Alcohol-free April 2016: Update #1
Two weeks in to no-alcohol April. You probably expect this post to be relatively uplifting and – at its essence – I think it is. But the reality of not being able to drink when you A) want to and B) can’t… well frankly it sucks….
Yellow Rose Rye Is a Tasty Texas Whiskey
Many people sipping American whiskey can get stuck in a rut bouncing between two states — namely Kentucky and Tennessee. But there’s amazing whiskey being produced all over America (one of my favourites is Rittenhouse Rye, made in Pennsylvania.) Recently I added to this list with Yellow Rose…
‘What’s a Wine?’ Part VI: Getting to Know Your Wine Grapes 2.0
While every single wine is different, and their flavours dependent on a multitude of factors, the type of wine grapes used generally has an enormous impact and can provide deep insight into the wine you’re drinking. It shouldn’t be taken as gospel truth, but rather…
Dewar’s 12 Year Delivers a Delicious Dram
Among casual scotch snobs, blends are so often summarily dismissed you might think none are worthy of any attention. Even a casual run through of your local liquor store stock will likely provide evidence of their inferior status – they’re a lower price, on a…
Warming Winter Cocktails to Get Toasty on Cold Nights — Fix.com
Check out these cool cocktails, perfect for warming up a winter evening. Source: Fix.com
Molson’s 1908 Historic Pale Ale Shows a Crafty Evolution
It’s a rare day I bother to review a beer made by one of the Macro-Domestic mega-corps. I am universally uninterested in their golden lager styles and have been consistently disappointed with their beers that attempt to emulate craft styles. But, like all people too entrenched…
Muskoka Brewery Takes a Spirited Next Step
When Muskoka Brewery comes to mind, you might think about their easy-drinking Detour, or perhaps their dark and burly Winter Beard. Maybe your mind goes right to their hop-bombs like Twice as Mad Tom. Whatever the case, it’s almost certain you’re thinking of their beer…
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico Makes a Pefect Meal Pairing
There are some who argue that wine is meant to be had with food. Others (including myself) believe some wines are best consumed solo. But, on occasion, a wine like Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico comes along that pairs so well with a meal, you wonder why you…
Orphan Barrel Lost Prophet Bourbon: Gimmick Drink or Great Dram?
Smoth’s Rating: 9.2/10 It’s a rare occasion that I come across a whiskey as rare as Orphan Barrel’s Lost Prophet, a 22 year-old bourbon. Some claim the Orphan Barrel lineup is more marketing gimmick than quality. With it’s extremely high price, snappy branding and questionable background,…
Hogtown Brewers are Creating a “Gateway” to Craft Beer
If you’re into the craft beer community, you probably have mixed feelings about contract brewers. Sure, they represent the entrepreneurial spirit that defines independent beer producers, but in a thriving market some question the veracity of their intentions — is it passion for the beer,…