Drink the Bottles

  Nori's Story Umami Sauce: The Condiment We Didn't Know We Needed Every now and then we come across a product that completely changes the way we think about an everyday meal. Nori's Story Umami Sauce did exactly that. If you've spent any time in the kitchen, you've probably heard the word umami tossed around. Often referred to as the "fifth taste," umami delivers that rich, savory flavor that makes foods more satisfying and memorable. While many ingredients naturally contain umami, finding a sauce that brings those flavors together in a balanced, versatile way isn't always easy. That's where Nori's Story comes in. A Sauce With a Story Before we even opened the bottle, one detail immediately caught our attention. Printed right on the label is a message from the company's founder: "If you don't love this sauce, I'll send you a personal apology video." That's not the kind of promise you see every day.  It's bold, a...

  An Evening with Dave Specter and the Story Behind One of Oregon's Most Personal Winery Experiences One of the best parts of what we do at Drink The Bottles is connecting with the people behind the wines. While nothing quite replaces standing in a vineyard with a glass in hand, virtual tastings have become one of our favorite ways to discover exceptional wineries from across the country. What began as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into something much more. Today, virtual tastings allow wine lovers to connect directly with winery owners and winemakers from the comfort of their own homes, often creating conversations that are every bit as personal as an in-person visit. There is something special about gathering friends around the table, opening the same bottles, and sharing an evening with the person who crafted them. That was exactly our experience during a recent one-hour virtual tasting with Bells Up Winery co-owner and winemaker Dave Specter. By the time...

From centuries-old traditions and handcrafted production methods to premium sipping tequilas and smoky mezcals, here's everything you need to know before raising a glass this National Tequila Day. National Tequila Day: More Than Just Another Drink Holiday Every year on July 24, tequila lovers across the United States celebrate National Tequila Day, an unofficial holiday dedicated to one of the world's most iconic spirits. Restaurants feature handcrafted margaritas, bars create tequila flights, and home enthusiasts finally have an excuse to uncork that special bottle they've been saving for the right occasion. But National Tequila Day deserves to be more than discounted shots and frozen cocktails. Over the past two decades, tequila has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once viewed primarily as the spirit behind late-night celebrations, it has evolved into one of the most respected categories in the premium spirits world. Distillers are emphasizing traditional production...