Champagne Telmont Debuts a New Bottle That Mother Nature Is Sure to Appreciate

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025Leave a comment

30 % of Champagne’s carbon footprint stems from bottle manufacturing. Champagne Telmont decided to change that number by creating a glass bottle that weighs 800 grams (1.76 pounds) rather than the traditional standard of 835 grams.

How it Began

In 1911, during the Champagne riots in France, visionary Henri Lhopital composed a song, “Gloire au Champagne,” to encourage winemakers in the Champagne region to continue upholding the high standards of Champagne, no matter the riot outcomes.

Henri’s passion for those high standards led him to create his own label and champagne house in 1912. Today, after generations of care, Champagne Telmont (named in 1947) continues to produce the highest-quality Champagne. It earned its first organic certification in 2017 and plans to become 100% certified organic by 2031.

A Devotion to the Earth

As I dug into the story of this lovely brand, I found their passion for a clean earth and high-quality champagne to be contagious. Here are a few other amazing things the Telmont Estate vineyards are doing to maintain high standards and improve the carbon footprint:

No gift boxes — just a beautiful bottle
No transparent bottles. The dark green bottle you receive is made from 85% recycled glass.
The electricity used at the vineyard is 100% from renewable sources.
Bottles shipped to the United States take a trip on wind-powered Neoline ships rather than air transportation.

Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut

“Creativity and innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. By adopting this ultra-lightweight bottle, we aim to redefine industry standards and contribute to a more sustainable future for Champagne, says Ludovic du Plessis, President of Champagne Telmont. We aim with this new bottle to set a new standard for Champagne, in the name of Mother Nature.”

Champagne Telmont Réserve brut debuts as a uniquely lightweight bottle, reducing carbon emissions by 4%. Beyond the lighter weight bottle, you’ll notice a lovely blend of three grapes that create a rich and fruity champagne.

The awards Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut has won are too many to mention. You can purchase a bottle for your collection at ReserveBar.com.

Changing the Industry One Bottle at a Time

Though Champagne Telmont currently offers one type of champagne in an 800-gram bottle, the goal is to have all its wines bottled in lighter-weight bottles in 2025 and beyond.

The ultimate goal, however, is that the entire wine industry will catch on and begin creating lighter-weight bottles as well. In doing so, 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions would be eliminated annually.

360 Stainless Steel Cookware

December 3, 2024October 3, 2026Leave a comment

“A proper saute pan, for instance, should cause serious head injury if brought down hard against someone’s skull. If you have any doubts about which will dent — the victim’s head or your pan — then throw that pan right in the trash.”

― Anthony Bourdain

I am obsessed with stainless steel cookware. The first set I ever received was the classic Paul Revere cookware set. Remember that set? It wasn’t the highest quality; the pans didn’t have much weight to them; however, they had a pretty copper bottom, and they did the trick.

My mom gave me that first set of stainless-steel cookware as a wedding gift many moons ago. Six kids, one divorce, and a second marriage later, I still use a few of the Revereware pots and pans. The only ones missing are the ones I gave to the children as they left the nest.

As time passed, I added high-quality stainless-steel cookware to my kitchen and heeded Mr. Bourdain’s advice…excellent stainless-steel cookware should be heavy.

I love to cook and believe you get what you pay for when it comes to tools in the kitchen. I recently broke down and purchased one set of non-stick pans for eggs and pancakes (the only two things I think turn out best in non-stick). Other than that, it’s steel everything, and here’s why:

Stainless steel resists scratches, rust, and corrosion.
It’s often heat-safe from stovetop to oven to table.
Stainless steel is non-reactive, so no need to worry about cooking with acidic foods.
High-quality stainless-steel cookware is made with layers of metals, creating the most even heat distribution.
Steel won’t leach into your food or upset flavors.
Use any type of utensil with it, including metal, wood, and silicone.
Stainless steel cookware can last a lifetime, even for generations, when well cared for.

