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American Whiskey Association Toasts USA’s 250th with Worldwide Celebrations

The American Whiskey Association (AWA) is highlighting the role of American whiskey in select U.S. Embassy celebrations connected to America’s 250th anniversary, underscoring the category’s importance as a symbol of American craftsmanship, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, trade and cultural diplomacy. AWA and participating member companies are supporting a targeted series of high-profile events with U.S. diplomatic…

Catoctin Creek Distilling Announces Tasting Room Refresh, Grand Re-Opening

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company of Purcellville, Virginia, this month announced a comprehensive refresh of its tasting room experience, featuring extended hours, an expanded cocktail and mocktail program, enhanced guest hospitality, and a Grand Re-Opening celebration scheduled for July 1st. Designed to transform the tasting room from a traditional sampling counter into a welcoming cocktail destination,…

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announces Top 10 International Spirited Awards Noms

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is proud to announce the Top 10 International Nominees for the 20th annual Spirited Awards®. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of the world’s highest-regarded honors in the drinks industry, celebrating outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media, and leaders who continue to inspire the global cocktail community. …

My rye whiskey primer in The Takeout

Hey, kids—you like the whiskey? Then I’ve got something for you. It’s my latest piece in The Takeout, specifically on rye whiskey. Read it here!

New Video: Chasing spirits in Germany’s Black Forest

When most of us hear the word “schnaps,” we think of those artificially sweetened liqueurs designed for folks who think they like to drink, but really don’t. True, schnaps, however, is an unaged brandy distilled from any number of fruits in German-speaking countries. The schnaps-making capital of the world is Germany’s Black Forest region, home…

I’ll talk your ear off!

Hey, looking for a booze expert for a lecture, guided tasting/dinner or any related drink-related speaking opportunity? Hit me up! I’m for hire. I’m also a Certified Sake Sommelier and Certified Shochu Adviser, if those strike your fancy. But I my expertise extends to a wide spectrum of distilled spirits and fermented beverages (including beer!)…

Read my sake piece at The Takeout

I contributed the piece, “Ease Yourself Into the Singular Joy of Sake” to The Takeout, the food and beverage site owned by the folks behind The Onion, The A.V. Club and others. Give it a read here!

Distilled Spirits Council rebrands with new logo and website

This just in from The Distilled Spirits Council The Distilled Spirits Council today announced the launch of a rebranding initiative, featuring a new logo, website and annual report, as part of an ongoing modernization effort. “The distilled spirits sector has achieved both record sales and exports, with eight consecutive years of market share growth,” says Distilled Spirits Council…

Diageo acquires Belsazar aperitif

A bit of news out of Diageo and the drinks brand incubator, Distill Ventures. German entrepreneurs Maximillian Wagner and Sebastian Brack are likely toasting with more than a few glasses of their aperitif from the Black Forest. Diageo this week announced the acquisition of Belsazar GmbH, a premium aperitif from Germany’s Black Forest. Belsazar was…