Welcome to the luxurious rum renaissance. Premium varieties of the spirit are coming to the forefront, with accessibility to fine rums in the $50-$100 range now at historic levels. Rum production is rising in the U.S., and particularly the Caribbean, building on the basics of aged rum by crafting matured expressions from leading brands and a fleet of small-batch and...
Tequila is the market-moving spirit of 2021. Development in ultra-premium tequila rivals seltzer for becoming the largest growth area for spirits. Everyday tequila remains popular, while craft expressions are being distilled under clear direction from the Mexican government to increase quality, depth of flavor, and personality. How you like to drink tequila often determines the type of spirit you wish...
Japanese sake is a great drink to enjoy cold or warm, whether you’re an expert or a first-time drinker. Drinking sake, unlike some alcohol types, is quite a unique experience. There is a tremendous range of styles of rice wine iterations that make for an enjoyable social experience. The complexity of different types of sake - and its relatively cheap...
Gin brands are evolving to keep up with drinkers developing fondness for interesting tasting drink options. Distillers are creating more accessible varieties. Independent craft producers and big gin companies alike are emphasizing eclectic flavors, new botanicals, and distinctive production methods, mirroring the shifts of other spirits such as vodka, tequila, and whiskey. The best gins under $100 showcase great bottles...
As more and more people feel ready to travel once again, traditional cookie-cutter hotels no longer suffice. People across the globe are looking for memorable, unique getaways and when you think of unique accommodations, it’s hard to beat treehouses. They’re whimsical, romantic, fun, memorable, and absolutely dreamy. Whether you’re hoping to get off the grid and looking for seclusion or...
The UK has been a tourism mainstay for decades, and despite a lull due to the pandemic, the nation is getting ready to make a comeback in terms of remaining at the top of most traveler’s bucket lists. To help move things in the right direction, we’re “Minding the Gap” with an easy-breezy list of recommendations to help any traveler...
Much like the popularity of Japanese whisky, beer brewing in Japan is a serious pastime. Big Japanese beer brands are popular for easy drinking. Most of their commercial lagers are around 5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV) and are quality-made products crafted from barley, malt, and even rice. Their flagship regular beer market has been joined in recent years by a...
For the vodka aficionado, the spirit is much more subtle than the clear, neutral spirit of times past. Vodka distillation has now added flavored vodka options, grain to glass concepts in plain vodka, and elements of terroir to the craft, resulting in a new appreciation for different styles of production that create good vodka. The $50 and under price point...
“Ginnovation” keeps picking up momentum. The humble dry spirit is the alcohol of choice for those looking to get more individualized, interesting flavors and botanicals into their mixed drinks and cocktails. Gin options are evolving as brands make more accessible varieties and independent and big distillers bring eclectic flavors to the fore. These days a gin enthusiast can even choose...
Rum is steaming through 2021. Accessibility to great-tasting and well-priced rum is now at historic levels, prompting more innovation and investment in the rum spirits and cocktail market. Rum production is rising in the US and Caribbean, with old favorites and flavors, matured expressions, and interesting independent producers creating a thriving range of options for rum drinkers and samplers. With...