My latest addition is this beautiful 3.5 Quart Sauté Pan with a Stainless Steel Lid, by 360 Cookw are. I have other 360 pieces and I love them so very much. 360 cookware is made in the USA and is rock-solid surgical-grade steel. It’s the kind of stainless-steel cookware that makes one want to cook with stainless steel.

This gorgeous sauté pan arrived just in time for Thanksgiving cooking…and wow, did we have plenty of that to do. In these photos, I am preparing the celery and onions (in butter, of course) for my homemade stuffing. On a side note, we are still eating leftover stuffing because I always make too much. No one is complaining.

The pan has a heavy bottom and a shiny interior, which cleans up beautifully. I appreciate the stainless-steel lid keeping the heat in, plus it looks lovely with the pan. More importantly, the lid with a 360 cookware pan is designed to create a vapor seal. The patented Vapor Technology seals in flavors and juices, allowing cooks to use less fat and water in their dishes.

The extra handle on the side is helpful when pouring sauteed food into another dish, and the “stay cool” long handle makes it easy to grab the pan and move it around. There is no plastic or other materials—it’s steel everywhere.

I also enjoy their baking sheets. Like the other cookware from 360, they are heavy-duty and have a multi-layer design. My buttermilk biscuits baked up perfectly, and the medium-sized cookie sheet will be busy making cookies during the holidays.

Excellent cookware is an investment, and you won’t regret purchasing 360 Cookware…especially if you love to cook. The company offers sets and single pieces. Start with one piece, and you’ll soon be collecting them all.

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey

October 23, 2024October 3, 20262 Comments

When asked at a dinner party what flavor whiskey he would create if given a chance, Chima Burey, co-founder of Duke & Dame, responded with a whiskey that tastes like Sugar Daddy candy or Werther’s Original caramels.

Whiskey mixed with a hint of salted caramel—what could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. Caramel is a familiar note in many whiskeys, so the mix is a match made in heaven, or in this case, barrels.

The founders of Duke & Dame, Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey, have created a smooth spirit that blends whiskeys (including bourbon and corn whiskies) with 100% natural salted caramel flavor. You won’t find a chemical-type caramel flavoring in Duke & Dame. Imagine biting into a salted caramel and then taking a sip of whiskey. The combo is perfection, and Duke & Dame nailed it.

Here are the notes you’ll enjoy in Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey:

Nose: Butterscotch, vanilla, caramel

Palate: Caramel, oak, toffee

Finish: buttery, sweet, a long, satisfying finish

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey is an excellent choice if you are looking for a sipping whiskey. It’s lovely served neat or over ice. It’s also a great sipper if you’re new to whiskey or do not enjoy the heat of peppery ryes and other high-proof whiskeys. At only 70 proof, Duke & Dame packs in plenty of flavor without the burn.

After enjoying some slow sipping of our Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey, we decided to put it to the “Old-Fashioned” test. The distillery offers its own Old Fashioned recipe; however, we used our classic recipe with the Duke & Dame whiskey. The result: we have a winner. I LOVED it. I do recommend leaving out the simple syrup in the recipe. The whiskey is sweet enough.

As mentioned, caramel and whiskey pair fabulously together, each complementing the other. Unsurprisingly, salted caramel whiskey makes a beautiful Old Fashioned (I do recommend leaving out the simple syrup in the recipe. The whiskey is sweet enough). Duke & Dame has some other magical cocktail recipes you can try at home. How about a little Caramel Pumpkin Pie, or Caramel Apple Sangria? I know…it’s distracting.

As bourbon collectors, I can’t help but wonder if we will ever get tired of it or if, eventually, nothing new and unique will come along. Labels like Duke & Dame remind us that there will always be a new whiskey adventure to look forward to. As long as creative and passionate people like Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey are willing to turn dreams into reality, whiskey will never get boring, and we will never have too many bottles. Check out Duke & Dame, where you can purchase a bottle and stock up on holiday gifts.

