If you've been around the world of spirits (and by "spirits" I mean liquor, not ghosts), you've heard the term "Angel's Share."

When distillers put their precious liquid in barrels for aging, a certain amount gets evaporated or soaked into the wood. Leaving less coming out of the barrel than what went in. This is what distillers call the Angel's Share. The payment made to the heavens for allowing them to make such incredible spirits.

And while no one can capture the liquid that has evaporated into the air, Jim Beam has finally figured out a way to extract the juice that had been forever trapped in the barrel's wood. They've taken back that share from the angels, and dubbed it the Devil's Cut.

Using their proprietary process, the mad geniuses at Beam have taken this recaptured bourbon and added it back into an extra-aged, six-year premium bourbon creating the finely balanced 90 proof Devil's Cut with deep notes of vanilla and, of course, rich wood and oak. It has an intense, yet smooth, flavor that is like no other bourbon you've tasted.

And while I usually post recipes for any new liquors I talk about for you to mix up, this time I am refusing. Flat out. If ever there was a bourbon to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this would be it. If you're insistent, you can add a little cola. The Devil gets his cut either way.
$23.99 - 750ml
JimBeamDevilsCut.com

I’m not a huge fan of wine, and I can’t profess to know that much about it. For me wine is a bit like golf. I just don’t get it. Besides, my beer-drinking schedule leaves very little room for deviation. What I can appreciate, however, is a good story and Alex Elman Wines has just that.

If this were just another wine importer/private labeler story I’d have lost interest already, but the story of Alex Elman Wines is definitely more than that. When Alexandra Elman was 27, diabetes took her sight. What the disease failed to take from her was her sense of purpose and the passion for what she loves.

Having spent nearly her entire life surrounded by and involved with the world of wine, Alex’s determination and desire to share her love of fine wines with the world lead her to found Alex Elman Wines.

And don’t even think she’s out for the sympathy vote. Rather than let her disability stand in her way, she’s found a rather cunning way of leveraging it. C’mon, she calls herself "The Blind Wine Chick." Now that’s giving fate the middle finger. So with the help of her big-headed yellow dog Hanley (her words, not mine), Alex ...There's more

As I've said many times before, it's always a good idea to include some sweeter, fruitier drinks at the pool party or barbecue, for the ladies who want to imbibe but aren't in the mood for your famous bourbon and Coke, or shot gunning beers.

Not that it's "girlie" in anyway, but the new Cruzan Strawberry Rum will allow you to mix up some cocktails the ladies will love. Mention "strawberry" and they're in. And the touch of ginger Cruzan's added to the mix, takes some of the edge off the sweetness. So it's not to syrupy, or cavity inducing. After all, a drink still needs to be a drink. We'll leave the sugary stuff for the kids.

Here are a few recipes you'll want to have at the ready at your next backyard bash:

Cruzan Mojito with a Twist
2 parts Cruzan Strawberry Rum
2 tsp. sugar
3-4 mint leaves
Juice of half a lime
Club soda
Muddle sugar, mint, lime juice, and a splash of club soda together in a tall glass. Add rum and garnish with a strawberry.

Cruzan Strawberry Mai Tai
1 1/2 parts Cruzan Strawberry Ginger Rum
1/2 parts Dekuyper Orange Curacao
1 1/2 parts Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 parts Simple Syrup
1/2 parts Finest Call Orgeat Syrup
Fill mixing glass 3/4 with cubed ice, strain ...There's more

The Samuel Adam’s Utopias MMXI has just been released, and beer aficionados across the country (except for the states in which it’s banned), are scrambling to get their hands on one of the rarest beers brewed in the United States (A bottle will set you back $150). Just in case you’ve forgotten click here for a Utopias refresher.

Utopias is one of those things in life that you either get or you don’t. I put it in the same category as scotch and cigars. When it comes to Utopias I get it. I think it’s one of the most creative and remarkable beer creations of the last 50 years, and a true testament to the skill and dedication to the art of craft brewing that Samuel Adams has become famous for.

Since it’s really meant to be enjoyed after dinner, why not pair Utopias with dessert? To make the perfect companion for something as over-the-top as Utopias Sam Adams partnered with New York City’s Butch Bakery to come up with a pair of cupcake recipes designed to hold their own against the 27% ABV behemoth.

Butch Bakery has taken the estrogen content of cupcakery to near ppm levels with their guy-friendly creations, and their two Utopias-inspired recipes are no different. Two words for ya, buttercream and bacon. A half-pound of bacon...

So put that apron on, pour yourself a snifter of Sam Adams Utopias and get to baking. And if you’re feeling extra inspired, try putting a tablespoon or so of Utopias into the frosting in place of the vanilla for a real treat.

The Cake: Maple
The Frosting: Milk Chocolate Buttercream
The Kicker: Caramelized Bacon Bit Topping

Maple Cupcakes
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda ...There's more

If your dad tends to lean more toward the less-than-usual side, toasting him this Father's Day will require something more than beer. Or even the usual vodka or whiskey. If that's the case, you might want to reach for a bottle of Pisco Portón.

