"I think this would be a good time for a beer." Franklin Roosevelt

Sunday is National Beer Day in the United States! This day was created to celebrate the signing of the Cullen-Harrison Act and subsequently the end of Prohibition.  So, in honor of this day, and beer lovers worldwide here are some interesting beer facts, rapid-fire style!  

Canada Beer Facts:

85 to 90% of beer consumed in Canada is manufactured in Canada. How many industries can say the same thing?

Beer has three times the economic impact of wine and spirits combined, in Canada.

The Canadian brewing industry has reduced its energy consumption by 58% since 1990.

Local breweries annually purchase 300,000 tonnes of Canadian malting barley.

United States Beer Facts:

Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Yuengling sent a truckload of “Winner Beer” to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Remarkably, the delivery arrived on the same day the amendment was repealed. What makes this an interesting fact is that it takes Yuengling beer takes almost three weeks to brew and age. 

 The top-selling items at Walmart before a hurricane are beer and strawberry pop tarts.

 Adolph Coors III was allergic to beer. He was also kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Joesph Corbett Jr. Even though the FBI was on the case Corbett was arrested by Canadian Police in Vancouver.

 In 1986, a beer drinking goat was elected mayor of the small town of Lajitas in Texas, USA

International Beer Facts

There is a fully legitimate German beer named f**king Hell. It’s named after the Austrian village ‘f**king’, and the German word ‘hell’, a term used for light ale. (Sorry, Mom I couldn’t resist)

Guinness is a light beer, with fewer calories than most other beers including Budweiser and Coors.

Czech Republic drinks more beer than any other country in the world per capita. Now, if we're talking about the most overall consumption, China takes first place.

The strongest beer in the world, Snake Venom, is 67.5% ABV. It was brewed in Scotland in 2017 by Brewmeister.

The oldest brewery in the world today is the Weihenstephan brewery in Freising, Germany. It was founded in 1040.

Bootlegging Ladies!

Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History

In honor of International Women’s Day, I wanted to introduce some of the rebel-rousing and law-breaking women of liquor.

We must go back to the early 1800s to find our first woman who skirted the law to build an empire. Helen Cummings and her husband took out a lease on a plot of land in a remote spot with easy access to water and peat but away from the prying eyes of the law. With Helen at the helm of the illegal stills, she quickly built a reputation for high-quality whisky. When alcohol distillation became legal in 1823; Helen and her family went on to build the internationally recognized Cardhu Distillery.

Dabbling in the illegal production and sale of liquor was rampant during the Prohibition Era. When most people think of prohibition, they conjure up images of Al Capone and Temperance Movement Marches, but most bootlegging or rum-running occurred in small towns and on back roads.

Our first story comes from Blairmore, Alberta; yes, we have our very own rebel-rousing lady of illicit libations. Florence Lassandro moved to Blairmore from Italy and began working for bad-boy bootlegger Emilio Picarillo. Lassandro would run whisky into Southern Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana. Lassandro found herself in a precarious situation which resulted in her being charged and found guilty of the murder of Const. Stephen Lawson. Picarillo was also found guilty of the same charges, even though it was never determined who fired the fatal shot. The sentence of death by hanging caused outrage among Albertans which resulted in a disdain for prohibition laws. Lassandro was hanged at the gallows in Fort Saskatchewan on May 2, 1923. She is the only woman to be executed by hanging in Alberta. She is also credited for the reversal of prohibition in Alberta.

If Lassandro couldn’t get you your whisky in Montana, our next bootlegging lady sure could. Josephine Doody is known as the Bootleg Lady of Glacier Park. Doody resided in a remote cabin, and she had an ingenious method of supplying illicit liquor to the men of the Great Northern Railroad and beyond. As the train passed through the area, the conductor blew the whistle a specific number of times; this number correlated to how many quarts of whisky were needed. Doody would then load up her boat and row across the Flathead River to deliver the hooch. Her legendary bootlegging legacy even appears on her gravestone.

Our next two bootleggers built empires as well as legends.

