Musings on Whiskey
My influence for writing Whiskey Cocktails is one of a most circuitous nature. Whiskey has rough and tumble roots for me. Initially I looked at whiskey as something that was rough and harsh across my palate. I wasn’t a whiskey fan until a couple of years ago. Rum was more my forte, I was a rum judge for the Ministry of Rum in 2010. I also wrote about food, and, of course wine. It’s very tough to make a living being just one more voice in the room of food writing or even wine writing.
The Reformed Spirits Company, makers of the World Renowned, Martin Miller’s Gin has created a crystal clear, uncolored, ‘Irish Cream’ liqueur that is mesmerizing in mouthfeel, quality and overall finesse. What they have created, using Irish Malt Whiskey, is a bourbon, chocolate, milk punch without any caramel color added at all. In fact, what they have done is rectify an authentic spirit base with a plethora of marvelous flavors that say rich and creamy in the glass without a drop of artificial color to further confuse the consumer with layers of provenance that just doesn’t exist.
It’s Greek Moonshine… and to Greek people it’s best known as Tsipouro. OK, now that you got that, sometimes it’s better known as Raki (but not the Raki that you may think you know, the one from Turkey or Armenia…) Rakii *spelled with two i’s for TTB/legal reasons-not to confuse the consumer with the best known Raki on the market, this style of Raki is usually made only in Greece and named Tsipouro. Lazy Eye Rakii is being craft distilled in a most unlikely place, Southern New Jersey. Richland, NJ. This craft distillery is not just around the corner from anywhere in particular, like NYC for instance, it makes for a good day trip.
Growing Wild
Cannador CEO Zane Witzel is producing a mini docu-series that showcases cultivators and culture in recreationally legal states across America called Growing Wild. The first episode focuses on the Portland weed scene and features several notable cannabis industry professionals.
Here’s a private link to Growing Wild Episode 01: Growing Wild
It’s so thin! Why so much dry Cole Slaw? What is that orange stuff on there? What is that, tongue? (What is tongue anyhow?) And ham? And Cheese,… AND why is the crust cut off the bread?
A RUM FOR EVERY PALATE
Around much of Pan America, rum offers a taste of place and a mini-history lesson in every sip. As U.S.-based rum expert and judge Warren Bobrow says, “There is a rum for every island, for every meal, and every dish. Rum is incredibly versatile: it speaks to Cognac and brandy lovers.” There’s infinitely more to explore than “the captain.” Here are some of the must-tries, should you be so lucky!
READ MORE @ Rum; Worldly Delights!
Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! To celebrate we’ve got a special interview with author and “Cocktail Whisperer” Warren Bobrow all about rum!
1. How did you get involved with the world of cocktails and spirits?
Originally I trained to be a chef- This was back in the mid-1980’S- before recorded time really. I owned and founded a fresh pasta biz down In Charleston, SC- I lost it in Hurricane Hugo in 1989. I had bartended a few times while working as a cook- And it seemed like a good job for someone like myself who has the ‘Gift of Gab’… Fast forward past a 20-year career in banking- Back to my 50th birthday- when I went over to the Ryland Inn, located in NJ- and asked for a job as a bartender. Chris James, the Bar Manager told me he didn’t need a bartender, but he did need a bar back (not a glamorous job) and I was hired. But I had been writing about spirits, wine and food for a couple years- but I really had no idea just how hard it was! Physical Labor! Long Hours! Not Pretty! I held on for a year- and built my chops. How many cocktail writers do you know who worked as a bartender? Very few- and fewer still started at the bottom and worked their way up.
Read the entire article here, at Forbes
If there is a flavor that most exemplifies aromatics of the British countryside- it would be the profusion of herbs and flowers that bloom along the thorny hedgerows lining the narrow pathways. Of course, to experience this in real life would mean a trip to Great Britain. IF, you were able to accomplish this trip, a leisurely bicycle ride would be necessary to gain the entire experience of sipping Seedlip. Why a bicycle ride you may ask? To be able to smell the air as you rode down any given country path, brushing your arms against the herbs and flowers, releasing their perfume.
by Zoe Wilder
Without cannabis, drinks are basic.