Author Archives: Rob Theakston

The Drinkhacker Shopping List – 02.15.2013

If it’s Friday, it’s time for the Drinkhacker Shopping List — our regularly scheduled overview of the best (and worst) things we’ve reviewed over the past few weeks. It’s printable and ready for you to take along on your next trip to the store!

TheList021513 525x847 The Drinkhacker Shopping List   02.15.2013

Along with this shopping list, we’ve also featured a generous amount of book reviews this month (with more to come). These titles could potentially serve as a delightful compliment to your weekend drinking experience(s):

Vodka Distilled
Kentucky Bourbon: The Early Years of Whiskeymaking
The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bordeaux
Extreme Brewing
The Kentucky Mint Julep
Shake, Stir, Pour
Alt Whiskeys
Lapham’s Quarterly: Intoxication

Book Review: Vodka Distilled

vdd 235x300 Book Review: Vodka DistilledTony Abou-Ganim is a happy guy. In fact he’s so happy that within the first twenty pages of Vodka Distilled, the reader is treated to not one, but four photographs of Mr. Abou-Ganim flashing his pearly whites in various states of pose. And well he should be pleased himself: his 2010 opus The Modern Mixologist won critical warmth from such household media giants as Batali, DeGroff, and Fallon. His tireless efforts at championing mixology and his pleasant personality have solidified him as a go-to guy for mass media, landing him appearances on Iron Chef America, Today, Good Morning America, and numerous other programs.

Continue reading “Book Review: Vodka Distilled” »

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.14.2013 – Festival Announcement Edition

Citizens of Pittsburgh and the surrounding metropolitan area: did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Looking for a last minute gift idea? The Pittsburgh Wine Festival has you covered. Today it’s offering up a discount on VIP and Grand tasting tickets, but you best hurry because it all starts at 5pm EST. You can purchase tickets at the website. [Pittsburgh Wine Festival]

For our frigid friends up north, the debut edition of the Winnipeg Whisky Festival takes place Friday, February 22nd at the Fairmont Winnipeg.  The one-day event will feature over 100 whiskies and a generous presentation of local chefs whipping up culinary delights. While the VIP tickets have sold out, there are still a few tickets available at the general admittance level. [Winnipeg Whisky Festival]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 02.14.2013 – Festival Announcement Edition” »

Recipe: Effen Vodka Valentine’s Cocktails

This week in Valentine’s Day recipes just keeps on coming, this time courtesy of the folks over at Effen vodka. The following recipes were tried and tested in our own bar, and were received with approval and enthusiasm.

Effen Chocolate Covered Black Cherryblackcherry Recipe: Effen Vodka Valentines Cocktails
1 1/2 parts Effen Black Cherry Vodka
3/4 part DeKuyper Dark Crème de Cacao
3/4 part half and half
1 teaspoon cherry preserves
1 dash Angostura bitters

In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel and brandied cherries.

Continue reading “Recipe: Effen Vodka Valentine’s Cocktails” »

Recipe: Skyy Vodka Valentine’s Day Cocktails

With Valentine’s Day around the corner we felt it only appropriate to offer up a few suggestions for cocktails that might tickle the fancy of someone you love, or to enjoy by yourself. These recipes come to us courtesy of the folks at Skyy Vodka, which just launched a new strawberry vodka (review coming soon).

image005 220x300 Recipe: Skyy Vodka Valentines Day CocktailsWild Strawberry Seduction
2 oz. Skyy Infusions Wild Strawberry
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. apple juice
½ oz. honey
2 medium basil leaves
2 medium strawberries

Muddle basil, strawberries and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and double strain in to coupe glass


Strawberry Sunriseimage008 202x300 Recipe: Skyy Vodka Valentines Day Cocktails

2 oz. Skyy Infusions Wild Strawberry
1 oz. orange juice
½ oz. grapefruit Juice
½ oz. lime juice
½ oz. simple syrup
¼ oz. grenadine

Shake all ingredients except grenadine. Pour liquid over ice in a rocks glass. Drizzle in grenadine at the end.

