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Crémant – shy sisters of Champagne
Do you love a good sparkling wine but aren’t a fan of Champagne’s insane prices? Looking for high-quality bubbles with a bit more diversity? Consider turning your attention to Crémant. Crémant refers to a group of French (mostly French) sparkling wines produced in regions other than Champagne, but made using the same Traditional Method as Champagne. Continue reading Crémant – shy sisters of Champagne Melon de Bourgogne and its Avatar Muscadet
Melon de Bourgogne is an ancient Burgundy variety that fell out of favor in its homeland but found a deserving new home in the neighboring Loire Valley. Loire winemakers produce pure varietal wine from Melon de Bourgogne, known as Muscadet. Under this name, the grape is well-known among modern wine lovers. Continue reading Melon de Bourgogne and its Avatar Muscadet Morning Glory Fizz
Morning Glory Fizz is a cocktail created to help night owls survive the morning onslaught and make early birds even more cheerful. Continue reading Morning Glory Fizz Dorian Gray
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” stands as Oscar Wilde’s most renowned novel. In the story, a friend paints a portrait of the youthful and charming Dorian Gray. Upon gazing at his captivating likeness, Dorian fervently wishes to retain his youth indefinitely, with the portrait bearing the burden of aging. His wish is granted, and despite a life filled with sin and depravity, Dorian remains outwardly youthful and innocent, while the portrait reflects the toll of his deeds. Only upon Dorian’s death, accompanied by his remorseful attempt to destroy the portrait, does the natural order resume. This cocktail, featuring a smooth and fruity profile with a prominent orange flavor, traces its origins to One Aldwych in London, England, and is featured in Difford’s Guide. Ingredients: Continue reading Dorian Gray Absinthe Sour
A cocktail for absinthe and sour cocktails enthusiasts. Ingredients: Process: Garnish: Maraschino cherry and lemon zest. Drinkware: Visit my online store for a unique poster featuring this cocktail, along with many other beautiful cocktails and other wine-related subjects. Continue reading Absinthe Sour Sauternes. Gold of Bordeaux
The renowned Sauternes, the white pearl of Bordeaux, holds the prestigious title of being the finest sweet wine globally, and rightfully so. Despite the waning interest in sweet wines, Sauternes continues to maintain its esteemed reputation. What contributes to the distinctive taste and elevated price of Sauternes? It’s the combination of factors such as the Noble Rot Botrytis cinerea, the exceptional climate of the Sauternes region, and the meticulous efforts of the winemakers. The flavor profile of naturally sweet wines, aside from their varietal characteristics, relies on the techniques employed to maintain a high level of sugar in the wine. You can find more detailed information about this process here. Producing high-quality sweet wine necessitates conditions that enable grapes to accumulate ample sugar, halting fermentation before all the sugar is consumed. There are four primary methods for achieving such grapes. Each method involves extracting water from the berries to enhance the concentration Continue reading Sauternes. Gold of Bordeaux Absinthe
“It was a milky yellow now with the water and he hoped the gipsy would not take more than a swallow. There was very little left and one cup of it took the place of the evening papers, of all the old evenings in cafes, of all chestnut trees that would be in bloom now in this month, of the great slow horses of the outer boulevards, of book shops, of kiosks, and of galleries, of the Parc Montsouris, of the Stade Buffalo, and of the Butte Chaumont, of the Guaranty Trust Company and the lie de la Cite, of Foyot’s old hotel, and of being able to read and relax in the evening; of all the things he had enjoyed and forgotten and that came back to him when he tasted that opaque, bitter, tongue-numbing, brain- warming, stomach-warming, idea-changing liquid alchemy.” On March Continue reading Absinthe Vine and Oak
