And who would have thought I’d find Martin of Forbidden Island, Eric Seed of Haus Alpenz, and Matt of Rum Dood at the carousel bar? After some great conversation, a Vieux Carre, and a Pimm’s Cup, it is time for the good Penguin to get some sleep before the a.m. rum judging in the morning. […]

One of my favorite sessions last year at Tales of the Cocktail was Tiki Drinks from A to Zombie. And to everyone’s great shock, I’m sure, I have plans to attend Potions of the Caribbean, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry’s upcoming panel featuring some notable guests: Wayne Curtis, Martin Cate, Stephen Remsberg, and Brother Cleve. In addition, […]

Friday was a momentous day in the Bay Area — venerable spirits provider John Walker & Co. received their long-heralded shipment of Plymouth Sloe Gin. As many of you are no doubt aware, there has been a cruel lack of the spirit in the States. And yes, I am aware that Hiram Walker et al. […]

I found myself planning a last minute trip into the depths of Washington DC this past Thursday. The last time I was in the city, I was but a wee pup, and the lures of spirit and food were but a flicker in my eye. Not this time, however. I fully intended to hit as […]

I want to be a hearty, bearded sailor who’s charge is managing the money and doling out rum and grub. Luckily, my dreams are not too far off, as these were common duties of the ship’s purser. And though this sounds glamorous, the purser often had a bad lot, rarely ending up wealthy and always […]

It’s de-lurking day again! The day where all you shy, non-commenting imbibers get to introduce yourself and, if lucky, win yourself something. Last year we had an overwhelming number of new posters poking their heads out from behind the tiki bar. Can we do better this year? How do you know if you’re a lurker? […]

Day two of SF Cocktail Week brought your intrepid West Coast correspondent to the Ferry Terminal Building for an event highlighting cocktails with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The tasting was co-sponsored by CUESA, the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, and the SF chapter of the U.S. Bartender’s Guild. I think a few years […]

San Francisco’s 2nd annual Cocktail Week kicked off last night with free cocktails at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room atop the Sir Francis Drake hotel. The place was packed, as you might expect when one of the city’s cocktail hot spots is giving away the goods. Denton himself (at right) was on hand, along with Cocktail […]

Mix together Sazerac 18-year old rye whiskey, Carpano Antica, and Fee’s Barrel-aged Bitters and you have one of the best Manhattan’s ever conceived. But if any of you are like me, such elixirs are saved for special occasions. Now whip up one with Old Overholt, Martini and Rossi, and Fee’s regular aromatic bitters. Is it […]

Kaiser Penguin is hosting the next Mixology Monday, so get your entries in before March 17th! This round is devoted to cocktails that have a wee bit too much alcohol in them, yet somehow manage to be deliciously deadly. Exotic cocktail spots would often advertise their potent potions by limiting a customer to one per […]