Alcademics

Three stories I wrote for San Francisco Magazine on the past and future of Bay Area brandy. Read more →

One of my favorite bartender-visionaries Thad Vogler released a book about learning/purchasing spirits by going to where they're made. While Vogler owns Bar Agricole, Canada's Jen Agg owns Agrikol in Montreal, and also has a book out from a very different owner's perspective, called I Hear She's a Real Bitch. Like Vogler, Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown travelled to Cuba to write their latest book (I think it's their third on Cuba cocktails and bartenders), while Brad Thomas Parsons wrote no doubt his most fun book to date, starring cats that live at distilleries. New Orleans rum legend Brian Rhea finally wrote a book that should be full of tales from his many years in bars, while for newbie drinkers we have Drink Like a Bartender and for sci-fi fans there is a whole book of out-of-this-world cocktails awaiting. Beyond that there's an American history and booze book, a book that tells bartenders how to win international cocktail competitions, a book on cider (and shrubs and vinegars), one on bar cart styling, and finally a brand book from Fever Tree Tonic Water.  Read more →

So, so much whiskey. Read more →

Behold the new liquor releases that came out in June or are coming soon. There is a lot of gin and brandy, and some fancy scotch too. Read more →

The first page is background about the category, and the rest are some bars in the US that specialize in the spirit, and usually other brandies as well. Read more →

Behold a slew of new whiskies, plus a certified gluten-free vodka, estate-distilled gin, American Campari, apple brandy, and more! Read more →

This edition of New Booze contains a few months' worth of new product launches. Read more →

As usual, a ton of whiskey and a smattering of other products hitting the US market. Read more →