-
Top 5 best Irish whiskies
St. Patrick’s Day 2014 has officially arrived. And if you properly planned ahead, work has managed to stay off the agenda – as it should. This is a day for celebrating Irish heritage, spending time with friends and family and, of course, a healthy amount of drinking. But before you start loading up on green […] -
The Rakish Gin Aficionado: David Piper
Gin has long been the clear spirit of choice for tipplers the world over. And Hendrick’s Gin is one of the finest in the marketplace today. Crafted in Girvan, Scotland, Hendrick’s uses an array of organic herbs and botanicals in its pricey spirit. One could say, it’s stylish and debonair. The same could be said […] -
Top Five Gent’s Drinking Spots in London
The first ever gentleman’s clubs opened in London’s West End in the 18th century, to provide secret havens for gents about town to escape the world and get loose, in the classiest possible way. Today, the gentleman’s club tends to represent something a little seedier. Alas, the city where it all started has seen a […] -
Kick Up Your Taste Buds With Ballymaloe Irish Ketchup
If you want to make your St. Pat’s party a hit, take some tips from a real Irish family-run business. They’ve created a line of relish, ketchup and sauces that will add that extra zing to your dishes. It started in the 1930s when Ivan and Myrtle Allen had an overflow of tomatoes on their […] -
Fight Your Hangover with the NOHO Drink Family
One thing everyone can agree on is that hangovers are the worst. Sure, that last, “why the hell not” drink of the night can be fun and life-affirming in the moment, but the next day you’re often left feeling terrible and swearing off alcohol all together. The baggage of a hangover only grows worse as […] -
Spirit Education at Moonshine University
We don’t know about you, but our college major might as well have been beer. Okay, maybe a minor at most, but you have to admit those red cups all on the lawn were a pretty impressive site to see come Sunday morning. As adults, there are a multitude of beer and wine classes you […] -
The Illustrated Dictionary of Beer
Not sure how to tell your stouts from your pale ales, or your wheats from your lagers? A new book called The Illustrated Directory of Beer will help you do just that. It features 432 pages describing everything about beer, from its history to the process of making it. Learn about practically every beer imaginable […] -
3 best bottles: Bushmills Irish Whiskey
March has finally arrived, and that means it’s time to celebrate our Irish heritage as the rainbow leading to St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) continues to brighten. And while some 34.5 million Americans are at least partially Irish, some of us – myself included – haven’t a drip of green blood flowing through our veins. […] -
Wine Flights: The World’s Best Wine Bars
We’ve all experienced them: Airport delays. It happens more frequently than any of us would like, making travel a chore rather than a pleasure. So what does one do when he is stranded at the airport for hours on end? Drink wine, of course! High-end wine bars are popping up at airports around the world. […] -
Add Basil Hayden’s to Your St. Patrick’s Day
There are two things we at The Manual think you should be aware of. The first: St. Patrick’s Day is only a little over two weeks away. The second is that Basil Hayden’s whiskey is one of the best American bourbons on the market. With that preamble out of the way, let’s explain where the […] -
3 best bottles: Laphroaig single malt Scotch whisky
Scotch drinkers fall into two categories: Those who love Islay whiskies, and those who detest them. And no other distillery embodies the intense peat-smoke Islay flavor like Laphroaig. Located along the southern coast of Islay, an island off Scotland’s mainland in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Laphroaig distillery has operated since the 1815, pumping out […] -
On The Rum: Facundo by Bacardi
Still shivering from those on-and-off polar vortexes? We have something that just might warm you right up. Facundo Rum. It’s a new, high-end sipping rum from Bacardi. Forget the mojito’s for a moment and wait until the weather allows – because The Facundo Rum Collection is designed to stand on its own. This is the […] -
Lanes of London: Food for Globetrotters
Londoners can afford to be greedy and picky. The sheer diversity of food on offer here is overwhelming- and probably explains why basically everyone who lives here is a foodie. So when we heard about Lanes of London, a haven for those wanting to travel the world via their taste buds, we made a reservation […] -