Maturing wine. Château Margaux, Bordeaux. Occasionally, wine labels feature terms such as “oaked” (and sometimes even “non-oaked”), “18 (or 24, or 36) months in oak barrel,” and others that hint at the role of oak and oak barrels in the winemaking process. A substantial portion of the label information holds significance and is intended to influence wine selection, as it is purposefully included for this reason. Therefore, let’s delve into barrels and oak, understanding their purposes, what they impart to wine, and how to consider the oak influence when choosing wine. Oak is not the sole type of wood employed for barrel crafting, but due to its unique properties, it occupies the largest role in viniculture. Oak is pliant, making it suitable for barrel construction; it retains water while allowing air to pass through; it exhibits relative resistance to fungal and bacterial infections; and it imparts pleasant tastes to wine without introducing any unpleasant Continue reading Vine and Oak Wines and Waters of France 2024You can also open this offer as a PDF document: France_Boat_2024.pdf As a passionate sommelier and wine educator, I invite you to embark on a unique and immersive journey through the “Wines and Waters of France.” Imagine leisurely week-long boat trips navigating picturesque rivers and canals, surrounded by charming villages, rolling vineyards, and captivating landscapes. Join me as we delve into the world of French viniculture. I’ll share my in-depth knowledge, liberally pouring theory into practice with curated tastings at carefully chosen wineries. We’ll explore the unique terroir of each region, savoring the diverse flavors and characteristics of each sip. But it’s not just about the wine. We’ll delve into the local gastronomy, exploring bustling markets, savoring authentic cuisine at charming restaurants, and indulging in local delicacies like artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread. Each region offers something unique, even for the most discerning palate. Beyond the vine, we’ll discover Continue reading Wines and Waters of France 2024 Learn to Read Labels. Europe.
In the art of wine selection, where the choices are as diverse as the palates that make them, mastering the skill of navigating wine labels emerges as an invaluable asset. Indeed, these labels harbor a wealth of information, awaiting extraction by those who know how to decipher them. While this proficiency may not immunize one from occasional missteps, it renders choices more informed and aligned with the desired characteristics of the chosen wine. Continue reading Learn to Read Labels. Europe. Learn to Read Labels. France.
The benefits of knowing how to read wine labels and understanding of wine law common for EU are discussed in the article “Learn to Read Labels. Europe.” Here, I will be talking about things that are specific to France. I will not be returning to the basics, so I highly recommended reading the article about Europe first, as it is quite important for understanding this one. Continue reading Learn to Read Labels. France. Train’s A Comin’
This cocktail is crafted with the discerning palate of Concord grape enthusiasts in mind. Continue reading Train’s A Comin’ Wines of Greece
Situated at the genesis of global winemaking, Greece is the progenitor of European viticulture. While historical records are obscured by the veils of time, it is conjectured that viticulture journeyed to Greece from Egypt and Phoenicia, with roots extending back to Caucasus and Mesopotamia. Assuming the mantle, Greece not only nurtured the industry but also disseminated it across the entire Mediterranean region. For four, perhaps even six millennia, Greece has been cultivating grape varieties that trace their lineage to antiquity. Continue reading Wines of Greece Burgundy. Introduction
Burgundy has often been named the stomach of France (as Paris is the head, and Champagne is the soul), but I don’t think that such a comparison is correct. If you associate France with the body, then Burgundy is its tongue with all its taste buds. Because Burgundy is not about gluttony, it is about enjoyment. Enjoyment of meal, enjoyment of wine. For this Burgundy has everything. As Burgundians say – it is an Epicurean place. Burgundian wines are famous around the world. Continue reading Burgundy. Introduction Wines of North Burgundy
About Burgundy in general I am talking here, so let’s talk about North Burgundy in particular. In our wine case, we are talking about the Yonna region. The most well-known part of Yonna is Chablis. Famous, worldwide known wine. One of the most often illegitimate used names. Absolutely unique Chardonnay. Many simplified wine maps show this part of France just like Chablis, not caring about anything else. However, not only Chablis exists on the wine hills of the region. So, Yonna. Continue reading Wines of North Burgundy What to Celebrate in December 2024More about this beverage » December 30th My Birhtday I am so grateful for all the amazing people in my life. On my special day I’d love to hear from you, yes, from you, my friend. Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. What to Celebrate in November 2024November 12th Wine Tourism Day The third Thursday of November November 21st Beaujolais Nouveau Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Overview of South American wines
