March 2011
5 posts
3 tags
Great piece on the "Fancy Free" over at Mr. Porter →
3 tags
Recipe: Bloody Mary
I’ve been avoiding this recipe for a few reasons. First of all, everyone has their own way of making a Bloody Mary and is sure to take issue with almost everyone else’s recipe. Secondly, I’ve honestly only recently settled on what I think makes for the perfect Bloody and, finally, it’s one of my favorite cocktails - so I wanted to make sure I didn’t screw it...
4 tags
Crystal Head Vodka
Yes, Dan Aykroyd does co-own this vodka but, honestly, if he had any part in the design process then I have a newfound respect for the man. Crystal Head has been around for awhile now and is definitely in that category of ultrapremium vodkas that depend a lot more on image than they do on quality. As I have stated before, I really don’t think there’s any difference between most...
2 tags
February 2011
5 posts
3 tags
Compass Box "Lady Luck" Blended Scotch Whiskey
A witty take on a traditional design by venerable house Stranger & Stranger, Compass Box’s “Lady Luck” offering is one of their most expensive and exclusive. A blend of two ancient Caol Ilas casks and a 1995 Imperial single malt, Lady Luck has a distinctly complex flavor of smoke and citrus. The label is what makes this product...
4 tags
Alternative Organic Wine
Even though I am an adamant supporter of organic, locally-sourced and environmentally sustainable products, I generally find it kind of gimmicky to base an entire brand (from name to packaging) on eco-friendliness.
Alternative Organic Wine, however, does just that with sensational results, proving once again that basically any concept can always be executed better, more...
3 tags
Cocktail Infographics
I love the idea of the infographic - from showing weather patterns to explaining historical events or putting statistics together in a coherent and easy-to-look-at package, it’s a medium that I don’t think has gotten nearly enough attention over the last few years. With publications like FastCompany and the New York Times Magazine embracing the infographic as an ideal and...
Siete Pecados
A series of wines based on the Seven Deadly Sins. Great concept and execution.
January 2011
2 posts
3 tags
Highland Park 50 Year
This pricey offering from the venerable Highland Park brand will run you close to $17,000 (yes, that’s three zeros). It’s deemed to be “worth it,” however, by whiskey aficionados due to its incredibly limited run and unique (if not, in my opinion, kind of ugly) packaging options. There will only be 275 bottles of this 50 year old...
4 tags
Stranger & Stranger Single Batch Absinthe
Although you probably haven’t heard of them, Stranger & Stranger is a venerable design firm based out of New York and London that specializes in the packaging of liquor and fine spirits. From 1800 Tequila (of Sopranos-endorsed fame) to Kraken Rum (which has been featured on Imbibe) to the more widely-distributed Three Olives Vodka, they’ve designed over 100 packages and...
December 2010
6 posts
3 tags
Recipe: St. Germain Cocktail
A refreshing, elegant and classic concoction to help ring in any new year is the St. Germain Cocktail. It’s easy to make, crisp, cold and bubbly - so get to it and celebrate the end of 2010 in style. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 parts dry Champagne (use a Brut, like Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial)
1.5 parts St. Germain Elderflower...
3 tags
Hobson's Brewery
Great marketing materials and package design from a fledging brewery proves that just because it’s beer doesn’t mean you can’t take a brand position that is witty, colorful and sophisticated while maintaining a bit of that sophomoric humor that beer brands are so famous for endorsing. Hobson’s is also environmentally conscious and uses mainly locally-sourced...
3 tags
Hennessy VS "Blending of Art"
As part of their “Blending of Art” project that has encompassed collaborations with musicians such as A-Trak and Steve Aoki as well as visual artists Dust La Rock and Spaceknuckle, Hennessy has released a slew of limited-edition conceptual works using their iconic bottle as a canvas. Although not a particularly creative idea in terms of branding, Hennessy’s execution...
Thoughts on Hot Cocktails
Let’s talk about warm drinks for the Winter months. Doesn’t it feel lovely to curl up on that fur rug by the fire with your Hot Toddy? Or Hot Buttered Rum? Or piping Irish Coffee?
No, it doesn’t. Because hot alcoholic drinks are, quite frankly, kind of gross. This time of the year, and every year without fail, magazines and blogs and restaurants start touting...
November 2010
7 posts
3 tags
Recipe: Sazerac
I’ve been holding off on this recipe for awhile since it’s a little complicated and such an infamous drink that I wouldn’t want to spread any misinformation about the proper preparation. However, recently the Sazerac has become my cocktail of choice. In the world I currently inhabit, one of pre-fabricated neo-speakeasies, Lower East...
