“The melt, glowing in the furnace, is what draws me to new discoveries.” —Göran Wärff, Swedish crystal designer One of Wärff’s newest inspirations is a collaboration with Folke Andersson, a fellow Swede with over 35 years experience in the world of fine Cognac and spirits working with Maison Tiffon, one …
Gin has a reputation for being an austere, even severe, spirit appreciated as something of an acquired taste, but Distillery No. 209’s roots begin at the complete opposite end of the spectrum: wine. Distillery No. 209 maintains a proud connection to California’s Napa Valley. Distillery No. 209 Founder Leslie Rudd …
If there’s one thing you can say about innovative British designer Jo Sampson, it’s that her taste is absolutely impeccable. Coming from your writer who is lucky if she can match her socks or not end up with a ragtag collection of uncoordinated wine glasses due to breakage—let’s just say …
With summer officially draping us with sun, blue skies, green vegetation, and the occasional thunderstorm, you’ll need to combat the warmth with a delightful drink. Nothing screams summer more than a chilled fruity cocktail or a pristine glass of timeless sparkling Rosé. But, what about combining the two for a …
If you’re living in the states than the Fourth of July is right around the corner. We figure there’s no better way to celebrate the American Spirit than with, well, American spirits. Enjoy straight or in a wonderful mix, it is summer after all. Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy 12 …
San Francisco is one happening place full of a variety of destinations spanning from beaches to restaurants to wineries and much, much more. But, we’re here today to focus our sights in on three exceptional eateries with notable food and drink menus featuring many cocktails utilizing the every versatile No. …
2001 was something of a pivotal year in the Knob Creek family. It was the year Booker Noe, the sixth generation Knob Creek Master Distiller laid down some of the final bottles of his career in the last few years of his life, passing the reigns to continue the family’s …
Where vodka stops, gin is born. Did you know gin begins its journey as vodka? At this point in the distilling process, juniper—the main and key ingredient separating gin from vodka—along with any combination of a vast number of botanicals are added and the resulting beverage is indeed gin. Fascinating …
A beautiful peachy-brown hue rests in the bottle, a clear indication of the Cabernet Sauvignon aged French oak barrels that have used to create this gin. On the nose a sticky caramel marmalade is your confirmation of the barrel aging that has taken place. There’s a rich combination of juniper …
The San Francisco-based Distillery No. 209, has resided at Pier 50 for over ten years. The original distillery, (209th in the country) founded in 1882, was located in Napa Valley, but local regulations forced a move to a location friendlier to the spirits business. This craft gin is distilled from …
We were initially a little perplexed over a whiskey that seemed to be named for a hotel, but the name of Hilhaven Lodge Whiskey becomes clearer when one takes into account its co-founder is hotelier and Hollywood director Bret Ratner, owner of the now-iconic Beverly Hills accommodation. The property was once …
Looking like something that was clandestinely pried off of a dark version of the Taj Majal, the oblong sculpure-like decanter housing the exclusive Clase Azul Ultra Añejo just may be the most beautiful bottle of tequila in the world. Crafted of obsidian-colored Talavera ceramic embossed with gracefully executed artwork of Mexican …