Binny's Blog

It's March, which means the Barrel to Bottle Crew is contractually obligated to talk about Irish spirits. Last year, we tackled some of Pat's favorite Irish whiskies.

The Scotch and Drambuie based delight known as the Rusty Nail got a 21st century update with the addition of the immensely complex herbal liqueur Green Chartreuse. The result is known as the Carthusian Nail. We must confess that we have “borrowed” this idea to create a St. Patrick’s Day friendly version we are calling the Brass Nail.

The classic Grasshopper cocktail has roots in New Orleans, but it took our neighbors to the north to popularize the decadent ice-cream-based version. This is an adults only Shamrock Shake that packs the punch of a swift knock on the noggin with a shillelagh (in a good way!).

A sophisticated Irish influenced meal full of familiar flavors and perfectly suited for family or a small dinner party - oven roasted salmon with carrot sauce, parsnip puree and caramelized cabbage.  

Cranberry sauce is often overlooked on a lot of families' holiday tables, but to me it's such a great, simple way to really brighten up the plate. The cranberry sauce also has the added benefit of pairing well with both wine and just about everything on a traditional holiday plate, making it a perfect bridge between your wine of choice and the wide array of flavors on your menu.

Join Binny's Wine Educator Alicia B. and Wine Specialist Chris S. to explore Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages and how to pair them with your Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and you have a ton of leftovers and maybe you’re less inclined than in other years to go out for brunch. Stay in, use those leftovers to create something completely different and soul satisfying.

Hash is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover meat whether it’s corned beef, roast beef or turkey. This version has the flare of New Mexico making for a spicy Thanksgiving weekend brunch or even dinner.

Rakefire is an old British pejorative for a person who outstays their welcome in someone's home until the fire has burned down to a few remaining embers. It also evokes thoughts of smoldering piles of leaves, dried sheaves of old John Barleycorn and cool autumn evenings.

What's the craic? It's the time of year to brush up on all that our Irish Whiskey aisle has to offer.