Killing Merlot: Why We Did It, How It ALMOST Worked
The condemnation of Merlot, when I started working in wine, was near universal. Many shops didn’t carry more than two. Some put it on the very bottom shelves. Nobody sat and drank it.
The Pour Fool
Veteran writer, Steve Body, on beer, wine, spirits, the Business Of, and those who make them…and occasionally Other Things.
RANT: On Athletes, Rich Guys, and the Illusion of “Respect”
“I have to take care of my family!” is cheap and unworthy button-pushing; a greedy person trying to deflect criticism by leaning on the only thing they still have in common with the Average Joe.
Geaux? Gone: A Cautionary Rant and Tale
If we value Small Businesses, as we all SAY we do in all our drippy Lip Service to Small Business Saturday, then that Saturday really HAS TO be every day.
The Most Underrated Breweries in the PNW: a 5 Year Update
An unabashed revision of a post that first appeared back in 2017, in response to a list from Paste Magazine. I thought it deserved an update, as the beer landscape, battered by Covid and economic upheaval, has changed radically.
“It’s Happening Again”: Stone Brewing is the New Pearl Harbor
It is categorically NOT impossible for an American brewery to flourish, expand, and PAY PEOPLE, including the owners, and not sell out to some mega-corp or brewing conglomerate. It is NOT the inevitable end-game of being a successful business.
Saxtons Distillery: From Vermont, with Soul
If you can find Saxton Distillery Maple Bourbon and Snowdrop Gin, DO IT. Like right now. And sip with your jaw on your chest to keep it from falling on the floor.
America’s Top IPAs? My Faves from the 15 Year History of The Pour Fool
Are these really, actually, LITERALLY the Best Beers being made in the US? NO, they are NOT. But they are EXCELLENT beers; ones that you SHOULD try if you profess to like beers at all.
Deschutes/Bitburger: Lager for What Ales Ya
This is such a pleasure to drink. It’s one of those extremely rare things you find usually only after a LONG search through the marketplace: Something For Everybody.
The Pour Fool 