Blog

Angel Face Cocktail

April 25, 2020

April is the time of year that is perfect for “shoulder season” cocktails, of which the Angel Face is definitely one. What makes a “shoulder season” cocktail, you ask? “Shoulder season” cocktails are moderate in “weight” and “depth.” By weight, we allude to the feel of the cocktail on one’s palate, the “heaviness,” so to… Read More
The Periodista Cocktail

April 20, 2020

The Periodista, or “The Journalist” cocktail harkens back to a recipe in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book and is originally cribbed as a Gin-based libation. Borrowing elements from the “perfect” Martini, the Craddock recipe combines sweet and dry Vermouth to create balance and mid-palate weight. A touch of Curaçao suggests an exotic, faraway island, perhaps… Read More
The Napoleon Cocktail

April 11, 2020

The Napoleon Cocktail. On April 11, 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, abdicating his throne and beginning his brief exile on the Island of Elba. Napoleon would return to power, briefly, and then lose it all again after his defeat at Waterloo… Commemorating this day and reviving a long forgotten classic… The Napoleon… Read More
Standing the Test of Time…

April 1, 2020

I recently pulled some reasonably old wines from Cline Family Cellars out of the dark corners of the wine cellar and opened them for a taste. The results were surprisingly strong. I say surprisingly, because my personal experience with aging mid-level California wines has been decidedly mixed. I probably should not be surprised, though. I… Read More
Whisky and Special Cask Finishes

March 14, 2020

Today, we are going to explore the topic of barrel finishing Scotch. For those who may know a lot about this subject, the following will, hopefully serve as a quick and useful review. For those to whom the topic is new, I hope the discussion serves to broaden your understanding and enjoyment of Whisky. So,… Read More
Beckmen Vineyards Winemaker Dinner

February 16, 2020

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful wine dinner at Legal Sea Foods, Park Square. The dinner was memorable for many reasons. First, I was able to reconnect with an old friend, who is one of the key influencers of my wine journey, Sandy Block, MW. Second, I was able to taste some… Read More