Opland: Norway’s Best Kept Aquavit Secret
Norway’s Opland aquavit is proof that aquavit doesn’t have to be all about caraway and a high ABV. Liv Fleischhacker spoke to master blender Ivan Abrahamsen about Norwegian aquavit traditions. Read more
European Masters of Bartending: Fernando Castellon
Writer, bartender, historian, consultant: Fernando Castellon is a bar industry all-rounder. France’s jack-of-all-trades talks cocktail history, Lyon’s bar scene, bartender outfits, and more. Read more
Inventory for April 8th, 2018
Hiya pals! This week we got wind that Erik Lorincz is set to leave the American Bar after nearly eight years, Stella Artois recalls bottles across North America, New York gets its first sake brewery, brown spirits are all starting to taste the same, and Ryan Chetiyawardana and Danilo Tersigni debate Michelin stars for bars. Prost! Read more
The Eye-Opening Experience of Tokyo’s Gen Yamamoto Bar
Gen Yamamoto is one of Tokyo’s most intimate bars, and it’s also the name of the bar’s owner and sole bartender. On a recent visit, Liv Fleischhacker sampled six original and ingenious Gen Yamamoto cocktails. Read more
Inventory for April 1st, 2018
Happy Easter weekend, folks! We have some good longreads today to keep you entertained during the four day weekend. BCB Brooklyn announces exhibitors, Bacardi bets on rum going upscale, Dave Broom launches a Kickstarter for a ‘Scotch-umentary,’ and the New York Times asks if blended Scotch still has a place in the modern bar. Read more
Ti’Punch Cup 2018: Rhum Agricole’s Moment in the Sun
The Ti’Punch Cup 2018 was a stunning sophomore effort from Rhum Clément. Laurence Marot wraps up all the action from a competition that’s got more and more bartenders talking about rhum agricole. Read more
Inventory for March 25th, 2018
Welcome, friends! Today we have a huge deal: Diageo acquires Belzasar Vermouth. The United Kingdom (finally?) gets its very first cannabis oil-infused beer, a new magic flask promises to turn subpar hooch into premium spirits, and London’s Punch Room creates a historical cocktail menu. Ta! Read more
Electric Eel’s New Menu Has Personality
The Portrait Series menu at Karlsruhe’s Electric Eel is an intriguing experiment and a tribute to the bar’s cherished regulars. Owner and Chief Lifestyle Officer Craig Judkins tells me the story of his unusual new menu based around faces and personalities. Read more
Movers & Shakers II
Italicus hires Haley Forest as its US brand ambassador, Martin Hudak leaves the Savoy, Mario Kappes becomes Borco’s first luxury brand ambassador, The Balvenie gets a new global ambassador, and a New York liquor store moves to Alabama.
Inventory March for 18th, 2018
Cheers folks! This week we have Team Lyan teaching you to make a more sustainable home bar, Scotland’s first female malt distiller Liz Stewart celebrates her retirement, we’re going to see calories and ingredients listed on EU spirits, and Coca-Cola launches its first alcoholic drink in Japan. Kanpai! Read more