Tails From The Barstool

Wine Reviews - 7 Best Buys Under $30 By Rating

If you’re a penny pincher and don’t want to spend a lot of money on wine, but want good, quality wines, then these wines will satisfy your palate and budget. All bottles listed are under $30/bottle, which constitutes a “best buy” in my opinion. I tried to include all different wine types, but a little partial to the wines of Oregon and Washington State these days. Official ratings from “Wine Enthusiast”, but I also offer my notes. Many of these wines listed are hard to find, but available through ordering. ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is the measurement of alcohol.

How to Order Drinks at the Bar Without Embarassing Yourself???

Someone once ordered a martini at a networking event. “How do you want it?” the bartender asked. I had no idea what he meant but I didn’t want to look dumb. “Uh, shaken?” I replied (because that’s what James Bond says). The bartender smirked. “No, I mean, do you want Vodka or Gin, what brand?, dry, straight up or rocks?” That patron felt dumb. Here’s how to order booze or a drink without embarrassing yourself and avoid being jeered all night.

National Bourbon Heritage Month - Classic & Modern Bourbon Cocktails

In August of 2007 the United States Senate declared that September be recognized as National Bourbon Heritage Month. While this may not have much impact with the average consumer, it is an honor for the craftsmen in the bourbon industry. The designation is designed to celebrate "America's Native Spirit" and the significant historical, economical and industrial role the bourbon industry has played in the country's history.

Seasonal Spotlight - RYS NEW Summer Craft Cocktails

Hello Everyone - Now that summer is upon us, it is time for us to release our NEW exclusive summer craft cocktails available for parties, events, and mixology parties. Due to copyright restrictions and the need to book us for events, we are not revealing the ratios and proportions of the cocktails that is no different than if you go to a bar or restaurant. These cocktails are fresh, hand-crafted, delicious, and beautiful and not available anywhere else.

Seasonal Spotlight - Celebrating Cinco de Mayo With Cool Cocktails

Don’t be afraid to spice up your ‘rita with a pinch of rosemary or cilantro, or a little jalapeño or habanero chile. But remember, less is more when it comes to herbs and hot peppers. I make a great tequila infusion using the serrano pepper in blanco tequila.

Seasonal Spotlight - Going "Green" For Earth Day

 Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and to honor what it stands for I am offering up truly "green", farm-fresh, organic ingredients and cocktails for spring. As an added bonus, I list the best fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and florals to be used in cocktails, infused spirits, syrups, purees, and juices for the season, best way to prepare them, and what base spirits pair best with them. Thank you to Nicole Friend and my friends from over at Sauza Tequila for contributing.

Seasonal Spotlight - International Gin & Tonics

International G & T Day (April 9th) has come and gone, but why not celebrate this classic elixir the whole month of April as we transition from spring to summer. Even though the G & T has lost some of it's luster over the past decade, it still remains iconic, especially for traditionalists. New age bars and bartenders have begun to modernize it by serving it many different ways without losing the distinct G & T taste. The classic G & T is experiencing a renaissance.

Seasonal Spotlight - Going "Green" For St. Patty's Day

Let's face it - it is difficult to construct 'green' cocktails for Leprechaun Day...There just aren't a lot of options to make your cocktail look 'green', but what is St. Patty's Day without sipping a luxurious and delicious 'green' cocktail...March is the gateway to spring cocktails so why not incorporate some 'spring' flavors with 'end of winter' flavors...Being part Irish (on my dad's side), I take a lot of pride in creating this post.

Seasonal Spotlight - "Bartender Wisdom on V-Day"

I meant to put this post together last week, but due to unforeseen circumstances and difficult week personally, this V-day post comes early this week. Hopefully you have plenty of time to get the ingredients and perfect these cocktails or study the drinker traits before the weekend or your date arrives.

State of the Bar - "9 Wine Trends for 2018"

Welcome to the first edition of the "State of the Bar". This edition will focus on wine trends for 2018. The second and third editions will hone in on spirits and beer.

Like all of us, 2017 was a complicated year for wine. Drought and the tragic wild fires that burned through northern California and its vineyards left its mark on an otherwise successful year for the wine industry. Shaken, but not defeated, what is on the horizon for 2018 wine trends? Let’s take a look at which trends will open up, breath, and come to maturity in 2018.

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