More Oak, More Bourbon… or Just More Money? I’m a big fan of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. At around $46 a bottle, it has always struck me as one of those bourbons that delivers far more than its price would suggest. So when Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked first hit the shelves, I was intrigued. The thinking seemed simple: I like Double Oaked… so wouldn’t twice the oak be even better? Well… sort of. The first time I tried Double Double Oaked, I thought it was very good—

A Boulevardier is what happens when the Old Fashioned takes a stylish trip to Europe. Rye or Bourbon steps into the spotlight, joined by sweet vermouth and Campari

The Eagle Rare Line Up Some bourbons are good. Some bourbons are memorable. And then there are a few that seem to carry a story in every pour. For me, Eagle Rare sits firmly in that last category. It’s easily one of my top three bourbons of all time. Not because it’s flashy or impossible to find (except in liquor controlled Oregon) but because it consistently delivers something many modern spirits have forgotten — character and a flavor profile that perfectly matches my taste

Not long after Julie and I traded the coastlines of Huntington Beach for the quiet rhythm of Oregon, something important found its way into our lives—almost by accident. We reconnected with our close friends, Todd and Stacey Mickey, up in West Linn Oregon. Like most good traditions, this one didn’t start with much planning. Todd had picked up a phrase somewhere “Martini Friday” and gave it a home. And just like that, it stuck. At the time, we were all regulars of the Food Net

The Oregon Man Martini Variations There are few drinks that carry the authority of a well-made martini. No garnish can hide it, no sugar can soften it, just spirit, super chilled, and consume. In this post, we’ll explore the subtle differences that define the martini: gin versus vodka and preferences between the ice-forward “skate” style that chills your drink without watering it down or stirred over ice and served cold. At its core, the classic martini is simple—gin and dry

Created at Home - The El Jefe Perfect Manhattan There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from sitting down at a bar and ordering a well-made cocktail. A good bartender knows their craft. The glass arrives cold, balanced, and beautiful. But every once in a while, you take that first sip and think quietly to yourself… I could have made this better at home. Not out of arrogance—out of passion. Over the years I’ve come to realize that the best cocktail experiences I’ve had weren