Not too long ago I was asked to stop by local NPR affiliate, KCRW to talk with Evan Kleiman on her show, Good Food about Tiki drinks and rum. I think I only mentioned Jeff “Beachbum” Berry two or three times, and to be honest, the entire interview should have been little more than me [...]
Interviews
Cachaça makers and importers have been celebrating the recent agreement between the USA and Brazil that has Brazil recognizing American spirits like Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey in exchange for the American recognition of Cachaça as its own spirit category. Until now all cachaça in the United States has been categorized as “rum” by the TTB [...]
Recently Dave Stolte set out to change the world with an approachable, stocking-stuffable cocktail book for the average drinker. Rather than pander to baser tastes and recipes though, Dave insisted that the basics of a home bar should include the same foundation as used in a craft cocktail bar. To do this, Dave gave the [...]
Jeff Berry, the leader of a worldwide cult of Tiki, has a new book coming out. Beachbum Berry Remixed is his latest effort to bring the best of Tiki to the masses. The book contains more than 240 drink recipes – some classics, some new creations by today’s best barfolk – along with classic artwork and original drink photography.
Using all of my incredible connections in the industry, along with not-so-veiled threats to start encouraging people to make Mai Tais with Amaretto and orange juice, I was able to secure a little bit of Jeff’s time and ask him about his book, his history and which Zombie recipe is the best.
Martin Cate is an internationally recognized expert on rum and Tiki drinks. Over the years he has taught classes, tended bar, designed beverage programs, been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and appeared on shows like The Today Show. In 2009 after several years working behind [...]
When most people think of spirits in the United States, they think of Rye, Bourbon, or Tennessee Sour Mash – the Holy Trinity of American Whiskey. What they don’t realize is that another spirit has defined the US – and pretty much the entirety of the Western Hemisphere – almost since Europeans first set foot [...]