CHATTANOOGA WHISKEY RELEASES EXPERIMENTAL

August 1, 2024October 3, 2026Leave a comment

BATCH 039: HARVEST BOURBON

Chattanooga, TN (August 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey announces the newest release in their
award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 039: Harvest Bourbon. This 7-grain high malt
bourbon – released to welcome in the harvest season – explores the vast array of flavors imparted by
non-traditional whiskey grains, including raw and malted rice, malted oats, and malted triticale.

“Classically speaking, bourbon whiskey is a spirit made from four major grains: corn, rye, wheat, and barley. While these grains provide the familiar bourbon-y flavors that we all know and love, our distillers wanted to explore a completely different side of bourbon – made from a completely new ‘palette’ of flavor grains.” – Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller.

Made from a batch of only 6 barrels, Harvest Bourbon was aged for over five years in three different types of oak barrels. Each of these barrel types was seasoned, charred, and toasted to various lengths and levels, which were specifically selected to complement the characteristics of the underlying alt-grain mash bill.

“Our distilling team’s approach to making whiskey has always been grain-to-glass. This simply means that every step of the process builds off of the one that came before it. Thus, when it came to aging this experimental whiskey, we chose a variety of casks that would complement the floral and toasty flavors of raw and malted rice, the creamy notes of malted oats, and the sweet and spicy impact of malted triticale. The result is a one-of-a-kind alt-bourbon, built from the ground up.” – Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller.

Batch 039: Harvest Bourbon will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery at $69.99
for a 750ml bottle, and available online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com. Bottled at 115 proof, expect notes of snickerdoodle cookie, fruit cake, oatmeal creme pie, horchata, and rice pudding.

About Chattanooga Whiskey:
Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery – the only standalone experimental distillery in the country – hosts over 50,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey.

Since opening in 2015, the distillery has trialed hundreds of grains, barrels, techniques, and ingredients,
releasing 39 Experimental Batches and 56 Experimental Single Barrels in that period – all within their
grain-to-glass Tennessee High Malt style.

Independently owned and operated, Chattanooga Whiskey is committed to making whiskey that emphasizes quality, complexity, and authenticity through its one-of-a-kind Tennessee High Malt style. Most recently, Chattanooga Whiskey was named Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year (both America & Global) at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

Horton Coconut Rum Cocktails

July 29, 2024October 3, 2026Leave a comment

“Horton is the ultimate drink for every occasion – from girl’s nights in to hangin at the lake with your fav people.” ~ Horton Coconut Rum

We mix most of our cocktails ourselves and seldom buy pre-mixed drinks. Still, variety is the spice of life, and it’s nice to have quick and delicious things on hand.

I was excited to receive a box of goodies from Horton Rum. The first thing that caught my eye was the adorable cans. They are cute enough to sit on a shelf in your bar; however, these cocktails are best chilled in the fridge.

The fun canned beverages were founded by Krista Horton, whose go-to cocktail is diet cola and coconut rum. Put the two together in a can, and boom…Horton Coconut Rum Cocktails were born. There are other flavors as well. I love one of the company’s catchphrases, “You don’t need sunshine for a fun time.” The drinks are sunshine in a can. My mind goes directly to the beach while sipping them.

For other summery drinks, check out Butter, Bourbon, and Sins Bucha Colada or Tito’s Tropical Tail Wagger.

Below is a quick video I made while enjoying my first taste of a Horton Coconut Rum Pre-mixed Cocktail. Visit drinkhorton.com to snag some of your own.

https://www.tiktok.com/@butterbourbonandsins/video/7397107709692120366?lang=en

Lancaster Cast Iron

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024Leave a comment

I LOVE cast iron. You will only find cast iron, enameled cast iron, and stainless steel in my kitchen. I have ranted about most nonstick materials in previous posts, so I will spare you this time.

