Wow, it's February already! Where has the month gone? This last week I have been enjoying the sun and fun during the San Antonio Cocktail Conference and we are all planning our Super Bowl parties, but there is more going on in the cocktail world and here are a few of the headlines and notables of the week.
New Sips:
- C by Courvoisier - If you enjoy the smooth sipping of Courvoisier, you'll want to check out this new rendition which is launching today and priced at around $35. Having yet to taste it, here is an excerpt from the press release: "An intense blend of small-batch-produced cognac specially selected from 50 winegrowers in the Fin Bois Cru, C by Courvoisier is carefully crafted by the house's master blender and goes through a double-barrel aging process to produce a smooth, full-bodied taste experience."
- Hood River SinFire - The flavors of cinnamon and whiskey are natural compliments and Hood River Distillers is hoping that this will be a hit as it is released to the market sometime this month. Hopefully the 'natural cinnamon flavors' are true to form because this could be a useful mixer at just $17 a bottle.
- King Cake Vodka - With Mardi Gras approaching very fast, some in New Orleans have been anxiously awaiting this new flavored vodka. It seems that the wait will be over this week.
The Only Chart You Need to Mix a Proper Cocktail - If you have not seen this infographic yet, be sure to check it out. It breaks down 68 classic cocktails into families, guiding the viewer to all of the mixers, glasses, and garnishes needed to make each. Sure, it looks a little overwhelming on the computer, but the creators say its far easier to read in the 27"x39" poster format. If it's still too much, check out my classic cocktail list which includes almost all of those recipes and more.
Iowa Restaurants, Bars Look to Change Prohibition-era Liquor Laws - Following in the footsteps of other states like California, Iowa bartenders are hoping that this will be the year that they can begin making their own infusions, bitters, and barrel-aged cocktails. With luck (and a lot of lobbying) another set of these antiquated liquor laws will be abolished and housemade products will continue to emerge.
Salud! The Old Fashioned, Wisconsin's cocktail - If you have ever been to Wisconsin you will recognize the phenomenon of the Old-fashioned. I would venture to say that there are just as many of these cocktails served in Wisconsin as there are in the bourbon country of Kentucky. However, the twist is that Wisconsinites tend to prefer brandy in their Old-fashioned and, almost always, a splash of lemon-lime soda. It's a variation that I've never been able to get into but considered yourself warned that an Old-fashioned in Wisconsin may not be what you're used to.
How Cocktails Happen - I really enjoyed this article in The Washington Post because Jason Wilson does an excellent job of explaining how cocktails correlate to food in the sense of recipe and taste development. If you know someone who doesn't "get" cocktails, have them read this.
Tequila 'Weapons' Cross Rio Grande for Sales - Novelty bottles are fun and I am one who is guilty of collecting the really unique bottles regardless of the amount of storage space needed to house them. My collection also includes a gun-shaped bottle from Tommy Guns Vodka, despite my personal aversion to firearms, remains a favorite so I completely understand the appeal of these tequila bottles.
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