North Shore Distiller's Journal

Notes from the Land of Alcohol

Chicago News: Binny's Bought Sam's W&S
One of the most prominent rivalries in the liquor business has officially ended.

Missouri Likes Illinois' new Liquor Tax
In the first month since Illinois raised its liquor taxes, Missouri saw a big increase in sales, some say 41%.

Wisconsin Looking to Raise Liquor Taxes
Nothing close to Illinois levels, but an increase nonetheless.

Bruce Willis is Getting into the Liquor Biz
Already pitching for one vodka brand, he's investing in that brand's parent company, which has been in bankruptcy court for awhile now.

Wine Industry - Source of the next Office?
Apparently Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are considering the wine industry as the backdrop for a future project. That ought to be good.


October 2009 News & Notes Distillery News We had a fantastic writeup on Chicagoist last week, you can find it here. Mysteries of Vermouth We put vermouth in a Martini, and orange bitters too if we're being classical about it. Did you know that vermouth should be refrigerated? Most people who hate vermouth were served bad vermouth. Vermouth is fortified wine, infused with herbs and spices. It's only slightly higher in alcohol than a bottle of red wine. As such, it will go bad quickly if left in a cabinet after opening. So buy small bottles, keep them in the fridge after opening, and use them within a few weeks. That means more Martinis, which is just fine with us. Try different brands, too - they do differ. A lot.	Fun Events of Many Flavors We've had a busy October so far - two charity events, a coctkail pairing dinner and a festive cocktail tasting. We have In-Store Tastings coming up at Chicago area liquor stores the rest of the month, come say hi! Here are a few highlights for November: Shopping & Cocktailing Event - November 12th Mark your calendars on November 12th for a very special evening in Chicago's west loop, hosted by Chicago's Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered cocktails. Shopping, cocktailing and conversation - help the local economy, try some great classic cocktails and benefit a local womens' shelter! Roadtrip! Sonja is taking her show on the road next month, so tell your friends in these areas! Champaign-Urbana November 14-15 San Francisco November 17-20

Halloween Cocktails Fall is here. Here are a couple of ideas for Halloween and your football parties. Mango Spice 2 oz Aquavit -Private Reserve 1½ oz Mango Puree/Juice 3/4 oz Simple Syrup ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice Shake ingredients with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass, or into new glass filled with ice. Garnish with cinnamon stick. Fall Fantasia 1½ oz North Shore Vodka 1 oz Gran Gala liqueur 2 oz Cranberry Juice ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice Shake ingredients with ice, strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh orange slice.	Notes from the Land of Alcohol Chicago News: Binny's Bought Sam's W&S One of the most prominent rivalries in the liquor business has officially ended. Missouri Likes Illinois' new Liquor Tax In the first month since Illinois raised its liquor taxes, Missouri saw a big increase in sales, some say 41%. Wisconsin Looking to Raise Liquor Taxes Nothing close to Illinois levels, but an increase nonetheless. Bruce Willis is Getting into the Liquor Biz Already pitching for one vodka brand, he's investing in that brand's parent company, which has been in bankruptcy court for awhile now. Wine Industry - Source of the next Office? Apparently Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are considering the wine industry as the backdrop for a future project. That ought to be good.