Bar, nightclub and restaurant operators, managers, bartenders and other staff members have a lot to keep tabs on. From every day operations tasks to new product releases to spirit, beer, wine, cocktail and food trends, keeping on top of bar and nightlife news each week can be a project in and of itself.
That’s where we come in. To make things that much easier for you we’ve put together a detailed rundown of what happened this week that you should know. You need to know what international products are finally being distributed throughout America, what innovations are being made in glassware and bar and kitchen products, what and when music streaming services are featuring a new album, and so much more. In life, knowledge is power. In this business, knowledge is dollars.
Go to Brazil and learn about cachaça without ever stepping foot on a plane, train or automobile.
If you’ve wanted to learn more about cachaça you won’t want to miss out on the first of an immersive three-part webinar series hosted by Novo Fogo. Each webinar will give those who participate a look at the cane fields and the distillery, provide information about cachaça, Novo Fogo and Brazil, and immerse participants in the distillery itself. The webinars will be broadcast on Novo Fogo’s Facebook page and can be accessed via any device, and you’ll be able to ask questions. Mark Tuesday, August 8 at 11:00AM PST on your calendars!
Limited edition and legendary.
Four limited-release artisanal mezcal expressions from Mezcales de Leyenda will each benefit specific social or environmental causes. The brand bills their collection as “the most complete and diverse collection of artisanal mezcales,” and these expressions certainly provide strong evidence of that claim. These hyper-small batch releases will appeal to serious mezcal bar owners, managers and bartenders, mezcal aficionados, and collectors of fine, rare spirits.
UFC Champion Conor McGregor, Las Vegas nightclub host.
In case you missed it, current UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor and Wynn nightlife have inked a deal for a hosting residency. The Notorious One will host four fight night after parties at Encore Beach Club (and therefore Surrender) and XS Nightclub over the next two years. The kicker, or punch, as it were, is that he’ll start his new gig on August 26. Astute fight fans will recognize that as the date the Irish fight phenom faces Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the ring at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Follow this link for more on the story.
More rye, please!
J.P. Wiser’s, the oldest continuously produced Canadian whisky, has imbued their rye with even more flavor. The new recipe increases the amount of rye to 60 percent, and to balance the bold character three types of barrels – Canadian whisky, American bourbon, and virgin oak – are used to mature the liquid. After it has been aged for the right amount of time, it’s blended and J.P. Wiser’s Rye is born. This smooth Canadian whisky is characterized by spice, sweet corn and coconut on the nose, with tangy rye and rich corn on the palate. This adjustment in recipe comes just in time to take advantage of renewed and growing interest in rye whiskies.
Portland single malt.
Portland-based House Spirits Distillery, in operation for more than a decade, has announced an intriguing development. The distillery’s Westward American Single Malt whiskey is now available nationwide! Those operating outside of Oregon can now offer their guests this American single malt double pot-distilled whiskey made from 100% northwest two-row pale malted barley that’s aged in full-size, new charred American oak barrels. The result is a whiskey with fruit, brown sugar and vanilla on the nose, lush fruit, sweet malt and baking spice on the palate, and tobacco, dark chocolate, leather, oak sweetness, and stone fruit on the finish. made from, known for bright, spicy and fruity notes.
American gin? We’re in!
Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. has revealed their plans to release two copper pot-distilled gins. Their American Dry Gin utilizes an apple brandy base, while their American Old Tom Gin will use grape brandy. The Louisville, KY distillery gives both gins the double-distillation treatment. Neither the American Dry Gin nor the American Old Tom Gin are chill filtered, and neither use neutral spirits, added flavors or added colors after distillation. The results are two complex American gins with concentrated botanical flavors.