Artisanal Vermouth: A Drink That Can Stand Alone
Thank the Italians. In the late 18th century, they were the first to create vermouth. The fortified wine was often drunk on its own but morphed into a key ingredient in many standard cocktails, from the Martini to the Manhattan to the Negroni. Although Europeans have long drunk vermouth on its own, Americans were late […] -
Unfiltered: 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Coffee Grinder
Unfiltered – a monthly column by coffee expert Sam Mylrea of CoffeeKind.com on what’s brewing in that world. The coffee grinder is arguably the most important component of your home barista arsenal. Ask any coffee professional on how to improve your coffee game and they’ll talk to you about grinders. But where to start? There’s a never-ending […] -
Taste 25 years of high-proof history with Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2014
To sip a fine whiskey is to taste the past. Each year spent in a barrel adds a dash of history to the flavor and essence of the spirit. But in the case of Jim Beam’s latest release, Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2014, the barrels selected for this limited edition bottling carry a whole lot more […] -
Go on a Ginger Bender with 2 Gingers Whiskey
As crazy as it sounds, we’re only a month away from St. Patrick’s Day. Chances are, you’ve already started making plans to attend a parade, have people over for a party and to call into work sick—don’t worry, we know the deal. If you have already started planning, then we’d like to ask you to […] -
Feast Your Senses at Queen of the Night
Imagine being transported into another world where a mysterious stranger approaches you as you walk down a flight of stairs. “Come with me,” she says, leading you into another room, before holding a mirror. “The Queen has asked to see you,” she continues, as she points to cloaked woman wearing a lavish headpiece. Then the […] -
From Deschutes to Ecliptic: Talking hops with brewmaster John Harris
Three decades in the microbrewery business is no small feat—John Harris could attest to that. The Portland, Ore., native has been brewing in the Pacific Northwest since the mid ’80s, jumping between several of the state’s flagship breweries and pioneering some of the most beloved craft beers on the West Coast ever since he began […] -
Russian Renovations: Nikolai’s Roof in Atlanta Gets a Makeover
In case you didn’t know, the Atlanta culinary scene is expanding and progressing at a rapid rate. Over the past year, innovative restaurant after innovative restaurant have opened all over the city, which has created a highly competitive and creative atmosphere in “Hotlanta.” To keep up with the field, the famed and iconic restaurant, Nikolai’s […] -
The Voice-Controlled Grill of the Future
Now that sensors and radios have become so ridiculously small and cheap, just about everything is becoming “smarter.”And now, thanks to a company called Lynx, that includes grills. Giving you more time to focus on drinking and destroying your friends at Polish horseshoes at your next cookout, the Lynx SmartGrill is an automated gas grill […] -
Eat Bacon Around the Clock With Bacon 24/7
There’s no arguing when I say that we here at The Manual love our bacon. We were extremely excited when we saw that Theresa Gilliam and E. Jane Armstrong created a book titled Bacon 24/7: Recipes for Curing, Smoking, and Eating. In the tome are delectable photographs by Armstrong that just make us salivate, along […] -
The Food Lover’s Guide to Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we know you’re racking your brain to figure out what to gift your significant other. Roses and chocolate are fine and dandy, but why not think about what your partner will actually use this year. We’ve already told you what to wear and which stylish gifts are sure […] -
A Family Affair: Lobel’s of New York Retains its Old-World Charm
Once upon a time, you’d head to a cheese monger for cheese, a fruit market for sundries and a butcher for your meat. The introduction of the supermarket in the 1920s changed all that and, for generations, Americans of every variety adhered to the one-stop-shopping rule. Today, shoppers are in a retro frame of mind. […] -
The Manual Guide to Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl XLVIII is finally here next Sunday, and this year, the Seattle Seahawks are taking on the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and we’re getting ready to indulge in wings, nachos and more. Here’s our guide on what you should wear, eat, drink and if you’re in New York, […] -
