Joanne Gould, a BHJ favorite and award-winning drinks writer went on an epic tasting adventure just recently. She tasted a colorful variety of drinks sure to add sparkle to any holiday party. From these tastings, Gould tasted 65 gins and 50 whiskies. She tasted 60 low- and no-alcohol beverages, providing some helpful tips for people preparing for the holiday drinking season. Her conclusions made quite a splash when they were released in The Filter, the leading publication trusted by beverage industry insiders.
Yet, Gould’s tastings reached beyond classic spirits to include tinned beverages and holiday-inspired mixes. She tasted 40 different canned cocktails, in addition to spritzes and holiday-themed specialty tinned drinks that fit the season. Alongside this, she dived into the complex world of tequila and mezcal, tasting 40 different types of these trending spirits.
Monica Horridge, Deputy Editor of The Filter, emphasized the importance of Gould’s long-day, open-sourced tasting experiments. Her experience gives our readers a complete roadmap to choosing the right beverage for their holiday celebrations,” Horridge added. The online magazine recently published *top* lists for influencing gin and whisky. They suggested low- and no-alcohol options, as well as tequila and mezcal.
Gould’s tasting process is methodical and thorough. She makes a great case for why variety is essential when celebrating with boozy drinks. Load them up with something creamy, something smoked, and something herby to make the fanciest last minute canapé of all time,” she recommended. She was adamant that every drink perfectly enhances the seasonal cuisine.
Alongside her tastings of alcoholic beverages, Gould primarily made room for low- and no-alcohol options. With more people than ever looking for higher quality alternatives to traditional spirits, her expertise in this category couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s created recipes for 60 delicious low and no-alcohol drinks. These joyful alternatives make it easy for you to enjoy all the flavor and fun of the season, without the buzz.
Like many people, as Christmas draws near we often find ourselves rushing to figure out what gifts to buy or getting all our preparations in order. Before readers go into a panic, Gould calms fears by assuring everyone that there is no cause for alarm. We’re opting out of gifts altogether this year. There are so many of us! She continued, adding that experiences you share with the people you love can outweigh even the most expensive gifts of all.
With Gould’s frequent expertise, The Filter has established itself as a go-to for beverage direction. The guide has something for everyone, from traditional gins to delicious new low-alcohol serves. This method ensures there’s something for every taste and preference. This unique approach gives readers the tools they need to take their holiday gatherings to new heights with carefully curated beverages.