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Latest by Sam Slaughter

smooth ambler distillery big level wheated bourbon

Smooth Ambler Debuts Big Level Bourbon Made Entirely in West Virginia

Making whiskey is a waiting game, and for Smooth Ambler Distillery, the waiting game has finally paid off in the form of its newest product, Big Level Wheated Bourbon. This is the first release from the brand that was distilled and aged entirely in West Virginia.
Hotaling and Company JH Cutter Whisky

Take a Step Back in Time with J.H. Cutter Whisky

Hotaling & Company — known for Old Potrero whiskey and Junipero Gin — has released a new product: J.H. Cutter Whisky, which is inspired by the whiskey of the time that the distillery's namesake, A.P. Hotaling, was alive and drinking.
circa brewing company marquee

Get a Little Science-y with SRM Squares at Circa Brewing Company

The Standard Reference Method (SRM) helps brewers — and now drinkers — identify beers before they have them. In Brooklyn's Circa Brewing Company, you can check out the SRM of each craft beer you enjoy.
Jagermeister Manifest neat bar

Jägermeister’s New Product is For Sipping, Not Shooting

Jägermeister Manifest is the just the second product in the brand’s history. Manifest is a super-premium spirit designed not for the Jägerbombs of early aughts fame, but for sipping.
michael jordan steakhouse ilani casino resort review ribeye press

How a Steakhouse in a Casino is Upping the Cocktail and Food Pairing Game

The cocktail and food pairing choices from Michael Jordan's Steakhouse in Ilani Casino Resort (Ridgefield, Washington) are not a gamble. The menu we tried was worth traveling for and exceeded our expectations. All three courses were slam dunks, you might say. (Sorry we’re not sorry about the puns.)
what is kava tea effects konnection photos by amy ellis 2

Kava Is the Alternative High You Need to Know About

A high that’s legal in all states? It’s not so in-kava-ceivable with this traditional tea-like drink. We talked with Gabriel Coggins, co-owner of The Kava Konnection, to learn all about kava root, its effects, its taste, and where to find it.
jay ellis mount gay rum

Jay Ellis Shares His Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Weekend of Bromance

It takes a little more than just putting your buds in a car and driving to be a proper bromantic getaway. Jay Ellis (Lawrence on HBO's 'Insecure') is an expert on bromance — he takes an annual trip with his best friends — and he shares a few tips for planning a vacation with your BFFs.
how to hold a knife use the manual

How to Hold a Knife and Use it Like a Pro (Video)

When you're chopping meat and vegetables in the kitchen, how you hold your knife is as important as the cut you use. We asked Eytan Zias, owner of Portland Knife House, to show us how to property use a chef's knife (with demos on one of the most difficult veggies: an onion).
Barton 1792 Distillery 1792 Full Proof Bourbon bottle

Have You Tried the Best Bourbon in the World Yet?

If you haven’t tasted the Best Bourbon in the World, you’re going to want to. And we're not talking our favorite bourbon — the World Whiskies Awards just crowned a new winner of this prestigious (and boozy) title.
La Brea Bakery Honey Toast with Fresh Ricotta and Pistachios

Your Mom Will Love You for Making Her This Easy Mother’s Day Brunch Recipe

Show mom how much you love her with this delicious and simple brunch recipe courtesy of La Brea Bakery. Thanks to the toasted baguette and creamy ricotta, this versatile dish can also work as snack or a dessert.
mango smoothie

Bone Broth in a Fruit Smoothie? It’s Actually Really Good.

You will be as surprised as we were when we tried this savory mango bone broth smoothie recipe. It's delicious and nutritious — the perfect combo for an easy breakfast or snack.
High West Distillery Double Rye Whiskey

High West Distillery Makes a Big Change to Double Rye! Whiskey

Park City’s High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, has changed the recipe for its famous Double Rye! whiskey. Now you’ll get a little taste of Utah in every sip.
best food pairings chicken and waffles

10 Ultimate Food Pairings to Satisfy Your Every Craving

Long after we’re gone, these legendary food pairings will live on. We’re not talking about the stuff that Michelin-starred chefs are creating, either. We’re talking about the snacks that you and I and Joe Everyman crave when we're drunk and when we're sober.
merlefest festival crowd

Can’t-Miss Acts at Merlefest 2018 According to Other Artist on the Lineup

America's premiere roots festival is back for another jam-packed weekend on April 26-29, 2018. There are the can't-miss acts on the Merlefest 2018 lineup, according to some of the top bands and musicians who will also be performing.
horse soldier bourbon world trade center bottle american freedom distillery press

Horse Soldier Bourbon’s New Bottle is Made from World Trade Center Steel

American Freedom Distillery, which was founded by a group of special operations officers, is using steel salvaged from the World Trade Center site after 9/11 to press the new bottles of Horse Soldier Bourbon
woodford reserve kentucky derby bottle

