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How Are Whiskey Barrels Made?

Wade Cothran |

How Are Whiskey Barrels Made?

How are whiskey barrels made? There are 6 basic steps including sourcing wood and applying fire, that coopers do to make whiskey barrels. In this article we’re going to be taking a look at one of the most misunderstood, under-appreciated, and yet significant and impactful aspects of whiskey-making: the crafting of the cask. 

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What’s the Difference Between Whiskey vs. Whisky?

Wade Cothran |

What’s the Difference Between Whiskey vs. Whisky?

Whiskey vs. whisky. What's the difference? Whiskey and whisky have different locations, different spellings, different productions, and different distilling processes. The whisky world is always turning and never stops revealing new surprises, new flavors, and new local and regional characteristics to explore. 

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Smoke and Earth: Getting to Know Peated Whiskey

Wade Cothran |

Smoke and Earth: Getting to Know Peated Whiskey

What is peated whiskey, and where does it come from? For whiskey fans few sensory pleasures are greater, more evocative, or more intense than the rich and fascinating taste and aroma of high-quality peated whiskey. If you want to get into peated whiskey, we can help. 

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Six Winter Wines To Start Stocking Up

Wade Cothran |

Six Winter Wines To Start Stocking Up

Isn’t it interesting how our tastes change with the seasons? As the summer heat starts to fade away, and the cold winds and thick clouds start to blow across the land, our taste buds start craving a wholly different set of wines. Wondering what winter wines to stock up on? Try a Nebbiolo, a Viognier, a Port, a Monastrell, a Shiraz, or a Nero d'Avola.

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Five Tips to Impress Your Date with Wine

Wade Cothran |

Five Tips to Impress Your Date with Wine

Now’s where it gets serious: the wine you choose to impress the lucky person in your life has the potential to make a massive impact and can set hearts fluttering and pulses racing like you wouldn’t believe. The problem is, the world of wine can be confusing, bewildering, and intimidating… especially when you’re new to the wine scene! We’ve put together five surefire tips to fall back on when you’re looking for that perfect, delicious, and impressive bottle you need for ramping up the romance.

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In Praise of Screw-Cap Wine Over Corks

Wade Cothran |

In Praise of Screw-Cap Wine Over Corks

Corks and screw-caps, and the endless battle between the two, is an interesting case in point, and one which tells us lots about the current state of the wine industry, and where it’s likely to go in the future. Love them or hate them, screw caps are here to stay… and they’re only going to become more and more commonplace. 

Let’s take a look, then, at why screw-caps and fake corks are worth celebrating rather than criticizing, and consider why so many - even high-end - wineries are starting to use them more liberally.

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Why is Wine Aged in Oak Barrels? The History & Purpose

Wade Cothran |

Why is Wine Aged in Oak Barrels? The History & Purpose

The oak barrel is more than just a winemaking tool. It’s a symbol of the entire industry and its ancient root. For wine lovers, there is really no sight more evocative or beautiful than that of oaken barrels, lined up in a dark and echoing cellar, patiently waiting to be bottled and released to the world. These barrels, crafted in much the same way by artisans as they always have been, and containing the secrets of a truly ancient practice, are a beautiful reminder of the long and rich history of winemaking. They’re a true testament to the important role that time, patience, and waiting plays in the production of our favorite wines. 

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