-
How to Taste (and Drink) Beer
Read more: How to Taste (and Drink) BeerTasting beer is about much more than a simple “open up and swallow.” In order to fully understand and enjoy the beer you’re tasting (and drinking), there are a number of simple strategies to employ, as well as some general tips and tricks for getting the most out of your brew.
-
Frizzante and Spumante Prosecco: What To Know
Read more: Frizzante and Spumante Prosecco: What To KnowThe two wine words most associated with Italian sparkling wine are Frizzante and Spumante. Frizzante and spumante are both sparkling wines, but they differ in terms of effervescence, or the amount and strength of the bubbles. Wines labelled ‘frizzante’ are only lightly sparkling, whereas wines labeled ‘spumante’ have more fizz. EU regulations state: At 20˚C,…
-
Pinot Grigio: What To Know
Pinot grigio is one of the most divisive grapes in the world of wine. Its devotees are die-hard enthusiasts, many of whom eschew other varieties altogether, but its detractors are vocal. How can popular opinion be so split on one of the best-selling wines on the planet?
-
Lambics: What To Know
Lambic beers are a little bit like blue cheese or marmite. No, it’s not because the flavor necessarily mimics the creamy stinkiness of blue cheese. It’s because lambics, like many of the best things in life, are an acquired taste. Lambic beers are renowned for their funkiness. They can be hay-like or cheesy or musty,…
-
Hoppy or Bitter: What To Know
From acidic and tart to floral and fruity to citrusy and sour – the world of craft beer has a wide variety of adjectives to describe the vast spectrum of flavours it has to offer. You’ll also come across the word ‘hoppy’ – a term that’s often used to highlight a beer’s bitter notes. Turns…
-
Stout: What To Know
Not all stouts—a style marked by the use of roasted malts and barley—are created equal, with alcohol levels, recipes, flavorings and textures running the gamut. From the traditional stouts that emerged after porter rose to popularity in England in the 1800s to today’s kaleidoscope of craft variations, the characteristics found within the category are myriad. To help demystify…
-
Syrah: What to Know
What is meaty and fruit-driven and pairs perfectly with robust winter fare and grilled summer favourites alike? The answer: syrah. Beloved for its signature dark fruit flavours, high acid and prominent tannins, this hardy grape variety is responsible for producing some of the most delicious wines on earth. Whether vinified varietally or tossed into a…
-
Pot Versus Column Stills: What To Know
Start a conversation about many of the world’s beloved spirits and the subject will quickly turn to ingredients and ageing. Distillation, on the other hand, is often overlooked, even though it is one of the most impactful aspects of spirits production. The varieties to know are pot and column distillation, named after the stills in which they…
Our Favourite Brands