I recently tried out the Lancaster Cast Iron skillet No. 4. I want to apologize for saying the skillet is 5 or 6 inches in the video. It is a 7-inch skillet. I have never been good at guessing numbers.

Lancaster’s cast iron skillets are pre-seasoned and have an extremely smooth surface, two large pouring spouts, and traditional cast iron handles. One of the reasons cast iron skillets last literally for generations is because they are molded as one piece. No screws or bolts are holding in the handle. This little skillet has some weight to it, as it should. I plan on collecting all of them.

The best part? Lancaster cast iron is poured, finished, and seasoned in Southeastern Pennsylvania. They are 100% made in the USA. Use these pans on a gas stove, electric, or induction, and even take them camping to use on the open fire.

Another wonderful thing about high-quality cast iron is that it truly gets better with time, just like you. As you know, if you own any cast iron, the more you use it, the better seasoned it becomes, improving the nonstick surface and naturally creating a fantastic cooking area. Go ahead and cook, fry, and bake in these skillets, and plan on passing them down to the next generation.

Here is a quick video of the skillet in action:

I have butter issues.

Check out Lancaster cast iron skillets here. You may want to prepare an early Christmas list for yourself. They also have beautiful Amish-made wooden utensils and more.

360 Cookware

May 23, 2024October 3, 20261 Comment

Manufactured in West Bend, Wisconsin, 360 Cookware convinces us we do not need chemical-laden nonstick pans to enjoy cooking.

I have always felt entirely alone in my love for stainless steel cookware. I know, I know — it’s not the latest trend, and occasionally, it requires a little soaking to get clean. But I don’t care. I have never trusted nonstick due to the chemicals used to create the coating.

The Latest Craze of Ceramic Cookware isn’t Ceramic at all

Did you know that ceramic cookware isn’t ceramic at all? It’s called ceramic cookware only because it looks ceramic. Ceramic coatings are made of silica (derived from silicone). Once that coating chips, you’re adding silicone to your food. Call me weird, but that just freaks me out. Maybe it’s safe if it doesn’t chip, but I’d rather not take my chances. End of nonstick cookware rant.

Due to all of that, I have always turned to stainless steel pots and pans. I feel safe using them, and if you buy quality pieces, they literally last a lifetime. I have some great stainless steel cookware that I am certain will pass on to my children when I am gone and still last them a lifetime as well. Don’t fight, kids. There’s plenty to go around.

What Makes 360 Cookware Special?

Needless to say, when I was contacted to receive a sample of 360 Cookware, a high-quality stainless steel brand, I quickly said “yes.” I tried out the 8.5-inch fry pan. All of 360 cookware is designed in the following way:

** 3 metals bonded together: The inside layer, or cooking surface, is T-316 Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 18/8. That 18/8 refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel in the metal. In this case, it’s 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

** The outside layer that sits on the burner is T-400 series stainless steel, which has a lower nickel content and high carbon steel content to interact on induction cooktops. These two layers of stainless steel surround a layer of aluminum. The aluminum does not touch your food but ensures superior heat conduction and even heating.

** Chemical-free cooking: 360 Cookware uses a dry sanding process on all of their products, which gives them a non-porous surface. Their cookware is always PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, and PTFE FREE. This process allows for easy cleanup, too.

Here is what makes 360 cookware unique from other stainless steel cookware brands. They designed the layers of metal in a way that allows air and heat to circulate evenly while cooking. For this reason, a high heat is almost never needed to get the job done. Low to medium heat works perfectly, and because of the even heat distribution, you don’t need as much fat and oils as you would with traditional stainless steel cookware. The food cooks in its own juices, allowing for easy cleanup and less fat.

What I Thought of it

Now that we’ve looked at several of the facts about 360 cookware, let me tell you what I thought of it. The first thing I noticed when I unpacked this little fry pan was an impressive weight. I have other stainless steel pans, and this is the heaviest one for its size. I can tell it is built with high-quality metals and made to last. A heavy bottom pan is a good clue that food will cook evenly and will be less likely to burn.

