Brad Japhe

George T. Stagg bourbon has been named "Best In Show" at the 2026 ASCOT Awards, securing the top honor across all whiskey categories, including Scotch, Irish, and Japanese. This highly sought-after, cask-strength offering from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection, specifically the 2025 expression, impressed judges with its complex profile, featuring notes of sarsaparilla, dried fruits, chocolate, and a leathery finish, despite its potent 71.4% ABV. ASCOT organizer Fred Minnick praised the BTAC series as defining. While the allocated bourbon often fetches around $1000 on secondary markets due to its legendary status and consistent accolades, a more accessible, year-round "Stagg" option is available for under $200, offering a similar barrel-strength experience.

While the gin market sees a surge in "New World Gins" that often de-emphasize juniper, Northern Ireland's Boatyard Distillery is making waves by doubling down on the classic botanical. Their acclaimed Double Gin, a wheat-based spirit, features eight botanicals, including local farm-sourced ingredients, and undergoes a unique double juniper vapor infusion process. This results in a 92-proof gin with a pungent, piney nose, earthy zest, and creamy finish, perfect for classic cocktails. Beyond its distinctive flavor, Boatyard is the Emerald Isle's first carbon-neutral, B Corp certified distillery, prioritizing environmental and social impact. Following international success, the brand is now expanding into the US market, led by industry veteran Tim Herlihy, aiming to bring its juniper-forward gin to American shelves and drink menus.

The U.S. Open's iconic Honey Deuce cocktail has become a modern classic, inspiring new variations like the Match Point, debuting in lower Manhattan later this month.

All the details on the first-of-its-kind collaboration between the iconic lifestyle brand and two award-winning Kentucky whiskey makers.

While the market sees a surge in "New World Gins" that de-emphasize juniper, Northern Ireland's Boatyard Distillery is making waves by doubling down on a classic formula.

Portland's vibrant culinary scene is highlighted by Bellpine, an elevated restaurant and bar atop the Ritz-Carlton. From its 20th-floor perch, guests enjoy stunning sunset views of Mt. Hood, St. Helens, and Adams. The bar crafts inventive cocktails, like the Olive Oil Old Fashioned, with prices ranging from $18-$25, often paired with caviar. Chef Jocelyn Chacón's menu, influenced by her Mexican heritage, features unique dishes such as Hoja Santa Halibut and mango scallop ceviche, complemented by a deep selection of agave spirits. Bellpine has become a premier date-night destination for locals and a sophisticated draw for visitors.

The results are in from the Global Spirits Masters – one of the UK's top annual judging competitions.

Glen Scotia's Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026 Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been crowned "Tastemaster" at the prestigious Global Spirits Masters competition, a top UK judging event. This 107.8-proof, 7-year-old scotch, matured in ex-bourbon and finished in Ruby port casks, offers a complex profile of vanilla fudge, bright berry, clove, and coastal brine from peated malt. Despite its youth, it impressed judges with its sophistication. Unfortunately for American enthusiasts, this award-winning £59 expression was a UK-exclusive release for the annual Campbeltown Malts Festival. However, other acclaimed Glen Scotia malts, like the 12-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old, are widely available in the US, showcasing the quality of this historic Scottish region.

Matured in ex-bourbon and finished in Ruby port casks, this sub-$100 bottle offers award-winning complexity to rival scotches far older and far more expensive.

From its 20th-floor perch guests come here to enjoy inventive cocktail infusions backdropped by stunning sunset views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and the Willamette River.