Woodford Reserve Uncorks Special Edition Bourbon Bottle for 2018 Kentucky Derby

Woodford Reserve, the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, is commemorating the 2018 sporting event with a special edition bottle of their bourbon designed by Brown-Forman employee Keith Anderson. Here's a look at its pricing and availability.
manual podcast beards booze bacon cooking with cannabis and chef brandon parsons monkey bread 3

Go Bananas for this Cast Iron Monkey Bread Recipe

Everything is better when cooked in cast iron, especially dessert. For this monkey bread recipe, chef Brandon Parsons adds hazelnuts and dates for a little extra sweetness and crunch to an already delicious cake.
reyka vodka world cup iceland

Forget USA: Cheer for the Other Red, White, and Blue at the 2018 World Cup

Reyka Vodka has released a line of hilarious, tongue-in-cheek gear for American soccer fans since they can't cheer on Team USA at the 2018 FIFA world cup. The solution? Root for the other red, white, and blue: Iceland.
wild turkey longbranch matthew mcconaughey eddie porch

Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey Launch New Whiskey Called Longbranch

Longbranch is a Kentucky-Texas connection for the ages. The new whiskey collaboration from Wild Turkey and Matthew McConaughey BLANK
Toadfish Outfitters Frogmore Shrimp Cleaner

How to Peel and Devein Shrimp (Video)

With the right tools, you can clean a shrimp as easily as you can open a beer. Our video guide breaks down the steps on how to easily peel and devein shrimp.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Kentucky Green Lights Direct-to-Consumer Bourbon Shipping

The Kentucky General Assembly has passed House Bill 400 (nicknamed the “Bourbon Without Borders Bill”), which allows for the shipment of distilled spirits to other states.
toadfish outfitters giveaway oyster knife set

Giveaway: The Ultimate Oyster Package From Toadfish Outfitters

It's time to get your shuck on with Toadfish Outfitters. We have the ultimate prize pack — including fresh oysters — that would turn any shellfish eater green with envy. Click the link and enter the giveaway.
the manual four roses bourbon pairing food mini burger FEATURE

Contemporary and Classic Came Together at Our Four Roses Bourbon Pairing Event

We teamed up with Four Roses to explore the different flavors and nuances behind pairing bourbon with food. Check out the tasting notes and event photos.
New Belgium Brewing Hemporer HPA bottle and glass

New Belgium Releases a Dank New Beer Called the Hemperor HPA

No, the Hemperor HPA won't get you high, but it will delight your nose and taste buds
the macallan 50 years old

The Macallan 50 Years Old Will Only Cost You $35,000

To afford The Macallan 50 Years Old, all you need is $1,000 and 34 friends with the same amount of cash. And you'll probably need to live in Scotland.
Buffalo Trace WL Weller CYPB

W.L. Weller CYPB: Bourbon by the People, for the People

Ever thought about being a distiller? W.L. Weller CYPB proves you're not alone. Buffalo Trace crafted this unique juice with the input of ver 100,000 bourbon drinkers.
Arbikie-7

Review: Arbikie Potato Vodka, The Scottish Vodka You Want, but Can’t Have (Yet)

While you may not think of Scotland as a producer of spirits other than whisky, think again. Check out our review of Arbikie vodka.
Kingsbarns-Distillery-FB-3-Crop

Kingsbarns Distillery: Scotch Whisky from the Heartland of Golf

The Kingsbarns Distillery, located just a stone's throw from the historic St. Andrews golf course, is one of the newest distilleries in the region.
Scotch MWS_NewBottles_v2, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Club Every Scotch Lover Should Be a Part of: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

If you happen to be a Scotch Whisky lover (who isn't?), you're going to want to join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Like, now. Seriously.
Isle-of-Harris-Gin-Bottle

Isle of Harris Distillers: “The Social Distillery”

Located on the Scottish Isle of Harris, the Isle of Harris Distillers have dedicated themselves to being "the social distillery."

