Category: Pairings

Pairings

Why We Still Ask for a ‘Fifth’ at Liquor Shops, and the 1980 Law That Shrank U.S. Booze Bottles

When it comes to measurements, most people — including Americans themselves — are eager to criticize the United States for its rejection of the metric system. Instead of embracing international units of measurement like liters, meters, and grams, the U.S. Customary System opts for units like gallons, inches, and pounds. But in one instance when the U.S. required a certain industry to make the pivot to metric, many citizens were

Pairings

We Asked 14 Bartenders: What Bottle Is a ‘Green Flag’ When You See It at a Bar? (2026)

When you visit a bar for the first time, there’s always a slight possibility you may leave disappointed. It’s a chance you’re willing to take if you’re a cocktail enthusiast, particularly if you’re dropping by a spot that’s generated its fair share of acclaim. But it’s also one that may leave you particularly frustrated these days when you have to invest $20-plus to try one cocktail. A “green flag” bottle

Pairings

The Buildout Podcast: Rick Bayless

This episode of The Buildout is brought to you by Farmer’s Gin. As a bartender, I get to taste a lot of gin, so I can be picky about what I offer my guests. Farmer’s Gin is one of those bottles I keep coming back to, because it delivers exactly what I’m looking for behind the bar. It’s clean, balanced, and makes a fantastic Martini, but it also shines in

Pairings

Wine 101: American Wine Stories: MJ Towler and the Grenache Festival

This episode of Wine 101 is brought to you by Meiomi. Celebrate your holiday season to the fullest by bringing, or hosting with, the bottle that makes a lasting impression even after the last drop. From lush aromas of black cherry to warm notes of toasty mocha, Meiomi Pinot Noir is the perfect finish for all of your holiday moments. Visit Meiomi.com to find a bottle near you today. American

Pairings

7 of the Best Chardonnays From Germany

Riesling is all but synonymous with German wine. It’s the most planted grape in Germany, accounting for almost a quarter of the country’s vineyard area. And while Riesling’s dominance is not about to change anytime soon, another white variety is becoming recognized for its quality and potential in Germany. The grape is none other than Chardonnay. German Chardonnay is still a minor player, covering only about 3 percent of German

Pairings

A Wine Cellar Was Left Untouched Since 1939. Here’s What Was Found

John Smith had to actually buy the 10,600-square-foot stucco Tudor mansion before he would be able to open the wine cellar and find out what bottles had been left down there some 86 years earlier. Hidden off the main road at the end of a circular driveway, The Sherman Estates was built on fifteen acres of land in northwest Dayton, Ohio in 1925. Its original owner was John Q. Sherman,

Pairings

We Asked 8 Sommeliers: What’s the Most Overrated White Wine? (2026)

White wine is a reliable go-to for many drinkers. It can bring crisp, saline edges, juicy tropical fruit notes, or even rich, nutty flavors. For its diversity, palatability, and low-ABV nature, the genre has recently seen a boost in appeal. But along with that growing popularity, some grapes, regions, or bottles tend to take more than their fair share of the spotlight. And the bottles that drum up the most

Pairings

The Highest-Rated IPA in Every State (2026) [MAP]

India Pale Ales are the darling of the United States craft brewing industry. The style is the most produced among U.S. craft brewers, accounting for roughly 50 percent of the segment’s off-premise sales and 40 percent of its volume, according to Circana and the Brewers Association, respectively. With sub-styles ranging from New England hazies to crisp, bitter West Coast expressions, the hoppy category leaves room for innovation and experimentation. Given

Pairings

Ask a Bartender: Is There a ‘Right’ Way to Split the Check?

Contemporary bargoers — particularly Gen Z drinkers — have recently been called out for their lack of etiquette around paying the bill. Some reports suggest they don’t open tabs, which can interrupt a bartender’s flow, closing out tabs left and right instead of processing a single transaction at the end of the night. Another common paying practice recently called into question is requesting to split the check. As consumers pinch

Pairings

10 Bars and Restaurants That Defined the Modern Martini

Cocktail trends come and go, but the Martini is forever. People might debate whether its eternal presence hinges on its flavor or how it makes one feel, but it doesn’t matter in the end. If society ever decides to turn its back on the Martini, humanity’s demise will likely soon follow. But it’s not all about the aesthetics, the Martini is also deceptively complex. It doesn’t look complicated, given its