My Sister's Drinks are Depressing

My Sister's Drinks are Depressing

So, I love my sister, but I swear to god we need to have an intervention where we teach her how to combine cocktail staples according to known recipes. Click to learn about her crimes.

Covid-19 and 2-Ingredient Cocktails

Covid-19 and 2-Ingredient Cocktails

Well, boys and girls, it’s lockdown in Los Angeles, and I figure we might as well make the best of things. Let’s talk simple drinks.

In Praise of the "Give No Shits" Bottle

In Praise of the "Give No Shits" Bottle

You might have heard me mention this from time to time in other reviews. After some thought, I figured the term deserved some additional explanation and examination.

Classic Cocktails: The Sidecar

Classic Cocktails: The Sidecar

You wouldn’t believe how unforgiving a three-ingredient cocktail can be to make. However, the sidecar is worth experimenting with: not only is it tasty, but it’s a great teacher. Let’s learn from my mistakes.

In Praise of Odd Flavors

In Praise of Odd Flavors

You might’ve seen a tasting note on the side of a bottle (or even here on this site) and thought, “Boy, that’s weird.” I’ll make the case for why weird stuff can be enjoyable.

Moving Beyond the Standards

Moving Beyond the Standards

Ever been at a point where the more you try, the less you seem to know? If you’re bored with what you’re drinking, I might have some insight. (Bourbon drinkers, click here.)

The Problem with Standards

The Problem with Standards

Standardization often results in beloved products no stranger to the shelf. That said, it’s not all sunshine and roses.

Head to Head: Fancy Vodka

Head to Head: Fancy Vodka

Are all vodkas the same? Especially “fancy” vodkas? Seeking answers, I became a scientist in the laboratory we call life.

Summer Means Beer

Summer Means Beer

I don't cover beer and wine much on this site, but every now and again rules should be broken. On a hot day, there's simply nothing better.

Get to Know Glengoyne

Get to Know Glengoyne

A lesser-known scotch distillery that's got a bona-fide "thing." Let's learn what makes it more interesting than most! 

Category Overview: Rum

Category Overview: Rum

An unfairly maligned category, and a good rum can be every bit the equal of a scotch or bourbon as far as dark spirits go. Learn how to pick a good ‘un.

The Allure of Bourbon

The Allure of Bourbon

Bourbon seems like something we should all like. I spent some time thinking about the particulars of that statement.

What To Do With Crappy Whiskey

What To Do With Crappy Whiskey

Not every bottle is a winner. But, there are better options than dumping crap-grade whiskey down the sink. Let's explore our options!

Champagne Cocktails

Champagne Cocktails

Do you love champagne? Hey, me neither. Let's make some cocktails with it.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

A small holiday update for Spirit Animal's well-wishers (and/or usual motley crew of ne'er-do-wells).

Vermouth Truth

Vermouth Truth

Strangely misunderstood for such a bar staple. Most people think they don't like vermouth. But hey, good thing you're not most people! 

Bourbon Fight: Cheap Versus Fancy!

Bourbon Fight: Cheap Versus Fancy!

Sometimes the best way to really determine what you think about things is to put your suspicions in the ring and let them go a few rounds against each other. Results were ...surprising.

Elements of Scotch: Peat

Elements of Scotch: Peat

A kickoff of a larger series designed to talk about the elements in your spirits that make them taste the way we do. Today, we start with peat, which to many is synonymous with scotch itself.