Benchmark Bourbon Vertical Tasting

Ahead of Canadian Whisky Week, Sips Across the Sea turns its focus westward as Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup taste two expressions from Macaloney’s Island Distillery. Along the way, David rediscovers a classic Canadian whisky drink—the overlooked forerunner to the Bramble—uncovering how Canadian styles and serves quietly shaped modern cocktail culture.

In this special Christmas episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup discuss the drinks featured in the Frank Capra classic It's a Wonderful Life. This Christmas classic set partially during Prohibition, features many drinks including, bourbon, gin, champaign, mulled wine, and flaming rum punch! This episode also features an original cocktail called Buffalo Girl from author and friend of the show Aaron Knoll @theginisin.

In this episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup explor the origins, mythology, and varriations on the Harvey Wallbanger. They debunk some common missconcemptions, dive into its predicesor, the Italian Screwdriver, and explore how different formulations of Galliano affect the flavor of this classic 70s cocktail. Join us for this spirits discussion on the pros and cons of this infamous family of cocktails.

Screwdriver - Vodka. Orange juice. And far more going on than you’d expect. Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup unpack the cultural history of the Screwdriver, from vodka’s post-war rise to its pop-culture moments (including a nod to Fawlty Towers). They debate ideal ratios, ice and dilution, and what really matters when choosing vodka and orange juice. A simple cocktail put under a surprisingly sharp lens. Mix up your favorite version and enjoy the episode.

Join Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup as they do a vertical tasting of Benchmark Bourbon from the standard McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 to the Benchmark Full Proof and chat about how age and proof can have a dramatic affect on the flavor of whiskey.Serve yourself a pour of bourbon or fix up a bourbon and wather and enjoy.

In this episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup they chat about the world of rum on National Rum Day. They dive into Pusser's Rum, navy rum, and the practical designs of ships decanters used for drinks. This spirited discussion range on how various style of rum work in variuos cocktails tips for building rum cocktails. As you listen, build yourself a Rum and Coke or your favorite rum drink and enjoy as join us as we sip across the sea.

In this episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup toast the underappreciated Martini-on-the-Rocks in anticipation of National Martini Day. They dive into the practical application of the drink, its regionality, and a couple of spec variations on how to build the cocktail. This spirited discussion range on topics for collecting glassware, the challenges of delicate and large Martini glasses and the reason to build a cocktail from the least expensive to most expensive ingredient. As you listen, build yourself a Martini-on-the-Rocks join our celebration of National Martini Day.

On this special World Gin Day episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup raise a glass to one of the world's most beloved spirits. They dive into the origins of World Gin Day, and the underappreciated combination of gin and water. Expect spirited discussions about this classic serve, how different ratios of water effects the taste of gins, drinks in classic films, the beauty of Pink Gin, the uniqueness of UK pub culture, temperance, prohibition, and no episode would be complete without a mention of old Jene and Lionel. Whether you're a die-hard gin enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the various ways to enjoy the beauty of juniper. Spirits mentioned in this episode include:Tanqaray London Dry Gin 47.3% ABVSt. Geroge Spirits Terroir Gin 45% ABVStill G.I.N. 42.5%St. Augustine Distillery Barrel Finished Gin 50% ABVPlymouth Gin 41.2% ABVValentine Distilling Co. Liberator Gin 42% ABVConker Dorset Dry Gin 40% ABVLocations and Cocktails in this episode include:The Ship & Shovell2 Craven Passage, London WC2N 5NF, UKMartini on the Rocks2 ½oz gin½oz dry vermouthFill rocks glass with ice, combine gin and dry vermouth and stir. Garnish with lemon twist or olive. Pink Gin & Water2oz gin1 dash Angostura bitters2 to 4oz waterFill a rocks or highball glass with ice and add gin, Angostura and water to desired amount. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist. Churchill Gin & Water Highball½oz ginTop with waterCover the bottom of a highball glass with gin. Top up glass with ice cold water. Mix up your favorite combination of gin and water and sip along with us. Happy World Gin Day!

While Dry January is continuing to grow in popularity join David T. Smith @summerfruitcup, Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and the other 80% of drinking age adults who continue to enjoy tipple through the winter by celebrating Rye January. In this episode David and Eric share some of their favorite rye whiskeys, rye based cocktails and other ways to enjoy this under-appreciated spirit.Spirits mentioned in this episode include:Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled-in-BondWild Turkey 101 Straight Rye WhiskeyCoppersea Bonticou Crag Straight Rye Malt Whisky Bottled in BondOld Potrero Rye Straight Rye WhiskeyRockwell Vermouth Co. Native AmberBenedictine D.O.M. LiqueurWrecking Coast Rye WhiskyJaywalk Bonded Straight Rye WhiskeyMister Katz’s Rock & RyeJacquin's Rock & RyeMedia mentioned in this episode include:Disco Cocktails - Amazon, Amazon UKThe Atlas of Bourbon and American Whiskey - Amazon, Amazon UKCocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:ManhattanOld FashionedSazeracVieux CarréNew York SourAll links and full cocktail recipes can be found on the episode page Sips Across the Sea - Rye January

January 13-19, 2025 marks the inaugural celebration of Canadian Whisky Week organized by our friend Reece Sims. Join Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup as they chat about the expanding world of Canadian whisky, their unique regulations, and some simple ways to join in the fun. For more information check out their website and Instagram. #CADWhiskyWeekSpirits mentioned in this episode include:Canadian Club 1858 Blended Canadian WhiskyCanadian Club 100% Canadian Rye WhiskyPendleton Blended Canadian WhiskyThat Boutique-y Whisky Company Canadian Corn Whisky 8 YearsMonashee Spirits Triticale WhiskySeagram’s 7 Crown American Blended WhiskeyCrown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Canadian WhiskyCrown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Blended Canadian WhiskyCrown Royal Peach Flavored WhiskyCocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:Whiskey & Ginger7 & 7Spiked Peach TeaAll links and full cocktail recipes can be found on this episodes homepage Sips Across the Sea - Canadian Whisky Week