After a recent tasting of Dictador’s latest 2 Masters release, MoM caught up with affable marketing mastermind Ken Grier to find out just what makes a spirit ‘investment grade’. “I help people…
Master of Malt blog
Author: Lucy Britner
Guest contributor Lucy Britner is a highly experienced and knowledgeable editor of titles such as Drinks Retailing, Just-Drinks, Drinks International and World’s 50 Best Bars, becoming a Keeper of the Quaich in 2019 (an honour that recognises outstanding commitment to Scotch whisky).
In the build-up to National Tequila Day (on Saturday) we’re enjoying a twist on a standard that originated from a small family restaurant and has gone on to become a fixture on…
From boosting flavours to keeping aromas in the liquid, botanicals have many jobs. And beyond the traditional line-up, the world of gin botanicals can get pretty weird, finds Lucy Britner….
There’s no denying that a White Port and Tonic is a solid drink. It’s refreshing, relatively low in alcohol, and makes a great aperitif or summer sipper. But what else…
From high profile celeb brands to multi-billion-dollar company buy-outs, the drinks industry is a hotbed of activity when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. This week, MoM takes a look…
From pastis to limoncello and herbal bitters, the world of ‘holiday’ drinks doesn’t have to suffer because we can’t travel as much. Lucy Britner rounds up a handful of favourites…
It’s Master of Malt Islay Festival 2021 Day 9: Ardbeg time! For the ninth day we travel to the mighty Ardbeg to see what the team has planned while Lucy…
A shot that mixes vodka, triple sec and lime, the Kamikaze is a party drink. And its most famous slinger is everyone’s favourite fictional bartender… In the words of the…
There’s a lot of gin out there. A hell of a lot. So, how can gin brands stand out in such a crowded market place? Lucy Britner meets three British…
Finding a roof with a view and a decent drink can sometimes be a challenge. You might get the view, but what’s in the glass ends up being a bit…
Staycations are the 2021 holiday. And although we might be missing out on some exotic booze from foreign climes, there’s plenty to get excited about in ol’ Blighty – particularly…
From classic cars to crumbling buildings, Cuba carries the faded beauty of an old movie. Famous for revolutions, communism and its delicious drinks, country’s political history often goes hand-in-hand with…
From swanky decanters to the famous tasting glass, crystal and glassware manufacturer Glencairn is synonymous with the whisky industry. And as the family-owned East Kilbride company celebrates its 40th year,…
For the drinks industry, as with almost everywhere else, virtual has become the new reality. But as restrictions begin to lift, will it last, asks Lucy Britner. Is the living room…
It’s nearly Easter! And while the Easter bunny is busy laying chocolate eggs (that’s right, isn’t it?), we’ve been trying out chocolate and booze pairings. And not just pairings, it…
How did the son of an Irish Lord come to create one of the most famous spirit brands in the world? Lucy Britner delves into the history of Hennessy Cognac….
Taking a decent photo of a cocktail or a bottle of booze isn’t easy, especially if you’re in a dimly-lit bar. But from using what nature gives you to investing…
From finding 19th century distillery plans in a bin bag to inspiring new product development, the job of a whisky archivist is never dull, finds Lucy Britner. Ever wondered what…
Today, Lucy Britner takes a dive into one of the more geeky aspects of whisky production, worm tubs, and asks what effect these traditional condensers have on the finished spirit. …
We spoke with head distiller John McCarthy about Adnams’ the grain-to-glass process, being a pioneer British craft distiller and the crucial difference between wash and beer. Oh, and he has…