With a decidedly less spicy profile than rye or other cereal grain–based whiskeys, bourbon is punchy enough to stand on its own yet blends harmoniously into lighter drinks like sours or juleps. The spirit’s corn content (mandated to be at least 51%, but could be as high as 100%) produces a level of easily-detectable sweetness….
Month: March 2019
Behind the Tidy Martini
We sat down with Stacey Swenson of NYC’s Dante to chat about her work, vermouth, and her cocktail for April’s Vermouth: Never Uncouth Box, the Tidy Martini! S&S: Have you noticed a change in awareness or appreciation for vermouth over the last few years? Have your own views of it changed in that time? SS:…
Behind the Runaway Princess
We sat down with Adam Robinson of Portland’s Deadshot to chat about his work, vermouth, Portland’s drinking culture, and his drink for April’s Vermouth: Never Uncouth Box, the Runaway Princess! S&S: Have you spent time at the Oregon vineyards of Willamette Valley? AR: Yes, I have—over the last decade of living in Oregon, I have…
Watch Your Vermouth
Over the years, vermouth has gotten pretty good at modestly hiding in plain sight. It quietly increases the complexity and well-rounded flavor of many enduringly popular cocktails (such as the martini, Manhattan, Bamboo, and Negroni) by adding that certain something, but rarely gets any of the credit. And there are far too many bottles collecting…
Vermouth: Never Uncouth
Dependable, unassuming, and often overlooked, vermouth has a voice that produces breathtaking harmonies within a group but rarely if ever gets a solo. That’s just the way it’s been since the fortified and aromatized wine was first featured as a cocktail ingredient by Harry “The Dean” Johnson in his 1880 Bartenders’ Manual. But a funny…
Behind the Refresco en Vinagre
We sat down with Chris Simpson of Austin’s Academia to chat about his work, bartending in Japan, unique ingredients, and his drink for March’s Shift Drinks: Reposado Edition Box, the Refresco en Vinagre. S&S: You’ve run the gamut of bartending in different countries and styles of establishments. What would you say is the personal Chris…
Shaker & Spoon Blog 