by Sean Ludford | Jul 24, 2015 | Spirits
On rare occasions, if you’re lucky, you encounter a product so superior that it becomes your benchmark for the category. On such an occasion we discovered the fabulous fruit liqueurs from Merlet. I first encountered the Merlet Crème de Casis a few years ago and it definitely caught my eye. I have seen these spirits on several occasions since that first encounter and in...
by Sean Ludford | Jul 22, 2015 | Spirits
The word Liqueur comes from the Latin liquifacere (“to liquefy”). This might seem a bit obvious or perhaps redundant, as Liqueurs, as we know them, are clearly beverages. However, it makes complete sense when understood in the context of the earliest Liqueurs. It was medicine that was being liquefied. Herbal preparations, often made by monks, were the ideal way to preserve the essential oils...
by Sean Ludford | Jun 9, 2015 | Spirits
The Glencairn Whisky glass has become an indispensable accessory of the Whiskey aficionado as well as Whiskey bars around the globe. When you order a dram at the bar and it’s presented in a Glencairn glass you know that you are in an establishment that is serious about Whisky and Whisky service. In just over a decade the iconic glass has become a staple...
by Sean Ludford | May 19, 2015 | Spirits
If we were to line-up the ingredients utilized to create Whiskey we would gather grain (of varying types and forms depending upon the Whiskey we are making), water, yeast, and WOOD! Among all of the materials used in the creation of Whiskey wood is the most important of all contributing anywhere from 50% to 80% of Whiskey’s aromas and flavors. This ratio of wood’s...
by Sean Ludford | Apr 22, 2015 | Spirits, Uncategorized
In October of 2013 national headlines were made when it was reported that cases of the rare and prized Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon had been stolen. The entire theft ring had netted more than just Pappy as both casks and bottled goods of Eagle Rare, also from Buffalo Trace as well as Bourbon from Wild Turkey Bourbon were stolen. Yesterday, April 21, 2015, nine...
by Sean Ludford | Apr 7, 2015 | Spirits
Introduction Five years ago I wrote about the mass introduction of so-called “White Whiskey.” At the time I said, “White Whiskey is becoming 2010’s pet rock but it seems more like this year’s Unicorn, a mythical creature.” I have not softened my view much since then but maybe I could better explain my position. I have no problem with any style of quality spirit....
