Brad Japhe
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Articles by Brad Japhe
The World’s Best Tequila—According To The 2026 International Wine And Spirits Competition Original
El Tesoro Reposado Tequila Photo illustration: Brad Japhe The International Wine And Spirits Competition recently announced its Tequila Trophy winner for 2026. It’s reserved for what those esteemed judges consider to be the absolute best annual offering from the incredibly crowded category of agave spirit. Why should you care what they think? Well, for one, IWSC includes some of the most prestigious palates on the planet, including career experts, authors, legendary producers and bartenders.
At 164-Proof, Blade and Bow’s Newest 30-Year Bourbon Should Be Undrinkable, but It’s Extraordinary
It hasn’t even been a full year since we gave you an exclusive first look at Blade and Bow’s oldest bourbon ever. That 30-year-old offering was stripped from shelves rather swiftly despite its hefty $1200 price tag. Now the Louisville-based brand is preparing something even heftier, and we’ve got yet another sneak peek. This time, it’s a preview of what will be one of the priciest and proof-iest American whiskeys of the year: Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Cask Strength.
At 164-Proof, Blade and Bow’s Newest 30-Year Bourbon Should Be Undrinkable, but It’s Extraordinary
Drinking 1 day ago The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Forbes - Brad Japhe • 1d What exactly makes one whiskey brand better than all the rest? Coming up with an answer is bound to be a subjective pursuit, of course. But any such assessment holds much more merit when it comes from a panel of category experts. Like, say, the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
This New $2,500 Whiskey Is so Strong That the Government Forbids Flying With It
It hasn’t even been a full year since we gave you an exclusive first look at Blade and Bow’s oldest bourbon ever. That 30-year-old offering was stripped from shelves rather swiftly despite its hefty $1200 price tag. Now the Louisville-based brand is preparing something even heftier, and we’ve got yet another sneak peek. This time, it’s a preview of what will be one of the priciest and proof-iest American whiskeys of the year: Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Cask Strength.
The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Original
Heaven Hill is the most awarded distillery for the third year in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Photo illustration: Brad Japhe What exactly makes one whiskey brand better than all the rest? Coming up with an answer is bound to be a subjective pursuit, of course. But any such assessment holds much more merit when it comes from a panel of category experts. Like, say, the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
9 hours ago Growing up in North Carolina, shrimp were a special-occasion meal for me. My South Louisianan mother didn’t trust anything but Gulf shrimp, so we only ate them when visiting her side of the family in Baton Rouge. I still favor Gulf or other wild shrimp, but fortunately, I now have easy access to …
The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Brad Japhe, Senior Contributor Updated Sun, 25 October 2026 at 4:34 am GMT-4 Heaven Hill is the most awarded distillery for the third year in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Photo illustration: Brad Japhe More What exactly makes one whiskey brand better than all the rest? Coming up with an answer is bound to be a subjective pursuit, of course.
Modern Cocktails Meet Old School Steakhouse At The Driskill Grill In Austin, Texas Original
The 50-50 Martini at the Driskill Grill Justin Cook A dimly-lit parlor with mahogany-paneled walls. Tufted leather banquettes and circular tabletops clothed in white linen. Ice cold clear spirit frosting the sides of stemware. A silvery cart on wheels, overloaded with prime rib. The chariot roams the floor, leaving a plume of rich umami billowing in its wake.
Beyond Suntory Time: Why Japan’s Bars Are Going Local
For relaxing times, make it Suntory time. With that now-iconic line, Bill Murray’s character from Lost in Translation helped catapult Japanese whisky onto the global stage. Though the scene depicted a fictional commercial, the brand mentioned and the bottle of Hibiki brandished were both very much real. As was the high-altitude hotel bar that the lead actors kept returning to throughout the film.
数百数百銘柄を試飲して厳選！2026年のベストスピリッツ36選｜ウイスキー・ジン・テキーラ
ここエスクァイアでは、きりっとした一杯への愛を隠すつもりはない。若い世代がお酒を飲まなくなった、というここ数年のデータに心を痛めてきたのも、そのせいかもしれない。だが幸い、その説は覆された。IWSR*の最新レポートによると、Z世代の成人で飲酒を楽しむ人は74％。数年前の66％から増えている。（そもそも彼らの多くがまだ21歳になっていなかった可能性は、誰も考えなかったのだろうか？） *International Wine and Spirit Research＝アルコール飲料（ワイン、スピリッツ、ビール、サイダー、RTDなど）の市場データを調査・分析している英国の世界的民間調査会社 缶入りカクテルを飲まないとき――個人的には飲まないでほしいが――彼らが手に取るのは、ビールやワインよりスピリッツだ。そこには大いに賛成したい。さあ、一杯飲んで祝おうではないか。...