In the present day, it’s virtually impossible to envision the global wine market without the vibrant presence of South American wines. Walk into any wine store in North America, one not exclusively dedicated to a specific region, and you’ll undoubtedly find Chilean and Argentinean wines gracing its shelves. Yet, a mere two decades ago, the prospect of encountering South American wines outside of South America was an exceedingly rare occurrence. Continue reading Overview of South American wines Spider’s Net
As All Saint’s Eve draws near, the time for a spine-tingling Halloween cocktail is upon us. Spiders, creatures with long-standing connections to witchcraft, embody the eerie essence of this celebration. They weave intricate, gossamer nets during this autumn season, setting the stage for the drink known as the Spider’s Net. Continue reading Spider’s Net Harvest
Autumn descends, casting a spell of crisp air heavy with the earthy fragrance of fallen leaves. It’s a season that beckons us toward aromatic, robust, and soul-warming libations. Continue reading Harvest What to Celebrate in October 2024More about this beverage » October 19th International Gin and Tonic Day More about this cocktail » October 20th World Calvados Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Drunken Zebra
Life often resembles a zebra, with its alternating dark and light stripes, but it’s a good journey nonetheless, much like the stride of a striped horse. To infuse more joy into this zebra-like existence, I’ve created the Drunken Zebra, a dessert cocktail or jelly cocktail, call it what you will, based on the delightful combination of Panna Cotta and berry jelly. Continue reading Drunken Zebra Welcome to the exclusive online destination for all things related to wines, cocktails, spirits, and more.Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of beverages, you’ve arrived at the perfect place to explore the rich history, intricate craftsmanship, and delightful nuances of these libations. My articles bring you expert insights into the fascinating stories behind your favorite drinks, the meticulous art of their production, and invaluable tasting notes and recommendations. Join me on a captivating voyage through the world of beverages, where every sip is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and exquisite flavors. These 150+ articles are organized by types of drinks: wine, cocktails, spirits, and beer, cider, sake, and other drinks. In addition, you can easily find articles using the keyword index below. Context matters! Continue reading Welcome to the exclusive online destination for all things related to wines, cocktails, spirits, and more. Paloma
If the Margarita stands as the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the USA, the Paloma (meaning “dove” in Spanish) takes the crown as Mexico’s absolute favorite and even holds the title of the national cocktail. Continue reading Paloma Wines of Crete
My comprehensive account of Greek viniculture, encompassing its history, wine laws, key inland regions, diverse wines, and my personal impressions, can be explored here. For insights into the distinctive wines of Santorini, delve here. Now, let’s turn our focus to the viniculture of Crete, the very birthplace of Greek viniculture and a land where its modern renaissance shines brightly. Continue reading Wines of Crete “Wine and Waters of France” Languedoc tour, October 2-9Space for 3 person left on our “Wine and Waters of France” tour, October 2-9! Embark on a week-long boat journey through the picturesque Languedoc region of Southern France, travelling from Argenes to Carcassonne and back along the Canal du Midi. Our trip begins on October 2nd in Argenes, in the early afternoon, and concludes on October 9th, welcoming the morning. The voyage promises a blend of leisurely cruising, wine immersion, and exploration of historical and natural marvels. Discover more about life on board a boat. With an average of about 3.5 hours on the water each day, we’ll have ample time to delve into the intricacies of the region’s viticulture and bask in the allure of its historical and natural wonders. As we glide along, the landscape will unfold in true Mediterranean splendor, adorned with vineyards, cypress trees, pine groves, and vibrant autumn colors. The narrative of history resonates profoundly here. Some Continue reading “Wine and Waters of France” Languedoc tour, October 2-9 Hop and Malt. Introduction to brewing.
