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Drinking

What Exactly Is IBU in Beers?

In relation to beers, IBU is an abbreviation for “International Bitterness Unit(s).” One can use IBU as an off-hand indicator of the beer’s bitterness. The bitterness is measured as low to high. In other words, generally, the higher the IBU number, the more bitter the beer. Scientifically and technically speaking, IBU quantifies the amount of […]

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What Is the Japanese Mizunara Oak, and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?

When you realize the history behind certain things, its value magnifies because the story was so powerful and overwhelming that there is this undeniable sense of the appreciation of the hardships, struggle, hard work, courage in the environment of danger, awe, and to some degree, even inspiration. The world of whiskies — especially how it […]

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What Makes a Beer an Amber Lager?

One thing that Amber Lagers are known for is that the hoppiness is not their prominent flavor. So if the bitter taste is not your style, you might want to adopt or check out Amber Lager beers. But, what makes a beer an Amber Lager? Defining Amber Lager, Generally Amber Lagers characteristically are: Lighter in […]

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What Is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey?

A bourbon is an American Whiskey, with corn being the primary in its mash — at the least, 51%. Outside of this fundamental rule, there are a few other laws whiskey makers have to adhere to — in order to qualify and officially be eligible to label their product as a “bourbon.” So, What Is […]

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What Are Hops in a Beer?

We can all reminisce about a point in our lives where we had a cold delectable beer with just the right level of bitterness. And while it wasn’t overpowering other flavors and aromas, it stood out on its own. In most cases, that bitter taste (which is what regular folks associate it with) in beers […]

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Drinking

What Is a Belgian Style Ale Beer?

Lots of experts agree that it’s hard to define & properly categorize Belgian Beers. On a high level, though, as the name suggests, Belgian Beers are Ales focusing on malts, fruitiness, and spices (for the most part, but can vary a lot). These beers can easily even cross the line of being complex. As chronicled, […]

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What Is a Blonde Beer?

Interchangeably referred to as a “Golden Ale” or “Blonde Ale,” a Blonde Beer predominantly accentuates its name due to its color appearance — at least to an average consumer — which is somewhere within the vicinity of light amber to pale yellow. Outside of its visual manifestation, what makes a beer a Blonde Beer? Defining […]

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A Convivial Introduction to Gin

Often referred to as flavored Vodka, Gin holds not only medicinal properties but also possesses diverse & distinct flavors for the palate and a refreshing aroma for the mind & soul. What really sets Gin apart, or rather, its unique characteristic is that it contains Juniper berries. In fact, without its dominant flavor, it cannot be considered a […]

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A Very Simple Guide to Peated Whiskies

Smokiness is not limited to just barbeques, or in the case of unfortunate house fires. In everyday terminology, smoked or peated whiskies are very much real, not to mention, they taste & feel incredible — leaving an enticing aftertaste. So, What Is a Peated Whisky After All? To accurately comprehend what “peated” means, we first […]

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About Gluten-Free Beers

People with gluten intolerance no longer have to feel left out, as with each passing day, the demand & prominence of gluten-free beers are experiencing incremental attention. And while time will tell if these types of beer would be available at your everyday grocery stores in a pervasive manner, they definitely are at those whose […]

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A Brief Non-Technical Journey Into IPA Beers

IPA (India Pale Ale) beers are one of my favorites. I am basing that fact based on tons of different beers I’ve tried, and nothing else. I suppose that’s how regular, non-technical people base anything when it comes to likeness. But there are a few aspects of an IPA beer I’ve often wondered about, such […]

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What Is a Hazy IPA Beer?

For those who aren’t that crazy about IPAs in general or its bitterness, a Hazy IPA beer might be an excellent alternative to the world of India Pale Ales. These types of beers tend to provide a sublime balance between not going too far off the edge of IPAs, and at the same time, emanate […]

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Drinking

Why Is the Drinking Age 21?

If you have an appreciation for alcohol, you might have asked yourself: Why is the drinking age 21? The super-short & sweet answer to that is because of the “National Minimum Drinking Age act of 1984. Well, cool, but why 21? What was the logic behind it? If you’re curious to know about these answers, […]

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What Is a Non-Chill Filtered Whisky?

The world of whiskies is astounding, and if you look deep enough, you’ll realize that every single element and thought that goes into making the final product (a whisky that is) has a purpose. From the many, one of the specializations, if you will, is a non-chill filtered whisky. So, what is a non-chill filtered […]

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What Is a Hard Seltzer?

Akin to a light beer, and also going by the name of “spiked seltzer,” a hard seltzer is an alcoholic drink at the end of the day. Primarily, it is composed of seltzer (carbonated water), and quite simply, alcohol. The type of alcohol can vary, but in its most basic form, that’s what it is. […]

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How to Order a Whisk(e)y at a Bar

Ordering a whisk(e)y at a bar isn’t as daunting as one typically anticipates. It’s only as disturbing an experience as you allow yourself to think. Regardless, before I delve too deep into the power of mind what whatnot, based on my personal encounters, and of others, the discomfort of ordering a whisk(e)y at a bar […]

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A Quick Preface to a Japanese Whisky

The exciting aspect of any alcoholic drink is the diversity it provides — especially in terms of geography. When it comes to whiskies, those from Japan are rightfully earning their name. So, what is it about a Japanese whisky, that many are fondly fascinated towards? How a Japanese Whisky Is Unique The first differentiation is […]

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Drinking

What Is Port Wine: A Layman’s Introduction

Hailing from Portugal, specifically the Douro Valley region, a port wine is a fortified red wine that is typically sweet, and traditionally reveled as a dessert drink. To understand this concept a bit more fully though, you’d also need to know what a fortified wine is. What Is a Fortified Wine? The first and in […]

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Differences Between a Cognac and a Brandy

One of my favorite nightcaps is brandy — especially during the winters. Although, what I am actually drinking is a Cognac. Technically speaking, there are a couple of differences between a Cognac and a brandy. Follow along, to learn what they are. Cognac vs. Brandy Difference 1: Location This one might be a little obvious, […]

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Single Malt vs. Double Malt: What Is the Difference

The world of whiskies is extraordinary, and even the tiniest of the details hold great importance for a nuanced drinker. Not only that, but the jargon associated with specific brand names and terms is also something perhaps only avid drinkers or aficionados may know. In this intricate universe of this fine spirit (which I also […]

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Drinking

Is It Whiskey or Whisky? Find Out

Whether you are an enthusiast or just a dabbler, the words whiskey and whisky have differences between them, and there are reasons (well, mainly one) as to why the two versions of the spelling exist. So, is it whiskey or whisky? What’s the Need for Two Spelling Versions of This Fine Spirit? I don’t know […]