Chief of the week: The Dude

This week the Claret Pimpernel raises a White Russian to Jeff Bridges, whose new short film called the "The White Russian" was released this week by Kahlúa Productions, as a tribute to the drink he made famous in the cult film, The Big Lebowski. 

Nick Kamen, Levi jeans and those boxer shorts...

News that advertising legend, Sir John Hegarty, is going to be the star turn at this month's Wine & Spirit Trade Association conference is just the excuse we need to show this classic TV ad.

US cocktail gurus claim any bar only needs 12 bottles in new book

Ever stood in front of a packed back bar and wondered if some spirits never see the light of day? Well a new book from US cocktail gurus claims any bar can get away with just stocking 12 bottles.

Ardbeg celebrates return from space with release of SUPERNOVA 2014

Ardbeg is celebrating its upcoming return from space on September 12 by releasing its third edition of Supernova 2014.

Craft beers direct to your office thanks to Deskbeers service

The saying going there is no such thing as a new original business idea, which is probably why there is an equally popular phrase - the greatest form of flattery is imitation. Well here's a business idea that could very easily be adapted to the wine and spirits world. Deskbeers.

Vodquila, a vodka tequila blend: Genius or insanity?

A new spirit hitting the shelves across the pond is Vodquila, a hybrid of vodka and tequila, which has been created by a father-daughter team from Birmingham, Alabama.

TV comic Kevin Bishop to star in one man warts and all new restaurant show

Fed up reading about all those great comics, plays and turns at this year's Edinburgh Festival when you live miles away and have no chance of seeing them?

Chiefs of the week: South African winemakers who surf

Every  year they come to take the challenge. No not the South African wine awards, but the Vintners Surf Classic where some of the country's best and most respected winemakers come together to ride the waves and pit their wits against each other to see who has the smartest surf board skiills.

HARPERS CHOICE

HARPERS CHOICE

Entries for Harpers Global Design Awards extended to August 22

The deadline to enter this  year's Harpers Global Design Awards has been extended by a week and now closes on August 22.

COPY: CP's Tweets of the week

The Claret Pimpernel scoured Twitter to find that conjured a smile or staight up caused a laugh out loud moment.

My Choice: Mike Beavan of Coe Vintners on drinking Riesling with Aerosmith

 Mike Beavan, sales director at Coe Vintners, steps up to the plate to give his run down of faovurite wines and spirits and where he likes to drink them.

"Where am I?" Well Nyetimber, of course!

Guy Smith was particuarly well placed to win our recent "Where Am I?" picture caption competion which asked you to name where this very pretty back garden happened to be.

Have we gone too far? Wine ice cream is the sherry on top.

The Claret Pimpernel recently spotted wine ice cream on the shelves of a local shop and so sparked an idea to investigate further this concept - how prolific is the world of ice cream and booze?

Would you want to share a pint with Tom Jones?

"Don't spill your wine, Del Boy!"

As we today publish our new exclusive report in to the UK on-trade, we thought it was also a good excuse to brighten up your Friday afternoon with this trip down memory lane and that comedy goal moment when Del Boy has that rather embarrassing moment when he disappears behind the bar.

Spitoon

Humphrey Bogart's Real English Gin set for US launch

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." Humphery Bogart as Rick Blaine, Casablanca.

Chief of the week: Bob Rishworth

Where am I?

The Claret Pimpernel is lucky enough to visit some pretty darn smart places around the world, but few can match this place!