The genesis of this article can be traced back to the uncorking of a bottle of Belgian ale—a rich, robust, and aromatic concoction, skillfully brewed with a trio of hop varieties. The effervescent sip of hop-laden ale stirred a cascade of memories, guiding my musings toward the sanctum of brewing. Herein lies the foundational essence of the brewing process. Continue reading Hop and Malt. Introduction to brewing. Sake
October 1st marks World Sake Day, a celebration of this revered Japanese libation. This introductory article endeavors to unveil the technological intricacies of sake production and shed light on the valuable information concealed within the sake bottle’s label. Continue reading Sake RoseIn preparation What to Celebrate in September 2024The third Friday of September September 20th International Grenache Day More about this grape variety » Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonic, a timeless and uncomplicated gin-based cocktail, has secured its place as one of the world’s oldest and most beloved libations. Continue reading Gin and Tonic What to Celebrate in August 2024More about this grape variety » The first Thursday of August August 1st International India Pale Ale (IPA) Day The first Friday of August August 2nd International Beer Day Introduction to brewing » August 18th International Pinot Noir Day More about this grape variety » August 28th Red Wine Day August 30th International Cabernet Sauvignon Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Continue reading What to Celebrate in August 2024 Albariño
August 1st marks World Albariño Day, a delightful occasion to pay homage to this beautiful grape variety that gives us light, refreshing, and highly aromatic wines, perfect for the summer season. Continue reading Albariño Mimosa and Buck’s Fizz
The Mimosa is a well-known and popular cocktail listed in the IBA. It’s delightfully simple: just orange juice and Champagne. Continue reading Mimosa and Buck’s Fizz Waterlily
If you enjoy Aviation but find the bright sweetness of Maraschino Luxardo not to your liking, the Waterlily might be your perfect choice. Continue reading Waterlily Alice In WonderlandTequila
Every great spirit finds its essence in the raw material from which it is crafted. For brandy, it is grape wine; for rum, sugar cane; and for tequila, the blue agave, also known as agave azul or Agave tequilana. The domesticated variety of blue agave used specifically for tequila production is known as Agave tequilana Weber Azul. Continue reading Tequila What to Celebrate in July 2024More about this cocktail » July 12th International Cava Day More about this drink » July 19th Daiquiri Day More about this cocktail » July 24th Tequila Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Swamp Water
As I mentioned the Swamp Water cocktail in my Chartreuse story, it’s only fitting that we delve into its history. Continue reading Swamp Water Golden Chenin Blanc
Chenin blanc – a noble grape of remarkable potential. Sadly, this grape variety is often underappreciated, perhaps due to the challenges it presents to winemakers. Crafting exceptional wines from Chenin requires knowledge, skill, and dedication; without these, the results may be discouraging. Continue reading Golden Chenin Blanc English Rose
English Rose – the cocktail that reflexes the quintessential English beauty, intertwining the concepts of women and flowers. Continue reading English Rose What to Celebrate in June 2024More about this drink » June 4th National Cognac Day More about this drink » June 4th National Bubbly Day More about sparkling wines » The second Saturday of June June 8th National Rose Day June 11th World Gin Day More about this drink » The third Saturday of June June 15th Drink Chenin Blanc Day More about this grape variety » June 19th World Martini Day More about this cocktail » The fourth Friday of June June 28th International Rose Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Continue reading What to Celebrate in June 2024 What to Celebrate in May 2024More about this liqueur » May 16th Mimosa Day More about this cocktail » The Thursday before the last Monday of May May 23rd International Chardonnay Day More about this grape variety » Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Amber Room aka Golden GlowDandelion Wine
“Dandelion wine. The words were summer on the tongue. The wine was summer caught and stoppered…. Hold summer in your hand, pour summer in a glass, a tiny glass of course, the smallest tingling sip for children; change the season in your veins by raising glass to lip and tilting summer in.” Continue reading Dandelion Wine Andean Dusk
