6 Irish Whiskies You Want to Drink Beyond St Patrick’s Day

I love Irish Whiskey. It’s always the place I start when I am introducing a non-whiskey drinker to the brown spirits. There’s an accessibility, with the light fruit undertones and lower proofs that ease a whiskey newbie into the delights that whiskey brings.

So, I met up with Josh Peters from The Whiskey Jug to drink some Irish Whiskey, since the month of March always begs some questions leading up to St Paddy’s Day: What Irish Whiskey should I be drinking? What are some good Irish Whiskies? Where should I start with Irish Whiskey?

To answer some of those questions, we sat down, had a few drams, and shared our thoughts. Click on the links to read The Whiskey Jug reviews & check out our videos below. If you like these episodes, be sure to subscribe to Way of The Wong on YouTube. You can find my guest, Josh Peters at TheWhiskeyJug.com.

Episode 1: Midleton

• Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition

• Green Spot Single Pot Still

• Powers John’s Lane Release

Episode 2: Single Malts & Irish Peat

• Teeling Single Malt

• Bushmills 21 Year Rare

• Conemarra Peated Single Malt

Where did the idea for CoolHaus begin? The concept for Coolhaus started when I was studying architecture in undergrad at UC Berkeley and continued during my Masters at UCLA. I became interested in exploring the intersection of food and design, but mainly because I thought you could open up the discourse about design—make it more accessible and also fun, and thus as value, by using food as the medium to talk about architecture. I called it “Farchitecture,” [or Food + Architecture] and I started playing around with different constructs under this umbrella idea. One of those manifestations was baking cookies and making ice cream from scratch with local and organic ingredients, and naming the combinations after famous architects and architectural movements. The idea was that awareness about the field through punny names would add value back to the profession that was hard hit in the recession. I met [Freya Estreller, co-creator of Cool Haus] very early on in experimenting with this idea – and together we bought a truck, the only retail asset we could afford – and launched at the Coachella Valley Music Festival. The rest is history!

Did you have a background in business before you started?
No, my background was in architecture, and I had some marketing and sales experience too.

How did that background in architecture translate into making ice cream sandwiches for a living?

I wanted to understand what it would be like for an architect to create a [Consumer Packaged Goods Brand – aka something consumed by the every day consumer]—and [architecture] ended up being a great tool kit: merchandising, service-based, client and public-facing, working with a team, telling a story through a visual identity. I use my architectural background every day. I also wanted to use food to make architecture fun and approachable… “digestible” if you will.

How did you put together the money and resources together to create the company?
Coolhaus has such humble beginnings. We didn’t have money or much resources, but we had a diverse/complementary skill set and an aligned vision—and the energy to get it done (achem, we were 25 years old!)! That is what mattered most. We scraped together the finances we could (my personal credit card with a $5K limit, a few hundred dollars from friends and family). But looking back, the financial constraints were a positive, as it forced us to innovate and problem solve within limitations—then test the concept without investing heavily outside of our time.

Your business has grown considerably since,  from trucks, to storefronts, to catering, to grocery stores, to a Cool Haus book. (Oh my!) Walk us through a typical day in your life. What I love about what I do is that there is no typical day! Some days are out in the field doing business development, meeting clients and partners, event venues and retailers, some days I’m developing product in our test kitchen for our new seasonal menu, some days designing packaging for new SKUs, some days I’m doing PR interviews and appearances and public speaking; I travel a lot, especially in the Summer… I love the versatility! What I do aim for is never to spend more than 50% of the day at my computer.

Do you believe work-life balance is an achievable goal? Has the growth of CoolHaus helped or hindered that? Absolutely. In fact, it’s the only way to run a business and get what you need to done. The time outside of work—whatever your pleasure is: tennis, reading, a Netflix binge here and there—allows you to be more focused and clear-minded, productive when you go back into the office. I would say Coolhaus has helped me achieve this in a more profound sense—as I really build my own days and schedule, and thus need to set aside time for myself in very deliberate ways (Coolhaus does run seven days a week after all). [quote_right]I feel like running Coolhaus is the opposite of FOMO: where we are, what we are doing, what we are creating—that’s the place to be, as opposed to feeling like we are missing that pulse.[/quote_right] I would also say because Coolhaus is, in a sense, a lifestyle brand—there is a lot of ‘work’ that I do that does not necessarily feel laborious as it’s just so fun, and I love what I do so passionately. There’s a saying: if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I very much live by that philosophy!

