From Wismettac Asian Foods I’m reviewing a Junmai Daiginjo Sake – a very finely milled sake rice, a strawberry-flavored Nigiri sake – unfiltered and milky in appearance, and a rice wine with natural Yuzu juice – think of lemon-orange and other citrus fruit flavors. All are brewed and bottled by Homare Sake Brewery Co. All…
Two years ago, at the WSWA Conference (Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America) I was thrilled to see my old chum Mark Newman, who is with Apogee 21 Holdings Inc, manning a large booth. I sampled quite a few items, including their Monkey in Paradise vodka and Andale tequila at that time – both winners…
Another interesting brand with an interesting backstory that I discovered at the recent WSWA (Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America) conference was Fort Mosé 1738. I took home both their rye and bourbon to sample at home. This is some of the story about the distillery I wanted to share with readers, I got it…
Another spirit I discovered at the recent WSWA Access Live event was Campesino Rum, and its founder Hatton Smith. I only had a few moments with Hatton but in that time I easily picked up on his enthusiasm and dedication to crafting his spirits. I happily took a bottle of his Campesino Silver home for…
We covered our first Access Live in 2024, missed it in 2025 as it was held in Denver, now we are thrilled to have had the event back in here Las Vegas this past February 2026. It’s an event for members of the wine and spirits industry that my husband Eddie (our photographer) and I…
Emerging Aperitif Brand Rises Above the Competition at WSWA’s Premier Industry Showdown DENVER, /PRNewswire/ — Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is proud to announce Amante 1530 as the champion of the 2025 Brand Battle competition, held yesterday during Access LIVE — the beverage alcohol industry’s premier gathering for wholesalers, suppliers and retailers. Hosted by Elliott…
Largest & Most Distinguished US Wine & Spirits Distributor Association’s Competition Awards Ten Medals to Royal Wine Corp Bayonne, NJ – The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition has awarded top honors to Royal Wine Corp, a producer, importer and distributor of the finest kosher wines and spirits, headquartered in Bayonne, NJ. In total…
Sometimes, when I remember to do it, I write up all my favorite wine and spirit discoveries from the past year for an end of year post. As I’ve been writing about wine in this blog since 2009, it’s very possible I’ve done this at least 10-15 times…but I’m guessing that I didn’t always remember…
From Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access Live 2024 I had many opportunities to try new spirits, In this article, the last in this series, I will be sharing ready-to-drink craft cocktails I reviewed. Via Carota Craft Cocktails From the namesake restaurant in the East Village in New York we have these Via…
Today, and again from Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access Live 2024, I will be reviewing bourbons, a Tequila and an Amaro. Last to come will be my article on a very classy brand of ready-to-drink craft cocktails. From Bardstown, Kentucky, and the coolest looking barrel-colored and shaped bottles I’ve ever seen, we…