Today’s post is about Stravecchio Branca, an Italian brandy that is as ubiquitous as any other brand in the country. Literally every single bar in Italy has a bottle of Stravecchio on the shelf. It comes from the same company that owns so many other brands such as Fernet Branca, the Fratelli Branca Distilleries yet so few... Continue Reading →
Sips: Nikka’s Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
I've been thinking about Whisky for the past week since I saw my cousin who is a fanatic. We spoke about Scotch and then he mentioned that he really liked Japanese whisky. Oddly enough I had the opportunity to try some at a party friends were hosting. The whisky is from Nikka. A blended... Continue Reading →
Tasting Irish Whiskey At Keens
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day. While I haven't a drop of Irish blood in my veins, I can appreciate the holiday, the people and the Whiskey along with the best of them. I have only been to Ireland once but I have been around the Irish my whole life, as a New Yorker and an... Continue Reading →
Looking forward to drinking Barbancourt Rum from Haiti
Today's post is about a rum from Haiti called Barbancourt. I really wish I had a glass sitting at my desk right now. I didn't make it to the store to get one today but I will tomorrow. Lucky for me, one of my local wine shops sells the 15 year reserve. I love Rum.... Continue Reading →
Hello Grappa, Nice To Meet You, Again
Hello Grappa. That is the name of a group that is working together to promote Grappa around the world. Grappa is an Italian spirit that usually brings to mind older men in the Veneto having a glass after dinner or in their morning coffee. But no more. This limited vision of the use of Grappa... Continue Reading →
Spirited Saturday: Purus Wheat Vodka From Italy
On the weekends, sometimes I splurge and have something other than wine as an alcoholic beverage. Rarely do I drink vodka however. I know that sounds strange as it is the most popular spirit but I've just never been that taken with vodka. Last year, I had the occasion to try a vodka which did... Continue Reading →
New World Wines & Spirits: Rum from the Bronx – Tirado Distillery
I finally am getting back to my blog after a hiatus. I decided to start from where it all began, New York. I spent my childhood in a town in New Jersey but come from a long line of New Yorkers and feel very much a part of this city. Everyone in my family was... Continue Reading →
Spirited Saturday: Partida Tequila Neat
I have decided to start a new column on this blog, Spirited Saturday. I rarely write about spirits and there are many who are more qualified than I perhaps but I think I should use my certified spirits education qualification fron the Society of Wine Educators for something. My first post is aboout Partida tequila.... Continue Reading →
Apples, Calvados and Giverny
I have decided that Monday posts on this blog will be about a variety of different wines and spirits from a whole host of countries. While my main theme is Italy, I do try to be a slightly well rounded taster of fermented drinks. A quick translation would be that I am hard pressed to... Continue Reading →