Drink the Bottles

  ANGEL'S ENVY is breaking down barriers with their wildly popular, award-winning and globally recognized finished whiskeys.  They are rolling out a national marketing campaign called "Worth The Envy", with a mission to "craft the future of bourbon and break stereotypes". Maria, Dao, North American Marketing Director for the brand says, "At ANGEL'S ENVY, we pride ourselves in our innovative nature and origin.  We were one of the first distillers ever to bring secondary finishing to the bourbon industry at a time when it was considered a somewhat radical and visionary concept.  'Worth The Envy' strives to bend how people think about bourbon." This new campaign shows how bourbon sparks conversations and experiences and it makes people who are not necessarily stereotypical whiskey enthusiasts think about how bourbon can enhance their lives.  More unique cocktails, a more welcoming environment and inclusiveness for all levels of whiskey fans an...

I recently followed up with a contact from a Napa Valley winery who I had virtually met about two years ago.  We are currently planning a trip to wine country in late August and she had previously left an open invitation to host me and a guest for a private tasting the next time we were in town.  I have always been a fan of this particular winery and they make ONE varietal every year.  Their inaugural vintage was beautifully crafted, and according to popular ranking publications, each year seems to get better and better (or so the points would leave us to believe).  While the winery itself is about 10 years old, the family behind the juice has been making wine for decades, in fact, multiple generations. Before I get into this article further, let me say that I wholeheartedly believe that wineries should charge for tastings.  There is no doubt about it.  I think that paying for the tasting experience cuts down on the weekenders who are looking to just get lo...

Literally every time I am in a wine shop I am completely flabbergasted and bewildered to see the hundreds or perhaps thousands of wines eagerly waiting to find a home, similar to dogs at the humane society.  But, like some of those dogs, the wines just don't make a good impression or draw you into their charming personality.  I'm not looking for a wine that humps your leg or begs and does tricks, but I am looking for a reason to try something new.   Reality check.  Most of the time you're faced with a scene similar to the one pictured above without shelf talkers or anyone that has the time or the knowledge to help recommend a selection that they think you will enjoy.  After your eleven second interaction with the "wine clerk" and the customary "what kind of wine do you like" open-ended question, you're discouraged and disconnected.  You want  to try something new.  You want a new tasting experience, so how do you decide what to try?...