Made in America: Rod and Hammer’s Cask Bourbon from San Luis Obispo, Florida’s Von Payne Black and Devil’s Grin Gin from Texas
In this follow-up article from the recent WSWA Access Live I have three bottles for…
Made in America: Rod and Hammer’s Cask Bourbon from San Luis Obispo, Florida’s Von Payne Black and Devil’s Grin Gin from Texas
In this follow-up article from the recent WSWA Access Live I have three bottles for review all made stateside: a bourbon, an infused whiskey and a gin. I sampled all three at the show – enjoying them all – and was gifted the bottles to take home for further study and a review on this…
Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky Introduces a New Expression of Islay Peat with Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat
Aged in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, the new permanent expression brings a sweetness derived from oak and malt forward, in balance with Lagavulin’s unmistakable smoky character ISLAY, Scotland, /PRNewswire/ — Few places in the whisky world match the intrigue of Islay, an island in the Western Hebrides of Scotland, where whisky-making is in the fabric of…
Smoked gin emerges as craft spirits’ next category: State Line Distillery launches Lapsang tea expression
MADISON, WI, — Smoked gin is emerging as a significant subcategory within craft spirits, and State Line Distillery positions itself at the forefront of the trend with the Feb. 1 release of its Lapsang Smoked Gin. The expression represents a growing movement among craft distillers to challenge traditional botanical profiles by introducing savory, smoky notes typically associated…
Esther’s Kitchen Named One of USA Today’s Best Restaurants
LAS VEGAS (Mar 3, 2026) — On the heels of a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Southwest, James Trees’ first independent restaurant, Esther’s Kitchen, has been named one of USA TODAY’s Best Restaurants of 2026. Opened in 2018 in what was then a low-traffic neighborhood without any other restaurants, Esther’s Kitchen has…
Campesino Rum and Bootlegger Hatton Smith
Another spirit I discovered at the recent WSWA Access Live event was Campesino Rum, and its founder Hatton Smith. I only had a few moments with Hatton but in that time I easily picked up on his enthusiasm and dedication to crafting his spirits. I happily took a bottle of his Campesino Silver home for…
Paso Robles Wine Month to Launch Nationally May 2026, Uniting Wineries, Retailers and Restaurants to Reach the Next Generation of Wine Consumers
A national initiative blending data, food and technology to drive trial, sales and visitation. PASO ROBLES, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Launching in May 2026, Paso Robles Wine Month (PRWM) is a new national initiative celebrating the wines, culture and community of Paso Robles Wine Country. Led by the Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) in collaboration with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Travel Paso,…
Park City Wine Festival: Spring Edition Expands with Curated Experiences, including the Paired Park City Experience and a Snowshoe Wine Adventure
This year’s festival promises to deliver with an expanded lineup that engages both seasoned wine enthusiasts and novices PARK CITY, UTAH – The second annual spring edition of Park City Wine Festival, which drew more than 1,000 attendees last year, returns to MICHELIN Key award winner Pendry Park City on April 9-11, 2026 with an expanded lineup…
First Bottle Reviews (of Many) From Access Live 2026: From Tibet, Ireland, Japan, Patagonia and Bulgaria
We covered our first Access Live in 2024, missed it in 2025 as it was held in Denver, now we are thrilled to have had the event back in here Las Vegas this past February 2026. It’s an event for members of the wine and spirits industry that my husband Eddie (our photographer) and I…
SIP AND SAVOR RELEASES A NEW SERIES OF SHORT VIDEOS SHOWCASING EUROPEAN EXCELLENCE – @SipAndSavor.US
Ten new episodes highlight pairing culture, EU quality, and the values behind the campaign’s products January 2026 – “Sip and Savor” expands its digital storytelling with the launch of ten short videos designed to bring North American audiences closer to the heritage, expertise and contemporary appeal of European wine and deli meat production. The series offers…
Prosecco DOC keeps growing in the United States as Production Reaches 667 Million Bottles in 2025
President Guidolin: “Despite global economic and geopolitical pressures, the Denomination posts steady growth and reinforces its leadership in the United States, driven by supply-chain unity and a long-term focus on sustainability and value.” TREVISO, Italy, /PRNewswire/ — Prosecco DOC closed 2025 with 667 million bottles produced (+1.1% compared to 2024), reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling Italian sparkling wine. This achievement is…
