Random Leftover Bottles – What to Do with Them?

random leftover bottles

We all have one or two leftover bottles at the back of the cupboard that are simply collecting dust. Maybe someone gifted you a bottle of brandy or you bought some banana liqueur because you really wanted to try the recipe on Instagram, or perhaps you tried a cocktail on holiday and decided to bring […]

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What Is Smoked Grappa and How to Serve It?

smoked grappa

Bepi Tosolini Smoked Grappa, 40% ABV, is a unique and versatile product, which can be enjoyed in many ways. This is a perfect spirit for those who usually enjoy a peated whisky or even mezcal. This award-winning smoked grappa is made using artisanal methods, which require a lot of patience, time, and an eye for […]

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The History of Women in Spirits

Whisky woman

The spirits industry has been male-dominant for quite some time, yet it was women who used to do the hard yards of distilling and distribution in the pre-industrial era. Back in the day, it was common practice to make spirits from the comfort of your home using the ingredients at hand, and the work was […]

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A Quick Guide to Grappa

I haven’t written about grappa for a while, and my previous articles focus a lot on specific distilleries. I thought it might be helpful just to offer an all-rounder on the category, a beginner’s guide to grappa, if you wish. Let’s start with the basics. What is grappa? Grappa is a spirit made using what […]

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All-natural Amaretto you Must try!!

Distillery Bepi Tosolini, considered one of Italy’s best grappa distillers, has created a selection of tasty, all-natural liqueurs, anything from coffee to liquorice to strawberry and this beautiful Amaretto. Ingredients are sourced mainly locally in Friuli or nearby. Distillery Bepi Tosolini started as a grappa distillery in 1943, but over the years they have extended […]

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10 Most popular posts in 2016

I have had a very exciting and busy year, and thanks to all my readers and followers, I have had enough motivation and courage to keep on writing. Whilst you are probably enjoying a well-earned Christmas holiday I thought it would be a great time for us to recap some of the most popular posts […]

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Bepi Tosolini – For the Love of Grappa and Family

After my first experiences in 2015 I had a chance to visit another grappa distillery in the heart of the Friulian foothills – the distillery Bepi Tosolini. Since the first trip in this region my interest increased further towards the production of grappa, which takes place in such a short, intense window each year. Grappa is such a […]

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Grappa Production in Pictures

The grappa harvest takes place as soon as the grapes have become ripe enough, in order to obtain fresh vinaccia. The freshness of the vinaccia is the key of making a top quality grappa. The grapes are then destemmed and softly pressed, in order to separate the must (this is used to make wine) from […]

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Drink Like a Sardinian

Whilst Paolo, 27, from Sardinia, was teaching me how to drink Caffe Corretto properly we discussed traditional Italian drinking habits, anything from the making of grappa to the well-known Aperol Spritz. What are your first memories of spirits and alcohol growing up in Italy? I remember both my father and his father, my grandfather, distilling their […]

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