Fall / Winter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As I pursue my Level 2 WSET Advanced Certification in Wine, I decided to share with you my "8 Best Buys" for wine this season along with tasting notes and rating. I will also list my favorite wines right now regardless of expert ratings, cost, and availability (PA has limited distribution for some of these wines).

Enjoy this great seasonal Thanksgiving cocktail you can sip before, during, or after Thanksgiving dinner. You can even enjoy this elixir on Black Friday or this weekend paired with that left-over turkey sandwich and cranberry sauce.

No matter how many you consume, you'll never forget your first Harvey Wallbanger. November 8th is "National Harvey Wallbanger Day" and I am here to illustrate it's strange and intriguing history. This classic drink has made a splash in the annals of cocktail history thanks to it's unique and memorable name. According to drink mythology, it was named after a surfer in the 1950's. After losing in a surfing competition in Cali, the downtrodden surfer dude, Tom Harvey, went to his regular bar and ordered his favorite concoction - orange juice and vodka with a float of Galliano.

Well, November is here. Halloween has past and winter hibernation is starting to look more and more appealing so it’s time to stay at home and keep warm. The upside - it is time to start planning those holiday parties and preparing cocktails that will warm your heart and soul.

Brown Derby Remixed

(photo courtesy of imbibemagazine.com)

• 1 ½ oz Apple Brandy
• ¾ oz Yellow Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz Fresh Honey Syrup (1:1)

Prep – Add all ingredients to a rocks glass over ice. Stir well.