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Aviation American Gin Specialty Bottles
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.
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Bark & Barware Cocktail Smoker Kit
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.
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Handcrafted Simple Syrups by Pink House Alchemy:
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 BittersInstructions:
Stir all ingredients on ice, then strain onto ice in your favorite glass. Garnish with a dehydrated blood orange wheel.
Party of 5
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 BittersBlend together and pour only an ounce over ice in a glass. Keep chilled between pours.
Lavender French 75
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!
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Laws Whiskey House
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lawswhiskey If you’re itching to travel this spring, consider visiting Laws Whiskey House in Denver, Colorado. The tasting room debuts this April and is sure to impress with its lineup of straight rye, small-batch whiskey, limited releases, and more.
Not only can you enjoy tasting the various whiskeys from Laws Whiskey House while there, but the ambiance of what’s known as the “Whiskey Church” with floor-to-ceiling arched windows is enough to make the visit worthwhile.
Follow along as we discover why Laws Whiskey is quickly becoming a well-known name in the industry and why you should get your hands on a bottle (or two) for your whiskey collection.
Rocky Mountain High
The grains for whiskey need rugged growing conditions to yield robust and bold flavors. It’s similar to grapes needing to fight through less-than-desirable soil to produce a wine-worthy grape. What better terrain to find rugged growing conditions than the Rocky Mountains?
Another variable critical to whiskey is temperature swings as the whiskey ages, which Denver has plenty of. Mix that with mountain fresh water, heirloom varietal grains, and a host of free thinkers and Master Distillers, whom Laws Whiskey House refers to as “The Village,” and you’ve got a whiskey that is leaving its mark.
The Notes
I recently enjoyed sampling Laws Whiskey House, which included rye, straight wheat whiskey, straight malt whiskey, and their four-grain straight bourbon whiskey. Here’s what I found:
Henry Road Straight Malt Whiskey
Henry Road in Alamosa, Colorado, bisects miles of farm fields, including the farm fields of Cody Family Farm, which grows some of the best barley in the world. Henry Road Straight Malt Whiskey pays honor to this vital farm and grain.
Aromas:
Toasted oats, apple cider, smoke, earthy
Palate:
Iodine, pepper, pipe tobacco
The finish is dry and lingers on the palate. This whiskey is very much for Scotch fans.
Centennial Straight Wheat
This wheat whiskey made from an heirloom soft white spring wheat (Centennial wheat) is the first Colorado-made wheat whiskey to meet the Bottled in Bond Act of 189 standards.
Aromas:
Orange marmalade, butterscotch, floral, honey
Palate:
Spruce, jasmine, sage, pepper
The finish is long, and the layers are complex. Centennial is best enjoyed with an ice cube and no mixers.
San Luis Valley Straight Rye
Another first to be Bottled in Bond in Colorado whiskey from Laws Whiskey House. San Luis Valley, Straight Rye Whiskey comes from single-season rye grains in San Luis Valley and is aged for four years.
Aromas:
Tobacco, honey, black current
Palate:
Oak, mint, serrano pepper, hazelnut
Finishes with sage and coats the palate. The rye is my favorite—layers of flavor and a nice kick. I like rye in an old-fashioned and will be trying that.
Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Before entering the charred oak barrels for three years, Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey is derived from heirloom wheat, rye, barley, and heritage corn from two local Colorado family farms.
Aromas:
Orange blossom, honey, black tea
Palate:
Cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla, and tobacco
The finish is rich and dry. It’s a great bourbon.
Once in a while, a “young” distillery comes along that makes you take notice. Laws Whiskey House is one of them. Each of the whiskeys is impressive, with complex layers and beautiful aromas. I look forward to trying more and getting that rye old-fashioned made soon.
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Le Gruyére AOP: A Gourmet Cheese from Switzerland
Photo Credit: Le Gruyere Switzerland I once said if a doctor ever tells me I must give up cheese or it will take years off my life, my immediate response would be, “How many years are we talking?”
