alcohol

All about the effects of alcohol on the mind and body, and what a drinker should expect from a sip, or ten, of the hard stuff.

Michter's Straight Rye
There is nothing better than cracking the bottle on a new rye whiskey, except possibly for when I crack the bottle on this old favorite. Michter’s Spirits hit it out of the park with both their Straight Rye and Small Batch Bourbons. No surprise coming from a company with a winery background, but boy did they learn the whiskey business fast! You see, I’m a snob about my whiskey. If it isn’t made in Bourbon, Kentucky you’d better damn well not call it bourbon around me, and if it has cinnamon, or any other flavoring, I will pour it out and scatter spelt and salt.
By Mickey Finn9 years ago in Proof
Best Wines For Sangria
Imagine sitting on your back deck on a warm summer day getting ready for a cookout. Alongside you are friends, family, neighbors and maybe some party crashers. What could better augment these mid-summer day activities than sipping on one of these fruit-infused wonders?
By Gary Ayd9 years ago in Proof
Look, We Might Need a Cocktail Every Day this Month
It’s a big year, 2017. And no month of 2017 is bigger than May. See, back in May 1917 – that’s 100 years ago for those of us with Arts degrees – one Clara D.D. Walsh of St Louis, Missouri (formerly Miss Clara D.D. Bell of Lexington before her fortuitous – fortuitous for us all – marriage to one Julius S. Walsh Jnr) hosted the world’s first cocktail party.
By Carolyn Swindell9 years ago in Proof
Recognizing Rosé
Whether you call it ‘Rosato,’ ‘Rosewein,’ ‘Rosado’ or even ‘Blush,’ wine drinkers the world over have been enjoying ‘Rosé’ wines in increasingly larger numbers. Pink wine has been with us since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, but the past several years have seen a worldwide increase in rosé consumption. While consumers have embraced Rosé, the often rarified world of the Wine Competition has not been quite so keen to reflect the trend. ‘Rosé wine’ may be a category at many competitions but divergent styles are often lumped together, pitting bone dry wines against sweeter examples. Hardly a level playing field.
By Hilarie Larson CSW,FWS,SWS,CSWS9 years ago in Proof
Things You Didn't Know About Vodka
With a history potentially dating back to the 8th century, there are probably quite a few interesting things you didn't know about vodka. Vodka and some of its most famous producers like Absolut, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, bring back fond memories, or sometimes lack thereof, for many of us.
By Sophie Heller9 years ago in Proof
Best New Jersey Wineries
When you think of vineyards, your first thoughts might be to think of California. Tastings might lead you to think of New York. And you wouldn't be wrong. It can be easy to forget how much quality wine is being produced in different parts of the country. New Jersey is home to some of the United States' best wineries, perfect for sampling and for tours. If you're in the area, make sure to plan a visit to one (or more) of the best wineries in New Jersey.
By Annie Kiely9 years ago in Proof
Millennial Women Are Literally Drinking Themselves To Death. Top Story - April 2017.
If there's one thing that Millennials have become famous for, it's their love of drinking, gastropubs, and artisan food. It's almost become a cliche, much like the Millennial trends of hipstery clothing and having an allegedly anti-marriage attitude.
By Rowan Marley9 years ago in Proof
Best Cheap Champagnes
Regardless of the occasion: weddings, bachelor party, bachelorette party, corporate event, birthday, anniversary or something else drink is almost always a part of the equation provided the party is at least partly geared toward adults.
By Gary Ayd9 years ago in Proof
History of the Moscow Mule
The history of alcohol and drinking goes back as far as recorded history, and likely beyond. If there is a substance more intertwined with humanity beyond water and air than booze I can't think of it as I write this. There are simply few things humans do more often, in more ways, more universally and more consistently across cultures, generations and social/economic status than consume alcohol.
By Gary Ayd9 years ago in Proof
Why Do People Drink?
There are many reasons why people drink alcohol—not all of them are easy to swallow. We all have that one drunk uncle who just doesn’t know when to put down the beer bottle at family gatherings. You love to hate him, but have you ever stopped to think about why he drinks so much?
By A M9 years ago in Proof
Bourbon Made Easy
Coming at this article with the perspective of predominately a beer drinker, I hope to provide a basic overview of some simple yet enjoyable drinks that involve bourbon. As someone who doesn't drink that much of it, I can say that I've alway appreciated this particular drink because of it's visual sophistication, the exacting process it takes to make and the fact that unlike nearly everything else in our society now that is a mile a minute, making and even enjoying bourbon takes time, patience, diligence and a long-term vision.
By Gary Ayd9 years ago in Proof
Fern Bars Are Making A Comeback
Fern bars. If you're a Millennial, you probably have never heard of this kind of bar before. In fact, the idea of a fern bar probably has you thinking of some kind of weird vaporwave-themed venue that would make most older folks feel mildly uncomfortable.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Proof