I haven’t crafted cocktails with Pisco in a while. Until I found Andean Dusk, which brought reminiscences of my Andean adventures. Continue reading Andean Dusk Kir
Let’s delve into the world of Burgundy’s offerings once more. Kir is a cocktail born in Burgundy, crafted from entirely Burgundian ingredients: Aligoté white wine and blackcurrant liqueur known as crème de cassis. Continue reading Kir Aligote
Burgundy, renowned as the progenitor of globally celebrated grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir, birthed another notable offspring deserving of attention— Aligoté. Continue reading Aligote Tannat
April 14 marks Tannat Day, an occasion that beckons aficionados of robust, full-bodied, and weighty red wines to turn their attention to the Tannat grape. Noteworthy is its gradual yet steadfast ascent in the global wine market over the past two decades. Continue reading Tannat Mujer Verde
Another colorful character on my cocktail list. For those who appreciate Chartreuse. Continue reading Mujer Verde Espresso Martini
March 15th marks Espresso Martini Day. Now, to be clear, this cocktail isn’t a genuine Martini. Continue reading Espresso Martini Rain Dance Winery
Last November, my friend took me to her favourite Oregon winery Raine Dance. It is a small winery located among its own vineyards in Chehalem Mountains AVA. Cozy tasting room and the personnel are ready for a nice talk about wine. Riesling was good; Chardonnay didn’t impress me, too oaky, but lovers of American-style Chardonnay should appreciate it. The main variety, as among most Oregon wineries, is Pinot noir. They offer three different cuvees. Good Oregon Pinot noir. Prices are not low, which is typical for Oregon, from 20 to 60 dollars. Continue reading Rain Dance Winery Riesling
Riesling stands as one of the most globally esteemed grape varieties, enjoying widespread favor among wine enthusiasts until the mid-20th century. Germany, heralded as the birthplace of Riesling, ascended to viticultural fame on the strength of this exceptional grape. The intrinsic connection between Riesling and Germany is underscored by the fact that Riesling constitutes the largest portion among grape varieties cultivated in the country, firmly establishing itself as the quintessential German varietal. Continue reading Riesling What to celebrate in March 2024March 3rd International Mulled Wine Day More about this drink » March 5th Absinthe Day More about this spirit » March 13th International Riesling Day More about this grape variety » March 15th Espresso Martini Day More about this cocktail » March 27th International Whiskey Day Find the perfect artistic wall calendar to celebrate your favorite holidays and events, all featuring unique designs and high-quality printing. Kahlua and White Russian
On February 27th, we raise our glasses high in celebration of National Kahlua Day. My recommendation for the occasion is the classic White Russian, a cherished coffee liqueur cocktail whose origins are veiled in mystery. Continue reading Kahlua and White Russian Open That Bottle NightThe last Saturday of February is Open That Bottle Night. You keep The Bottle of good wine for a wedding, solar eclipse, end of a big project, a marathon of two hours, alien to the president, or any other important for you event. But this has still not even happened. Or it happened, but you separated with your bottle at this moment. Don’t wait until this bottle will be open o your funeral. It is symbolic, but you want to try his wine yourself. And almost any wine wouldn’t survive so long. My bottle for tonight is The Boss of Kontos Cellar from Walla Walla Washington state. Bordeaux blend 2015. I visited this winery in 2019, the same time I bought this bottle. It was the exclusive vantage, only for club members, but I had an excellent talk with Continue reading Open That Bottle Night Her Majesty. The cocktail for World Bartender Day
Today, on February 24th, we celebrate World Bartender Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who bring creativity and passion to the art of mixology. In tribute to the men and women in this esteemed profession, particularly those who infuse it with their boundless imagination, I am delighted to introduce my own creation: Her Majesty. Continue reading Her Majesty. The cocktail for World Bartender Day Margarita
On February 22nd, we celebrate Margarita Day. This cocktail is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorites and holds the title of the most popular tequila-based cocktail. Continue reading Margarita Syrah
