Politics Shmolitics

Gary Regan, a teacher, mentor, and friend, once said, and I quote: “When you’re behind the stick, NEVER talk about politics.”  Since I’m in front of the stick at the moment, and behind my laptop screen, I’m able to discuss this topic. 
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) recently asked me to create [...]

Liquid Ocean Water

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.  I’ve come to terms with this statement as I get to know the gents from La Fee Absinthe more and more.  These guys are passionate about their product, and they spread the word from bar to bar across New York City.  Oscar and Dan are two peas in a [...]

The Nectar of Angels

Cognac.  Luxury.  Elite.  Deliciousness.  Silkiness.   Angels.  Ferrand.  Word Association.  Try it.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Alexandre Gabriel, the founder of Cognac Ferrand.  The man is a wealth of knowledge, and a self-described cognac geek.  We (and when I say we, I mean Guillaume and Francois from Pierre Ferrand, as well as…wait for it…Gary [...]

I got my Knickerbockers in a Bunch

The Manhattan and Knickerbocker cocktails were flowing last night at the first U.S. Bartender’s Guild New York Chapter meeting held at Devin Tavern. It’s been a long time in the making, but it finally happened. We gathered 30 or so bar and cocktail luminaries for some drinks and hors d’ouerves. I’m going to be serious [...]

Mojitos & Hotcakes

What do the two have in common?  Well, at the party that I worked and staffed last night at Astor Center’s Gallery space, the specialty Mojito that I came up with went like hotcakes.  I figured I had to talk about the evening and include the recipe for this drink so as to share the [...]