The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
55 results across all types
- news
The VinePair Podcast: Gruppo Campari Couldn’t Pass on Courvoisier
From Gallo’s purchase of Rombauer and Massican to cannabis brand Tilray’s surprising acquisition of eight craft breweries and beverage companies from AB-InBev, there’s been no shortage of head-turning deals just this year alone. However, arguably the most surprising one came just last week when news broke that Gruppo Campari will be purchasing Courvoisier from Beam Suntory for a whopping $1.32 billion. During the early days of the pandemic, Cognac experienced a massive explosion of growth. Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and the like were on fire — so much so that many producers ran out of stock. The article The VinePair Podcast: Gruppo Campari Couldn’t Pass on Courvoisier appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Campari Group to Acquire Courvoisier Cognac from Beam Suntory for $1.32 Billion
Italy’s Campari Group has committed to buy premium Cognac house Courvoisier from Beam Suntory in a landmark deal, according to a Thursday press release from the brand. The purchase price for the acquisition is set at $1.2 billion. An additional payment of $120 million is expected to be payable in 2029 if the net sales target is reached in 2028, potentially giving the acquisition a value of $1.32 billion — the largest deal in Campari Group’s history. The article Campari Group to Acquire Courvoisier Cognac from Beam Suntory for $1.32 Billion appeared first on VinePair .
- news
We Asked 12 Bartenders: Which Cognac Offers the Best Bang For Your Buck?
There’s a longstanding visual that’s often associated with drinking Cognac. It involves an old, rich white guy in a smoking jacket sitting by a roaring fireplace, slowly and joylessly swirling the liquid in the broad-based snifter in his palm. Despite the category’s efforts to distance itself from this stuffy stereotype, it persists. This assumption does more than convey pretentiousness — it implies that Cognac is the forbidden fruit of the spirits world, unattainable unless you have deep pockets. This is untrue: Cognac is for everyone, and for every budget. The article We Asked 12 Bartenders: Which Cognac Offers the Best Bang For Your Buck? appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The 50 Best Spirits of 2023
Check out the best spirits from previous years here! Dozens of categories considered, thousands of bottles tasted, and almost 12 months in the making, the publishing of VinePair’s 50 best spirits list marks a major milestone in our calendar and one of our favorite annual traditions. Consider it not a bonafide buying guide — those can be found here — and instead a highlights reel of the best spirits that graced our palates this year. The article The 50 Best Spirits of 2023 appeared first on VinePair .
- news
4 Ways to Go Bold This Holiday Season With Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre
Frenchman Louis-Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle had an affinity for aged Cognac, a refined brandy from France’s Cognac region. This traditional spirit is made from grapes and aged in oak casks to impart nuanced and complex notes to the liquid — but in 1880, Marnier-Lapostolle took it one step further by blending his Cognac with exotic orange liqueur, thus introducing the world to Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. At the time, this unique combination of exceptional Cognac and rare Caribbean oranges was audacious and had never been done before. The article 4 Ways to Go Bold This Holiday Season With Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The 25 Best Cognacs for 2023
If you’re looking for proof of the “premiumization” trend in alcohol, Cognac offers a fine example. Between 2016 and 2021, dollar sales in the U.S. grew a staggering 64.4 percent, according to data from the Distilled Spirits Council, with the “super premium” price range leading the charge. All things told, sales topped out at close to $3.5 billion in 2021, the most recent year for which the organization has published data. It’s hardly surprising that many would be willing to fork out a little extra per bottle or upgrade to more expensive offerings. The article The 25 Best Cognacs for 2023 appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Uncle Nearest Acquires Esteemed French Vineyard to Launch Cognac Brand
Renowned Tennessee whiskey brand Uncle Nearest plans to expand its production into Cognac, announcing its acquisition of an esteemed estate in the French region on Wednesday. The premium whiskey company secured ownership of Domaine Saint Martin, a highly coveted and historic property that can trace its lineage back over 350 years. The more than 100-acre estate is located along the Charente River in the city of Cognac, and encompasses an adjoining cooperage, expansive cellars, a distillery, and 50 acres dedicated to its Grande Champagne vineyards. The article Uncle Nearest Acquires Esteemed French Vineyard to Launch Cognac Brand appeared first on VinePair .
