tasting

  • The Life of a Spirits Judge

    ByRachel Halpren

    Recently, I had the honor of judging not one but two events. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the opportunities and learned so much. The first of the events was judging a United States Bartender Guild, known as USBG, Pisco Sour competition sponsored by Gran Sierpe Pisco at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. The second was judging a number of spirits categories at the International Wine and Spirits Competition just outside of London. The two … Read more

  • Highland Park 1968 Review

    ByJonas Halpren

    I was recently summoned to Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco’s Tenderloin to celebrate the debut of a very special Scotch whisky, Highland Park 1968. This 40 year-old single malt is the first in their Orcadian Limited Edition Series. To be released over the next 5 years, each bottling will consist of just 8 casks each, hand selected by Max MacFarlane–that’s just 1550 bottles world-wide.

    Retailing at $3,999, Highland Park 1968 comes nicely appointed in … Read more