I've lived in Kansas City for more than 20 years and have learned a lot about its history since moving here. While Kansas has always had stricter liquor laws than Missouri, they were polar opposites during prohibition. Kansas enacted prohibition voluntarily in 1881,...

With some of the cleanest water in the world, it's no surprise that Iceland has a signature spirit. Brennivín is a type of aquavit that came into the world in 1935. When prohibition in Iceland was partially lifted, it allowed for hard liquor, but not beer, to be...

If you visit cocktail bars in the United States, you have likely had a spirit from Chicago. However, because Chicago is known as the food and drink capital of the world, the spirits produced there may be less top of mind. People know about deep dish pizza and...

When I visited Hawaii in March 2021, I enjoyed some locally distilled spirits in cocktails at several bars in Oahu. With a fantastic climate for growing things like sugar cane, it makes sense that you would find distilleries close by. I wish I had rented a car to...

I’ve been making craft cocktails at home for a while. Over the past few years, I have acquired all the tools and ingredients needed to create a variety of libations. However, I had been stumped about how to properly use cocktail bitters. I figured it was a good excuse...

Over the past six months, I have greatly improved my home bartending skills. While this is due mostly to the fact that I've been home to practice, I have also done a good deal of reading. My cocktail book collection has quadrupled with newly released books including...

The base of any good cocktail is a quality spirit. Many classic whiskey cocktails rely primarily on the flavor of the spirit, so it's important to find one you like. Tasting whiskeys at a distillery or in a barrel room gives you a chance to try before buying a bottle....

Arriving in Plymouth, England I woke up early to catch a train from London down to Plymouth, England where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World from in 1620. I walked to this lighthouse from the train station. As you can see, it was foggy and drizzly. I...