- news
We Asked 11 Bartenders: What Are the Best Split-Base Cocktails?
Classic cocktails typically feature one star spirit that’s considered central to the drink’s identity. It can dictate where the beverage appears in a cocktail book or on a bar menu, and is a major factor in attracting — or dissuading — guests from ordering it. But as bartenders continue to push the limits of mixology, more and more programs are spotlighting split-base cocktails, which use two different spirits as the foundation of their builds. The article We Asked 11 Bartenders: What Are the Best Split-Base Cocktails? appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The 7 Best Maple Cocktails for Fall
As nights get a little longer and temperatures get a little cooler, there’s no doubt that fall is just around the bend. And while pumpkin spice may dominate the seasonal fall flavor camp, there are a number of other delightful autumnal tastes to relish in this time of year. Take maple syrup, for example. Rich, sweet, and sticky with notes of caramel and vanilla, maple syrup makes a wonderful addition to fall cocktails, providing concoctions with an edge of sweetness and seasonal spice. The article The 7 Best Maple Cocktails for Fall appeared first on VinePair .
- news
10 of the Best Coffee Cocktails for 2023
We’ve all experienced that feeling of dread right around 9 p.m. on a Friday night, when those plans we made earlier in the week begin to sound less and less appealing. But if you don’t want to bail on plans for the third time despite being down for the count, a coffee cocktail could be the perfect concoction to revive you. While the Red Bull Vodka is a great dive bar staple, upping your cocktail game (and mood) with an icy drink infused with a cup of joe just feels a little sexier. The article 10 of the Best Coffee Cocktails for 2023 appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The Stinger
The article The Stinger appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Between the Sheets
The article Between the Sheets appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Chili’s Is Launching New Margaritas with a Nod to ‘The Office’
In the immortal words of Pam Beasley: We feel God in this Chili’s tonight. Chili’s recently added four new Margaritas to its cocktail menu nationwide, according to a brand representative: The Casamigos ‘Rita, Henny ‘Rita, Skinny ‘Rita, and Sangrita ‘Rita. To celebrate the new items, the Dallas-based restaurant chain is paying homage to its link to NBC’s “The Office” by partnering with two major cast members. The article Chili’s Is Launching New Margaritas with a Nod to ‘The Office’ appeared first on VinePair .
- news
7 Cocktails to Make You a Lavender Lover
Spring has officially sprung, and with the summer months just around the corner, there’s never been a more perfect time to experiment with new seasonal ingredients. Lavender, which can be seen in full bloom from June to September, not only looks and smells stunning but also serves as a wonderful complement to a number of delightful libations. The article 7 Cocktails to Make You a Lavender Lover appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The 13 Best Angostura Bitters Cocktails
Ah, Angostura, the most beloved bitters of the cocktail community. Famous for their presence in cocktails, an iconic and oversize label, and even for its niche popularity as a 1.5-ounce shot, it’s safe to say that Angostura bitters are practically ubiquitous behind the bar. But when it comes to at-home mixology, beyond whipping up an Old Fashioned, you may be questioning what to do with that bottle of Angostura that will never expire. The article The 13 Best Angostura Bitters Cocktails appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The Cognac Conundrum: Why the World’s Most Celebrated Brandy Is Ignored in Its Homeland
About 212.5 million bottles of Cognac were sold in 2022, according to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), the spirit’s trade organization. Only 2.8 percent, or about 5.95 million of them, were sold in France, with the remaining 97.2 percent exported to leading markets such as the United States, China, and elsewhere in Europe. How is it possible that the French don’t consume their own product, one with centuries of storied history? The article The Cognac Conundrum: Why the World’s Most Celebrated Brandy Is Ignored in Its Homeland appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Wine 101: French Wine Regions: Cognac
This episode’s sponsor of “Wine 101” is Talbott Vineyards, home to the legendary Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. Sounds mysterious, right? Sleepy Hollow is famous for producing acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noir. Okay, this is where things get weird. Every day the vineyard gets shrouded in cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean. It’s all good. The grapes ripen more slowly and end up packed with concentrated flavor and color. To try Talbott Vineyards’ wine, visit TheBarrelRoom.com. The article Wine 101: French Wine Regions: Cognac appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Boutique Cognac Producers Are Betting on Transparency and Innovation to Shake Up the Status Quo
There’s no dichotomy in spirits like Cognac. With a history dating back hundreds of years, the famed French brandy is led by gigantic legacy brands owned by multinational conglomerates. These companies source most of their eau-de-vie from thousands of growers within the Cognac AOC, maturing and eventually blending it into a portfolio of products that start with entry-level V.S. The article Boutique Cognac Producers Are Betting on Transparency and Innovation to Shake Up the Status Quo appeared first on VinePair .
