Some good stuff on tap this week. Enjoy!
- In the Washington Post, Jason Wilson shows a little love to white (bianco) vermouth. (This is a different animal from dry vermouth.)
- Also in the Post, a Q&A with Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth (head of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus) about bourbon and taxes. Who knew there was a Congressional Bourbon Caucus? I want to join!
- In The Atlantic, Derek Brown proclaims that if the world ends in 2012, it will be because of flavored vodka. (Who are the targeted consumers of Whipped Cream Vodka, anyway? Twelve year olds?)
- In other Derek Brown news, he shows you how to make some Prohibition-era cocktails.
- In Esquire, David Wondrich explains how to give a proper toast.
- Gary Regan discusses the Betsy Ross cocktail and tells you how to make one. (Brandy, port, orange Curaçao and bitters.)
- Woodford Reserve has a new Double Oaked Bourbon, that ages the whiskey in two different kinds of barrels. Sounds interesting.
- The Globe reports on Boston's bar culture. Hospitality, along with commitment to fine cocktails, is key.
- CNNGo recommends the 8 best modern speakeasies. Included on the list are The Gibson in Washington, DC, Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. in Philadelphia.
- In the New York Times, Robert Simonson writes about the trend of smoking cocktails. I have not tried a smoked cocktail, so I remain skeptical.
- Redbreast Irish Whiskey is rolling out a new 12-year-old cask-strength whiskey that gets very high marks from Cigar Aficionado. I'd love to try this.
- Five Amaro cocktails that won't leave you bitter -- including my favorite, the Picon Punch.
- Booker and Dax, a new bar in Manhattan, is lighting up New York -- with cocktails.
- Wayne Curtis writes about his trip to the Clough Club in Vancouver.
- Did you know that premium cocktails are back in vogue? Well, according to the Miami Herald, they are. (I seem to recall hearing this somewhere before.)
- Irish whiskey now outsells single malt Scotch in the United States. Erin go Bragh!
- St. George Spirits releases three new gins simultaneously: Terroir Gin, Botanivore Gin and Dry Rye Gin. Sounds intriguing!
- An article on bitters from The Guardian. Turns out they're important to include in your drinks.
- Kara Newman tells where to find a good cocktail in Las Vegas, including a nice twist on the Cosmo.
- Forbes Travel Guide shares how to drink like a president. President Obama, for example, is "partial to a great margarita, and also martinis."
- Here is a collection of presidential-inspired cocktails, complete with recipes.
- Pisco Sour Day has passed, but you can still celebrate by making one with Wine Enthusiast's recipe. They also give scores for three different Piscos. (Pisco Capel Reservado is their highest rated one.)
- Does terroir affect beer? Maybe.
I still have quite a few articles queued up, so I might make a special edition Cheat Sheet later this week. Let me know if you'd find that useful.
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