GemTaste

Barrel Basics

This column covers wine, sake, and whisky, focusing on their production processes and educational insights. It aims to be both informative and exploratory, capturing the essence of these beverages.

Yuzu in Cocktails: Crafting Luxury Drinks with a Citrus Twist

Yuzu in Cocktails: Crafting Luxury Drinks with a Citrus Twist

Discover how yuzu, Japan's prized citrus, transforms ordinary cocktails into luxury experiences. From traditional sake infusions to modern craft cocktails, this versatile fruit adds complex floral notes unlike any other citrus—perfect for the discerning home bartender.

The 8-Year Craftsmanship Behind Every Mezcal Batch

The 8-Year Craftsmanship Behind Every Mezcal Batch

Mezcal, a cherished Mexican spirit, embodies generations of tradition and artistry. Each bottle tells the story of an eight-year journey, from cultivating agave to the final distillation—a meticulous process driven by nature, skill, and dedication.

The High Cost of French Oak Barrel

The High Cost of French Oak Barrel

The most expensive wines, from Montrachet Chardonnays to first-growth Bordeaux, are oak-aged. French oak, used in the top fifty priciest wines, is crucial. The type, size, age, grain, and treatment of the oak barrel significantly affect the wine, driving up its cost.

How Sake Is Made: Complete Guide

How Sake Is Made: Complete Guide

Discover how sake is made: In sake brewing, every step from selecting and polishing the rice to fermenting and aging involves deliberate choices that craft each bottle's unique flavor, highlighting the brewer's artistry.

Why Junmai Daiginjo Sake Commands Premium Prices?

Why Junmai Daiginjo Sake Commands Premium Prices?

Sake, a traditional Japanese drink, is crafted from polished rice. Junmai Daiginjo, the most expensive type, can exceed $100 per bottle, with cost rising as polishing increases. Let’s explore the production and pricing of sake.

Dry Wines: Characteristics and Top Varieties

Dry Wines: Characteristics and Top Varieties

While dry wines might evoke a dry sensation when sipped, they actually contain little to no residual sugar. These wines vary from semi-sweet to spicy, depending on the variety, making them ideal for those seeking to enjoy wine without added sugars.

Biodynamic Wine Explained

Biodynamic Wine Explained

Biodynamic wine is crafted through a holistic approach that surpasses organic farming, viewing the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem connected to natural cycles. This article explores the unique process behind biodynamic wine production.