Still & Barrel

From grain to glass: spirits, cocktails and the home bar.

Oak barrels resting in a warehouse
What Craft And Farm Distillery Really Mean: A Realistic Plan
Craft Distilling

What Craft And Farm Distillery Really Mean: A Realistic Plan

Knowing the pitfalls of craft and farm distilleries is half the recipe. The aim is to keep things simple and reliable. Below, we walk through craft and farm distilleries step by st

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How To Read A Spirits Label: What Most People Miss
Spirits Guide

How To Read A Spirits Label: What Most People Miss

Spirits labels does not have to be expensive if you buy wisely. Most of the work is measuring carefully. Let's look at what makes spirits labels work, and what you can skip.

Apple Brandy And Applejack: An American Original (Part 3)
Spirits Guide

Apple Brandy And Applejack: An American Original (Part 3)

Apple brandy and applejack is more fun to share, and a little planning makes hosting easy. A little practice goes a long way. Here is a practical look at apple brandy and applejack

Brandy And Cognac-Style Spirits Explained: Where to Start
Spirits Guide

Brandy And Cognac-Style Spirits Explained: Where to Start

For a first go at brandy and cognac-style spirits, a few basic tools are all you need. The aim is to keep things simple and reliable. Let's look at what makes brandy and cognac-sty

How Vodka Is Made And Why It Is Not Flavorless: A Time-Friendly Approach
Spirits Guide

How Vodka Is Made And Why It Is Not Flavorless: A Time-Friendly Approach

Vodka is easier to get right once you know a few basics. None of it needs expensive bottles. The rest of this article covers vodka in plain, practical terms.

How Rum Is Made: From Sugarcane To Bottle (Part 3)
Spirits Guide

How Rum Is Made: From Sugarcane To Bottle (Part 3)

Rum is easiest when you follow a clear order of steps. The aim is to keep things simple and reliable. Let's look at what makes rum work, and what you can skip.

How Gin Is Made: Juniper, Botanicals And Styles (Part 3)
Spirits Guide

How Gin Is Made: Juniper, Botanicals And Styles (Part 3)

Gin has a longer history than most people expect. Most of the work is measuring carefully. Below, we walk through gin step by step.

How Rye Whiskey Is Made And How It Tastes: A Simple, Practical Guide
Craft Distilling

How Rye Whiskey Is Made And How It Tastes: A Simple, Practical Guide

A good method for rye whiskey is a starting point for plenty of variations. None of it needs expensive bottles. Here is a practical look at rye whiskey for home bartenders.

How Bourbon Is Made And What The Law Requires: The Short Version
Craft Distilling

How Bourbon Is Made And What The Law Requires: The Short Version

When bourbon disappoints, the reason is usually easy to fix. A little practice goes a long way. Let's look at what makes bourbon work, and what you can skip.

Grain To Glass: How Whiskey Gets From Field To Bottle (Part 3)
Craft Distilling

Grain To Glass: How Whiskey Gets From Field To Bottle (Part 3)

A few early choices keep the cost of whiskey production under control. A little practice goes a long way. Here is a practical look at whiskey production for home bartenders.