Cheese is on the same playing field as butter in my world — two things that make life worth living. I’ll eat cheap cheese in a pinch, but I’m a bit of a cheese snob and prefer a gourmet cheese that makes me want to chew slowly with my eyes closed to enjoy every layer of flavor.
Tasting cheese is similar to wine or bourbon tasting. Each one is different, and many kinds of cheese have layers and subtleties that can’t be hurried.
I recently enjoyed two exquisite cheeses from Le Gruyére AOP: a 5-month Gruyere and a 12-month Reserve. Le Gruyére AOP is a raw cow’s milk cheese hand-crafted by skilled makers since the 1100s and continues today in the Gruyères region of Switzerland. Many age-old techniques are still used in producing Le Gruyére AOP cheese. Simplicity mixed with the highest quality ingredients yields the finest results.
AOP stands for Appellation d’Origine Protégée in French. In English, the term is Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). To be awarded the ability to wear AOP on a label, a product must be produced, processed, and refined only in its place of origin.
I was excited and honored to receive this beautiful gourmet cheese from Switzerland. I let them both sit out for an hour since cheese is best eaten at room temperature. I immediately thought of my Mother since she appreciates fine cheese, too, and brought them to her place to share.
Here’s what we found:
The 5-month has a wonderfully soft texture and is sweet on the palate with a slight nuttiness. It was the best Gruyére I have ever tasted, and I have tasted many. It was fabulous on its own, but I am anxious to turn my next Le Gruyére AOP into a delectable fondue.
The 12-month Reserve has more of a grainy, crumbly texture, which I would expect from an aged Gruyere. The taste is still nutty but with more of an earthiness to it. My Mom prefers this one, and I was not surprised since she usually prefers earthy flavors more than I do.
I plan on ordering the 5-month to enjoy as a fondue and a block of the 12-month Reserve so Mom can enjoy it with a glass of wine.
The flavor of the Le Gruyére is perfect; however, it’s more than the flavor I love and appreciate. The production methods are highly respectable. Here are a few of the highlights of how Le Gruyére is produced:
- High-quality cow’s milk from cows that are only fed grass in the summer and hay in the winter. There are no additives in their diets.
- Using raw milk prevents the milk from being heated before the vat curdling process. This creates a cheese with a better aroma.
- After the vat, curdling, cutting, molding, and marking, the cheese is stored in a cellar for three months.
- Finally, after three months, the cheese moves to the caves d’affinage (maturing caves), where it matures for 5 to 18 months.
You don’t have to travel to Switzerland to enjoy gourmet cheese. Le Gruyere AOP is on the shelves at Costco, Trader Joe’s and other stores.
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CHATTANOOGA WHISKEY RELEASES BATCH 036: HERBAL INFUSED
The following is a press release from Chattanooga Whiskey:
Chattanooga, TN (January 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey today announced the newest release in their
award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 036: Herbal Infused. Inspired by the traditional kräuterlikörs of Germany, this experimental bourbon liqueur combines a German-malt-laden mash bill with an infusion of über-traditional botanicals, including star anise, ginseng, bilberry, and sarsaparilla.“Since it began in 2017, our Experimental Series has been a playground for our distilling
team – allowing them to explore traditional and lesser-known spirit styles from around the world. Batch 036: Herbal Infused explores a very underappreciated German liqueur style and reimagines it through our Tennessee High Malt lens. The result beautifully balances both tradition and experimentation, taking a world-class style to another level.” – Grant McCracken, Chief Product Officer.As with their previous liqueurs, Batch 036 was crafted from a base of the company’s trademarked Tennessee High Malt Whiskey – which in this case contained a variety of German specialty malts, including pale wheat malt and chocolate malt – infused with 100% natural botanical ingredients. After aging in single-use bourbon barrels for an entire year, dark candi syrup was blended into the spirit before being bottled in a green bottle, symbolic of the German herbal liqueur style.