Syrah, undeniably one of the grape world’s cornerstones, commands a distinguished place among the dozen most favored varieties, flourishing in vineyards across the globe. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah reigns supreme as the primary grape in the production of North Rhône red wines. Continue reading Syrah What to celebrate in February 2025February 1st International Furmint Day More about this grape variety » The first Saturday of February February 1st International Pisco Sour Day More about this cocktail » February 5th National Rose Day (Australia & New Zealand) February 8th International Scotch Day February 16th International Syrah Day More about this grape variety » February 18th Global Wine Drink Day February 22nd International Margarita Day More about this cocktail » February 24th World Bartender Day My cocktail Her Majesty for celebration More about this cocktail » The last Saturday of February February 22th Open That Bottle Night More about this day and my personal bottle » February 27th National Kahlua Day Сocktail White Russian for celebration Find the perfect artistic wall calendar Continue reading What to celebrate in February 2025 Furmint
On February 1st, wine enthusiasts unite to celebrate International Furmint Day, shining a spotlight on a grape variety that might be familiar in essence but perhaps not yet by name. Continue reading Furmint Brandy AlexanderIrish CoffeeWashington Wineries. Red Mountain AVA, 2022Red Mountain Is a small, but interesting AVA located on the southwest slopes of Red Mountain, accordingly. Plenty of suns during days, and long warm autumn provide ideal conditions for high-tannic varieties, that require long ripening. Result – rich, but soft tannins. Cold nights keep necessary acidity; low precipitation and constant winds provide small berry size, and, accordingly, a high concentration of aromatic components. Several years ago, among the vineyards of Red Mountain, I found a fantastic small family winery Tapteil. They grew mainly Cabernet sav and Merlot and made beautiful wines – pure-varietal and Bordeaux-style. When I drop by this winery in the fall of 2021, the owners had sold out wines, retired and sold the vineyard. It was so pitiful because they made one of the best Washington wines that I ever tried. In 2022 the winery has been under the sign of new owners – Avennia. It is a medium Continue reading Washington Wineries. Red Mountain AVA, 2022 Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy is the comforting embrace of warmth on a cold, damp day, and it’s fitting that we celebrate it on January 11. Continue reading Hot Toddy Ratafia de Bourgogne
Not only wine filled the alcohol world of Burgundy. If you ask locals what to try specifically Burgundian, they tell you about Ratafia. In the world, the word Ratafia is used for two different things. Actually, for three, but the third one is biscuit and is not related to the subject of this topic. Continue reading Ratafia de Bourgogne North Burgundy. Coteaux de Tannay and Melon de Bourgogne
Coteaux de Tannay was the last place on our Wine and Waters journey for the bike and wine visit. Administratively it is located in Burgundy, and the climate and soil are also typical for Burgundy. However, accolading wine territorial classification, it belongs to Loire Valley. Tannay’s winemakers make wine in the Burgundy tradition (that is logical), but it cannot be named Burgundy (because belongs to the Loire formally), so it got the IGP title. The main varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot noir, as everywhere in Burgundy, and also Melon de Bourgogne. Continue reading North Burgundy. Coteaux de Tannay and Melon de Bourgogne Bloody Mary
January 1st, heralding the dawn of a new year, also brings us World Bloody Mary Day. Continue reading Bloody Mary Colter’s Creek Winery, IdahoWhat comes to your mind first, that Idaho is mentioned? Most people think about potatoes. I did too. However, potatoes are not the only thing that Idaho can be proud of. Every (every!) state of the US produces wine for better or worse. However, except for California, Washington, Oregon, and New York more often for worse than for better. In Hawaii, they grow a small plot of Pinot noir as high as they can (still it is too hot for grapes, and it feels bad), and bring some grapes from California. Wine isn’t worth a good word, but, still, they produce wine om Hawaii. This summer I worked in eastern Washington, a few miles from Moscow, Idaho. One day, my friend took me to her favourite Moscow tasting room. I thought it belonged to some Washington winery (although Continue reading Colter’s Creek Winery, Idaho North Burgundy. Vezelay
Vezelay – it’s about history, architecture, religion, and wine. Continue reading North Burgundy. Vezelay North Burgundy. Irancy