WHISKEY WISE ON CUTTY SARK “PROHIBITION EDITION”
Whiskey Wise Prohibition in the US caused a popular tantrum that resulted in an era of decadence and disregard that still captures the public imagination. The New York Whiskey Club presents Cutty Sark “Prohibition Edition”. The excise tax on alcohol was such a significant contributor to the US economy that it seemed the pietistic efforts […] -
Studio Sundays at Tavern Road in Boston
A dining experience is very often defined by ambiance. The lighting, design, decor and overall organization of the space where a diner eats all have a huge part in a meal. Of course the food itself is important; but what a chef or restauranteur’s clientele takes from the atmosphere of their breakfast, lunch, or dinner […] -
Ingredients to Look Out For in 2014
There are a few things we can’t get enough of here at The Manual. We love a great leather bag and finding the perfect suit. We could never deny the magic of an expertly crafted classic cocktail. And, of course, there is nothing better than sitting down to a really great meal. As we enter […] -
Move Over Sriracha! There’s a New Hot Sauce in Town
Sriracha has been the on the market for some time and with a recent “shutdown,” lovers of spicy condiments have been left wanting. But fear not. Small-batch hot sauce purveyors across the country have answered the call of spice lovers everywhere. Here are four of the best from around the nation: Bat’s Brew Hot Sauce […] -
New York’s Takashi and Eating Adventurous Meats
We know you’ve probably already made your New Year’s resolutions, but in case you are late in the game we’re here to provide you with a little guidance. Nothing says sophistication like a guy who is willing to try diverse foods and order even the most exotic dish on a menu. So this year, we […] -
3 Delicious Holiday Detox Recipes
Cookies and pies and ham and stuffing. Cocktails and wine and even more cocktails. If this is how your holiday sounded, you’re certainly not alone. The last couple months brought the types of indulgences we all love and enjoy, but we also know we can’t eat and drink like that on a regular basis and […] -
Hudson Malone: A New York Bar to Call Home
Doug Quinn has long been known as New York’s best bartender. Tales of his legendary ability to remember his patrons’ names, favorite drinks and go-to stories are widespread throughout the city. In 2012, after a messy split from his lead post at historic Manhattan staple P.J. Clarke’s (it’s not our job to get into the […] -
Whiskey-Infused Beef Jerky
Some of the best things in life are soaked in booze. There’s cognac-dipped cigars, beer-battered chicken, and now, thanks to Orkney Islands-based distillery Highland Park, there’s whiskey-infused beef jerky. To make such a fantastic concoction, Highland Park teamed up with Brooklyn-based company The Meat Hook. The jerky is make from the highest quality grass-fed NYC beef, […] -
Get in the Spirit with Holiday Cocktails
Oh the holidays: a time for family, friends and having an excuse to be buzzed more than usual. This time of year, it seems there is a different celebration every day, and we certainly aren’t complaining. Whether you are throwing a festive party for friends or trying to tune out Aunt Mabel telling the same […] -
Athlete Eats – C.J. McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers
Athlete Eats is our recently started monthly column where we speak to professional athletes about their favorite spots to eat when they are in their home city as well as on the road. If anyone knows the best spots to eat in a U.S. city, it’s going to be one of our sports stars. Today, […] -
The Manual’s Food & Drink Gift Guide: Part II
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so we’re back with a second installment of great food & drink inspired gifts for this holiday season. Yama Cold-Drip Coffee Brewer $250 Making your own cold-brew coffee takes far too much time and effort, but with this chem-lab inspired drip set from Clive Coffee, you […] -
The Manual Holiday Gift Guide: The Foodie
For the Foodie Who Is Short on Time: Blue Apron This subscription meal service does all the shopping and measuring for him, so all he’ll have to do is cook. $9.99 per person, per meal, at blueapron.com For Salt Lovers: Chef Salt Fab Premium Holiday Collection This kit will make sure their food is always […] -
Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Whiskey