I wanted to make an apple cheesecake, so I put my shiny new toy to the test to cook up some apples in sugar and cinnamon.

The amazing aroma of apple’s cooking in sugar and cinnamon is another topic for another day. As far as the 360 cookware Fry Pan goes, it was a joy to use. If you love cooking, you know what I mean. Nothing was sticking, the wonderful heavy bottom of the pan heated evenly, and the result was tender, sticky apples, and a pan that was easy to clean up.

I plan on ordering more from this great company. If you check out their about us page, you’ll see it’s an American company with great values and high standards. Couple that with excellent cookware that will last a lifetime, and I am sold.

Aviation American Gin Specialty Bottles

April 26, 2024October 3, 20262 Comments

As we all eagerly await the Deadpool & Wolverine movie this summer, we can also look forward to Aviation American Gin’s release of six limited edition bottles inspired by the Marvel movie.

Although the combination of botanical gin and the alluring Ryan Reynolds was near perfect, he no longer co-owns the company based in Portland, Oregon. The well-known liquor enterprise Diageo acquired the Aviation to add to its already impressive portfolio of established brands, such as Smirnoff, Guinness, Tanqueray, and Baileys.

Designed by Maximum Effort and Sandstrom Partners, the one-of-a-kind bottles are sleek and sexy with colors that pay tribute to Deadpool. Ricky Collett, Global & US Brand Director for Aviation American Gin at Diageo, says this of the design, “Our collaboration with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ to create this series of bottles is a first-of-its-kind promotion for Aviation American Gin with one of the most iconic characters in pop culture history. The custom bottle embodies the irreverent spirit of both brands and showcases our commitment to pushing cultural boundaries and redefining the gin drinking experience.”

If you are already a fan of Aviation American Gin, don’t worry; the special edition bottles contain the same well-balanced, botanical gin you know and love, just in a ridiculously cool bottle.

You can snag a limited edition bottle (or six) in early summer or sign up here to find out when and where to get your collector’s bottle near you. Grab one to display and one to open, then try some of Aviation’s fantastic cocktail recipes. We are in for a hot summer with Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds, and Aviation American Gin.

Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker Kit

April 8, 2024October 3, 2026Leave a comment

If you thought you could only enjoy a smoked cocktail at your favorite pub, think again. Bark & Barware’s Cocktail Smoker Kit makes it easy for everyone to unleash their inner mixologist skills.

I love watching a smoked cocktail come to fruition. Each bar has its way of doing it, and it’s fascinating to me how such a simple method completely changes the taste of a cocktail.

We have tried other smokers, and they were all too much work to use (too many parts and steps). I was recently offered the opportunity to try the Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker Kit, and I am glad I did. Admittedly, my husband did all the work, and I reaped the rewards of a smoked old-fashioned.

As we tested the kit out, what we found was a smoker that was easy to use, attractive enough to leave sitting on the bar shelf, and a smoked old-fashioned in my hand that rivaled anything I have ordered while out on the town.

It looks like there are three flavors, but there are six. Three are stored under the three you see.

Here’s what comes in the Bark & Barware kit as listed on Amazon:

🔥 Whiskey Smoker Variety: A whiskey smoker kit that boasts six different flavors, including pear, oak, cherry, apple, hickory, and maple, providing a diverse and personalized smoking experience.
🍹 Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch Precision: Elevate the cocktail experience with a comprehensive cocktail smoker kit equipped with a torch for precise control over the smoking process. This kit includes four whiskey stones, a metal brush, tongs, and a torch.
🥃 Aged and Charred Bourbon Smoker Kit: An aged and charred cocktail smoker kit specifically designed for bourbon enthusiasts, ensuring an authentic and rich smoky flavor in every drink.
🌬️ Efficient Torch Integration for Old Fashioned Smoker Kit: Provides users with a seamless and controlled smoke infusion for their favorite drinks.
🎁 Exquisite Gift Presentation with Glass Dome: Present the bourbon smoker kit as an exquisite gift option by incorporating a glass dome, enhancing the visual appeal and making it a sophisticated choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