“Every one of our liqueurs uses 100% real whiskey and real ingredients, but Herbal Infused takes this
approach to another level – infusing 14 different botanicals in multiple “waves,” each one for different periods of time. This approach pulls the best characteristics from every ingredient – carefully layering each botanical flavor on top of the next.” – Grant McCracken, Chief Product Officer.Batch 036: Herbal Infused will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery at $49.99 for a 750ml bottle and online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com. Bottled at 81 proof, expect notes of root beer float, black licorice, blueberry preserves, and chocolate mint, with a woody ginseng finish. Enjoy chilled alongside a traditional German beer or as a digestif.
About Chattanooga Whiskey:
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 now hosts over 40,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey.The Riverfront Distillery is the production home to Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature expressions, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series and Barrel Finishing Series. More recently, Chattanooga Whiskey won the Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year award (American & Global) at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
Chattanooga Whiskey: http://www.chattanoogawhiskey.com
Experimental Distillery 1439 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN
Riverfront Distillery 890 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN -
The 6 Best Liquors and Cocktails for Valentine’s Day
Photo Credit: Stock Photo and Image Portfolio by Sokor Space | Shutterstock Chocolates are great, but I’ll take a fine bourbon instead. Are you over the heart-shaped box of chocolates? Do you want to impress your one and only on Valentine’s Day? Follow along as we look at 6 excellent spirits to wrap up for Valentine’s Day and how to use them in delicious cocktails that look as good as they taste…just like your sweetheart.
Clonakilty Minke Irish Gin
Photo Credit: Butter, Bourbon, and Other Sins Minke Irish Gin hails from the Clonakilty Distillery in beautiful Ireland. I recently enjoyed a taste of it and was impressed. Some gins are too herbal for me; however, Minke is one of the smoothest gins on the market, with a juniper-forward palate balanced beautifully with citrus. I would dare say this gin is “creamy,” which, in my opinion, isn’t a word I have ever used to express my feelings about a gin. Try this yummy recipe to impress him or her on Valentine’s Day:
Minke Raspberry Martini
Stirred, not shaken. Sweet and refreshing raspberries complement the smooth, velvety texture and citrusy aromas of Minke Gin.
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Minke Gin
.5 ounces Dry Vermouth
.5 ounces Raspberry Syrup
Garnish: Fresh or frozen raspberriesMethod:
Stir the gin, dry vermouth, raspberry syrup, and ice together in a shaker or mixing glass. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with raspberries. Purchase Minke Gin here.
Angel’s Envy Rye
Photo Credit: angels envy distillery • Instagram Let’s be clear that this is Angel’s Envy Rye, not the bourbon. Both are fantastic, but I prefer the rye, especially for an old fashioned. On a side note for the men, Angel’s Envy was the first whiskey I ever tried neat. I think both the bourbon and the rye are great go-to’s if your love has never tried whiskey and assumes she won’t like it. The smoothness of Angel’s surprised me, and I have been obsessed with whiskey ever since. Fair warning, though, when Angel’s Envy is your first time, nothing else ever compares.
Angel’s Envy Rye Old Fashioned
Photo Credit: Stock Photo and Image Portfolio by Tomas Zhao do Amaral | Shutterstock With the added sugar and bitters in an old-fashioned, the bite of the rye allows the whiskey not to get lost in the other flavors.
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Angel’s Envy Rye
.5 ounces simple sugar
6 to 7 drops of Angostura bitters
2 Luxardo cherries (yes, they must be Luxardo)Add the rye, sugar, and bitters to a mixing tin and set aside. Peel a piece of orange rind about an inch wide and rub the rim of the glass with it. Add the peel to the bottom of the glass. Add an ice ball to the glass (or 2 to 3 regular ice cubes).
Add a few ice cubes to the mixing tin and stir. Pour into a glass and garnish with the cherries. Purchase Angel’s Envy Rum here.
Bayou White Rum
Photo Credit: bayou white rum • Instagram Bayou White Rum imparts a fresh, vibrant taste and aroma and has a multi-layered flavor experience. When distilled, it rests for up to 40 days, allowing the crisp, clean flavors to mellow and combine. Thirsty yet? The best part is that Bayou Rum works in many cocktails, and the Bayou Cosmopolitan is one of my faves.
