Enjoy Great Tequila with a Traditional Sangrita Chaser
Not to be confused with sangria, sangrita (meaning “little blood”) is relatively unknown in the United States. This traditional Mexican chaser contains no alcohol, but rather a simple mix of juices and spices designed to be consumed alongside tequil
The Reason Why You Should Celebrate Black History with Cognac
Cognac’s popularity is almost exclusively African American ––meaning the French and the rest of America barely touch the stuff. So why is French Cognac Brandy such a big hit? What does Cognac contribute to Black American history? Well, If you think it all started with Hip Hop lyrics from the 90s? Or, when Busta Rhymes told […]
Whiskey Making Essential ingredients
Distillers are using science and traditional methods to take advantage of the infinite range of tastes, tones, colors, aromas, but it still begins with the combination of grains used in the mash.
Haiken Lychee Flavored Japanese Vodka Makes the Ultimate Lychee Martini
Haiken Lychee flavored Japanese vodka is truly a one hit wonder when it comes to making the ultimate lychee martini. Our dinner parties usually start with a cocktail, and this one kicked-off with a lychee martini made with Haiken. My friends all agree that Haiken Lychee flavored vodka was way better than they expected. Refreshing, fruity […]
Can OMAGE artisanal brandy beat out French Cognac in a Blind Taste Test?
History says, yes! Forty-six years ago, the French wine establishment pitted some of the finest wines in France against unknown California wines in a blind taste challenge. Most saw the outcome as virtually guaranteed. Or, so they thought. [The question remains, can a Cognac-inspired spirit called OMAGE do the same for California brandy?] Time for […]
How a 19th Century Whiskey Pioneer Became Japan’s First Cultural Ambassador to New York City
In the late 19th Century, Dr. Jōkichi Takamine tried to teach the American liquor industry how to use koji to make whiskey more efficiently. But things did not go as planned––when rivals from the powerful Maltsters Union were accused, but never convicted of burning his Peoria, Illinois distillery to the ground in 1890. Destined for success […]
Our Most Popular Pours at Whiskeyfest NYC 2022
Rare and popular whiskey makers from around the world descended on the Marriott Marquis in New York City’s Times Square for Whiskeyfest 2022! Wine and Spirits Journal was there to taste and lend a helping hand with the most popular pours for New York City. With hundreds of distilled spirits available at Whiskeyfest, the most difficult […]
Whole lotta’ Shaking Going on: The Awayuki Strawberry Gin Fizz
Stopped in to see what Dean, the owner of Pekarna on the Upper Westside of Manhattan has shaking with Awayuki Strawberry Gin and happy to say it was well worth the trip. The Awayuki Strawberry Gin Fizz is a twist on the Ramos Gin Fizz, first mixed in 1888 by Henry Charles “Carl” Ramos at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in New Orleans. Considering […]
黒美 BIKOKU : Japanese Pure Malt Whisky
The master blender has long cherished the pure spring water from Mt. Fuji that produces 黒美 BIKOKU Japanese Pure Malt whisky. The mission of the master distiller is to draw out the individuality of the malts from carefully selected grains. Only high-grade pure malt is used. The superior malt is then combined with the underground water from Mt. […]