WSET Diploma - Day Two
Day two of the Diploma arrived after a three week break. During those three weeks we weren't particularly guided regarding what to study next, so it's fair to say I didn't really make the most of the...
View ArticleBar Theatrics
Aware that it has been some time since I last updated my blog, here is a recent article I wrote for The University Caterer magazine about bar theatrics. I would welcome your feedback on this...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Day Three
Day three of the diploma focused almost entirely on wine making techniques (or, for those in the know, vinification).I don't know if it's because I personally tend to be more of a chemist than a...
View ArticleBreaking News: The Cambridge Distillery
Since I started this blog I've had the pleasure of writing up a number of products and events before they are released to the general public. Today, I am very excited to be able to share with you a new...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Day Four
Following the previous three tasting-heavy days at the WSET, it was a considerable shift to be told to arrive for day four with no glasses whatsoever. Day Four focuses on the Global Drinks market and,...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Day Five
After the uncharacteristically dry Day Four, the glasses were out again for Day Five.Fortified wines was the topic of the day: Sherry, Port, Vin doux Naturels and Maderia. These wines have never been...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Day Six
Hot on the heels of Day Five, the sixth day of the WSET Diploma was not one that any of the students had been too excited about, since it began with the Unit 2 examination.It's a long time since I've...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Days Seven & Eight
After the emotionally draining exam of Day Six, I'm prepared to admit that I've fallen behind schedule with this series of WSET Level Four posts. Fortunately, these two sessions are simple enough to...
View ArticleWSET Diploma: Day Nine
The ninth day of the WSET Level 4 course represents the final full day of lectures of the first year. It was a day of two halves. The first focused on the wines of Germany, the second on examination...
View ArticleEco-Friendly Wines
A while ago I wrote an article on Vegetarian Wines, which was very well received by vegetarians and carnivores alike. This seems to me to be indicative of a growing trend: if we can make things without...
View ArticlePimm's O'Clock?
Here's an article I wrote last month, which seems particularly apt given the Jubille weekend's arrival. It was commisioned by the University Caterer.Spring is turning to summer, and with the mercury...
View ArticleRaspberry Daiquiri
The Daiquiri. One of the most enduring cocktails ever created. Perhaps the secret to its longevity lies in its versitility? A cocktail which can be served straight up, on cubed or crushed ice, or...
View ArticlePerry or Pear Cider...?
Pear Cider Article Over the past few years the popularity of pear cider has rocketed, out-performing almost every other alcoholic drink sector on the market. But pear cider isn’t a new invention – far...
View ArticleNew Zealand Wine Tour - Huia
Back in November I had the pleasure of visiting an old colleague of mine, James MacKenzie, who has made his new home in Marlborough, New Zealand. Nestled in the small town of Blenhiem, the area is...
View ArticleChampagne vs the world
Here's an article I wrote recently looking into the dominance of Champagne in the sparkling wine industry:Champagne has long been positioned as the drink of celebration, and 2012 has given us many...
View ArticleReal Ale Resurgance
Real Ale is enjoying an undeniable resurgence. As we have seen across many categories, including food, wine and spirits, people are now looking towards smaller and, in many cases, local producers for...
View ArticleMicro-Distillery, Massive Impact
Micro Vacuum Distillery in CambridgeMy last blog looked at Real Ales and the ever-increasing number of micro-breweries bubbling up across the country. This month we’re moving on to the hard stuff as we...
View ArticleClimate Change
Châteauneuf-du-PapeAutumn is on the way, folks. How do I know? It's not the dark mornings, nor the falling leaves. It's not even the start of a new season of Downton Abbey. No, the tell tale sign was...
View ArticleIWSC Blogger of the Year Shortlist
This year the IWSC (who, you may remember, I did some judging for last year) have launched a new competition: Blogger of the Year.As a keen blogger (as you no doubt have noticed) I have found this...
View Article2012 - A year of extremes
For English wine makers 2012 has been an extraordinary year. They've shared in the joys of the Jubilympics (some more directly than others), the cringeworthy exploits of the Apprentice candidates...
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