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 .

by Susannah Skiver Barton · source ↗

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8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake

Asian-American bars are experiencing a wave of popularity in the U.S. — as are the beverages they serve. For the first half of 2025, the U.S. was the largest global importer of sake from Japan by volume, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. By value, the U.S. ranks second, just behind China. Beyond the data, sake is increasingly represented on menus at restaurants of various cuisines. The article 8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake appeared first on VinePair .

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

Within the vast world of cocktails, there are a few all-time favorites that land in the “greatest hits” category. Popular potent potables like the Margarita, Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini are such ubiquitous orders, they occasionally spill into pop-culture consciousness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as they can be delicious when properly made. Any bartender worth their salt will make the best versions of these greatest hits every time, no matter how many times guests order them. The article We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026) appeared first on VinePair .

This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail

Darling is a new Chinese-inspired cocktail bar from Brian Callahan and Zimu Chen that recently opened in Cambridge, Mass.’s Central Square. The bar takes inspiration from a number of sources, including the space’s previous tenant, Mary Chung’s, a beloved Chinese restaurant that served Sichuan dishes for 40 years. When researching design for the space, Callahan also looked to the cha chaan tengs of Hong Kong — cafes known for their eclectic menus that combine Eastern and Western comfort foods. The article This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail appeared first on VinePair .

Boutique Cognac Producers Are Betting on Transparency and Innovation to Shake Up the Status Quo

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8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail