by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

It’s not very often that a classic comes along, particularly in the liqueur category. Most of the truly classic liqueurs have been around a long time, came from Europe, and often as not were created by monks–see Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Frangelico, and others. And sadly, too many new entrants in aisle 9B are poseurs, with some or another frou-frou ingredient backed with frenzied marketing. But every once in a while, an artisan with some vision and passion comes along that you just know will still be here in a century or two. The latest, and greatest, of these is Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur. Between its understated Asian lantern-style bottle, harmony of ingredients, and its effortless mixability, Canton is a future liqueur hall of famer.

(more…)

By Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

Lots of Champagne gets drunk on Valentine’s Day, as well as a distressing number of frilly-fruity-fuchsia cocktails. But what about spirits? Can we get some love in here for flammable beverages? Here are three picks for the sexiest, supple-ist, swingingest spirits for any romantic occasion, any of which will close down a dinner date in style.

Château de Beaulon Cognac

Château de Beaulon, March 2007

(more…)

by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

Our newest Cognac line is not only gourmet, it’s Gourmel. As in Léopold Gourmel, a connoisseur house of Cognac owned by a passionate Cognac man and co-founder Olivier Blanc. Founded in 1972, the house was named after the founder’s grandfather, a saddle maker by trade, hence the horse head logo.

(more…)

by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

I departed for France on Sunday, March 18. Direct flights like the one I had from CVG to Paris are overnight, so I arrived in Paris at 8:30 am. The plan was to go straight to Cognac—no rainy Parisian afternoons spent adjusting to jet lag, oh no, it was straight for the stills on this trip. I took a TGV (train grande vitesse, one of which recently set the world record for fastest train on rails) to Angoulème, and then a smaller and slower train to Cognac. These trains run like fine clockwork, with no waiting on the tarmac or “departing the gate just to say we did” whatsoever.

(more…)