Category: Pairings

Pairings

The 10 Most Popular Tequila Brands in the World for 2026

In the late 2010s, tequila exploded in the U.S., but recent years have brought a slight downturn in the market. In 2025, the United States imported 32.1 million nine-liter cases of tequila and mezcal, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), a slight dip from 2024’s figures. The Spirits Business’ annual Brand Champions Report, which ranks brands based on nine-liter case sales, found that six of

Pairings

We Asked 9 Brewers: What Beer Are You Keeping Stocked in Your Cooler This Summer? (2026)

Reaching into an ice-filled beer cooler never fails to evoke that peak summertime feeling. The drastic, almost startling temperature change when your hand touches the icy surface. The audible splooshing and sloshing of gradually melting ice as you root around for a brew. The beads of condensation still clinging to a can freshly plucked from submersion. These set the table for that first quenching sip, which can instantly provide a

Pairings

The Buildout Podcast: Bitter & Twisted

This episode of The Buildout is brought to you by Farmer’s Gin. Whether you are building a bar, you currently are operating a bar, or you just run a bar at home, you need to have a Martini on your menu — and that Martini deserves Farmer’s Gin. Farmer’s Gin is created by the same amazing people who created Michter’s Bourbon. Every single bar deserves a great gin, and Farmer’s

Pairings

6 of California’s Most Underrated Wine Regions [MAP]

When thinking of California’s wine regions, Napa and Sonoma instantly come to mind. It’s understandable, as these well-regarded regions have longstanding prestige and churn out some of the world’s greatest wines. But Napa and Sonoma are so popular that they often eclipse the Golden State’s smaller, lesser-known regions. Of the 279 established AVAs in the U.S., California is home to the overwhelming majority — 154 designated winemaking regions are located

Pairings

The One Whiskey You Should Bring Home From Every State

We Americans love our whiskey. Over the past 250 years, it’s a spirit that’s driven our economy, helped power westward expansion, and incited at least one rebellion. And these days, it’s made in each and every state, including the most remote corners of our star-spangled domain. A couple of years ago, we got especially curious and asked: What’s the best bourbon to bring home from every state? It was a

Pairings

Wine Is Swinging for the Fences With Sports Advertising — Is It Working?

These days, when you watch sports, you’re inundated with ads. Every other commercial is for a betting app; stats and even plays are sponsored; and each break in action is filled by an announcer ad-read. There are CGI logos behind home plate and on the mound, floating on the basketball court, and even on the field during NCAA football games. And these aren’t just traditional sports sponsorship brands like beer,

Pairings

7 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Sauvignon Blanc

When it comes to crisp, refreshing, white wine, few grapes amass as devoted a following as Sauvignon Blanc. Depending on where it’s grown, the grape can deliver everything from tart green apple and freshly cut grass to riper notes of passion fruit and guava, all backed by the craveable, mouthwatering acidity enthusiasts love. Add in its generally approachable price point, wide availability, and enough cultural weight to inspire a campaign

Pairings

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Best Bourbon Under $50? (2026)

When it comes to bourbon, the pricey bottles hog the spotlight. The discourse among media outlets and whiskey enthusiasts often revolves around expensive brands like Pappy and Blanton’s, with a particular focus on how much a person should shell out to buy a bottle. This concentration on cost can sometimes be so intense, discussions about the actual quality of the juice fall by the wayside. Cost-effective bourbons — think bottles

Pairings

The VinePair Podcast: Why Do We Care Where the Industry Drinks?

Today on the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach comment on the fact that while many publications (including VinePair) love to interview bartenders about their favorite places to drink, it’s an open question as to whether that serves as good advice for the drinking public when it comes to whether they should seek those places out. While bartenders might prioritize a relaxed vibe and an industry-friendly ethos, that might not

Pairings

Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on French Wine and Champagne, Macron Resists

Hours before taking off for France to attend a summit with other world leaders, United States President Donald Trump threatened a 100 percent tariff on French wine and Champagne. The levy would come in retaliation for the French government’s 3 percent tax on services from American tech companies. Trump announced the ultimatum today in an interview with the New York Post. Unless French President Emmanuel Macron ditches the sales tax