Maggie Bailey A.K.A. Queen of the Mountain began making moonshine when she was just 17, in Harlan County, Kentucky. She started moonshining to help her family, but it soon became her life’s work. Bailey was known to do anything for her community with the funds garnered from her moonshining empire, including sending kids to college. Bailey never drank and would never sell to children or drunkards. She was a smart woman and knew the law very well, including the American 4th amendment regarding search and seizure. It was this knowledge that allowed Bailey to make illegal moonshine well into her 90s and only be prosecuted once in 1947. Bailey passed away at 101 in 2015.

Last but certainly not least is Gertrude “Cleo” Lythgoe, who was arguably the best and most profitable rum-running during Prohibition. Lythgoe was an American with ties to a British liquor exporter. During Prohibition, she moved to the Bahamas where she became a licensed liquor wholesaler. She used British connection and fierce independence to start smuggling the finest Scotch into the States. Legend has it that she amassed a million-dollar fortune during her rum-running days.

Rebellious and rule-breaking women will always have a place in history!

Star Aligned Wines

Many of us have looked to the zodiac to find a perfect mate, a best friend, or to explain certain personality traits. Have you ever looked to the stars to find your ideal wine? Let’s throw caution to the wind and ask the stars to guide us to the perfect bottle.

Aries: The first sign of the zodiac has a touch of a competitive streak; they love being first. Their star-aligned wine stays true to this as it is the world's most popular wine!

Star-Aligned Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Taurus: The most loyal and stubborn of all the signs. They also love to just chill and practice the art of self-pampering. I can attest to all of this to be true as I live with one! Their star-aligned wine is plush and luxurious.

Star-Aligned Wine: Merlot

Gemini: The versatile yet impatient twin of the zodiac are known for their ability to communicate and effervescent personalities. Their star-aligned wine is both bubbly and versatile.

Star-Aligned Wine: Prosecco (pair with Parmesan cheese – for the other twin)

Cancer: People born under this sign are much like the crab. They have a tough exterior and a soft inside. Simply put they are the sweethearts of the zodiac, and their star-aligned wine is on the sweet side.

Star-Aligned Wine: Moscato d’Asti

Leo: Born under the spotlight of the summer sun Leos are known for being confident and living life to the fullest. Their star-aligned wine is best enjoyed poolside surrounded by friends.

Star-Aligned Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

Virgo: Their practicality and attention to detail are unmatched in the zodiac. Virgos also live for deadlines which explains their star-aligned wine.

Star-Aligned Wine: Beaujolais Nouveau

Libra: Born under the sign of balanced scales, they are known to search for the perfect balance in all life’s adventures. Their star-aligned wine is arguably one of the most balanced wines on the market.

Star-Aligned Wine: Pinot Noir

Scorpio: People born under this sign are often described as moody. They can be bold and intriguing or controlling and irritable. Their star-aligned wine is just as spicy as they are.

Star-Aligned Wine: Syrah

Sagittarius: The adventure seekers of the zodiac. Sagittarians can captivate an entire room with their storytelling. They are not afraid to go big or go home, much like their star-aligned wine!

Star-Aligned Wine: Grenache (or a smooth bourbon)

Capricorn: People born under this sign tend to be workaholics.  If they do give themselves a night off they will be the life of the party. Their star-aligned wine is strong and intense, often reaching 14% ABV.

Star-Aligned Wine: Primitivo

Aquarius: Those born under this sign often have grand plans to make the world a better place. However, their reclusive nature often causes them to be overlooked, much like their star-aligned wine.

Star-Aligned Wine: Chianti

Pisces: Highly imaginative, empathic, sensitive, whimsical, and romantic are words that describe this sign as well as their star-aligned wine.

Star-Aligned Wine: Sparking Rose

Autumn White Wines

As visions of sweaters and bonfires creep into my thoughts - sours turn to stouts, and gin gives way to bourbon; I pause and think of white wine drinkers. What do they drink when the weather cools and patios shutter? Alas, all is not lost for lovers of white wine, my research shows there are wines with golden hues perfect for prairie sunsets and warm fires.

I'm certain that there are some readers who believe that drinking white wine after Labor Day is just as unacceptable as wearing white, but if you're someone who likes to break the rules, here are some white wines that you can try as the leaves change from green to gold.

Viognier (vee-own-nay) is a Southern French grape. This delectable fruit offers flavors of honeysuckle blended with peaches and vanilla. Viognier is a dry and oily white wine that is best enjoyed when young. It is bolder and more complex than summer whites, making it a perfect pairing for the Fall season. It goes well with dishes like turkey, creamy cheeses such as brie, and spicy foods.