Epic Western Brings Vodka Lemonade Into The Can Original
Epic Western's new lineup of Vodka Lemonade Cocktails Emily Vinson Since its debut in summer of 2021, Epic Western has helped reshape the canned craft cocktail landscape. The San Antonio startup entered the space with one of the industry’s first premium Ranch Waters offerings: tequila and soda – a Texas staple. It is now joined by dozens of competitors on shelves, in what has evolved into one of the most energized contemporary subcategories.
El mejor whisky escocés de malta del mundo, según The International Wine And Spirits Competition Original
El International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), uno de los certámenes británicos más antiguos y prestigiosos de la sector, fue creado en Inglaterra en 1969. Por eso, cuando la semana pasada anunció a los ganadores de sus principales premios en todas las categorías de whisky, los resultados llamaron nuestra atención. En el caso del whisky escocés de malta, la selección resultó particularmente interesante porque incluyó algunas botellas menos previsibles.
El mejor whisky escocés de malta del mundo, según The International Wine And Spirits Competition
El International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), uno de los certámenes británicos más antiguos y prestigiosos de la sector, fue creado en Inglaterra en 1969. Por eso, cuando la semana pasada anunció a los ganadores de sus principales premios en todas las categorías de whisky, los resultados llamaron nuestra atención. En el caso del whisky escocés de malta, la selección resultó particularmente interesante porque incluyó algunas botellas menos previsibles.
El mejor whisky escocés de malta del mundo, según The International Wine And Spirits Competition
El International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), uno de los certámenes británicos más antiguos y prestigiosos de la sector, fue creado en Inglaterra en 1969. Por eso, cuando la semana pasada anunció a los ganadores de sus principales premios en todas las categorías de whisky, los resultados llamaron nuestra atención. En el caso del whisky escocés de malta, la selección resultó particularmente interesante porque incluyó algunas botellas menos previsibles.
Frey Ranch’s New 123-Proof Harvester Series Whiskey Is Made With an Unusual Wheat-Rye Hybrid Original
Frey Ranch’s Harvester Series: Third Harvest is a barrel-strength American whiskey made with five grains, all grown on the distillery’s Nevada farm. One of those grains is triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid Frey Ranch is using in a mash bill for the first time. Aged five to eight years and bottled at 123.4 proof, the limited release will be available at Frey Ranch’s Nevada tasting room beginning November 7, with a small number of bottles offered through a nationwide online lottery later that month.
The World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky—According To The 2026 International Wine And Spirits Competition Original
Bowmore 9 Year Old takes home the top prize for scotch at this year's IWSC. Photo illustration: Brad Japhe The International Wine and Spirits Competition is kind of a big deal. Originally launched in 1969, it exists as one of the oldest and most prestigious annual judgings in the beverage industry. So when it announced its top trophy winners for all categories of whisky this past week, we were keen to take note. And when it came to single malt scotch, specifically, we were elated to see the results.
The World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky—According To The 2026 International Wine And Spirits Competition
Drinking 15 hours ago This 104-Proof Limited-Release Is the Best American Whiskey of 2026, According to the International Wine & Spirits Competition AOL - Brad Japhe • 15h Key points Bardstown Bourbon Company has quickly become one of the country’s most acclaimed whiskey producers. And despite its name, this decade-old Kentucky operation is excelling at far more than just bourbon.
This 104-Proof Limited-Release Is the Best American Whiskey of 2026, According to the International Wine & Spirits Competition Original
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish was named Best American Whiskey at the 2026 International Wine & Spirits Competition, earning 99 out of 100 points. The 104-proof blended straight whiskey combines 10- to 12-year-old bourbons and ryes before spending 32 months in single malt Scotch casks from the Isle of Jura, including ex-sherry barrels.