Bayou Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
2 ounces of Bayou White Rum
1 ounce cranberry juice
1/2 ounce quality orange liqueur
1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juiceMethod:
In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients. Top with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a lime wheel or lime wedge for a tart addition or an orange for a slightly sweeter take. Purchase Bayou Rum here.
Rhubarb & Ginger Edinburgh Gin
This is at our home bar. The photo doesn’t do the gorgeous bottle justice. Nothing screams Valentine’s Day like the color pink! Inspired by Edinburgh Gin’s original Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur, Rhubarb & Ginger Gin is a fuller-bodied version of this pioneering flavor combination. Not only that, Rhubarb & Ginger Gin has one of the best lineups of pink cocktails, the perfect companion for Valentine’s Day.
I recently sampled this for the first time, and it will now be a staple in our home bar. The taste is unique, smooth, and refreshing. And guys, listen up…the bottle is lovely, and the shade of pink is so unusual for a spirit, making this a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for her. Plus, you’ll be set to make some yummy cocktails for the evening. It’s a win-win. Purchase Rhubarb and Ginger Edinburgh Gin, here.
Rhubarb Bramble
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces R&G Gin Full Strength
.75 ounces fresh lemon
.75 ounces sugar Gomme syrup
.25 ounces crème de cassisMethod:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake until ice cold. Strain into a rock or tumbler glass filled with crushed ice. Drizzle the crème de cassis over the top. Garnish with an orange twist and a blackberry.
Castle & Key Restoration Rye, Dedicated to “Sweetness”
Ladies — it’s your turn. If you have an avid football fan in your life this Valentine’s Day who happens to enjoy whiskey, this is the gift to give…if you can find it. Castle & Key’s Single Barrel Restoration Rye is fantastic, and a small number of bottles were dedicated to The Chicago Bear’s Walter Payton (Sweetness).
It was only released in Illinois. We found it at our favorite BBQ joint in Hinckley, Illinois, where they also sell great bottles of bourbon. Our lunches of BBQ ribs and fried potato salad always result in a new bottle of bourbon.
If you can’t find or purchase the “Sweetness” bottle, Castle & Key makes plenty of other bottles of the rye to go around. You can find the “Sweetness” bottle here and more Restoration Rye here.
Manhattan
You’ve likely enjoyed a Manhattan with bourbon; however, just like the old-fashioned, I think excellent rye works better with the sweet additions that go into the drink. Bourbon has a touch of sweetness and will make a sweeter Manhattan. If that’s what you prefer, then by all means, use bourbon.
Ingredients:
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: Luxardo CherryMethod:
Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled —strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey
If she’s expecting chocolates, surprise your Valentine with this chocolate instead. Truthfully, when we first heard the words “chocolate whiskey,” my husband and I thought, what have they done to whiskey?? Then we tasted it. Other flavored whiskeys have come before, but no one did it right. Saloon Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, however, does. You can read my review of this dessert-like bourbon here.
We enjoy drinking it neat as a dessert. We discovered this gem of a whiskey while binging Downton Abbey a year ago. I won’t tell you how many bottles we went through during that time, but let’s just say that the Granthams and their scandals led us to drink.
Angel's Envy, Angel's Envy rye, Bayou white rum, Bramble, Clonakilty Distillery, cocktail recipes, cocktails, cosmopolitan drink, Edinburgh gin, Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Gifts for her, gifts for him, Minke Irish Gin, raspberry martini, rhubarb and ginger Edinburgh gin, rhubarb bramble, Rye Old Fashioned, Valentine Cocktails, Valentine’s Day Gifts, Valentines’d Day, whiskey -
after / glow, Asheville, North Carolina, Press Release
AFTER/GLOW, CAFE & BAR FROM ACCLAIMED ASHEVILLE RESTAURATEUR JACOB SESSOMS, NOW OPEN INSIDE THE RADICAL HOTEL
Serving Coffee, House Pastries, Cocktails, Snacks & More
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (Jan. 8, 2024) – after/glow, a café and bar from Asheville’s local restaurateur Jacob Sessoms, is now open. Housed at The Radical, after/glow joins the hotel’s other venues Golden Hour and The Roof.
