November 2007: This was my first trip to the tequila-producing region of Mexico with Tequila Don Julio. Here, huge agaves with their spiky leaves overlap -this isn't a field you'd want to run through naked. Read more →
A big batch of new booze and books arrived over the past week here at Alcademics HQ. Which is good because I'm thirsty for both knowledge and liquor. Ginger People ginger beer, syrup, and juice Tin Cup Whiskey Orphan Barrel Whiskeys: Barterhouse 20 year old and Old Blowhard 26 year... Read more →
In the current issue of industry publication FSR Magazine for full-service restaurants, I have a story about the working relationships between cocktail consultants and restaurants, specifically the pitfalls people have experienced and ways to work together better to ensure long-term success. The story includes interviews from consultants and clients around... Read more →
Irish Whiskey was once one of the most popular spirits in the world and declined from thousands of distilleries down to just two by the late 1900s. Sales are once again skyrocketing on the back of Jameson's success, but things were pretty grim for a while. I knew many of... Read more →
A while back I visited the Kilbeggan Distillery in the middle of Ireland. Kilbeggan is in partnership with the Cooley distillery, a much larger one (without a visitors' center) that was once independent but is now owned by Jim Beam. They make not only Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, but also Tyrconnell,... Read more →
October 2007: On a trip to Barbados with Mount Gay Rum, we drove all around the island one day, stopping into the rum shops, looking at decapitated windmills, and enjoying the local food and drink. Read more →
Here are the new boozy and literary arrivals at Alcademics Global Headquarters over the past few weeks. Gran Patron Piedra Evan Williams Single Barrel 2004 Vintage Mezcalero Release #8 Alipus Mezcal Santa Ana Del Rio The Craft Beer Revolution by Steve Hindy Cocktails For the Four Seasons by Jenny Park... Read more →