Whisky Live LA 2010 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

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…

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It’s Single Malt Season at the Wine House

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…

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Speaking Easy at R Bar with Canadian Club and Boardwalk Empire

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…

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Maker’s 46: History in the Dipping

By any standard, Bill Samuels Jr. has done a remarkable job of carrying on his parents’ legacy during his 35-year tenure as President of Maker’s Mark. Not long after Samuels assumed the company’s reins in 1975, Maker’s Mark experienced double digit growth for the first time. Under his leadership, the brand expanded beyond its home…

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Canadian Club Resurrects Hide A Case Global Treasure Hunt

NOTE: The following contest is only open to residents of the United States and Canada. California law prohibits contests and sweepstakes of this nature, so unfortunately California residents are not eligible. (kicks dirt) Last Monday, while I was in New York trying to locate my missing Saturday night, Canadian Club announced the return of Hide…

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The Nose Knows: Tasting the Dalmore with Richard Paterson

Last month I was invited to sample several expressions of The Dalmore single malt Scotch at an intimate event held at the Varnish. The tasting was conducted by Richard Paterson (aka “The Nose”), third generation Master Blender for Whyte & Mackay, which owns and operates The Dalmore. Paterson is also the author of Goodness Nose…

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The Macallan in Lalique: Cire Perdue Global Fundraising Exhibition

Building on previous successful collaborations, The Macallan and Lalique have partnered to produce a one-of-a-kind decanter, made using the ancient cire perdue (“lost wax”) method. Created in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of René Lalique’s birth, this decanter will hold the oldest and rarest Macallan ever bottled by the renowned distillery. The Macallan in Lalique:…

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Rising Stars Shine at the 2010 StarChefs Revue

Last week, the best and brightest young stars in the Southern California culinary world gathered to showcase their talents at the 2010 StarChefs Rising Stars Revue. The tasting gala and awards ceremony, held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, featured food from up-and-coming culinary talent from the top restaurants in Los…

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Winners of the 2010 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Announced

The winners have been announced for the inaugural Ultimate Spirits Challenge, a three-day, four-stage competition that took place at New York’s Astor Center on March 1-3, 2010. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge was presented by Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC), founded by F. Paul Pacult, David Talbot, and Sue Woodley. UBC’s mission is to provide both the…

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