Book Review: Kentucky Bourbon: The Early Years of Whiskeymaking

KB 200x300 Book Review: Kentucky Bourbon: The Early Years of WhiskeymakingThe title is most certainly not a misnomer, as Henry G. Crowgey’s Kentucky Bourbon: The Early Years of Whiskeymaking wastes no time in immersing the reader in his world, beginning with a discussion of Egyptians, Moors and the migration of distillation practices to Europe. Originally published in 1971, this challenging read holds a venerable place in bourbon’s literary canon, and for over four decades has stood as a pillar of information to those immersed in their own research. It has once again been re-pressed for a new generation of book and bourbon lovers alike.

Crowgey delivers on his premise: providing the reader with die-hard facts from the commonwealth’s primal origins to the years slightly preceding the Civil War, leaving no information unchecked and no barrel untapped. On selecting this time period for the book’s endpoint, he laments

“There was never a serious attempt on the part of 19th-century historians to perform the necessary research. Thus was much valuable history was lost, perhaps beyond recall, and therefore arose many pleasant legends in its stead.”

With the exception of a few small turns, Crowgey eschews scientific theory and methodology in favor of the minutiae: bills of deed, political theater and eloquent passages all intertwine to capture both the history of bourbon and of the Commonwealth with which it seems inextricably linked.

As a factual, historical, academic tome it is thorough and highly informative.  It is a delight to watch a master scholar get his hands dirty and tell a history free of corporation-approved tales. However, it is also what makes Kentucky Bourbon such a challenge of a book to absorb. Those looking for an easy read may find these pages difficult or cumbersome in detail. Definitely an offering for enthusiasts and students of the craft.

B+ / $15 / [BUY IT HERE]

Recipe: Valentine’s Day, James Bond-Themed, Balsamic Vinegar Cocktails

Superstar cocktail creator Carlo Splendorini is no stranger to those familiar with the world of exotic drinks.  He helped establish the Michelin-starred restaurant Michael Mina as a front-runner in San Francisco’s cocktail scene while racking up prizes in national and international competitions. For this Valentine’s Day, he offers up some twists using balsamic vinegar as an ingredient. Definitely some recipes for those looking for something out of the ordinary this Valentine’s holiday. Continue reading “Recipe: Valentine’s Day, James Bond-Themed, Balsamic Vinegar Cocktails” »

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.12.2013 – Absolut Takes On Chicago; Timberlake Takes On Budweiser

In keeping with the spirit of letting artists rule the roost when it comes to creating bold new editions of its city-themed vodkas, Absolut has decided to crowdsource its next edition to the design community over at Threadless, challenging folks to design a bottle for Chicago. Submissions are now being accepted, and the grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and their design on a limited edition bottle. [Threadless]

CELEBRITY PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT OF THE WEEK: Everyone’s favorite ’90s boy band survivor Justin Timberlake has signed on with Budweiser to be the creative director for its Bud Light Platinum line. Timberlake will be in charge of essentially everything but selling the beer, bringing “cultural, musical, and creative curation” to the table. No doubt he’ll do just as well over at Bud Light as he did in his previous position at MySpace. [PR Newswire]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 02.12.2013 – Absolut Takes On Chicago; Timberlake Takes On Budweiser” »

Drinkhacker Reads 02.11.2013 – Maker’s Mark Drops to 84 Proof, Bars Charge More for Neatness

makers mark whisky bourbon 240x300 Drinkhacker Reads 02.11.2013 – Maker’s Mark Drops to 84 Proof, Bars Charge More for NeatnessBig news in whiskeytown. The New York Post is reporting that Maker’s Mark will be cutting its flagship brand down from 90 proof to about 84 proof in order to meet the global rise in demand for the brand. No word on when the cut will be in effect or when the lower-proof Maker’s will be hitting shelves. Stock up now if you like it hot. [New York Post]

Business Week has had quite the week of investigative reports in the service of spirits. First, BW reports on a new, insidious practice, which could potentially infest your local watering hole: an upcharge for ordering a drink neat. (The argument: You’re getting extra booze if there’s no ice in the glass.) While this may be an incident isolated to the island of Manhattan for now, it will be interesting to see if this deplorable act makes it way to the rest of the nation.

In other news, BW finds the answer to one of life’s most nagging questions: How come Australian wine is so cheap compared to other imported wines? [Business Week]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads 02.11.2013 – Maker’s Mark Drops to 84 Proof, Bars Charge More for Neatness” »

The Drinkhacker Shopping List – 02.08.2013

It is indeed Friday once again, and time for our weekly look back at the best (and worst) of reviews via our Shopping List; a digestible, printer-friendly version of our most recent coverage.