This 104-Proof Limited-Release Is the Best American Whiskey of 2026, According to the International Wine & Spirits Competition
Maker’s Mark Just Released Its First Bourbon Made With Japanese Mizunara Oak Maker’s Mark is experimenting with one of the whiskey world’s most coveted oaks — but getting a bottle comes with a catch. Maker’s Mark is no stranger to wood finishing: Seared French oak staves have played a role in the distillery’s approach to flavor since Maker’s Mark 46 debuted more than a …
This 104-Proof Limited-Release Is the Best American Whiskey of 2026, According to the International Wine & Spirits Competition
1:30 4 hours ago What Are The Best Bourbon Cocktails? YouTube • 4h Every month we host a different bartender at VinePair headquarters, and this time, we polled the crowd: what bourbon cocktails are customers calling for and what builds are they missing out on? Huge thank you to Jen Murphy and her incredible team at Banshee for making this a night we won't soon forget. Also a big thanks to Four Roses for sponsoring this month's party.
This $25 Bottle Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition Original
Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond from Kentucky’s Willett Distillery was named Best Bourbon at the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition after earning 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal. Despite its $25 price tag, the four-year-old bourbon topped competitors costing significantly more and is made entirely by Willett using the distillery’s original 1936 mash bill.
This $25 Bottle Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition
The bottled-in-bond bourbon earned 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal, beating out bottles that cost hundreds of dollars more. Brad Japhe Sun, October 4, 2026 at 2:31 PM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
This $25 Bottle Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition
I Asked 6 Restaurant Pros if It’s Rude To Place Your Napkin on the Plate After Eating—the Answer Was Unanimous Study up before you dine out next so you can leave a great impression and make your server’s life easier. Although they might seem like incredibly …
This $25 Bottle Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition
Key points Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond from Kentucky's Willett Distillery was named Best Bourbon at the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition after earning 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal. Despite its $25 price tag, the four-year-old bourbon topped competitors costing significantly more and is made entirely by Willett using the distillery's original 1936 mash bill.
33 Best Restaurants in Chicago, From Ethiopian to Deep Dish
Notable restaurants in Chicago indeed lay claim to pizza, seven-ingredient hot dogs, and Italian beef—but the city’s talents in good food hardly stop there. These days, cuisines and culinary experiences are as varied as Chicago’s myriad neighborhoods, drawing diners from near and far for a table or seat at the chef’s counter. And then, there are the accolades—Chicago is home to dozens of Michelin-recognized restaurants and The Jean Banchet Awards.
Chicago's 40 Best Bars, According to a Local Expert
The Chicago drinks scene is second to none these days. Not long ago, this was mainly a post-shift drink (whiskey-and-beer) kind of town. And while there’s still no shortage of authentic neighborhood dives dotting the landscape, today they’re joined by an elevated assortment of cocktail dens, programs led by creative bartenders, and immersive concepts—a hodgepodge of ingredients techniques and philosophies as vibrant and varied as the city itself.
Climate Change is Coming for Your Favorite Scotch
In July of last year, the Scottish Parliament issued an executive summary acknowledging that annual temperatures across the country were expected to rise more than 1.1°C by 2050, or 2°F. But the effects of that shift are already obvious to most people who spend even a moment outdoors.
La historia del nuevo mejor vodka del mundo, según el San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Weber Ranch 1902 fue elegido como el mejor vodka nuevo de 2026 por el San Francisco World Spirits Competition, uno de los concursos más reconocidos de la industria de las bebidas espirituosas. El producto se distingue por estar elaborado exclusivamente con agave azul Weber, una planta originaria de México que también se utiliza para producir tequila. El certamen se celebra desde hace poco más de 25 años y se consolidó como una referencia para las marcas del sector, sobre todo las artesanales.
La historia del nuevo mejor vodka del mundo, según el San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Weber Ranch 1902 fue elegido como el mejor vodka nuevo de 2026 por el San Francisco World Spirits Competition, uno de los concursos más reconocidos de la industria de las bebidas espirituosas. El producto se distingue por estar elaborado exclusivamente con agave azul Weber, una planta originaria de México que también se utiliza para producir tequila. El certamen se celebra desde hace poco más de 25 años y se consolidó como una referencia para las marcas del sector, sobre todo las artesanales.
La historia del nuevo mejor vodka del mundo, según el San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Weber Ranch 1902 fue elegido como el mejor vodka nuevo de 2026 por el San Francisco World Spirits Competition, uno de los concursos más reconocidos de la industria de las bebidas espirituosas. El producto se distingue por estar elaborado exclusivamente con agave azul Weber, una planta originaria de México que también se utiliza para producir tequila. El certamen se celebra desde hace poco más de 25 años y se consolidó como una referencia para las marcas del sector, sobre todo las artesanales.