What is your favorite thing about running your own business? I think it connects to the earlier points about having truly versatile days, and having control of my schedule. I also like to say I feel like running Coolhaus is the opposite of FOMO: where we are, what we are doing, what we are creating—that’s the place to be, as opposed to feeling like we are missing that pulse. [FOMO = Fear of Missing Out]

As a female entrepreneur did you have any mentors or role models who helped or inspired you? I would say my role models are Jenna Lyons of J.Crew—she has such a unique vision and really elevated the brand. I think Marisa Mayer is brilliant too.

Was there a moment in your life when you felt the most “successful”?
That’s a tough one to give a static answer to as my personal definition of ‘success’ is always evolving: I will say it’s little things though like having a team around me that I can learn from—it’s such an honor and privilege to get to a place in your career and with your business where you can bring in talent like that (and afford it). I think also mentoring and coaching—both [Freya Estreller, co-creator of Cool Haus] and I do a lot of that. Hearing your own words back to you about what you’ve learned that you then impart on others makes you realize how far you have come, that you truly have garnered perspective—and that an audience wants to hear it. It also forces you to follow your own advice! There are also certain events where I really enjoyed the recognition: I gave the keynote speech at an entrepreneurship event sponsored by Scion (we also shot a digital commercial with them on their website). There was a great turnout and response; I’ve received a ton of emails since then of people who saw it and want to know more…

What do you consider to be your hardest won or most treasured life lesson?
Put it on paper, and it can happen. Also, you can walk through a wall if you don’t know it’s there—so don’t let less experience be a hindrance, it can be your secret weapon.

Any advice you would give to would-be entrepreneurs?
Take risks, but take calculated risks—there are ways to do something innovative and life-altering without putting all your eggs in one basket.

What books, art, or media have had the greatest impact on your life?
So much. Some of my favorites as far as film are Fellini (aesthetics), Easy Rider (one of the first movies I saw in college)… I love Michael Mann’s vision of LA in Collateral. Rothko has been my favorite painter as of recent, and we just saw a few great pieces of his at Crystal Bridges in Arkansas. For literature, Rem Koolhaas is one of my favorite writers, but I love Foucault and Bordieu too. I get obsessive with New Yorker articles. I also think a beautiful drive in LA with the right music (right now it’s Kaytranada, Young Fathers and Tei Shi for me) is one of the best forms of meditation.

Do you have a favorite indulgence or biggest vice?
I love a good dirty martini, gin, stirred—ideally a blue cheese olive (so “filthy” martini I guess!). My biggest vice is a good TV marathon while we hang with our dogs.

Finally, What’s on the horizon?
Taking Coolhaus to the next level with more SKUs—new sandwiches in 2016, but also new frozen novelties like bon-bons, re-inventing the Choco Taco, reinventing the ‘Drumstick’… then look for us outside of frozen in baking and candy (elevated of course)—all with lots of great PR and special events to support the vision. We also are looking to expand as a true lifestyle brand, maybe kitchen and home products and other merchandise. Anything is possible when you have a brand like ours that is here to stay!

Mark your calendars. This weekend is the best reason to drink in Los Angeles. Art Beyond the Glass is popping up in Silver Lake on Sunday, June 25th at Los Globos. The sixth annual charity event celebrates the LA Cocktail Community and the artists among them, with proceeds always benefiting a charity: this year proceeds will benefit the award-winning storytelling radio program, The Moth.

Every year is filled with more delicious cocktails than any one can drink, as well as all the best bartenders that this city has to offer. Bartenders pair with brands to craft delectable concoctions, and all the ticket sales go to the charity partner. To date, Art Beyond the Glass has raised over $98,000 for arts based nonprofits in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Chicago. For those of you who wish this existed in your neck of the woods, ABTG will be returning to OKC in September 2017 and Chicago in the fall. ABTG will continue to grow with inaugural events in Las Vegas this fall, Miami in March 2018, and San Diego in Spring 2018.

Everyone gets into the fun with bartenders choosing themes for their cocktails which are reflected in costumes, props, and decked out stations. The art component is on view through photography and artwork created by bartenders and a stage where bartenders have showcased musical numbers, dance numbers, poetry, stand-up, and magic.