Irancy is a small, nice town, that is located on the right bank of Yonna, about four kilometres from the river. It was founded in 900 AD when Abbot Richard, Duke of Burgundy expanded his abbey. Also, it is one of the most northern French AOCs for red wines. Its specialization is Pinot noir. And it is also the ideal place to understand the idea of terroir. Continue reading North Burgundy. Irancy Calendar for Cocktail Lovers 2023The calendar for the next year is ready. 12 new cocktails with the recipes. The calendar has two new features: OR-code on each page leads to my articles about the corresponding cocktail. If you would like to know more about cocktail history, peculiarities of preparation and so on, you can easily find it. Wine/Spirits/Cocktails Days are marked, so you can easier choose the drink for the current evening (morning or day:). 35 USD (+ mailing, if needed) You can buy directly from me. Monthly: Continue reading Calendar for Cocktail Lovers 2023 Preakness Manhattan
Preakness Manhattan can be considered as an evolution of the well-known classic Manhattan cocktail. Continue reading Preakness Manhattan Ad AstraArgentinaRosina Ferrario No. 203
Rosina Ferrario No. 203 pays homage to aviation and the delicate allure of Crème de violette. This Italian twist on the Aviation, a pioneer in its cocktail category, bears the name of Rosina Ferrario, the trailblazing Italian woman who secured her pilot’s license back in 1913, flying the Caproni monoplane under license number 203. Continue reading Rosina Ferrario No. 203 The Exotic Teapot
The Exotic Teapot offers a fusion of Irish whiskey and the aromatic essence of Rooibos. It’s a refreshing experience with an intriguing twist, thanks to the subtle spice notes imparted by Yellow Chartreuse. Continue reading The Exotic Teapot Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the few cities with its own signature cocktail, a drink that, like the mythical Phoenix, enjoys periods of obscurity only to resurface. Interestingly, this cocktail is just a tad younger than the city itself—almost a century old, or perhaps even older, given the shrouded origins of its first mix. With Vancouver holding such significance in my heart, I couldn’t resist sharing the tale of this connected concoction. Continue reading Vancouver Winter PleasureWinter is not just coming, winter is already here. Blue Lady
The Blue Lady cocktail emerges as a vibrant member of the colorful Lady lineage, with Victor Cabrin as its creative force. While the origin of the White Lady cocktail remains draped in the veils of history, Victor was undoubtedly enamored with “ladies” in the world of cocktails, birthing several hued variations, including the Blue Lady. Continue reading Blue Lady Fallen Leaves
As night frosts usher in the transformation from fall to winter and trees bid farewell to their last leaves, the opportune moment to savor the Fallen Leaves cocktail emerges. Continue reading Fallen Leaves Angel’s Share
In the meticulous production process of cognac, one pivotal stage involves the maturation of the spirit in oak barrels. Continue reading Angel’s Share Walla Walla. September visit.At the end of September, we traditionally visited East Washington to try something new. В Walla Walla we tried three wineries. Moonbase Cellar Small family winery. Laine and Drew Pauk founded it only in 2017. Before they did completely different things, but fell in love with viniculture, moved to Washington, and founded the winery. They don’t have their own vineyard yet and buy grapes from the vineyards of Walla Walla AVA and two small unique AVAs. The tasting room is operated by the owner, and it was very interesting to talk with him. Well, mainly to listen to him only, because as soon as we started to talk, the big and bold company appeared and requested all his attention. So, normal dialogue became impossible, but we heard his inspiring vinicultural speech. He is a fan of wine education and always tries to bring more info to the clients. He uploaded his short educational movie Continue reading Walla Walla. September visit. Introduction to Spirits
Cognac, tequila, gin, vodka, whisky, rum…. an entire selection of bottles of various shapes and colors that rest on shelves behind the barman and that are generally called spirits. The common property of all spirits is relatively high alcohol content that’s usually achieved by distillation. Let’s talk about spirits in general: about their origins, history, technology and the basis of their variety. Continue reading Introduction to Spirits “Wine improves with age” – myth or reality?
