Reviews – Page 16 – Thirsty in LA

Whisky Live LA 2010 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

October 9, 2010

On Wednesday, October 13th, Whisky Live LA invites Angelenos to taste whiskies from all over the world in a luxurious setting in the heart of Beverly Hills. Now in its second year, Whisky Live LA has moved from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, located at the intersection of Rodeo Drive…

Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum: Nine is the Magic Number

October 2, 2010

It’s been two months since Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum, the newest release in the Cruzan portfolio, made its debut. With its blend of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, mace, allspice, pepper and juniper berry, Cruzan 9 is perfect for the kind of fall weather that has seemingly disappeared in the midst of L.A.’s current heat…

It’s Single Malt Season at the Wine House

October 1, 2010

This month, two outstanding single malt tasting events are taking place within a week of each other at the Wine House. First is Glenfarclas, which has produced its award-winning single malt whiskies since 1836, and has been owned and managed by the Grant family since 1865. On October 5th, Brand Ambassador George S. Grant, who…

Tapping into the Inaugural L.A. Craft Beer Crawl

September 29, 2010

Summer finally decided to show up last Saturday, but the triple digit heat didn’t deter 1,200 thirsty Angelenos from heading downtown to attend the inaugural L.A. Craft Beer Crawl, a collaboration between 213 and the Beer Chicks (Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune). The sold out event took place at seven of 213’s bars, where Crawlers…

Speaking Easy at R Bar with Canadian Club and Boardwalk Empire

September 16, 2010

It’s already Don Draper’s whisky of choice on the Emmy Award-winning Mad Men. Now, Canadian Club is poised to have its coolness factor elevated even higher with the debut of Boardwalk Empire, a Prohibition-era series from Executive Producers Terence Winter (writer/creator) and Martin Scorsese (the pilot episode’s director). The HBO crime drama takes place in…

September 9: Cruzan 9 Tasting Events at Nine LA Bars

September 8, 2010

Earlier this summer, Cruzan Rum launched its latest expression, a spiced rum called Cruzan 9. The new Cruzan derives its name from its nine-spice blend of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, mace, allspice, pepper and juniper. The number nine is also a nod to the nine districts of St. Croix, home to the historic Cruzan distillery.

Choose Your Weapon: Sampling the New Cocktails at Caña Rum Bar

August 30, 2010

Although President Obama’s recent fundraising visit to Los Angeles caused a traffic nightmare for thousands of rush hour commuters, in other parts of the city drivers had no problem reaching their destinations. Thanks to a nearly deserted 10 Freeway, I arrived in downtown in record time for the Caña cocktail menu launch party, a celebration…

Bigfoot Lodge West Steps It Up with New Cocktail and Whiskey Menus

August 29, 2010

Good friend and fellow imbiber Scot checks out the newly expanded cocktail menu and whiskey selection at Bigfoot Lodge West.

From Farm to Glass: Matthew Biancaniello’s Sublime Cocktails at the Library Bar

August 25, 2010

In a weekend post to his Facebook page, Matthew Biancaniello hinted at how much work goes into bartending at a big Hollywood bash like last Saturday’s Speakeasy event: “…up early ready to pick up 800 lavender stems and juice 600 lemons.” Keep in mind, this update was posted at 5am on the morning of the party. Biancaniello might end up with Popeye’s forearms if his profile continues to rise at the rate it has since he captured the title at last August’s Chartreuse Sweet 16 Competition. Coming from a distinctly non-culinary background, Biancaniello has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in a city teeming with talented bartenders. Angelenos have taken notice, giving him the most votes in the ongoing LA’s Best Bartender Contest.

Say Aloha to Kōloa Kauai Dark Rum

August 15, 2010

Of all of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is perhaps the most fitting place for the Kōloa Rum Company to call home. Captain James Cook (commanding the HMS Resolution) and the HMS Discovery first landed on the Hawaiian Islands at Waimea, Kauai in 1778; in the holds of both ships were barrels of rum. Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was founded in Kōloa, Kauai in 1835, and small batch rum was said to be produced from the very first harvest, which took place in 1837. It’s from this Kauai town that Kōloa Rum gets its name.