It is only appropriate that the icon of the cocktail world has it's own day and this Wednesday is it, National Martini Day. It is a day to celebrate this fantastic drink in whichever way you please.
We have had many discussions about the correct or preferred way to make a Martini over the years and many of them are ongoing. The poll below continues to evolve and I find it interesting to check back every now and then to see if there are any changes in taste. It seems that shaking is preferred by the majority and over time the preference of gin or vodka remain almost equal with a few more readers opting for the gin (though a stirred gin Martini remains a close third). Although this is just a small sampling of the Martini drinking public, I think it proves one thing: the Martini is the ideal drink to adapt to your own personal preference and this is likely the reason why it remains such a popular cocktail.
For those interested in sharing and reading which gin makes it into other Martini fans' glasses, there is this discussion: Share Your Favorite Martini Gin. Read More...
Hillrock Distilleries is a new craft distillery in New York state, just a couple hours outside New York City. They began distilling specially crafted whiskies in 2011, released Solera Aged Bourbon late last year, and this month have released two new whiskies that are available at liquor stores in the state.
George Washington's Rye Whiskey
Hillrock Estate Distillery Single Malt Whiskey - Distilled from estate-grown, organic barley and malted on-site, this is the distillery's first in a line of single malts. Future bottlings will have peat notes, but there is not peat here, instead this one is dominated by clove and cinnamon. The 750ml limited edition bottles are selling for $125 and the distillery reports that about half have been pre-sold.
George Washington Rye Whiskey, Estate Edition - This is a special bottling from David Pickerell, Master Distiller at both Hillrock and George Washington's Distillery at Mount Vernon. Pickerell used Washington's original rye whiskey recipe to distill a batch at Hillrock and they added a small amount of the rye distilled at Mount Vernon (which is only sold on-site) to create this limited edition, unaged rye. A 375ml bottle sells for $70 and this is a chance to taste this old recipe without a trip to Mount Vernon.
The whiskies from Hillrock are available in a variety of liquor outlets in New York State (some of which will ship out of state) and at an open house at the Ancram, NY distillery this Saturday, June 15th from 12-5 pm. Hillrock's website has more details on where to find their whiskies.
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Father's Day is Sunday and one quick gift you can give your dad is to mix him up a great drink or find him his favorite spirit to enjoy throughout the year. Here are a few ideas to help you out on those last minute decisions...
Manhattan
Photo Courtesy: © Shannon Graham
You may also want to think about whipping up a meal to go along with those drinks. Here are some ideas from my About.com colleagues...
More on Father's Day from the About.com network
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Calling all distillers, big and small... There is a new spirits competition this year and now is the time to submit your best liquors.
The International Spirits Competition is part of the 5th annual San Diego Spirits Festival this August and all "emerging craft distillers, American merchant bottlers and large distillers" are invited to enter. The competition will be a blind tasting and medal winners announced during the festival, which is August 24-25, 2013.
The entry deadline is July 17th and you can read more about it and download the entry form here at SanDiegoSpiritsFestival.com.
Also, for those of you interested in attending the San Diego Spirits Festival, there is an early bird special on tickets now through the end of this month. The great thing about this one is that one tickets gets you into all of the events for that particular day. Learn more about the festival here...
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