Stories from the cellar
Wine and spirits guides: the history behind famous bottles, how they are made, and how to enjoy them.
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Casamigos Blanco: The Tequila That Started as a Friends-Only Bottle
How Casamigos tequila began with George Clooney and Rande Gerber, what Casamigos Blanco tastes like, easy cocktails, and where to buy it in Millbrae.
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Yamazaki 12: Japan’s First Malt Whisky Distillery in a Glass
The story of Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery, what makes Yamazaki 12 special, how to enjoy Japanese whisky, and where to buy Yamazaki in Millbrae.
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Don Julio 1942: The Añejo Tequila That Honors a Year and a Founder
The story behind Don Julio 1942, how this añejo tequila is made, how to drink it, and where to buy Don Julio 1942 in Millbrae.
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Rare Blend Behind the Blue Bottle
The story of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, from a Kilmarnock grocer to a numbered luxury blend, plus tasting notes, how to serve it and where to buy it…
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Wuliangye: The Five-Grain Baijiu From Yibin, Sichuan
What makes Wuliangye one of China’s most famous baijiu brands, the five grains behind its name, how to serve it, and where to buy Wuliangye in Millbrae.
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Hennessy XO: The Original “Extra Old” Cognac and How to Enjoy It
The history of Hennessy XO, the first Cognac labeled “extra old,” what it tastes like, how to serve it, and where to buy it in Millbrae.
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Dom Pérignon 2015: The Story of the Monk, the Vintage and How to Serve It
Who Dom Pérignon was, why it is only made in vintage years, what to expect from the 2015, and where to buy Dom Pérignon in Millbrae.
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The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Why Sherry Casks Make This Scotch a Legend
How The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak gets its rich flavor from sherry-seasoned oak casks, how to taste and serve it, and where to buy it in Millbrae.
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Opus One: The Napa Valley Icon Born From a Handshake Between Bordeaux and California
The story of Opus One, the Napa Valley wine created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, how it tastes, how to serve it, and where to…
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Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy 1L: The Story, the Craft and How to Enjoy It
The story of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy, from a Guizhou river town to a 1915 gold medal in San Francisco, how it is made, how to serve it,…
Why we write these wine and spirits guides
Every famous bottle has a story. Some began with a monk, others with a handshake between two families. Our wine and spirits guides explain where each bottle comes from, what it tastes like and how to serve it. For background, see this overview of distilled spirits.
Start with a classic. Read about Opus One, the Napa icon born from a Bordeaux partnership, or Kweichow Moutai, the baijiu served at state banquets.
Whisky lovers can compare The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak with Yamazaki 12, two very different takes on single malt. If you prefer Cognac or Champagne, try our stories on Hennessy XO and Dom Pérignon 2015.
Each story covers the producer, how the bottle is made, tasting notes and easy serving ideas. We write in plain language, so you do not need to be an expert. Every guide also links to the bottle in our shop, so you can order it for pickup in Millbrae or Bay Area delivery.
