What’s in the life of a barrel? Its existence centers around providing flavor and complexity to fermented and distilled beverages. For many, a lifetime will see more than one type of fluid contained within its staves. A barrel can be passed around from place to place, but sometimes it comes home to where life began. […]
Guinness Blonde Blondies with Jameson Caramel Drizzle
Though I consider most holidays to be drinking holidays, I can’t think of one more appropriate for an equal celebration of beer and whiskey than Saint Patrick’s Day. And if you had half a lucky horseshoe for a brain, you’d know neither of those are naturally green. Please pardon my purist nature when I say […]
An Introduction To Tannins
I’d like you to meet tannins. You may have met before, perhaps at the bottom of your teacup or in a glass of robust California cabernet. The unmistakable cat tongue you’re left with after a few sips is the telltale sign you’ve become acquainted. Words attempt to roll out of your mouth like tumbleweeds, but […]
Cockle Warming Beer Cocktails
It seems as if only last month I was wiping my brow and seeking liquid shade in the form of a frosty weissbier. My taste buds must feel the changing winds, as they, too, crave a warmer touch for colder days. A higher heft of alcohol and darker kilned malts are oft’ enough to elicit […]
The Politics of Utah’s Alcohol Laws
Utah is known for having some pretty bizarre liquor laws. The state’s prominent religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, believes in abstaining from alcohol consumption. It may be legal to do so, but the state tightly controls the sale and service of alcoholic beverages in a way, they believe, that promotes […]
Whiskey Aged in Beer Barrels?
The popularity and demand for barrel-aged beer has grown a lot over the last several years. Our ever evolving palates crave more complexity in flavor and mouthfeel, which can be achieved by infusing beer with the essences of oak barrels previously occupied by other spirits like whiskey. Now distillers are completing that circle by using […]