Being a newcomer to the whiskey scene can seem like a daunting venture, but the truth is that the bourbon style of whiskey is a very accessible way to enter the whiskey world. Bourbons can have a myriad of flavor variations and strengths that create a lot of options for newcomers. Our Empire Staff took the time to analyze the market and come up with a list of the Top 5 Beginner Bourbons for you to try in 2022.
The Crown Royal | Coming 2 America limited-edition pack is designed by Oscar-winning Costume Designer, Ruth E. Carter and features a bottle of Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Canadian Whisky outfitted in a unique purple + gold stitched bag that ties back to the royal roots of Crown Royal. In addition, each bottle comes in a collector's edition Coming 2 America packaging. Crown Royal has a deep admiration for Ruth's work, which transcends culture through fashion and film, and her ability to utilize costume design to share stories and experiences.
We can’t believe it’s almost fall and that means sweater season is upon us! As the weather gets cooler, the leaves start changing and your readers begin to crave autumn flavors like apple, cinnamon, and coffee, we would love to share some “sweater weather” cocktails that they can sip at-home. From smokey mezcal, to more seasonally sweet flavors like apple and raspberry, and even a classic coffee and Port to enjoy by the fire, see below for a few options for those socially distant happy hours or small family gatherings this season:…
Rooted in true provenance, the new Outpost Range of American Single Malt Whiskies reflects Seattle’s Westland Distillery’s core mission to push beyond the old world conventions of single malt. In the 10 years since its founding, Westland’s deep connection with the Pacific Northwest has produced its Core Range – Westland’s American Oak, Sherry Wood and Peated American Single Malt Whiskies……
Only a couple weeks ahead of the Kentucky Derby, American whiskey producer Pinhook has a new vintage racing out of the gate: Bohemian Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (47.5% ABV; $38 SRP). Bohemian Bourbon is Pinhook’s 2020 flagship bourbon, crafted using a proprietary mashbill distilled at Castle & Key distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Beginning this month, Bohemian Bourbon will be available for purchase from retailers in 25 states and via Breeze, Pinhook’s new text-to-shop service….
Recently, mezcal has experienced an increased popularity and growth in sales outside of its native Mexico and has become a top shelf spirit. We’re willing to bet good money that our readers have indulged in Tequila more than a couple of times, but our readers might not be as familiar with what we like to think of as tequila’s older, smokier, and all-around more mature brother: mezcal
August 26, 2020 – RICHMOND, VA, Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, spirits are high amongst Virginia distillers and imbibers of local craft spirits alike, as the Virginia Distillers Association (VDA) prepares to launch the fifth annual month-long celebration of September Virginia Spirits Month, where it’s “5 O’clock for 30 days,” as the campaign tagline suggests. The annual initiative serves as a launching pad for consumer educational programs which promote the local craft spirits industry while also championing this year’s historic 400th anniversary of Virginia as the Birthplace of American Spirits; where the first batch of corn whiskey was distilled in 1620. The commonwealth has come a long way since 1620, with state support for local spirits producers that is unprecedented by national standards.
The Big Chill is a variant of the famous Pina Colada that features the addition of various fruit juices. This changes the palette of the cocktail to a slightly fruitier flavor more indicative of non-frozen island style cocktails. This cocktail is perfect for a hot and sunny evening when you need something to cool you down.
2 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Cream of Coconut
1 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
Maraschino Cherry for Garnish
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Served: Frozen
Strength: Mild
Difficulty: Medium
Flavor: Fruity
Blend ingredients with 1 scoop of ice cream. Serve in 12 oz pilsner glass with a pineapple or cherry garnish.
It’s almost National Gin & Tonic Day! Settled nicely between St. Patrick’s Day and CInco de Mayo, National Gin & Tonic Day celebrates one of the most easygoing cocktails and a perennial favorite of the casual cocktail connoisseur. This year we would like to focus on a delectable recipe from Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin!
Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. 001 is the latest innovation out of Bulleit Distilling Co. and features the thoughtful mingling of three out of the 10 whiskey types used to make the original Bulleit Bourbon. At 100 proof and aged a minimum of 9 years, the exceptional blend includes distinct notes of vanilla bean, honey, dried fruit and toasted oak, as well as a smooth finish with a lingering of sweet cream and fruit wine decadence.
Bulleit Bourbon Blender’s Select No. 001 will begin appearing on shelves in early Spring 2020, as well as online via ReserveBar.com and Drizly.com. You can also find it at the new Bulleit Distilling Co. Visitor Experience, just outside Louisville on The Kentucky Bourbon Trail! This limited release won’t last forever, though – snap it up while you can!
Sip, Sip, Hooray! There’s only one way to ring in the new year-- with a glass of bubbly! The NEW Roaring Twenties are almost here! Yesterday we gave you some tips and a few SMIRNOFF recipes but today we focus a bit more on the craft cocktails to help you ring in the new year! Check some of these fantastic and flavorful creations below and be sure to add them to your New Year’s menu…
The holidays are a time filled with cookies, cakes and everything sweet, but the New Year is full of resolutions! If one of yours is cutting back on sugar intake, Smirnoff has just the right drinks for your New Year parties.
Sure, you technically don’t have to start a resolution until January 1, but why not ring in 2020 with New Year, New You cocktails like the…..
Winter is here and the only thing you need to be prepared for this cold season are delicious cocktails that you can enjoy while staying warm!
Whether for a gathering with friends or a cozy holiday movie night in, Smirnoff has a few cocktails that are sure to be the marshmallow to your hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that is super cute for the holidays, then the Smirnoff Peppermint Bark Martini is perfect for you….
What better gift could there be than something that doubles as decor and vodka?! Hitting shelves again this fall, Smirnoff No. 21 Ornament Bottles (SRP: $12.99) serve as the perfect holiday gift to bring fun to any gathering during the holiday season, especially with fun and clever sayings like “Don’t Get Lit. Drink Responsibly” and “#BESTGIFTEVER.”
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Not sure what to get for your office holiday gift exchange? Just don’t know what gift to bring your hostess? We have got your readers covered with the perfect gift, Mediterranean Gin! Whether it’s for drinking or a new bottle for your bar cart, Gin Mare is beautiful in looks and even better in taste…..
It’s about that time of year again when you have to start hunting for that special gift for someone; and we here at Empire Mixology have the opportunity to work with some of the most interesting and enterprising brands in the cocktail culture scene. This year we want to start off with Cascade Blonde American Whiskey….
