Author Archives: Paul

About Paul

Having been passionate about cocktail craft for many years, I've recently been coerced into sharing my insights and experiences. This blog is my first attempt at that goal.

Orange you Glad…

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Paul

Few people would accuse me of being smart, but I can’t believe I’m the only person to be confused by all the orange liqueurs at my local ABC (see, I’m acclimating to the South).  So today we’ll set the record … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Local Watering Holes – Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Paul

Lantern has been at 423 W Franklin St in Chapel Hill for nearly 10 years.  It’s an award-winning restaurant that’s “a marriage of Asian flavors and North Carolina ingredients sourced mainly from local farms and fisheries.”  The Reusing’s execute this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Oeno Files 2 – Port

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Paul

I moved to North Carolina a few years back from the west coast.  After settling in to the new house, I set out one Saturday to re-stock my liquor cabinet.  I looked and looked for a liquor store to no … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Fall Harvest

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Paul

Why do burning leaves smell so good?  Wikipedia says that leaf smoke is an insecticide.  So maybe it’s inherited.  We like the smell because when we smell it we’re less likely to catch West Nile virus from a mosquito.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Local Watering Holes – Part 1

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Paul

A friend told me recently of a new bar in downtown Raleigh, and when you see the menu you’ll understand why I had to check it out…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Cocktail Goggles

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Paul

Glasses.  I have wasted more money on over-priced, under-performing, and just plain unnecessary glasses than I have on bad liquor.  And I’m sure I’m not alone (although the scale might be a little different in my case). Cocktail books and bar guides are … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Oeno Files 1 — Sweet, Sweet Vermouth

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Paul

A surprising number of drink mixers are some form of wine.  So today we’ll launch a series that’ll periodically visit this family and dissect one of its members for the purpose of better drinking.  Let’s start with sweet vermouth.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mooses and Gooses Jooses

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Paul

Before we go too much farther, we need to address a critical topic: juice.  A good home bar must have fresh squeezed juice.  I don’t care how much you spend on highly advertised super-premium liquors and $25 cocktail glasses, if you’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

I came across Fentiman’s Tonic Water recently.  I had tried a few boutique tonics before and hadn’t seen a lot of difference between them and the standby Schweppes.  But given that I still had most of my 16 varieties of gin … Continue reading →

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Paul | Leave a comment

For Wendy, Mike, and Tim — 2 Summer Drinks for Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Paul

It was a Dark and Stormy afternoon when I first tried a Dark and Stormy.  And the skies parted and the sun shone, and (at least in my head) it was summer again for a few moments…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments