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Beer, Spirits, Wine

Drinks to show your pride

June 21, 2018

June is, among other things, Pride month. It’s a time when LGBT people can come together to celebrate how far they’ve come and how much still needs to be done.

As a queer person I look forward to Pride every year. I love having an annual chance to celebrate this part of my heritage, to take stock of how I can help make things better for my LGBT siblings, and (let’s face it) to party!

Here are some ways to celebrate Pride this year – in drink form of course. If you need me I’ll be in Toronto’s gay village, enjoying the festivities.

Wine, Wine WTFs

WTF is the deal with sweetness in wine?

June 14, 2018

Welcome to another edition of Wine WTFs! In this series we’ll explore wine terms and ideas and try to figure out what the fuss is all about. Last time we discovered wtf acidity is all about.

This time around we’re going to talk about something you probably know really well already, but maybe not in the context of wine.

You loved it as a kid. Couldn’t get enough of it. Maybe you’ve moved on to other things, or maybe the love affair stayed so long and strong that even your teeth crave it.

But wait – what’s the deal with sweetness in wine??

Wine, Wine Thoughts

Burgundy Was Branding Itself Before Branding Was a Thing

June 7, 2018

Picture Burgundy in the 1700’s. The French revolution was happening, existing systems were being upended, public figures were being overthrown, lots of change happening everywhere. It doesn’t seem that different from now, actually.

But in some ways it was a totally different time from today. The world of personal brands and social media and content being king was so far from the thoughts of those French peasants. After all there was another king they were worrying about.

And yet, even then, those old Burgundians knew the value of hitching your star to something special.

Learning About Wine, Wine, Wine WTFs

WTF is Acidity?

May 24, 2018

Welcome to another edition of Wine WTFs! In this series we’ll explore wine terms and ideas and try to figure out what the fuss is all about. Last time we talked about wtf the deal is with tannins.

You drink it in your coffee and your coke. You love it in your salads and sometimes even clean your house with it.

You’ve heard of it in the context of wine, but aren’t quite sure you know what it means, much less how to identify it.

Seriously, wtf is acidity?

Wine

4 Warm-Weather Beers You Should Be Drinking

May 17, 2018

Here in Toronto we’ve been treated to some really lovely weather lately. Super sunny, not too hot, and plenty of Vitamin D to cure us all of our collective SAD.

I hope I don’t jinx us by saying this, but I think spring has officially sprung.

Yaaaaaaaasss!

All this gorgeous weather brings with it a seasonal change in palate for me. Gone are my cravings for porters and stouts and in their place is a yearning for lighter, crisper brews.

Here are four warm-weather beers you should be drinking.

Wine

Recommendations for a Royal Wedding

May 10, 2018

If you pay attention at all to current events you’ll no doubt know that a very important wedding is set to happen next month.

Though some details of the big day are being shared, there are still many unanswered questions, especially when it comes to the beverage selection.

But no matter. Instead of waiting to hear what the rich and famous enjoyed while celebrating the happy couple, I’ve made some suggestions.

Wine

What to do when there’s a low wine year

May 3, 2018

Friends, the unthinkable has happened.

Well, maybe more non-thinkable than unthinkable. Something has happened that I never spent any time worrying about.

World wine production has fallen, a lot. Like, a LOT a lot. I’m talking, fallen to levels not seen since the 1960’s, a lot.

Learning About Wine, Wine

4 Tips on Hosting Your Very Own Wine Tasting

April 26, 2018

A couple of weekends ago I made a trip home to my parents’ house for my brother Nick’s annual birthday wine tasting. Since I’ve bragged to you about how great they are before I thought that this time around I would shake it up. Instead of a recap I’ve decided to bring you, dear reader, into the tradition.

Hosting your own wine tasting is simple and fun. Here are four tips to get you started.

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