It’s time for 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 the deal is with sweetness in wine.
This time around we tackle a concept that has confounded many, including myself, at one time or another. It’s a weird word for the wine world. It feels like it fits better in relation to sculpture or architecture.
Seriously, wtf is structure?
Every year when summer rolls around my love of a good cocktail is rekindled.
Liquor and cocktails aren’t normally my thing. It’s not my preferred liquid to liquor ratio, it hits me harder, and for a long time buying it felt cost-prohibitive. But still, every summer I enjoy a handful of caesars and the occasional gin and tonic.
As my passion for all beverages alcoholic deepens it’s also expanded to include some of the more peripheral cocktail necessities. Bitters, vermouth, maraschino cherries – they’ve all caught my interest.
Then, last week, a friend asked me a question that stumped me.
“What’s the difference between club soda and tonic water?”
I couldn’t answer him. But now I can.
I never knew about the importance of having a local pub until I spent a semester abroad in London England.
I’d spent lots of time in bars and pubs by then but it was during those four months that I experienced the transformative power of returning to the same place again and again.
I’ve spoken to many people over the past year about my adventures learning with WSET, the Wine Spirit and Education Trust. I’ve also shared my journey in posts here and there, but not all in one go – that changes now.
As we head into our first summer long weekend I wanted to bring you a post filled with lots of things to read. I’m spending this long weekend at the cottage and with family and just before I close my laptop and truly turn off I leave you with a round-up of posts about all things WSET.
Enjoy!
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.
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??
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.
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?
Palate Practice - tasting with intention