"booze" news and stories

Some chatter over at The Soapbox caught our eye. Should boozy beverages sport nutritional labeling? It's a topic federal regulators have been reviewing and one that's been brewing since 2003.

Current labeling regulations are complex. Wine, beer and liquor producers are not required to list actual ingredients on the label, but must list items like sulfites or FD&C Yellow No. 5 for consumers who are sensitive. Whether or not nutritional information like calories, carbohydrates and serving size should be added to labels is up for discussion, but Tom Hogue, spokesman for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) told USA Today that it's unclear when federal officials might make a decision.

"I hear echos of the topic, but I don't think it will become a government mandate," says Rob Cooper, president and founder of St-Germain/Cooper Spirits Company. "There are already a lot of regulations surrounding alcohol. You have to go through the TTB formal approval process to ensure consumers are getting a safe product. It's not the Wild West. You can't just do what you want. They're strict about the ingredients."

And besides, adds Cooper, "Alcohol is not a critical component of ones sustenance. It's for recreational use. Who cares if it's good for you?"

He's got a point.

Walk into almost any liquor shop after Halloween, and you'll see an army of old bottles dressed up in holiday clothing. Sometimes the booze has been rendered festive with tinsel or bells. Or there's a sexy cocktail shaker -- or frosted glasses -- sitting next to the vodka bottle in a shiny Christmas-themed box.

Nobody buys these gift-box bottles for themselves; they are quintessential gifts (and re-gifts). But that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the alluring tchotchke inside.

This year's crop elicits many of those "I-want-that!" responses whether you're a fan of vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, rum or Champagne. Though most are fairly priced between $20 and $60, the gift sets range from $15 to $425. Just remember: Prices and availability may vary.

Jagermeister in the snow. Photo: janeyesee, Flickr

Our counterparts over at AOL U.K. recently ran an article entitled "Comedy Booze" lamenting the unfortunate habit some guests have of using parties to re-gift hard alcohol they found unfit to stomach back when they received it. From Greek ouzo to French pastis, it's a multi-culti takedown.

Of course, sometimes that famous Brit wit doesn't cross the pond. We know some folks who adore pastis, and others for whom a bottle of Jagermeister might be considered quite a smashing (or quite funny) addition to a party.

That said, we can certainly sympathize with the sentiment. After the jump, three things we think you should never bring to a party. Tell us what we missed!

Tired of not being in the know?

Everyone knows that every night, somewhere, people are drinking for free. Various bars have promotions from liquor companies, nights when they want to pack the house, and special events that result in totally free drinks, and often free food, as well!

Whether you're visiting or a resident, visit My Open Bar for free drinks in:

• New York City
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My Open Bar lets you know what time, what's free, and where it is. All you have to do is show up! They even have mobile and RSS feeds.

Special thanks to my friend Brandon A. for the tip.

Source

Ah, the celebration that comes with a national election. The debate/return parties, the shared moments of victory and/or regrouping, the solitary, teeth-gnashing sessions spent on the couch in front of CNN. All go better with a drink, preferably something American-made--no Heineken, no Sapporo, no Hennessy, no Stoli. No, indeed, because it is the time to crack open a bottle of Jim Beam. What could be more patriotic than that? Actually, something can: An Operation Homefront bottle of Jim Beam. Operation Homefront is an organization that aids and supports military personnel and their families stateside. Disagree though people may on other issues, I think this is something we can all get behind. Even without the booze.

Unlike the Absolut New Orleans charity bottle, Operation Homefront Beam has no special flavor or, really, anything to differentiate it from regular Beam beasides the stars n' stripes on the bottle. Also, while the Jim Beam company has made six-digit donations to Operation Homefront, they do not receive a percentage of bottle sales, so one is deprived of the rare opportunity of insisting that you're downing that 12th bourbon sour for our brave men and women in uniform. Still, for their support of this fine charity (and perhaps after that 13th bourbon, you could write a check too), the good folk at Jim Beam deserve a round of applause. Or perhaps just a clink of the glasses.