California: New law gives more freedom to California alcohol producers on social media
Distilleries, wineries and breweries in California will now be able to speak a little more freely on their social media channels. On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 780, authored by Assembly Member Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara), which will allow...
Chinon, a Red With Attitude
No subject at Wine School has provoked more interesting conversation than Chinon, a red wine from the Loire Valley of France based on the cabernet franc grape. The questions raised go directly to the mysteries that make wine so enchanting, yet can also make it seem so...
Eco-beer is hoppin’
Here is a question you've probably never heard from behind the bar: "Excuse me, bartender? Exactly how water-efficient IS that double IPA on tap?" While I personally ask that two or three times each week, I realize it usually isn't a top concern for most beer...
English wine to double production in 7 years
English vineyards are forecasted to double in capacity and production over the next seven years, British MPs have been told. The prediction was revealed as politician's toured one of the UK's biggest wine producer's, the Rathfinny Wine Estate, where they also heard...
Move over craft beer, single-estate spirits aim to be the next drinks trend
Stretching 2,000-acres to the beautiful Lunan Bay, Arbikie Highland Estate is an arable farm producing crops including potatoes, wheat, barley and rapeseed. For four generations, the Stirling family has been farming this land, which is currently under the stewardship...
Cognac makers ‘fail’ to build brands in China
Cognac producers looking to China have their work cut out rekindling love for the category - but their luck may soon turn. Despite the impact of China's austerity measures on Cognac, the category is beginning to boast a more positive outlook China celebrated the dawn...
Taking A Bite Out Of Cider Taxation
Interest in, and consumption of, hard cider is on an upswing in the United States. The hard cider market grew by 71 percent in 2014[1] with total cider sales jumping from just $78 million in 2011 to $470 million for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 3, 2015. By comparison,...
Cuban rum: Battle for authenticity plays out
Would the 'real' brand please stand up?" That is a complicated question at the best of times. But when the brand is Cuban, it gets more complex still. Cuba produced the most charismatic revolution of the 20th century. But, with the socialist island slowly re-embracing...
Big Beer has a reason to ponder its own mortality
Think of American beer and the image that springs to mind is "Duff", the fictional brew favoured by cartoon character Homer Simpson. Bland, gassy and available in a bewildering profusion of barely distinguishable styles, US lagers are hardly monuments to the brewer's...