in by a local Italian chef and limited seating - very limited! So if you think this is for you, wait until next year when they have another set of pristine, aged barrels. The drink, aged in fo
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          The inaugural meeting of the Occasional Sprit Council (OSC) took place on March 31st at the strikingly beautiful art-filled home of Todd and Susan Montgomery.  It was the perfect setting to launch the council.  Linda Kissam, writer, wine publicist, and Vice President of The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, devised the council based on her Occasional Wine Council (OWC).  Like OWC, participants were to bring a dish that they had prepared to pair with their assigned

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clearwaterbeachuncorked2.jpg?width=507Florida means different things to different people. Popular characteristics include Disney, sunshine, gators, the Everglades, and miles of wide open beaches. And then there's Florida's Gulf coast, endless stretches of powder white sand that were remarkably resilient to the ravages of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill several years ago. Right in the middle is Clearwater Beach studded with a wide variety of beachfront lodgings ranging from mom & pop motels to grand hotels. The Hyatt Regency Clearwa

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In nearly every corner of the world, you can find a local, traditional beverage that’s worth to taste. In many of those destinations you could easily arrange an organized beverage trail, but very often it’s best to simply head to the nearest pub and enjoy a drink with the locals – a perfect chance to get a bot of taste of the culture! Here are 5 must-try beverages to get you started.

1. Guinness, Ireland

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The first pint of dark-bodied stout with roasted barley and caramel flavour, comes from the br

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A Hint of Wales: Brecon Beacons Park

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It’s misty and rainy as I write this but last year was very dry so I’m thankful for the rain. Rainy days and Mondays don’t always get me down – generally they just put me in mind of other times, other places I’ve been in this kind of weather. I often joke - when it rains for days on end - that I should move to Seattle. The weather may be soggy there too but at least the view is better.
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It was a wet, rainy August day as I drove through the Brecon Beacons i
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campari-300x300.jpg?width=300Every bottle of wine or liquor I can think of has a label. Many times the label simply indicates the contents with a brief description of origin and flavor. But sometimes, labels go beyond the basic requirements with a higher purpose. Campari and Fonseca Bin 27 Port are two brands with labels promoting indigenous art.

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Campari's art label is very fiery...vibrant! And this most accurately portrays what's inside the bottle. This spirit can be sipped straight, but when mixed in classic cockta

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A Whisky Night to Savor

On a recent Thursday night in the enticing Hillcrest area of San Diego, Planet Rooth Design Haus brought together the seemingly unlikely but totally pleasing combination of high-end whiskeys, gourmet appetizers, and beautiful artisan furniture.  A group of about 40 gathered to partake of it all and we had a unique and completely enthralling evening. 

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If there was a highlight in an evening of highlights, it was the setting in Planet Rooth’s intimate studio and gallery, the artistic enterprise crea

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