Frank Sinatra was buried with three things: a roll of dimes, a pack of Camel cigarettes with a Zippo lighter and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. He loved his Jack so much, he once stood on stage, raised his glass to the audience and declared it the “nectar of the gods.” So to […] -
Music and Great Wine Go Hand in Hand
As you are gearing up for holiday parties, we’ve found some wines that are sure to be a hit with your crowd. Even better, these selections are a natural conversation starter because they combine the worlds of wine and music. You can tell your friends how musician Dave Matthews is now in the wine business. […] -
The Christmas Gin Kit
Making homemade booze has always been an appealing prospect. For some reason, brewing your own beer, bottling your own wine, or, hell, even honing your own stock of honey wine mead, just seems like a good idea. And, really, it is. Any alcoholic drink tastes better when it comes from your own handmade private reserve […] -
We Found the Perfect Martini Kit
We found the perfect gift for the martini lover in your life, even if it’s yourself. For holiday 2013, GREY GOOSE teamed with French fine crystal house Baccarat for one of the coolest collaborations we’ve seen all year. The “Always Stirred, Never Shaken” martini kit takes French luxury to a new level with all the […] -
The Knob Creek Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple
We’re coming down to the wire. That’s right, Thanksgiving is this Thursday. You’ve probably made your travel arrangements; prepared yourself for the onslaught of small talk with relatives (either with your own or with your significant other’s family); maybe you’ve even been really ambitious and bought your organic turkey way ahead of time. However, we […] -
The Roaring Brook Dairy Mozzarella Cheesemaking Kit
We don’t know about you, but we love cheese. We love eating it in sandwiches, salads, on pizza, and with crackers. Also, we don’t care how stinky it is. With the holidays just around the corner, what better way to show up to a holiday potluck than with some homemade cheese? Homemade cheese, you ask? […] -
Cooking Heritage Breeds with Fred Neuville
In our third and final installment on farming we speak to Fred Neuville from Charleston’s The Fat Hen restaurant about how to cook heritage breed meat. Growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, his father sat him down at the ripe old age of 16 and asked him what he wanted to do with his life. “If […] -
Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
Normally we live by a very strict rule here at The Manual: Don’t screw with the flavor of bourbon. It’s already awesome, and definitely doesn’t need any frilly additives and flavors. That being said, however, we’re willing to make an exception to our rule for Knob Creek’s latest concoction: Smoked Maple Bourbon. Typically when a […] -
Spice up cold-weather cocktails with Basement Bitters
If you’ve been sipping the same seasonal spirits year after year, it’s high time you spice things up with a good bitters. For those of you who might be unfamiliar, here’s a quick rundown. Bitters is basically a type of alcohol-based flavoring infused with an array of different botanical ingredients to give it a bitter/bittersweet […] -
Brew at Home With Mr. Beer
With all those delicious microbrews around, we’ve been wondering what it would be like to brew our own beer. Thanks to the good folks at Mr. Beer, we can get everything we need in one handy kit, which comes complete with a two gallon keg; a spigot, washer and nut; a can of hopped malt […] -
A Lesson in Heritage Breeds
For our second November installment on farming, we speak to Celeste Albers, who raises heritage breed hogs and cows. Heritage breeds are a hot topic these days. Like heirloom vegetables, heritage breed animals are rare breeds that are sought after for their history, adaptation and of course taste. Farmers around the country are raising animals […] -
Unfiltered: A Starter’s Guide to Brewing Coffee at Home
Welcome to a new monthly column by coffee expert Sam Mylrea of CoffeeKind.com on what’s brewing in that world. If you’re like most people, your first cup of coffee in the morning is the one you make at home. Brewing coffee doesn’t have to entail a zombie walk to the kitchen where you find yourself […] -
Bulleit Teams Up With the Big Apple Film Festival
“Whiskey is the water of life,” joked Bulleit master of whiskey Stephen Wilson at recent whiskey tasting dinner held in New York in honor of the Big Apple Film Festival. The guests, who included Howard Goldberg, the writer and director behind Jake Squared, Wilson, various press members, as well as us at The Manual, dined […]