TheList020813 471x1000 The Drinkhacker Shopping List – 02.08.2013

We’ve also had several expansive tasting reports in recent weeks that are worthy of your time and attention:

WALT Wines, 2010 Vintages
The Wines of Lawer Family Vineyards
Wine Road Trip: Paso Robles and Santa Barbara
Wines of Artesa, 2012 Releases
Tasting The Wines of Ribera Del Duero

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.07.2013 – Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project + Diet Soda Accelerates Intoxication Rates

In a recent study by Northern Kentucky University and the University of Chicago, researchers have discovered that drinking alcohol mixed with diet soda as opposed to regular soda may increase the rate in which you become intoxicated. [Yahoo]

Buffalo Trace has announced the release of the eighth round of its Single Oak Project will hit the shelves shortly. Drinkhacker’s review of this round — now at the halfway mark of the project — will be coming in short order. [Single Oak Project]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 02.07.2013 – Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project + Diet Soda Accelerates Intoxication Rates” »

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.05.2013 – Hooray for Beer Edition

First off today, just a gentle reminder of our contest being held in conjunction with our friends over at Lapham’s Quarterly. Be sure to enter to win their latest issue, all about intoxication.

If you missed it earlier this morning, CBS Morning News reported that the Justice Department will be taking on one of the largest beer companies in the world, and goes into detail about how it will change the landscape for the future. [video: Orlando Sentinel via CBS Morning News]

Although the predicted date for the so-called Mayan end of humanity came and went, weird things continue to happen all around our globe, including the fact that beer drinking has now hit an all time low in Germany. On the plus side though, Time also profiles a brewery in Alaska using beer to generate its electricity to – of course – make even more beer. Recursion is awesome! [Time] Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 02.05.2013 – Hooray for Beer Edition” »

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.04.2013 – Parker Beam Promise Fund

ParkerBeam 198x300 Drinkhacker Reads   02.04.2013 – Parker Beam Promise FundToday’s Reads will boil down to one important story and that’s it. We’ll return to our regularly scheduled 5-6 stories of interest and bemusement tomorrow, but today we felt it important to highlight one particular news item that entered our inbox over the weekend.

Any bourbon fanatic will instantly know the name Parker Beam, and not just because of the automatic association of the last name either (he is the grand-nephew James Beauregard “Jim” Beam). He has been a master distiller of the highest order, first with his father Earl and now with his son Craig, for over half a century at Heaven Hill distillery.  He is synonymous with some very high quality expressions, including the Parker’s Heritage series, which consistently receives high marks and critical acclaim here at Drinkhacker and beyond.

Recently, Mr. Beam received very sad and unfortunate word that he has been diagnosed with ALS. However, like most men made of Kentucky stock, he refuses to take this news lying down and is digging in for a long, courageous fight. He has repurposed his passion for making quality bourbons into helping to raise money in an effort to find a cure for the disease that has taken so many far too soon in their lives. For starters, he has established the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, and $20 of each bottle of Parker’s Heritage sold this fall (the seventh in the series) will be donated to the ALS Promise Fund, a donation that promises to bring in over a quarter million dollars.

Autumn is a long ways away from today, and of course we’ll be here to remind you closer to release date. However, this time around, take great comfort in knowing that your purchase of Parker’s will make a big difference in the name of a man who has given much comfort and enjoyment to countless others over the past several decades.

To learn more about ALS or to donate to the Parker Beam Promise Fund, please visit their website.

Book Review: The Kentucky Mint Julep

Julep 210x300 Book Review: The Kentucky Mint JulepThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to many a splendored thing: actors Clooney, Depp, and Shatner, bluegrass music, horses, Lionel Hampton, Loretta Lynn, and of course bourbon. While these are all claims of which to be Kentucky proud, one of the finer small indulgences signaling spring’s imminent arrival to the Bluegrass is the season’s first sip of Mint Julep.

Indeed, even the poets have sung of its luxury. Clarence Ousley pontificated on the wedding of mint and bourbon in his poem “When The Mint Is In The Liquor,” so eloquently writing that “When the mint is in the liquor and/its fragrance on the glass/it breathes a recollection that/can never, never pass.”

