Samuel Adams Brewers are all about the special seasonal labels – and most of them are tasty stuff. I recently had the pleasure of trying the new and flavorful Sam Adams Alpine Spring. The brewmasters have come up with an unfiltered wheat lager that contains crisp, citrus flavor notes that make it perfect as the weather starts to get warm.

The brew is made from hops that come direct from the foothills of the Alps – if this label is anything, it’s legit. It’s 5.5 percent ABV, bright amber in color and has a medium body with a slight, unfiltered haze.  The good stuff is now available in six packs at a store near you for the reasonable price of $7.99.

Cheers!

Trev

I love Restaurant Week. Yep, you may not be able to hit the hottest spots in town, and some eateries don’t showcase their best fare, but who cares - it’s a great deal, meaning there is plenty of money left over for booze!

For $24 (lunch) & $35 (dinner), will get you three courses - but you have to do a little research to make sure the restaurant you’re hitting up is usually expensive enough to call that a bargain. Insiders know that Restaurant Week is actually Restaurant Month - this year, the promotion runs from January 16 to February 10, leaving you plenty of time to properly overindulge (as if you ever really need to find time for that). You can get the full list of participating eateries here. Who’s hungry?

Cheers!

Trev

Last night I had the pleasure of being the featured mixologist at my good friends Kenny and Nikelle King’s “Holiday Dessert Party”.  A full house nibbled on a delectable assortments of mini cupcakes, pudding and pies from the Pink Buttercup Cake Box.  The dessert drink list included prosecco, riesling, and my signature drinks for the evening (The Nutty Nog, A Red Christmas, & The Carmeltini).  I had a great time serving cocktails for everyone.  It was a festive night for all who attended.  Below are some pics from last nights event.  Anyone interested in having a mixologist at your next soiree can reach me at trevor@shakeandstirblog.com or 862 763 4660.  Cheers!

How about some SoCo with a kick? The spirits brand just announced the launch of Fiery Pepper – a new label that fuses Southern Comfort with Tabasco. The two brands are actually both from Louisiana – and we all know that it gets hot down south. This should make for an interesting cocktail ingredient – SoCo has such a distinct flavor, and I’m excited to see how it balances with the heat. The 70-proof bottle is being rolled out to liquor stores – the suggested retail is $16.99.

Cheers!

Trev

Macallan Scotch Tasting NYC

What a night!  On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the Raise the Macallan scotch tasting event downtown SOHO.  Hundreds gathered to sip on the very best single malt scotch whiskey in the world.  The event was held at a swank exposed brick venue that set the mood for the evening.  The evening started in a reception area with guests sampling Macallan 10 year served with an assortment of tasty hors devours. 

The evening continued into the main room for the presentation which was hosted by none other than Brand Ambassador of North America, Charles Whitfield.  Sporting a vintage pair of Scottish plaid trousers Charlie gave us all a history of the good stuff along with the process that goes into making Macallan.  Some of the ingredients include barley, hops, aged sherry/bourbon oak barrels & decayed vegetable.  The scotch is then aged in the barrels depending on the year.  The taste may range from oak, fruits, honey, flower notes and has a smooth finish. Wow, who knew so much went into making it.  Everyone got a chance to sample the 12, 15, 17 & 18 year Macallan with the last being my new favorite.

Charlie has to have the best job on the planet!  What other gig can you travel the country talking about spirits and drink at the same time.  Charlie, if you ever want to take a sick day and need a fill in, I’m your guy.  Overall, it was a festive night for all and a must attend in the future for all who love scotch.  Much thanks to Taa, Dave, James, and Verol for joining me.  For more info on a Macallan tasting coming to a city near you go to www.raisethemacallan.com.

Cheers!

Trev

There’s some exciting news coming out of Johnnie Walker world: the spirits brand has announced a new label: Double Black. The brand is billing it as “Black Label, amplified.” I had the opportunity to taste it the other night, and were impressed. It’s smokier than the typical black label, but still goes down smoothly. The meaty bite of the drink works well in bold cocktails like the Blood and Sand. I think the target audience for this Scotch will be the twenty somethings who like to knock a few back, but aren’t quite money-ready to migrate up the color scale to gold or blue. Also – it makes for a good gift that lets you seem classy without breaking the bank (after all, you still have to have money left over to buy booze for yourself!).

Cheers!

Trev

Hpnotiq Halloween Specialty Cocktails

Looking to impress your guests at this year’s Halloween party? Hponotiq will lend you a helping hand.  Check out this video featuring three cocktails that are sure to be a hit with all the ghouls, french maids, doctors, pimps, and any other characters that cross your threshold. To learn more about Hpnotiq and its newest creation, Harmonie visit www.hpnotiq.com.  Happy Halloween, everyone!

Cheers!

Trev

Stuck in town for the Fourth of July this weekend? Well – don’t cry – because you can totally score some Auchentoshan Single Malt at One Last Shag Bar (formerly Sweet Revenge) in Brooklyn. The drink spot is having a tasting event on Sunday, July 3 from 6 to 10 PM – and it’s FREE. In addition to a guided tasting, there will be a performance by the band Telephoned and music by DJ Jay White. One Last Shag Bar is located at 348 Franklin Ave. You might be bummed that you have to stay in town, but after a taste or two you’ll be glad that you skipped the beach.  Cheers!

At first glance, you might not even notice that your favorite whiskey looks any different. Look a little closer. Jack Daniel’s just unveiled a spankin’ new label that keeps brands identity intact while sprucing things up for a modern day and age. And by modern age, we mean digital age – because the new label goes to show that no one wants to read anymore. Mucho text has been cut out – you might say that the new look gives short shrift to the consumer looking for a bit of education, or maybe it just lets the booze speak for itself. Here’s a before and after from Huffington Post – what do you think?