Photo Credit: Savannah Gibson Open from 7am to 10pm, after/glow serves coffee by day and cocktails by night. Daytime counter service includes excellent espresso, drip coffee from North Carolina-based Counter Culture Coffee, Dobra teas and specialties like the chilled and frothy after/glow “draft latte” and a bright, rich and heady Honey Lavender Cappuccino. Cold and blended drinks include The Day Starter with honey, peanut butter, strawberry & banana and the Earlyglow with cold brew, banana, granola, oat milk & vanilla-orange. The menu of housemade daily morning bites will evolve often, and guests can expect after/glow staples including croissants, danishes and sweet and savory pastries.
Photo Credit: Savannah Gibson Come 3pm, the morning, noon and night spot transitions into a down-tempo bar serving handcrafted cocktails with music from a live DJ every Thursday, Friday and Sunday in January and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting in February. Guests can check for the latest DJ schedule here. after/glow serves playful, coffee-forward cocktails like Irish Moonlight – lush, rich, dark and warm, Bitches Brew – not your morning matcha latte, the Player’s Anthem – a cold frothy rum creamsicle and an Espresso Martini – say less! See here for the full drink menu.
Photo Credit: Savannah Gibson Jacob Sessoms is the founder and chef-partner at Perfectly Ad Hoc Hospitality Group. Sessoms opened the iconic Asheville restaurant Table in 2005, launching the first of numerous successful culinary ventures in town. Today, the group also encompasses All Day Darling, a neighborhood café in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood. Sessoms, who oversees menu development, sourcing and operations at each concept, believes that food should be soulful and heartfelt, and ingredients and attitude matter – no matter fine dining or casual. Each concept sources products locally from farmers and artisans he and his team know personally, and they make nearly everything in house. A father of two, he aims for all of his restaurants to serve food that he would be happy to serve his own family.
Photo Credit: Savannah Gibson 
Photo Credit: Savannah Gibson The Radical, a bold, daring new boutique hotel in the heart of the River Arts District at 95 Roberts St., opened on October 12, 2023. The hotel transforms a once abandoned 1920s’ warehouse into Asheville’s newest destination, introducing 70 unmistakable guest rooms and suites. Owned by Hatteras Sky, along with its capital partner Somera Capital East, and operated by Lark Hotels, The Radical is more than just another boutique hotel; an unexpected collection of spaces, uses, businesses, offerings and yes, hotel rooms, the hotel reflects the fiercely independent and artistic communities of Asheville. Inspired by the River Arts District’s RAD moniker, The Radical brings together a collective of buzzing energy, creative characters and shared experiences designed to inspire locals and travelers alike to be fearlessly radical.
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Discovering Glenlivet 12
Image Credit: https://shutterstock.com/Billy Watkins Whisky enthusiasts worldwide recognize Glenlivet as the epitome of sophistication and craftsmanship. Among its renowned collection, Glenlivet 12 stands tall as a timeless classic. As we embark on a journey through the notes of aroma, palate, and finish of this exceptional single-malt Scotch whisky, prepare to be captivated by its elegance and depth.
I. Aromas: Unveiling the Elegance
image Credit: https://shutterstock.com/Boldyshav The nose opens up to a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes, exuding an air of refinement that is both intriguing and inviting. A bouquet of fresh orchard fruits, such as green apple and pear, entices the senses, while hints of sweet vanilla and subtle oak bring a comforting warmth.
As you inhale deeper, the scent of citrus zest dances, accompanied by a gentle breeze of heather and honeysuckle. These intricate layers of aroma showcase the mastery of the distillation process and the meticulous selection of oak casks, yielding a harmonious bouquet that reflects the essence of Glenlivet’s heritage.