The native spirit of Peru, pisco is distilled from lightly fermented grape juice, with no water added to dilute or adulterate the spirit. Pisco Portón is hand crafted at Hacienda la Caravedo, the oldest working distillery in the Americas (since 1684), and employs a labor intensive process that uses about fifteen pounds of grapes to make every bottle. That's a lot of grapes, and dad's worth it.

So mix him a cocktail worthy of his dadhood, the Capitan (a drink that's man enough to finish with a maraschino cherry, and feel good about it), and let dad know he will always be the captain of the family ship.

Pisco Portón Capitan
1 1/2 oz Pisco Portón
1 1/2 oz vermouth ...There's more

When you crack open a few beers over to Dad's this weekend you can do more than just celebrate Father's Day...

To celebrate national flag week and the patriotic season leading up to July 4th, Budweiser has altered its iconic can by creating a red, white and blue Patriot Can.

But it isn't just about a new design, and giving NASCAR fans the ability to wave a flag and drink a beer with one hand. During the run up to July 4th, a portion of the sales of all Budweiser products will be donated to the Folds of Honor Foundation which provides scholarships and other assistance to the families of fallen and disabled service members. That's a show of patriotic pride that beats the hell outta your obnoxious neighbor mowing his lawn in his American flag boxers.

Just what the doctor ordered... DeKuyper recently launched its first Premium Orange liqueur, called O3. It's made from whole Brazilian Pera oranges (the pulp, rind and juice) without artificial colors, flavor or high fructose corn syrup. I'm not sure if it'll deliver your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, but O3 does bring a sweeter, juicier flavor than the leading orange liqueurs available.

Which means you can decide to make a Screwdriver without the OJ, and double up on the proof, by adding O3. And I don't have to tell you what it'll do to her Margarita. Or impress her by serving up a Brazilian Champagne instead of a boring Mimosa. (Recipe after the jump.) And at a price point under $20 bucks, you can keep the party rolling all summer long.

Orange Caipirinha
2 parts Cruzan Aged Light Rum
1 part JDK & Sons O3 Premium Orange Liqueur
3 kumquats (halved) or tangerines (quartered)
2 lime wedges ...There's more

Newcastle Breweries, creators of America's most popular imported ale, Newcastle Brown, has just announced the release of four limited edition seasonal ales and if anybody can do it right Newcastle can. The Newcastle Limited Edition Brews are the result of a collaboration between England's Newcastle Breweries and long-time Scottish brewers Caledonian Brewery (makers of Deuchars IPA). I guess if anything can get the English and the Scots working together it's beer.

The first of the brews, which just so happens to be in stores and bars all around the country right now, is Newcastle Summer Ale. While not new to the market (it's debut was back in 2009) Newcastle thought it only fitting that this beer join the three others as they make their way into the world. Kinda like an older brother showing his youngers around. Newcastle Summer Ale is what happens when the Brits get their hands on a classic lawnmower ale, and it's perfect for hot weather. Your first sip yields a nose of subtle citrus hop aroma and a clean, refreshing flavor with a dry finish. It's light, crisp and pleasantly drinkable... the perfect companion to yardwork or hammock hanging.

As the dog days of summer wind down and the temperatures start to drop, thoughts turn to beers of a heavier ilk. Beers that can chase away the chill. Newcastle Werewolf is the ...There's more

Last Saturday, June 4th, marked National Cognac Day. (We were already busy celebrating, and forgot to post something to let you guys know. Won't happen again. We flogged an intern over it.) And what better way to celebrate this most important of holidays (or to thank Dad for passing on his DNA), then with Camus Cognac.

The Camus family has been distilling its signature lines of cognac since 1863, and they are the last independently owned and family-run cognac house in the world. (Yeah! Down with Big Cognac!)

So raise a snifter and enjoy National Cognac Day with these refreshing, summer-inspired recipes. (Yup, you can mix cognac too.)

Camus Elegant Ending
1 1/2 oz Camus VSOP Elegance
3/4 oz Ruby port
3/4 oz Dolin dry Vermouth
Stir over ice. Strain into Coupe.

The Elegant Camus Sling
1 1/2oz Camus VSOP Elegance
3/4 oz Punta Mes Vermouth
1/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz Lemon juice
Cremant d’ Alsace sparkling wine
Shake all except sparkling wine. Strain into a martini glass. Top with Cremant d’Alsace.

Father’s Day is right around the corner. I know, where the hell did that come from? Kinda sidled up to us this year, didn’t it. Anyway, with Dad’s Day a major event in some households it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas for the guy that loaned you half of his DNA.

This year the folks at Canadian Club would like to remind you that your paternal unit might appreciate a gift of fine whisky. Aged in American white oak bourbon barrels and offered in a selection that ranges from the smooth and warm Classic 12 to the small batch Sherry Cask, Canadian Club has just the thing for the dad who’s more Mad Men than All in the Family. And since every batch of Canadian Club is double distilled to remove those pesky fusel oils you’re guaranteed a light-tasting whisky that’ll go down Draper cool every time.

Just in case you needed some additional classic cocktail inspiration, Canadian Club’s got your back. Check out these retro libations (after the jump) and do your part to help bring back the three-martini lunch. ...There's more