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

Published:  04 September, 2014

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.

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

Published:  03 September, 2014

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.

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Ardbeg celebrates return from space with release of SUPERNOVA 2014

Published:  29 August, 2014

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

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How the wrong business partner can seriously damage your wealth?

Published:  28 August, 2014

A few years ago I entered into a legally binding agreement with a new business partner, although it seems I wasn't really paying too much attention at the time.

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Craft beers direct to your office thanks to Deskbeers service

Published:  22 August, 2014

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.

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There's more to wine and music pairing than I first thought

Published:  20 August, 2014

In a previous blog I was mocking the idea of music and wine pairing by suggesting that to do so is bordering on the moronic. How wrong I was!

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Vodquila, a vodka tequila blend: Genius or insanity?

Published:  20 August, 2014

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.

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

Published:  20 August, 2014

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?

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Chiefs of the week: South African winemakers who surf

Published:  20 August, 2014

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.

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Scotland votes, but why should anyone care about the result?

Published:  15 August, 2014

There was yet another story on OLN this week banging on about the devastating effects that an independent Scotland would have on the drinks industry both sides of the border. Countless articles have appeared in Harpers over recent weeks too, not to mention the main street press. Why should anyone care?

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HARPERS CHOICE

Published:  15 August, 2014

HARPERS CHOICE

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Oaked Sauvignons from around the World

Published:  14 August, 2014

A blind tasting of oaked Sauvignons from around the world on the 3rd July at London Cru, organised by Jean-Christophe Mau and Richard Bampfield MW was a welcome opportunity to revisit West London's 'flavour of the month' venue, as well, of course, to taste an interesting and perhaps overlooked category. Richard's invitation proposed that: " as Sauvignon Blanc is so ubiquitous and producers will need to work harder to add value and create their points of difference in future, the use of oak will become more widespread". The tasting was very well attended; all the luminaries of the world of wine journalism were there (including me), so there must be something to Richard's assertion. I think we have become submerged in the overpoweringly citrus and fruit-some (Marlborough, mainly, but not exclusively) unoaked version, to the exclusion of the more traditional, complex perhaps, version.

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Entries for Harpers Global Design Awards extended to August 22

Published:  14 August, 2014

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

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COPY: CP's Tweets of the week

Published:  14 August, 2014

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

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Twenty-five years of Australian Sauvignon Blanc with Shaw + Smith

Published:  13 August, 2014

Following this year's win of three trophies including Best Australian Red at the International Wine Challenge for Shaw + Smith 2012 Shiraz, the team are celebrating their 25th Sauvignon Blanc vintage release.

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Gilbert Winfield AIWS, BSc

Published:  13 August, 2014
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My Choice: Mike Beavan of Coe Vintners on drinking Riesling with Aerosmith

Published:  13 August, 2014

 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.

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

Published:  13 August, 2014

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.

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

Published:  12 August, 2014

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?

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Would you want to share a pint with Tom Jones?

Published:  11 August, 2014

 

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