The Journal

Notes from behind the counter.

Plain-English guides to finding, tasting, and enjoying spirits, from the people who pour them all day. New notes land as we write them.

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How to Find Your Next Favorite Whiskey Without Wasting Money on Bottles You Don't Like

The fastest way to stop overpaying for whiskey you never finish is to taste before you buy. Here is exactly how we help you do it, and why it works.

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Sampling up to six pours before you choose is not a gimmick. It is the whole point. Here is how the tasting works and what to expect on your visit.

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The best bourbon in the shop is rarely the one on the billboard. These are the quiet standouts worth pulling down and pouring first.

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Both come from agave, but they could not be more different in the glass. A simple, no-pretension guide to tasting your way to a favorite.

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Rum is the most underrated shelf in the shop. Whether you sip it slow or pour it for a crowd, here is where to start and what to try.

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A great bottled cocktail starts with real spirits, not shortcuts. Here is what to look for, and how to pour one that tastes like a bartender made it.

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Nosing, sipping, finishing: the whole ritual, minus the snobbery. A plain-English guide you can use at the counter today.

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Sun, sand, and a cooler that needs filling. The bottles and ready-to-drink picks that make you the most popular guest on the beach.

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A short, smart checklist for buying with confidence, whether you are treating yourself or hunting for the perfect gift.

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On December 5th, 1933, Prohibition ended at last. Here is why we raise a glass to it every year, and what it means for the way we do business.

The best education is a pour and a conversation. Come find your next favorite.