Roussanne (rooh-sahn) is another grape from Southern France. It is often blended with Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, or Viognier. These wines are full-bodied and creamy with notes of citrus, stone fruit, honey, and baked bread. If this doesn’t scream autumn, I don’t know what does! While delicious on its own, Roussanne is incredible with creamy pasta, lobster, or fried chicken.

Skip the apple cider and say no to a PSL! Instead grab a glass of Chenin Blanc filled with notes of quine, yellow apple, and chamomile. The crisp orchard fruit notes of this wine elevate your pumpkin carving adventures and add flair to autumn nights on the patio.

Autumn MOSCATO PUNCH (perfect for Brunch)

2 cups cranberry juice

1 cup pomegranate juice

12 oz ginger beer

4 oz triple sec

1.5 liter Moscato Wine

Ice

Fresh orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary for garnish

Add cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, ginger beer, triple sec, and wine to a large pitcher. Stir to mix well. Place an orange slice in a wine glass. Fill with ice, top with Moscato punch. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary.  

Caramel Apple Wine Slushies

750 ml bottle of Pinot Grigio

2 cups of fresh apple cider

1 tablespoon of sugar

2 oz caramel vodka

2 oz apple liqueur

Apple slices for garnish

Divide pinot grigio between two ice cube trays; freeze until solid.

Place wine cubes in a blender along with apple cider, sugar, vodka, and liqueur. Blend just until combined, but still a bit frozen. Serve immediately. Garnish with apple slices.

Black Sangria Perfect For Halloween

1 bottle of dark red wine

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup simple syrup

3 black plums, sliced

1 cup black grapes

8 ounces blackberries

1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale, use ginger ale for a sweeter sangria.

Add everything into a pitcher and mix with a large spoon.

Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. The longer it sits the darker the plums become.

Best to keep it in the fridge. Enjoy!!!

Fat Washed Spirits

Tomorrow is Bacon Day! I am sure most of you have seen a Caesar or Bloody Mary garnished with a slice of this crispy goodness, but today we are learning about the cocktail trend of bacon washing.  If you had to reread the last sentence, I understand.

Fat washing is relatively new to the world of mixology, but it is a tried and true method perfumers use to extract tricky aromas.

What exactly is Fat Washing? It is a way to infuse flavor into alcohol. It is similar to creating flavors with botanicals or candy.  The difference is it only takes a day, not weeks. You can use any fat that will solidify upon freezing. Bacon is the most common.

How to fat wash

Ingredients

750 ml of the spirit of your choice

120 ml of strong-tasting fat (e.g. Bacon) or 240 ml of subtle-tasting fat (e.g. Olive Oil)

Equipment

Pan for melting fat (if required)

2 Mason jars

Fine strainers

Cheese Cloth

Coffee Filter

1.      The fat must be in a liquid form. If you use a solid such as bacon, peanut butter, or duck fat, melt it first. Allow the fat to cool.

2.      Pour the fat into a mason jar and add the spirit.

3.      Give the jar a good hard shake or two.

4.      Let the jar sit for 4-5 hours to let the magic happen.

5.      Freeze overnight. This will cause the fat and spirit to separate.

6.      Use a knife to make a hole through the fat and pour the spirit through a fine strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean mason jar. Strain again through a coffee filter if solids remain.

7.      Enjoy

Combination Ideas

• Bourbon and melted smoky bacon fat

• Rum and coconut oil

• Rum and brown butter

• Vodka and truffle oil

• Moonshine and butter

• Vodka/gin and olive oil

• Gin and sesame oil

• Rye whisky and duck fat

• Gin and blue cheese

• Tequila and avocado oil

• Rye whisky and peanut butter

• Pisco and coconut oil

The benefits of Tequila

This one is for my brother-in-law!

July 24 is National Tequila Day! Last year we explored the history of the spirit and the difference between lowland and highland agave. This year we are going to look at the benefits of this love-it-or-hate-it liquor.

I feel I need to mention that most of these benefits are not proven by medical professionals, and as with everything, moderation is the key. Any of these benefits come from drinking pure, straight tequila, not a cocktail.