Just some of the bartenders and artists participating in ABTG VI this year include:

Aaron Polsky – Harvard & Stone

Adam Fournier – Faith & Flower

Alex Barbatsis – Esprit De Corps Hospitality

Alyson Iwamoto – Here’s Looking At You

Beau Du Bois – The Corner Door

Bethany Ham – Birds & Bees

Brittney Olsen – Hotel Figueroa

Chris Amirault – Otium

Christopher Day – Bar Tribute

Christina Russo – The Board Room

Chris Whelan – Hotel Figueroa

Dan McClary – Cannibal

Dan Sabo – Hotel Figueroa

Dee Ann Quinones – Commerson

Dustin Newsome – Bar Clacson, Slipper Clutch

Edwin Cruz – Winsome

Evan Charest – Patina Restaurant Group

Garrett McKechnie – Bar Mattachine

Greg Bryson – The Wallace

Jeremy Lake – Lost Property, Rosaline

Jodi Calderon – Normandie Club

John McGlothlin – Delilah

Kalani Ben – The Spare Room

Kim Stodel – Providence

Michael Lay – LONO

Peter Lloyd Jones – 1886

Ryan Wainwright – The Ponte

Sophia Oolie – The Freehand

Tobin Shea – Redbird

Yael Vengroff – The Spare Room

+ many many more.

Art Beyond the Glass VI is being made possible with the generous support of their sponsoring brands: The 86 Co., Amaro Montenegro, Atlantico, Bacardi, Back Bar Project, Benham’s Gin, Black Cow Vodka, Bluecoat Gin, Boomtown Brewery, Chareau, Copper & Kings, Cutwater Spirits, Diplomatico, FEW Spirits, Hilhaven Lodge, House Spirits, Ilegal, Jack Daniel’s, Jägermeister, Liquid Alchemist, Mestizo Mezcal, McCluskey Group, Michter’s, Mulholland Distilling, Pernod Venture, Purple Wine + Spirits, Rutte, Samson & Surrey, Seedlip, Spiribam, Stolen, Virginia Black, Arts District Brewing, Cocktail Academy, Chartreuse, Combier, Dirty Sue, L’Orgeat, Lustau, Miracle Mile Bitters, and West Coast Ice Provisions.

Ticket Information

Art Beyond the Glass VI will take place on Sunday, June 25^th, 2017 at Los Globos from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Presale tickets for the event are $60.00 per person and are now on sale exclusively at Eventbrite until 12:00 Noon on Sunday, June 25^th, 2017. If still available, tickets will be sold at the door for $75.00 per person. The all-inclusive Art Beyond the Glass VI ticket includes cocktails, art, entertainment, and bar bites. In addition, guests will be able to purchase bartender art, buy raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items such as artwork, photography, rare spirits and more. All proceeds from ABTG VI will be donated to The Moth.

Art Beyond the Glass VI is a 21 and over event. Please enjoy responsibly. ABTG strongly recommends using a rideshare service such as Lyft or Uber. For more information, please visit www.ArtBeyondtheGlass.com.

We got to stop in to the #MACStarTrek Starship Enterprise to get glam from the team of Vulcans, Klingons, Romulans and Ferengis during Comic Con in San Diego, as part of the premiere of Star Trek Beyond that debuted last week.

This collection is not available until September, but you definitely want to mark your calendars because this collection is out of this world! In the always capable hands of M•A•C Senior Artist John Stapleton, I was treated to some everyday glam, so I could hit the con in style.

This surprisingly wearable collection will not transform you into an alien, but will give you all the gorgeous starry shimmer you crave, with rich bold colors for fall.

Here’s what I’m wearing
Eyeshadow: Bird of Prey
Trip the Light Fantastic Powder: Strange New Worlds
Blush: Modern Mandarin
Lipstick: Where no man has gone before (looks amazing on anyone)
Gloss: Pleasure Planet (gorgeous) – this tri-color gloss pumps up your pout Kylie Jenner style without resorting to glassware.

Live Long and Prosper!

Independence Day is fast approaching, reminding us that we were just a few Declarations away from speaking with British Accents. I’m sure our founding fathers would throw their pointed hats in the air with celebration, knowing that we like to commemorate this festive occasion with a party!

Planning a Fourth of July menu makes me giddy with ideas. Independence Day makes me think of corn dogs, cotton candy, and ice cream sandwiches, because what’s more Americana than food I can eat on a stick? Pair that with some good ole County Fair food: funnel cake, an ice cream float, and deep fried anything, and we’ve got a party.

But, all that festive food is going to make your guests thirsty. Naturally, I have a few ideas to make your 4th of July party drinks as patriotic as the menu. A little red, white, and blue to ring in our Independence day with a bang!

For my party, I’ll be making a blended Strawberry Daiquiri to represent the RED, and let’s throw in a Sonoma Moscow Mule for WHITE, and a Blueberry Lavender Lemonade for the BLUE, which is also non-alcoholic if you want to take it easy.