Eli Manning And Jameson Team Up To Give Football Fans A $5 Million Bar Tab Original
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates after Runningback Ahmad Bradshaw #44 ran the ball for a 6 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)... More Getty Images The 2026 NFL Season is well underway and Giants fans sure could use a drink.
The 2026 Esquire Spirit Awards
What to DO vs. What to NEVER Do in Italy: Essential Travel Tips You'll Regret Not Knowing Italy Travel Tips: What to DO vs. What to NEVER Do (I Wish I’d Known This) Italy Travel Tips: What to DO vs. What to NEVER Do (I Wish I’d Known …
The 2026 Esquire Spirit Awards Original
17 min read Here at Esquire, we’re not shy about our love of a good, stiff drink. Perhaps that’s why we’ve been so distressed by the data that has been published over the past few years claiming young people don’t imbibe like they used to. Mercifully, that myth has been busted. A recent report from the IWSR has shown that 74 percent of Gen Z adults are enjoying alcohol, up from 66 percent just a few years back.
The World’s Best Vodka—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Original
A bottle of new Weber Ranch 1902; vodka made from 100% blue weber agave. Weber Ranch The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has been around for just over a quarter century. Within that time it has firmly established itself as one of the industry’s premiere kingmakers, especially when it comes to craft brands. Winning top honors, including Double Gold or – even better – “Best In Class” or “Best In Show” recognition can usher in a new era of dominance for any up-and-coming brand.
The Macallan Bought a Centuries-Old Sherry Producer in 2023. Its New $1,400 Scotch Shows Why Original
The Macallan Time : Space Sherry Cask is a 20-year-old single malt Scotch and the brand’s first whisky aged specifically in casks seasoned with Oloroso-style Sherry from historic Spanish producer Valdespino. The $1,400 limited release is part of the Time : Space Collection, which debuted in 2024 to commemorate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary.
Forbes JAPAN 公式サイト（フォーブス ジャパン）
1カ月ほど前、筆者は「2026年スコッチウイスキー・マスターズ」の結果と、そのコンペティションの結果がこれほどまでに大きな影響力を持つ「理由」について報じた。詳細はこちらで確認できる。端的に言えば、これは「グローバル・スピリッツ・マスターズ」と呼ばれる、より広範な審査会の一部である。英国の一流の審査員たちが年に数回集まり、市場に出回っているトップ製品をブラインド・テイスティングで評価・査定するものだ。 確かに、これらのトップテイスターの大半はグレーター・ロンドン（大ロンドン）出身である。しかし、だからといって彼らがアメリカン・ウイスキーの専門家ではないということにはならない。実際、彼らの洗練された味覚は、仕事上の必要性から世界中のあらゆる場所から集まる何百ものウイスキーに日常的に触れている。過酷な仕事だが、誰かがやらなければならないのだ。...
Speyside Meets Côte d’Azur: The World’s Top-Selling Single Malt Just Dropped a First-of-Its-Kind Cask Finish—and It’s Only $55 Original
For just over 200 years, The Glenlivet has been crafting high-quality Scotch in the heart of Speyside. Indeed, the distillery helped put that now-legendary region of Scotland on the map. Today, it’s the world’s top-selling producer of single malt. Speyside, in turn, is the undisputed epicenter of that particular style of whisky. Given such outsized stature, it makes sense that the brand would be willing to think bigger. To incorporate a more global accent, if you will.
The Glenlivet Just Dropped a First-of-Its-Kind Cask Finish—and It's Only $55
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing. For just over 200 years, The Glenlivet has been crafting high-quality Scotch in the heart of Speyside. Indeed, the distillery helped put that now-legendary region of Scotland on the map. Today, it’s the world’s top-selling producer of single malt.
This Disneyland Restaurant Is Building One Of California’s Biggest Whiskey Collections Original
Interior with Christmas tree at Disney Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland resort, Anaheim, California, December 23, 2024. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) Gado via Getty Images Disneyland is frequently referred to as the “Happiest Place On Earth.” If you’re a whiskey fan in Southern California you might be inclined to agree. Anyone from that subset is likely already aware of Club 33, the legendary members-only watering hole hidden within the park.
