September Scotch: Willam Grant & Sons’ Fistful of Bourbon

One of Scotland's most acclaimed master blenders delivers an American whiskey

For all the exquisite and under-serviced single malts aging right now across Scotland, why would a publication expend words in a column dedicated to Scotch on a new bourbon? Because there’s simply so much binding both categories together in the just-released Fistful of Bourbon. From the innovation division of family-owned, global spirits powerhouse William Grant & Sons (known for prestigious Scotch brands The Balvenie and Glenfiddich, …

From Mythic Origins to Modern Allure, Hungary’s Royal Tokaji Wines

Harvesting aszú berries for sweet wines one simply must try

Two hours east of Budapest, where the Great Hungarian Plain meets the Zemplén mountains (a precursor to the Carpathians), furmint and yellow muscat grapes grow from volcanic soil in well-attended rows. After fog collects, but before the sun burns it all way, a “noble rot” takes over the fruit—and something rather special is born. This is Hungary’s Tokaji wine region and the nectar produced is one …

An Onslaught of New Beverages That Defy Existing Categorization

Beyond soda, “a proliferation of beverages that don’t fit within traditional drink categories is creating tough choices for retailers, confusion for shoppers and a challenge for manufacturers,” Jennifer Maloney and Julie Jargon of the Wall Street Journal explain. From Pepsi’s offer to buy SodaStream to drinks like cold-brew coffee and kombucha defying  shopping aisle organization, consumer tastes are changing. The market has a tidal wave …