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BUZZ - Trends, News and Views
By Editor: July 2007,
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Our quick (and unscientific) look at some of the trends and news we find interesting and relevant.
World’s first organic tequila
It may sound like hype, but many bartenders and sommeliers insist that the trend toward organic wines and spirits is legitimate—apparently they really do taste better. 4 Copas Tequila seems to support the theory: Certified as the world’s first organic tequila, 4 Copas was also chosen by Wine & Spirits magazine as 2006 Tequila of the Year. Available in three varieties—Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo.
Wine industry targets twentysomethings
Wine is starting to play up its “fun side,” targeting recently of-age drinkers and their significant spending power. Brands like cartoon-labeled Dog House and Naked Grape have been well-received by so-called “millennials”—in fact, according to the U.S. Wine Market Council, millennials have been reaching for corkscrews earlier in life than either Generation X or baby boomers did. In a recent survey, 30 per cent said they drank more wine in 2006 than in the previous year, compared with just 20 per cent for Generation Xers and 13 per cent for boomers.
(excerpted from The Globe and Mail)
Designer decanters making a splash with vodka drinkers
More and more, vodka makers are betting that consumers will pay dearly for luxury vodkas packaged in handsome bottles, like Ultimat Vodka, for example. It comes in a cobalt blue, handcrafted Polish crystal decanter that weighs twice as much as its counterparts in the vodka section. And it’s yours for only $99.95. Ultimat joins the likes of Wyborowa Exquisite (at roughly $50 a bottle) and Stolichnaya Elit (around $70). So do these premium brands taste better than the standard issue? The Globe and Mail’s Beppi Crosariol gives all three the thumbs-up, even calling Ultimat his “favorite vodka of all time,” but quickly adds that he doubts he could justify the splurge for the clear, unaged spirit. Guess it really depends on how much you like those pretty bottles…
"MAKING SENSE OF WINE": Looking for an interesting summer read?
Matt Kramer's revised and updated edition of his wine classic, "Making Sense of Wine" came across my desk the other day - and ten minutes later I was engrosed in a book I had already read.
I am often asked what books to recommend about wine , spirits etc - and I tend to avoid
anything specific as one persons "great" book is not always appreciated. In this case it is eay to recommend - especailly if you want to read an informative, well written guide to understanding wine.
The "Wine and Food Companion" newsletter describes the book as "brimming with candor and intelligence" Can't argue with that. Pour a
glass of your favorite wine , sit back and enjoy (and even learn a little) For more on this book visit Amazon.com »
THE BOOZE AND THE BEES
From the Globe and mail comes this story about Mead. This drink, that was once known as "the God's drink of choice", is enjoying a revival of sorts. Learn more about wine made from Honey and ensure yourself a great topic at the next BBQ party.
WHERE SERIOUS FOODIES SEE WHAT'S COOKING
From Business Week comes this review of the annual "Food & Wine Classic" from Aspen. "By bringing together the culinary world's movers and shakers, the festival tends to be a leading indicator of food trends. By that gauge, we'll be hearing a lot more about Spanish and Greek wine, unusual pairings such as wine with chocolate, hand-cured meats, and barrel-aged beer."
The article also suggests that the latest cocktail trend could see the end of Mojito's and the rise of the Ramos Gin Fizz. "bye, bye, mojito; hello, Ramos gin fizz"
ROBERT PARKER'S "FRUITY WINES THAT LOVE A GOOD BARBECUE"
Can't go wrong with Robert Parker's suggestions on most wines - so why not try his BBQ& wine suggestions?
"Most people serve beer at a barbecue. But the right wine can transform a humble hamburger into a special meal. Barbecue wines should be inexpensive, immensely fruity, largely un-oaked, and have loads of red and black fruit."
Don't forget our complete article;
BBQ and Wine suggestions »
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Ever tried a Tea Martini? Check out our article on creating one »
LIVE IN THE TORONTO AREA?
Three potential events for you....
"Woman of Spirit"
Do you know a woman over the age of 18 in Toronto who has been an exemplary volunteer and provided exceptional service to the community? If so, your candidate just might be the special person celebrated at a spectacular dinner that will honour her altruistic spirit on Thursday, August 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Toronto is one of 38 cities across North America participating in Morton’s “Women of Spirit” dinner events to be held from May through September. The woman selected in Toronto will also be honoured that evening by Morton’s and their guests. It’s easy to nominate your candidate on-line.
"Beer to the Extreme"
Stephen Beaumont International beer expert, and author of an exclusive beer blog on thatstheSPIRIT, Stephen Beaumont, is hosting a two hour "Extreme Beer Experience" on Monday July 9th. He suggest you "expect the unexpected". For more information »
Caesar School: Caesar lovers rejoice!
This classic Canadian savoury cocktail is perfect for long weekends at the cottage or summer evenings in the backyard. Join the Dean of Mott’s Clamato Caesar School and Toronto Institute of Bartending founder, Len Fragomeni, for an evening of expert tips and delicious recipes centered around this truly Canadian masterpiece.