Tequila may help fight colon disease. The agave plant contains fructans which are non-digestible. Researchers have used fructans to aid in delivering drugs to help fight diseases such as ulcerative colitis and IBS.

The natural sugar produced by the agave plant is called agavins. Agavins are a natural form of fructose and prebiotic fiber, which is non-digestible and therefore does not cause a sugar spike. This makes tequila a diabetic-friendly alcohol.

All wound up and can’t relax? Try sipping on some tequila. Unlike other alcohols, tequila can calm the nerves and even aid in sleep.

Drinking tequila made with 100% Blue Webber Agave reduces your chance of a hangover.

If you have a cold and don’t like Jägermeister, reach for a bottle of tequila. Mix your favorite tequila with lemon juice and agave nectar to ward off colds and flu. It also relieves sore throats and combats bacteria in the intestines.

Proven or not, I can attest to this benefit! Tequila can aid in digestion. If you have overindulged at the dinner table, take a shot of tequila. You may feel so go; you could go back for dessert!

Martini Day!

As with all things in the cocktail world, the origin of the Martini is a little hazy.

Some believe the name was derived from a brand of vermouth; others believe that the modern Martini evolved from the Martinez cocktail first poured in the 1860s at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco.

Martinez

Take 1 dash of Boker's bitters

2 dashes of Maraschino

1 pony [1 oz] of Old Tom gin

1 wine glass [2 oz] of [sweet/Italian] vermouth

2 small lumps of ice

Shake up thoroughly, and strain into a large cocktail glass. Put a quarter of a slice of lemon in the glass and serve. If the guest prefers it very sweet, add two dashes of gum syrup.

The first recipe similar to today’s Martini was published in 1887. This recipe called for half a wine glass of Old Tom gin and half a wine glass of vermouth, along with other ingredients.

Fill the glass with ice

2 or 3 dashes of gum syrup

2 or 3 dashes of bitters

1 dash of Curaçao

1⁄2 wine glassful [1 oz] of Old Tom gin

1⁄2 wine glassful [1 oz] of [sweet/Italian] vermouth

Stir up well with a spoon, strain it into a fancy cocktail glass, squeeze a piece of lemon peel on top, and serve.

The Dry Martini emerged in the early 1900s. The 1904 Marguerite Cocktail, was a 2:1 mix of dry gin and dry vermouth. A Dry Martini recipe can be found in the 1907 bartenders guide World Drinks and How to Make Them.

The traditional Martini is made with a 2:1 ratio, however, the demand for drier martinis has seen this ratio pushed as far as 4:1 to the extreme of 16:1.

Martini Variations

Perfect Martini - uses equal amounts of sweet and dry vermouth.

Wet Martini – uses equal amounts of gin and vermouth.

Reverse Martini – uses more vermouth than gin.

Dirty Martini – contains olive juice or brine.

Gibson Martini – contains cocktail onions.

Churchill Martini – uses no vermouth. It is prepared with gin straight from the freeze while glancing at a closed bottle of vermouth. This is my personal favorite.

Martinis are one of the simplest cocktails to make, but with the incredible variety of gin and vermouth available, the taste profiles are endless.

Gin & Rosé

June 10th marks National Gin Day and National Rosé Day. So, whether you love or hate them, you will learn more about them.

First, let’s discuss Gin.  I remember Gin & Tonic being my mother’s summer drink, which I thought was awful. To be truthful, I thought it smelt like vomit. Now that I have worked in the liquor industry for several years, I have learned that not all gins are created equal.  All gins must contain juniper berries, but not all gins taste like a pine tree. Many modern gins possess notes of bright citrus or sweet berries. Gins can be intimidating, but I do think it is a category worth exploring, especially if you are looking for a summer sipper.

Fun Facts

• Gin was developed in Holland, not England. It was brought to England in the early 1600s by soldiers.

• Gin was not designed to drink on its own it is to be used as a cocktail base.

• Gin and tomato juice was a popular hangover cure in 1928.

• To compare different gins, try diluting them with water and drinking them at room temperature. This method identifies the strengths and weaknesses.

• James Bond, orders 19 vodka martinis and 16 gin martinis in 12 novels and 2 short stories.

Rosé Wine

•  Rosé wine was the first type of wine made because grape skin extraction wasn't developed yet, according to historians.