Let’s talk about the wine age and how it correlates with wine quality. Do we need to pay attention to the year on the label? In which case is a wine worth being stored, and when is better to drink it immediately as soon as practical? We are talking here about the ageing of wine that is already bottled and is not any more the object of any winemaking manipulation. Continue reading “Wine improves with age” – myth or reality? Spring Revival
This year, spring has gracefully danced in a month later than its usual schedule, but this tardiness doesn’t diminish the joy of welcoming it with the third cocktail in my spring mini-series. Continue reading Spring Revival Walla Walla. April visit.About once a year I make a visit to the wineries of East Washington, tasting the production of the local winemakers. Some of them I love so much that re-visit them from time to time, especially to introduce them to my friends, but usually, I love to try something new considering the huge amount of wineries in this place. My preference is small wineries which wines can be bought only via the winery itself, because wines of big wineries can be found in any huge liquor store in the state, so don’t worth so long ride. A couple of weeks ago we spent a day in Walla Walla, one of the most famous AVA of Washington. About AVA and US wine law you can read here. This time we visited four new (for me) wineries. First on our way was Waterbrook, the biggest and most glamorous among them. The huge Continue reading Walla Walla. April visit. Valpolicella – Recioto, Amarone, Ripasso. Everything but the squeals…
In the northeast of Italy, in the vinicultural zone Veneto, the wine region Valpolicella locates that produces wine under the same name. This is one of the well-known Italian red wines, alongside Chianti, Barolo, and Brunello, if not in terms of quality, then at least in terms of quantity. Continue reading Valpolicella – Recioto, Amarone, Ripasso. Everything but the squeals… Apple Blossom, recipe by R.G. Buckby
This spring has unfolded with an unusual cadence, but we must embrace its unique rhythm. Nonetheless, the apple trees have burst into blossoms, beckoning us to savor the Apple Blossom cocktail in the latest installment of our spring cocktail mini-series. Continue reading Apple Blossom, recipe by R.G. Buckby Spring Feeling
Spring has graced us with its presence once more, and as the trees burst into bloom, it’s time to unveil a new mini-series of spring cocktails. Continue reading Spring Feeling My experience with wineries Europe Washington Wineries. Red Mountain AVA, 2022 Red Mountain is a small, but interesting AVA located on the southwest slopes of Red Mountain, accordingly. In September I visited some wineries of this AVA. Read about my impression here. This summer I discovered that not only famous potatoes can be found in the great spaces of Idaho, but also some interesting wines. Read about my experience with Colter’s Creek Winery here. At the end of September, we traditionally visited East Washington to try something new. Read my impression about three wineries in Walla Walla here. About once a year I make a visit to the wineries of East Washington, tasting the production Continue reading My experience with wineries WinesWinemaking White Grapes Red Grapes Geography The benefits of knowing how to read wine labels and understanding wine law common for the EU are discussed in the article “Learn to Read Labels. Europe.” Here, I am talking about US wine laws and helpful information that can be found on labels.
Let’s talk about naturally sweet wines, the method of their production, the importance of a long, warm sunny fall, and about useful mould. White Lady
The White Lady cocktail proudly resides in the coveted category of “The Unforgettables,” as per the IBA classification. This timeless and elegant libation first graced the cocktail scene a century ago and continues to hold a distinguished position among cocktail enthusiasts. Continue reading White Lady World of Magic Bubbles
In the article about Champagne I talk in detail about the history of the foremother of all sparkling wines, about Champagne’s styles and technology. However, the world of magic bubbles doesn’t restrict to Champagne; it is wide, deep, diverse, and very interesting. Continue reading World of Magic Bubbles  Alsace, Argentina, Astti, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cabernet sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Chardonnay, Cremant, Die, England, France, Germany, Glera, Grenache, Jura, Lambrusco, Limoux, Loire, Luxemburg, Macabeo, Merlot, Monastrell, Mousseux, Muscat, Paradell, Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Prosecco, Savoie, Sekt, Spain, sparkling wine, Spumante, Syrah, USA, Wallonie, Xarel-lo Champagne
The sparkling wine world is huge and inimitable. Careful examination of all its part requires time, patience, Continue reading Champagne Lunar Shadow
As we reminisce about awe-inspiring cosmic phenomena, such as the unforgettable solar eclipse of 2017, it’s only fitting that we pair these wonders of nature with a corresponding drink, or invent one if it doesn’t yet exist. Continue reading Lunar Shadow Calendar for Cocktail Lovers 2022I made a new Calendar for Cocktail Lovers. Details: January – Moose Milk February – Orange Blossom March – Bee’s Knees April – Sakura Martini May – Maiden’s Blush June – Paper Plane July – Lunar Shadow August – Clover Club September – White Lady October – Casino November – Feuerzangenbowle December – Ornamentini Continue reading Calendar for Cocktail Lovers 2022 Bee’s Knee
The phrase “Bee’s Knee” made its debut in the 18th century, serving as a whimsical synonym for something exceedingly small. After all, bees do indeed sport rather petite knees, making the expression quite fitting. Continue reading Bee’s Knee International Tempranillo DayToday! Second Thursday of November. So, don’t forget to open a Rioha bottle with dinner or/and pour a glass of Porto after. Happy Tempranillo Day! |
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