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Trendy Cocktails: Absinthe Sour
The origins of this mysterious high-proof spirt may the subject of many discussions, but it’s the early misconceptions and legal challenges that make Absinthe so modish. Since its inception–sometime in the 1700s–distillers have been macerating Grande Wormwood, Green Anise and Florence Fennel (often called the ‘Holy Trinity’) as the base elixir for Absinthe. Other herbs…
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Wine Experiences: A Taste of Pauillac
There could not have been a better way to experience the Left Bank of Bordeaux than with a vertical tasting of Pauillac’s Château Haut-Bages Libéral. The highly revered Pauillac region is located between Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien on the Médoc peninsula, and boasts three (3) of the five (5) Premiers Crus (first growths) of the 1855…
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Enthusiast to Sommelier: A Glimmer of Hope
The pandemic has certainly created additional challenges no one could have predicted. We are wrapping up our eighth month of study and preparation for the Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination., with no scheduled testing date(s). The Education and Examination Committees are working diligently to keep everyone informed of new program changes and schedules. In the…
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Enthusiast to Sommelier: Aroma Training
Our sense of smell is probably one of the most important tools for studying, analyzing, and ultimately enjoying wine. The Court of Master Sommeliers teaches the importance of smell as part of their Deductive Tasting methodology. Throughout the Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination journey, we have been inundated with wine-centric terminology. This includes a plethora of…
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Trendy Cocktails: The Perfect Margarita
Probably one of the most popular cocktails in existence, the margarita cocktail comes in many varieties. From classic to frozen, fruit-infused to layered, salted rim to sugar-crusted, this cocktail is extremely versatile. At the same time, however, it can be as unique as the individual drinking it. There isn’t much better than a pitcher of…
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Perfect Pairings: Gewürztraminer w/Sweet and Sour Chicken
With so many variations of Asian cuisine, there isn’t a one-glass-fits-all wine. In fact, there are several perfect pairings within this gastro-genre. Alsace Gewürztraminer and the westernized Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken dish breaks the “if it grows together, it goes together” basic rule of food and wine pairing. It is important to note that…
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Enthusiast to Sommelier: No End in Sight
The words of our friends and family are still fresh in our minds. “You should take your love and passion for wine to the next level” one friend suggested at a wine pairing dinner. Another commented, “Yea… you guys really sweat the details and try to understand everything about these wines.” And so we thought……
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Enthusiast to Sommelier: ‘Tis the Season
The Holidays are a time for giving. It is also the season for appreciating family, friends, and of course… wine. The holidays seem to bring people closer together–albeit a challenge during this pandemic–to reflect on all the events of the year. We celebrate some new beginnings, and remember those important traditions we’ve adopted along the…
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Enthusiast to Sommelier: Study Fatigue
With the unexpected rescheduling of our Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination event hosted by The Court of Master Sommeliers, we are finding ourselves spending less time in the books and other study materials. And while it is nice to take a break (along with a few deep breaths), it is becoming more and more difficult to stay focused.…
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Trendy Cocktails: Autumn Leaves
Fall weather calls for dark liquors. It’s time to put away the Summer tiki cocktails and gin-infused libations. Cooler weather inspires mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike to concoct liquid expressions of the season. There are many classic cocktails to keep us warm during the cooling months of Autumn. Only a few brown liquor cocktails arouse…
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