Latest & Greatest

Continued from A Week in South Africa: Part 1 Too many consumers still associate South African wine far too exclusively with Pinotage among reds and Chenin Blanc among whites. And while these two highly successful grape varieties of course play an important part in the national wine industry, they are …

There are some dishes that are worth all the extra steps, because every hand-crafted detail comes across in each flavorful bite. This one takes waffles to a new level, for brunch or even dessert. Everything from the yeasted waffles to the Tawny Port and balsamic reduction syrup are a from-scratch …

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery, located in Hampshire, England in an old paper mill, opened to the public for the first time on October 1 after a four-year refurbishment. Visitors can now tour the distillery, learn about the gin’s history, take a bartending master class, or simply sip Sapphire at the …

Don’t let the name fool you, Mantry is something anyone could get down with: man, woman, child, and wildebeest. While still in the Kickstarter incubator, these guys are in the proverbial black having raised over five times their original target. But what is it? It’s a membership to a themed …

Only the lucky few who have sought this cider out on tap have had the pleasure of enjoying its refreshing crispness. However, in late October, the folks over at Golden State Cider—tag line: By California, For California. Take it easier— have, in fact, made “taking it” just a bit easier. …

Somewhere between the surf and sand, the redwoods and radicals, Santa Cruz’s rep for exceptional wine, beer, and spirits gets overshadowed. It’s no wonder. The renowned bastion of counterculture sits on an enviable stretch of land conjoining California’s majestic redwoods with the marine sanctuary of the Monterey Bay. Yet amidst …

 Pilsner Urquell is rolling out 16 ounces of Czech history. Their new cans and bottles are contemporary dances with their past.  The designs on the Pilsner Urquell Limited Edition Can Four Pack Series feature motifs from the era when pubs had one tap and served one beer. Follow the key …

If you’ve had the pleasure of a night out at Warwick, one of LA’s hottest bar makeovers, then chances are you’ve come across the Black Dahlia. Sinister as it may sound, this cocktail will keep you coming back for more. Something about the enchanting cocktail- perhaps the stunning presentation, perhaps the sweet, tart, …

As the nation’s love of spicy food continues to grow, so too does our love for a good Riesling. But you needn’t confine these bottles to just restaurants, you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home and for a fraction of the price. Whether it’s a chicken …

A few steps from the hubbub of Union Square is The Campton Place, a cocoon just inside the Taj Campton Place Hotel. The bar and bistro is adjacent to the pricier restaurant, but the bistro menu is overseen by the same chef Srijith Gopinathan who earned his Michelin star at this …

Standing Stone Brewing Company, located in quaint, green downtown Ashland, stands out as down to earth in the predominantly Shakespeare-themed town. At the bi-level brewpub, which features a bar, brew deck, and outdoor patio, taste the Steel-Cut Stout, which is brewed with 100 pounds of oats and won Silver at this …

Elysian Super Fuzz Pale ale. Seattle, Washington 5.4% Orange Crush color, funkadelic label, outstanding combination of blood oranges and hops. Some pine tree with your creamsicle? Add to that some fresh grapefruit and you have one of the best fruit beers I’ve tasted. 94 Pts.

Craft whiskey is hugely popular these days, and many of the standout producers are located in New York State. (There are, of course, other great ones around the country.) One such notable distillery is Rochester-based Black Button Distilling, which is debuting their new young bourbon the day after Thanksgiving. Little …