Highland Park Unleashes The Dark, a 17-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

In the first release of a one-two punch that will highlight the distinct seasons on the Orkney Islands, Highland Park released The Dark, a 17-year-old single malt Scotch whisky that will be followed in the spring by —you guessed it — The Light.
Cured-at-Pearl-Bison-Tartare

This San Antonio Restaurant’s Special Menu is 300 Years in the Making

This year, San Antonio will celebrate its tricentennial with a year-long celebration of all things Texan. Chef Steve McHugh of Cured at Pearl has crafted a special menu to honor the anniversary.
orphan barrel series

To Drink or Not to Drink: Pro Tips for Collecting and Storing Whisk(e)y

We sat down with Diageo Reserve's national program director Ewan Morgan to find out how to expand and care for your whisk(e)y collection.
starbucks gin barrel aged cold brew coffee

Starbucks is Crafting a Gin Barrel-Aged Cold Brew Coffee

Starbucks is offering a gin barrel-aged cold brew at the company's Seattle Roastery. This new kind of coffee sounds like a real grounds-breaking development to us.
brief history southern comfort liquor

A Brief History of Southern Comfort

Did you know Southern Comfort was originally called Cuffs and Buttons? We bet that isn't the only thing you didn't know about the iconic spirit. Read on for a brief history of SoCo.
manual awards 2018 louisville kentucky getty images

The Manual Awards 2018: Louisville, Kentucky

As Kentucky's largest and most famous city, Louisville also stakes the claim of being the state's coolest. With amazing breweries, restaurants, and places to get a bourbon, Louisville deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
vostok space beer zero g

This Brewery Wants to Send You into the Sky to Test Space Beer

Now is your chance to make space beer history. Vostok, a collaboration between 4 Pines Brewing Company and Saber Astronautics, is giving one person the chance to feel what it’s like to drink a beer in space

Are You Guilty of Drunk Shopping Online? You’re Not Alone.

You and 68 million other Americans' drunk shopping habits are creating a multi-billion dollar buying pattern, according to a new report from Finder.com.
material kitchen counter

Cut Down On Your Counter Clutter With Material’s Kitchen Fundamentals

This new collection of kitchenware by Material provides you with everything you need to cook without the usual counter clutter. We're talking knives, spoons, spatulas and more — but not too much more.
tullamore dew xo rum cask finish 1

Irish Heart with Caribbean Soul: Tullamore D.E.W. Releases Rum Cask-Finished Whiskey

Tullamore D.E.W. Caribbean Rum Cask Finish is the newest permanent expression to the Irish distillery's line — and here's a taste.
memphis-black-restaurant-week

Memphis Black Restaurant Week is Here and We’re Excited

The Birthplace of Rock and Roll is hosting its third annual celebration of black-owned eateries. Here are the highlights of the upcoming Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2018.
1-eataly-flatiron-fernetagroni-bottle-bar

Practice Your Fernet Face at the Great Branca Bar Pop-Up

Taking a shot of Fernet-Branca is a right of passage. You'll get your chance to take shots and sip Fernet cocktails at the Great Branca Bar, a pop-up that is going on tour around the United States this year.
don q rum product image

Double the Casks, Double the Fun: Don Q Double Aged Vermouth Cask Finish Rum

Don Q Double Aged Vermouth Cask Finish is made from a blend of rums aged five to eight years in American white oak casks. After that, it takes a special dip in old vermouth barrels for a little extra herbaceousness.
southsidespritz

Who Needs Course Fees When You Can Get Drunk on these Golf Cocktails at Home?

It’s no secret that golf cocktails are a thing. If you’ve ever played golf, what else do you drink after spending a few hours trekking around trying for that ever-so-elusive hole-in-one? When you can't hit the course, whip up these tasty golf cocktails at home.
Red wine pour

5 Budget Wines to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day

It's National Drink Wine Day. As if you needed another excuse to drink. From Lidl's selection of wines, we’ve picked five that are both budget-friendly (no wine costs more than eight bucks) and award-winning.
Golden Margarita cocktail

Gold Medal-Worthy Cocktails to Sip While Watching the Winter Olympics

You know what's better than watching the 2018 Winter Olympics? Drinking while watching the 2018 Winter Olympics. Cheer on Team USA with these podium-ready cocktail recipes.
Aermoor Vodka

Keep the Clouds in Your Head with Aermoor Vodka

Ever looked up at the clouds and wondered what they tasted like? While physically consuming a cloud may be out of the realm of possibility, Aermoor Vodka from South Carolina is allowing you to get a taste of the clouds in liquid form.
nico oyster shooter

This Restaurant Takes Oyster Shooters to the Next Level (With Scotch!)

We love oysters here at The Manual. NICO in Charleston, South Carolina, is taking a time-honored tradition to the next intoxicating level. The tradition? Oyster shooters. How is the restaurant upping the game? Scotch.
Fine and Dandy

Fine and Dandy is Redefining the Southern Diner Experience

Down in Jackson, Mississippi, Fine & Dandy is serving up classic diner food with a twist. We chat with executive chef Jesse Houston about Southern cuisine and what it takes to stand out from the rest.
hope hummus

When Plain Hummus Just Isn’t Enough, Try These Exceptional Flavors

In the past three decades, hummus has solidified its place in the pantheon of healthy snack options. However, sometimes the basic options can get a little boring. Next time you want something more unique, try our favorite flavors by Hope Hummus.