Each piece comes in a beautiful wooden box that looks great sitting anywhere. One of the first things we noticed was the quality and well-thought-out design that goes into the box and the entire set. This is a smoker you will use for a lifetime, and it is a gorgeous gift for the cocktail lovers in your life. You can snag yours here. Remember, you must purchase butane separately, which can be easily found at grocery stores and home improvement stores or, of course, on Amazon.

The kit suggests it is for bourbon enthusiasts, and I agree; however, it would also work well with other cocktails, especially tequila drinks.

What makes the smoker exceptional is the torch. It’s a simple torch with a small flame that efficiently heats the flavored wood chips in the metal filter, which sits atop the glass. The filter is then covered with a wooden lid, enveloping the interior of the glass and your cocktail with smoke. You need only a few wood chips to get the right amount of smoke per drink.

For those new to smoking drinks or seasoned professionals, the Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker Kit is a must-have behind every commercial and home bar.

red cocktail on white bar with simple syrup bottle

Handcrafted Simple Syrups by Pink House Alchemy:

February 20, 2024October 3, 2026Leave a comment

pink House Alchemy

We keep a well-stocked bar that includes way too much bourbon and various other things. However, I never considered the unique simple syrups we could use to make fantastic cocktails. I regularly make simple syrup to have on hand for the classic old-fashioned, but that’s about it.

That has changed since tasting pink House Alchemy’s simple syrups. Truthfully, if you don’t need a variety of simple syrups at home, you’ll want the bottles to sit on a shelf as decor…they’re made of glass and are beautiful. The company also makes garnishes, cocktail kits, and bitters.

I received a lavender simple syrup, and hibiscus rose syrup to test out. I was leery initially since I sometimes don’t enjoy floral flavors, but my mind quickly swayed. There is nothing floral-like about the Gimme Some Sugar cocktail:

1.5 oz gin or vodka
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
.5 oz pH Hibiscus Rose syrup
Sparkling rosé

Method:

Rim a coupe glass or champagne flute with pH hibiscus lavender sugar.
Stir ingredients on ice in a mixing glass, then strain into the prepared glass.
Top with sparking rosé and garnish with a pineapple flower.

I absolutely love this drink and pink House Alchemy’s Hibiscus Rose Syrup. It is a refreshingly light cocktail with just enough bite and sweetness, and the presentation is gorgeous. I was sent dehydrated pineapple flowers for garnishing; however, I think the dehydrated lemon slices, which pH sells on their site, would work well too.

Here are a few more lovely cocktail recipes from pink House Alchemy:

White Negroni

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Plymouth Gin
1.5 oz Cocchi Americano
.75 oz Suze
5 dashes pH Honeysuckle Bitters

Instructions:

Stir all ingredients on ice, then strain onto ice in your favorite glass. Garnish with a dehydrated blood orange wheel.

Party of 5

bottles of liquor by a fire — Photo Credit: pink House Alchemy

4 oz High West Bourbon
4 oz Pierre Ferrand Cognac
4 oz Antica Vermouth
2 oz Fernet Branca
1 oz pH House Bitters

Blend together and pour only an ounce over ice in a glass. Keep chilled between pours.

Lavender French 75

bar with several bottles and a champagne glass — Photo Credit: pink House Alchemy

2 oz gin
1 oz pH Lavender syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into a champagne flute.
Float with champagne (pour a little champagne on top and don’t mix it in).
Garnish with a thick lemon twist.

pink House has many fabulous recipe ideas, including cocktails, mocktails, and more. Their list of syrups is extensive, and the quality is top-notch. All the flavors are created by a team of alchemists working together in a 100-year-old pink house. How charming is that?

Cheers to adding to your home bar collection!