II. Palate: An Artistry of Flavors
Image Credit: https://shutterstock.com/Cagkan Sayin The palate of Glenlivet 12 is a symphony of flavors that glide smoothly across the tongue, evoking a sense of indulgence. The initial sip introduces a velvety mouthfeel, a brand hallmark, and carries the essence of ripe summer fruits with it. Juicy apricots and succulent peaches intertwine with a gentle touch of tropical pineapple, creating a captivating fusion of sweetness and tanginess.
The carefully balanced interplay of flavors deepens, revealing layers of creamy toffee and subtle almond notes. As the whisky gently caresses the palate, a subtle hint of cinnamon spice emerges, imparting a refined complexity to the overall taste profile. The culmination of flavors showcases the artistry behind the blending and maturation processes, establishing Glenlivet 12 as a true masterpiece.
III. Finish: A Timeless Elegance
The conclusion of this remarkable journey brings us to the unforgettable finish of Glenlivet 12. The lingering warmth of toasted oak and a gentle wisp of smoke leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the whisky’s impeccable maturity. The finish is remarkably smooth, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to excellence in craftsmanship.
Throughout the journey, Glenlivet 12 gracefully embodies sophistication, each note painting a portrait of dedication, tradition, and unwavering quality. As the final flavors gracefully fade, a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment embraces the palate, encouraging enthusiasts to relish every moment of this timeless experience.
Conclusion:
In the world of single-malt Scotch whisky, Glenlivet 12 stands tall as an exemplar of elegance and refinement. From the enchanting aroma that entices the senses to the harmonious array of flavors that dance across the palate, and the finish that leaves a lasting impression, this exceptional whisky is a testament to the artistry of its makers.
Raise your glass to Glenlivet 12, and let it whisk you away on an extraordinary adventure of flavors and aromas.
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What is Orange Wine?
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Sarakhan Vadym No, this is not a wine made from oranges; it’s orange wine, which is an uncommon and unique wine that uses very interesting techniques of winemaking to ensure an exciting wine is made. Orange wine has been made for centuries, and although it is not well known, it has a lot of historical significance.
How Orange Wine Begins
It is essential to understand that wine has been around for a very long time, and although it has advanced tremendously, old winemaking techniques are used constantly. One of those techniques would be that of making orange wine.
Separating juice from berry is not an easy process, and in the olden days, it was common to skip that step during fermentation. Oftentimes grapes would be crushed and put into ceramic pots and left untouched for months to ferment. Today, the process is still similar for red wines, but not white wines.
White wines are usually separated from their seeds and skins immediately when a winery receives the fruit, giving the juice minimal contact with skins and seeds. This helps create the lighter body, higher acid white wines we all enjoy so much.
So, what happens if you crush your white grapes and put them in a fermentation vessel with seeds and stems for months to ferment and age? You make orange wine.
The Process
Orange winemaking uses a very hands-off approach. Oftentimes, you don’t even add yeast to your grape to begin the fermentation process. Instead, it is customary to crush the fruit and place it in a ceramic or concrete vessel for months.
Why concrete or ceramic?
Wines need a certain amount of oxygen to push through fermentation or they become reductive, which is a common wine flaw. Concrete and ceramic vessels are not just historically accurate to old winemaking techniques, but they also provide microoxygenation which is similar to what an oak barrel does for wines.
Not only does the oxygen help keep a healthy fermentation, but it oxidizes the orange wine, creating the orange hue with the skins and also giving the wines a nutty and bruised fruit characteristic that helps make the wines unique.
The Finished Product
Orange wine is definitely unique. Most winemakers would agree that one would play into wine faults to create their wines, but that is not uncommon. Noble rot wines use a fungus called botrytis cinerea to create exciting wines.
There is no right or wrong — it is up to the drinker. The wine you get in orange wines is a heavier body than most white wines out there. That immense body is joined by solid aromas and an intense palate filled with different flavor profiles and a large sourness.
You’ll commonly find orange wine production in areas like Georgia and Italy since they brought orange wine into existence; however, today, orange wine is made in much of eastern Europe and even the United States (per The Real World). Georgia utilizes an ancient winemaking technique where they fill large ceramic vessels with their grapes and bury them for the fermentation process!
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