• Rosé wine gets its pink color from red grape skins..The longer the juice sits, the darker it gets.

• Rosé wine is not meant to age, it is best consumed young.

• The French call it Rosé, the Italian call it Rosato, and the Spanish call it Rosado.

• Most Rosé wines are dry, not sweet.

• Rosé wines make great cocktails.

The History of the Ice Cube

Last weekend, I was outside savoring a delicious Coppa Cocktails Pina Colada while contemplating the sound of ice cubes clinking in my Yeti, which was a thoughtful Christmas present from my amazing sister.

I wasn’t really thinking about the ice itself; I do know that ice comes from freezing water. Rather, I was contemplating the origin of the ice cube. I found myself wondering who created the first tray for freezing individual cubes.

Here is what I discovered.

It is not certain who invented the first ice cube tray for home use, but there is some documentation on how the cube came to be.

1844 – American doctor John Gorrie invented a refrigeration unit that made ice to cool the air for Yellow Fever patients. Some historians argue that Dr. Gorrie also invented an ice cube tray, as records show patients received ice in their drinks.

1914 – Fred Wolf invented the DOMELRE, or the Domestic Electric Refrigerator, with a simple ice tray. He may have been a little ahead of the times as the DOMELRE was a flop.

1920 – Prohibition in the US put a damper on the demand for residential ice creation. Just getting your hands on alcohol was more important than the temperature it was served at.

1933 – With the end of prohibition in sight, Guy Tinkham, the vice president of General Utilities Manufacturing Company, developed a flexible aluminum ice cube tray. The compartments were angled and can be twisted to release individual cubes.

1953 – The Servel Electrolux Company upped the ante by inventing the refrigerator with the first built-in ice machine.

Fast Forward to 2010!

2010 marks the beginning of the Craft Ice Age. Mixologists no longer wanted to plop commercially made cubes into their artisanal cocktails. The shape, size, and clarity of the ice became just as important as all the other ingredients. This demand gave birth to the oversized cube and the perfect sphere among others.

Bring Your Own Bottle Cocktail Party

The origin of the Cocktail Party is a topic of debate in the world of liquor. While some attribute it to Alec Waugh's party in London, the St. Paul Pioneer Press claims that Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. hosted the first soiree in 1917. Nonetheless, cocktail parties rose to prominence in the 50s and 60s. Although cocktail parties are intended to be laid-back and relaxed, they do have some guidelines to follow.

In 1962, German author Walter Leonhardt wrote the three fundamental rules of cocktail parties.

It should not last long, an hour and a half maximum, the time one can stand up, even if there are chairs for weaker constitutions.

Guests should enter and leave freely, avoiding elaborate greetings on arrival and departure.

Conversation must avoid passionate subjects (personal, political, or religious topics) to keep a harmonious and cheerful ambiance.

I don't necessarily believe in following strict rules, but I do believe that hosting a sophisticated cocktail party is a lost art that deserves to be revived.  Throwing such a party with fancy drinks and delicious appetizers can be costly, so here is how to plan a Bring Your Own Bottle party.

The first step is to create a guest list, which will determine everything else about your party. Next, decide on a theme or aesthetic. Would you like to host a 1950s-themed party, a Great Gatsby-style gathering, or a casual get-together with amazing cocktails? The choice is yours.

Now it is time to create your cocktail menu! Consider selecting cocktails that match the theme of your party or opt for easy-to-make drinks with limited ingredients if you have a small guest list. For larger events, it's a good idea to include a mix of classic and creative cocktails. If you're feeling adventurous, try using the cocktail creator link provided.

The next step is to create your invite. Be sure to include important details such as the time, date, and location, as well as the dress code. However, the most crucial information to include is what ingredients each guest needs to bring. The ingredients are based on your cocktail menu. If you are inviting couples, you can assign them a liquor and non-alcoholic ingredient.

With the invitations sent out, it's time to focus on your bar's details. Having multiple shakers, mixing glasses, spoons, and muddlers is crucial. You need not rush to buy new tools; borrowing from a friend is an option. The ice is a detail often overlooked when setting up a bar, but various ice sizes matter.

The final step is to print out the cocktail recipes and instructions. This will allow your guests to make their libations which allows you to interact with your guests.

I hope these tips allow you to throw a spectacular and affordable cocktail party.