Binny's Blog

We take a stroll down the NA beer aisle, where the options have never been better.

Oktoberfest beers arrive earlier and earlier every year, get the jump on them before they're all gone.

Lace up your dirndl, grab your liter glass and bask in the Gemütlichkeit of Oktoberfest 2024.

Whether you're longing for a bygone summer or barreling headlong into fall, Oktoberfest is a time to celebrate. Bridge the seasons with this recipe for Sauerbraten.

Malty beers and meat sticks, it must be Oktoberfest. This week on Barrel to Bottle we're blind-tasting twelve Oktoberfest Märzens and sampling some delicious meat sticks from Pat's favorite butcher.

Not only are there more options for Dry January, but they're better than they've ever been. The Barrel to Bottle crew runs through the best of NA beer, wine and spirits.

Brats, sauerkraut, pretzels and mustard...you've had all those for Oktoberfest but what about rouladen? Try out the Demo Kitchen's recipe for this thin layers of beef smothered in rich brown gravy. Prost!

When six o’clock rolls around many Italians have their hearts firmly set on a leisurely cocktail and maybe a nibble or two before dinner. It’s Aperitivo time and most will opt for something a bitter cocktail to stimulate their appetites. But what are devotees of the cocktail hour, the ranks of which include countless Americans, to do during Dry January?

The original Matador cocktail called for Tequila, Orange Curacao, and French Vermouth. “Trader” Vic Bergeron created his own version in the early seventies throwing pineapple and lime juice into the mix. These are just the two most famous Matadors but certainly not the only ones. Today, in keeping with the growing trend of “Dry January” we humbly submit our spicy nonalcoholic version to be added to list.

Binny’s Demo Kitchen’s delicious and easy recipe for Obatzda, the Bavarian beer and cheese spread served at Oktoberfest. It’s made with Hefeweizen, Marzen, or the German beer of your choosing. It is also great with Gewurztraminer, fruity German Pinot Noir or even Kirshwasser.