Continue reading “Book Review: The Kentucky Mint Julep” »

Recipe: Samuel Adams Boston Lager Pizza

With the Super Bowl happening today, kitchens around the nation will be busy preparing food for the big game. This one’s a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re looking for another way to involve alcohol consumption during the game, Mark Bello from Pizza School offers up these recipes for your consideration:

Continue reading “Recipe: Samuel Adams Boston Lager Pizza” »

The A-List – December 2012/January 2013

A supplement to our Shopping List, The A-List recognizes those bottles we’ve received and reviewed to be of the highest quality (A+ to A- range). Judging from the quality of this list, the past two months were very good to us, with two bottles receiving A+ ratings; only the 18th and 19th expressions to do so in the site’s history.

AListDecJan13 500x1000 The A List   December 2012/January 2013

 

Recipe: W Austin’s Brothers Quarrel, a Harbaugh Super Bowl Cocktail Recipe

This week our inbox has been inundated with a variety of delightful recipes for this weekend’s upcoming Super Bowl, and we here at Drinkhacker HQ feel grateful to be in a position to present a few of which we’ve tested and approve. This one comes to us courtesy of W Hotel in Austin. We pre-gamed with it last night during the Buffalo-Boston hockey match and although we couldn’t master the burnt lemon garnish, the combination of Laphroaig and Buffalo Trace was most unique. Definitely for those wishing for a more adventurous cocktail.

Brothers Quarrel
1.5 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
.5 oz St. Germain liqueur
.5 oz Canton ginger liqueur
.25 oz pineapple juice

Shake pour over new rocks in rocks glass. Then Spritz with Laphroaig Scotch and garnish with burnt lemon.

Drink through a straw, cocktail evolves as it’s drunk.  The Scotch will come down into drink and infuse into drink, then you’re left with a Bourbon-Scotch marriage.

The Drinkhacker Shopping List – 02.01.2013

It is indeed Friday once again, and time for our weekly look back at the best (and worst) of reviews via our Shopping List; a digestible, printer-friendly version of our most recent coverage.

TheList0201513 525x847 The Drinkhacker Shopping List   02.01.2013

We’ve also had several expansive tasting reports in recent weeks that are worthy of your time and attention:

WALT Wines, 2010 Vintages
The Wines of Lawer Family Vineyards
Wine Road Trip: Paso Robles and Santa Barbara
Wines of Artesa, 2012 Releases
Tasting The Wines of Ribera Del Duero

Contest: Lapham’s Quarterly Issue Giveaway

ladies 281x300 Contest: Laphams Quarterly Issue GiveawaySo the fine folks at Lapham’s Quarterly have been generous enough to give away a copy of the Intoxication issue to the three randomly selected people who can send the answers to the following questions to contest2@drinkhacker.com:

1. Name a traditional hangover remedy used predominantly in Poland.

2. Complete the following quote from Melville: “Better sleep with a
sober cannibal than a _______ __________”

3. The allowed amount of whiskey a lumberjack was allowed to drink on
the job in 1850s Wisconsin:
a) 3.5 oz b) 4 oz c) 4.5 oz d) 5 oz

4. Name the artist behind the following lyrics: “When someone
overshoots the measure of his drink / He’s no more in control of tongue
and mind / He says wild things that make the sober blush / And feels no
shame in anything he does while drunk”

5. Which drink contains a larger percentage of alcohol: sake or port?

Send us over the answers and you’ll be entered to win. Hurry though, as the contest ends at noon PST on February 8, 2013!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers age 21 and up with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker or Null Media employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

Drinkhacker Reads – 01.31.2013 – Pabst Buying Twinkies, USA Tops In Wine Consumption

In an announcement probably making a lot of sense to many people, the owner of Pabst Blue Ribbon is allegedly in negotiations to purchase the Twinkies brand.  Speaking over a lunch of Cheetos, chili fries, pizza, three sodas, a few PBRs, some ribs, peanuts, a burrito and two orders of onion rings, Pabst owner C. Dean Metropoulos, tweeted* that he was going to up the hipster ante with Twinkies by offering free trucker hats** to any malnourished Brooklyn hipster effected by the sponge cake’s absence on shelves, and will be sponsoring a music festival “but like, in a totally unironic way”. Stay tuned! [qz]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 01.31.2013 – Pabst Buying Twinkies, USA Tops In Wine Consumption” »