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The Sensory of Spirits: 4VG, Whiskey, and You

The spicy compound 4-vinyl-guaiacol occurs in many drinks, but among distillers, it’s best known as a flavor component of certain whiskeys—especially ryes. Whether you want to dial it up, dial it down, or just dial it in, here’s what to know.

Distiller’s Perspective: Reconstructing an Original French Amer

The Golden Moon Distillery in Golden, Colorado, recently closed its doors after 16 years of producing creative, award-winning craft spirits—such as its Amer Antik, closely based on a mid-19th century recipe. Here, Stephen Gould explains what went into the old-fashioned bitters, and he shares advice for up-and-coming distillers.

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Decoding the Numbers on Your Grain

Don’t take that certificate of analysis for granted—the stats attached to your raw grain or malt can make a big difference in how you ferment and distill a consistent, quality spirit. Here’s what to know.

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There’s a Sap for That

Spirits made from tree sap or syrup—usually maple, though other possibilities exist—are a widely overlooked opportunity for craft distillers to harness local flavor.

CS&D Podcast Episode 9: Nicole Austin of George Dickel Takes a Thoughtful and Contextual Approach to Blending Beautiful Whiskies

There’s no one best way to blend whiskey—but for this award-winning distiller and blender, the key is taking an approach that fits the intended goal.

Cocktail Companions for Grilling Season

For Independence Day and beyond, here are some cocktails perfect for enjoying while you work the grill or enjoy those summertime foods kissed by fire.

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Those Foeders Are Full of Spirit

Like big, brown Easter eggs that contain surprises unique to each producer, some unusually shaped oak vessels for aging and blending are appearing in a few distilleries. While they aren’t for everyone, their owners tend to praise their impressive look and small footprint.

Veggies in the Distillery: These Aren’t Your Garden-Variety Spirits

Craft distillers who are open to the wide world of vegetables may find fertile soil to grow spirits that stand out in the market.

At Scotland’s Holyrood, Great Whiskey Starts with Great Beer

Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh takes inspiration from the world of craft brewing, charting a new course in the tradition-heavy world of Scotch.

CS&D Podcast Episode 8: Clear Creek Master Distiller Caitlin Bartlemay Thrives on the Challenges of Fruit Brandy and American Single Malt

Distilling fruit brandies from whole fruit is a technical and logistical challenge, but for Caitlin Bartlemay, it’s nowhere near as difficult as educating consumers about the process, ingredients, and history of this storied spirit.