Functional Facts

Functional Facts

Adobe Stock With a wide variety of options available today, do the zen-like claims of functional drinks hold any water? WORDS John deBary For as long as I have been thinking about drinks professionally, I have been fascinated by non-alcoholic drinks that strive to...
The Current State of Cider

The Current State of Cider

Adobe Stock Let’s move beyond the other category comparisons, sub-level add ons and afterthoughts—cider deserves its own space and place. WORDS Alexander Peartree Cider can be many things. It can be a dry, earthy, naturally sparkling pour made from unheard of apples...
Grape Revivals

Grape Revivals

A Querol grape bunch harvested at Familia Torres, Spain / Courtesy Familia Torres With passion, vision and perseverance, winemakers are betting big on almost extinct grapes. WORDS Kathleen Willcox Go into any wine store in the world and ask for a bottle of Cabernet...
United States of Solera

United States of Solera

Photo courtesy Nick Africano A suite of American producers is using the fractional blending technique associated with Sherry-making to express an evolution of terroir. WORDS Sarah E. Daniels Sherry-makers in 18th century Andalucía, Spain had a problem. Their...
Fluid Identities

Fluid Identities

These spirits producers focus on flavors, not standard categories. WORDS Kara Newman Recently, I found myself staring into a glass of amber­ liquid, puzzling over what it might be. It was a little sweet, a little smoky, a little­ oaky. Was it Scotch? Rye? Was I sure...
BEER ALL DAY

BEER ALL DAY

Adobe Stock For many, nothing says summer like a sudsy cold one while hanging outdoors. These boozeless beers can help you keep the party going all day and night. WORDS Lauren Buzzeo The draw is almost too enticing—perhaps it’s a baseball game with friends, or a beach...