The secret ingredient in those Strawberry Daiquiris is a beautiful lime cordial made by Sonoma Syrup. Having tasted many a syrup for cocktails, I have to say that the Lime Syrup made with a mixture of Mexican & Key Lime is one of my favorites, because it really tastes like naturally sweetened lime juice with a bit of zest. A bottle has quickly become a staple on my home bar.

Luckily, my home state of California is known for many things, particularly the renowned Wine Country of Northern California. Sonoma County produces world-class wines and exceptional produce, so naturally it is also the home to Sonoma Syrup. The versatile syrups make great beverages but they also double as a glaze for meat or make a fabulously floral sorbet. They use authentic ingredients (that you can read – no high fructose corn syrup here) like real fruit juices, cane sugar, and botanicals, which really comes through in the flavor.

So take advantage of the warm weather, and enjoy your day off to celebrate the freedoms we often take for granted! Let me know if you make any of these tasty beverages & what your guests think of your simple and festive drinks!

Summer Sonoma Strawberry Daiquiri

[su_follow_guest pinterest=”http://www.pinterest.com/sonomasyrup/” instagram=”http://instagram.com/sonoma_syrup_co” facebook=”https://www.facebook.com/sonomasyrupco” twitter=”https://twitter.com/SonomaSyrupCo”]Sonoma Syrup[/su_follow_guest]

“Summer Sonoma Strawberry Daiquiri” was designed exclusively for Sonoma Syrup.
You can find Sonoma Syrup online and at these retail outlets.
Products provided, however all opinions are my own.

The best bars and bartenders were lauded last week at Time Out LA’s inaugural Bar Awards in the historic The Theatre at Ace Hotel DTLA. The cocktail culture has grown leaps and bounds in the past few years, so it was only fitting that we should commend those who were rising above the fray and setting the standard for bars in Los Angeles.

Yes, it is an honor to be nominated, but it is also a pleasure to win. Below are the winners from last nights events, along with their nominated brethren, so you can check out these fine establishments and judge for yourself.

Please raise a glass! Cheers LA!

TIME OUT BAR AWARDS WINNERS

Bar of the Year
The Spare Room

Fellow Nominees: Melrose Umbrella Co., Scopa Italian Roots, The Corner Door

Best New Cocktail Bar
The Walker Inn

Fellow Nominees: The Fiscal Agent, Everson Royce Bar, Old Lightning

Best Bar Team
Big Bar

Fellow Nominees: The Normandie Club, The Spare Room, Melrose Umbrella Co.

Best LA Mainstay
The Varnish

Fellow Nominees: The Roger Room, Harvard & Stone, Tony’s Saloon

Best Bar Design
Break Room 86

Fellow Nominees: E.P. & L.P., Now Boarding, Clifton’s Cafeteria

Best Restaurant Bar
Terrine

Fellow Nominees: Bestia DTLA, Redbird, Broken Spanish

Best Culinary Cocktail Bar
Birch Los Angeles

Fellow Nominees: Gracias Madre, Otium, The Walker Inn

 
For more photos from the event by Jakob N. Layman, head over to TimeOut LA for their coverage.

After a long day on the road, seeing every national monument you can muster, you just want to kick back at your campsite and enjoy a drink with friends. But we’re adults now, should we be sharing our bourbon with the camping mug that once held coffee in it just hours before? I think not. So, I put together a few things you will need to class up those campsite tipples.

First up is my favorite stainless steel Stanley flask to throw in your daypack for a swig up on the mountaintop plus cups to share, a portable hand crank blender to bring Margarita-ville to you, some exquisite cocktail mixers so you can make a fancy drink with just two ingredients (this plus booze), a cocktail kit with carrying satchel if you want to really bring your A-game, and some gorgeous plastic ‘glassware’ because we are so beyond Solo cups. And if you really want to step up your tailgate-car-camping game, you can splurge on this portable cooler that is powered by either 12V DC (aka your car), 120V AC (aka a socket at the campground), or (LP) gas (which you can truck in with you), so you can always keep your cool even if the sun will be partying late with you.

[1] Hand Crank Blender [2] Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Shots + 8oz Flask Gift Set or Just the Stanley Flask [3] Bittermilk Cocktail Mixers (my favorite is the smoked whiskey sour) [4] W&P Cocktail Kit [5] Govino Shatterproof 28 oz Wine Decanter w Glass or a set of Govino Shatterproof Stemless Wine Glasses or Cocktail Glasses

[su_photo_credit_1_photographer photolink=”http://www.papertigerphoto.com/”]Briana Lane for Paper Tiger Photo[/su_photo_credit_1_photographer]