- news
The Best and Worst Super Bowl Booze Ads, Ranked (2023)
The Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity to kick back with some friends, munch on chips and guac, and sip some cold beers while watching the game. Or, if you’re less athletically-inclined, it’s the biggest night of the year to enjoy humorous and heartfelt commercials. Plenty of beverage companies showed up during this year’s commercial breaks — and notably more beer brands after Anheuser-Busch slashed its long-standing exclusive advertising relationship last year. The article The Best and Worst Super Bowl Booze Ads, Ranked (2023) appeared first on VinePair .
- news
These Are the Booziest Moments From the 2023 Grammys
The annual Grammy Awards celebrate the biggest names in music today. This year’s ceremony took place on Sunday, Feb. 5 and included more than a few booze-filled moments that got the internet talking. Throughout the night, celebrities indulged in both the venue’s drinks and their own. The article These Are the Booziest Moments From the 2023 Grammys appeared first on VinePair .
- news
These Are the Best Valentine’s Day Drink Specials at Chain Restaurants (2023)
Valentine’s Day can be tough — whether you’re in a relationship, crushing on someone, or totally single, V-Day plans can be difficult to navigate. Cutesy drink specials make the Hallmark holiday a bit sweeter, though. Every year, there’s a handful of restaurant chains that break out the pink food dye for the day of romance. Expect lots of sweet garnishes, rose-hued sips, and endless heart motifs. The article These Are the Best Valentine’s Day Drink Specials at Chain Restaurants (2023) appeared first on VinePair .
- news
We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cocktail or Spirit Do You Want to See More People Ordering This Year?
Tired of buzzwords like mindful drinking and Damp January? How about a New Year’s resolution that actually involves booze? If that sounds more up your alley, consider this list of out-of-the-box beverages, straight from the brains of talented bartenders and beverage pros across the country. Though your favorite bartenders are more than happy to serve whatever drink you order, there are certain beverages they wish patrons would be more open to trying. These are the people who pour drinks all day (and night), so they already know what kind of rut you’re in. The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cocktail or Spirit Do You Want to See More People Ordering This Year? appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Rémy Cointreau Announces Plans for a Cognac Super Bowl Commercial
For some, viewing the Super Bowl commercials can be even more competitive than the big game itself. If this describes you, it’s likely that you already know that beer ads typically dominate commercial breaks during football games, the Super Bowl included. This year, though, there’s set to be at least one Cognac brand you’re likely to catch during an advertising break. The article Rémy Cointreau Announces Plans for a Cognac Super Bowl Commercial appeared first on VinePair .
- news
Rémy Martin Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau Is Committed to a Green Future for Cognac
Rémy Martin has been ahead of the game for years. Since its founding in 1724, the house has always been conscious of its sustainability efforts — focusing on the soil, the terroir, and the people who take care of it. In 2007, its vineyards officially received a Sustainable Agriculture certification, and then in 2012, a High Environmental Value (HVE) certification. The article Rémy Martin Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau Is Committed to a Green Future for Cognac appeared first on VinePair .