This Disneyland Restaurant Is Building One Of California’s Biggest Whiskey Collections
“We Eat This Once a Week”: Beef Tips & Gravy Is the Recipe Everyone Begs For I think I’ve cooked somewhere around 240 dinners this year. And I’m not ashamed to admit that many, if not most, nights I’m extremely lazy. The less …
Todavía no salió a la venta y fue elegido el mejor bourbon de 2026 Original
Ampersand Aureus, un bourbon creado por el maestro destilador Chip Tate para Foley Family Wines & Spirits, recibió en 2026 la máxima distinción entre los whiskies estadounidenses en los Global Spirits Masters, un prestigioso certamen con sede en el Reino Unido. El jurado lo ubicó por encima del resto de las etiquetas de su categoría gracias a un perfil marcado por notas cítricas, caramelo salado y frutas oscuras, aunque el whisky todavía no salió oficialmente a la venta.
World’s Best Hotel Bars: JW Steakhouse At Grosvenor House London Original
JW Steakhouse holds the largest collection of vintage bourbons anywhere in Europe. JW Marriott - Grosvenor House London London is undoubtedly a world class city for arts, culture, history, and all things food and drink. But it isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of world class bourbon destinations. The whiskey bar at the JW Steakhouse in Mayfair has a few hundred bottles to help shift your thoughts on the matter.
World’s Best Hotel Bars: JW Steakhouse At Grosvenor House London
World News Now U.S. reveals import ban on slew of Canadian goods as trade war escalates CNBC - Jenni Reid • 49m The White House said it would ban imports of Canadian motorbikes and a slew of other products starting later this month as diplomatic and trade … Trump news update 9 hours ago Trump escalates trade war with Canada, moving to ban imports of some motorcycles, dairy and alcohol NBC News - By Steve Kopack • 9h As the U.S.-Canadian relationship severely deteriorates, the White House says...
The World’s best bourbon – according to Whiskey Masters
Published on September 8, 2026 Colorado straight bourbon whiskey finished in Vino de Naranja casks. Ampersand Aureus A little less than a month ago we reported the results of the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters…Along with why the results of that particular competition are so impactful. You can review it all here.
The World’s Best Bourbon—According To The 2026 American Whiskey Masters
Brad Japhe, Senior Contributor Updated Mon, September 7, 2026 at 5:04 AM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Colorado straight bourbon whiskey finished in Vino de Naranja casks. Ampersand Aureus A little less than a month ago we reported the results of the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters…Along with why the results of that particular competition are so impactful. You can review it all here.
The World’s Highest Bourbon Distillery Enters The Vodka Seltzer Space Original
Breck Vodka Seltzers launched earlier this June. Breckenridge Distillery Resting easy at an elevation of 9,600 feet, Breckenridge Distillery has enjoyed status as the world’s highest whiskey-making operation since opening nearly two decades ago. Now the award-winning craft operation is ready to bring canned cocktails to new heights. Earlier this summer the brand introduced an offshoot called Breck, specializing entirely in ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka seltzers.
Dirk Collins And Planet 5 Bring Ultra Premium Coffee To New Heights
Brad Japhe, Senior Contributor Updated Sun, September 6, 2026 at 10:09 AM EDT 6 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Rare, high-altitude coffee from the roof of the world. Dirk Collins/Planet 5 Dirk Collins isn't in the coffee business, per se. He's a legendary adventure photographer and filmmaker with a career spanning three decades. But that doesn't mean he can't help you haul home some of the rarest coffee on earth.
Dirk Collins And Planet 5 Bring Ultra Premium Coffee To New Heights
Rare, high-altitude coffee from the roof of the world. Dirk Collins/Planet 5 Dirk Collins isn’t in the coffee business, per se. He’s a legendary adventure photographer and filmmaker with a career spanning three decades. But that doesn’t mean he can’t help you haul home some of the rarest coffee on earth. In fact that’s just one of the many perks provided by Planet 5 – a multi-faceted “quiet luxury” company he founded in 2024, in part, to help fund mountain preservation.
The World’s Best New Tequila—According To The 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Torrente Blanco High Proof Photo illustration: Brad Japhe The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the Big Kahuna of global beverage competitions. For over a quarter century now, the organization has defined integrity in the space leveraging rigorous methodology and widely-revered judges. Its highest seals of approval – "Best In Class" and "Best In Show" – have helped solidify the stature of some of today's biggest and most respected liquor brands.
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