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New writing on fragrance, spirits, and cigars goes up multiple times a week. Subscribe free on Substack for the Bite-Sized Brief, or pay a nominal fee to read the full article.
Free Articles
Full articles you can read on Substack without a paid membership.
When You Cannot Smell Anything
Free full article. I lost my sense of smell to COVID in 2020. What the research says about recovery and smell training.
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Old Monk, the FSSAI, and the Seven-Year Claim That Came Apart
Free full article. Updated October 6 with the latest in the court case. FSSAI says Old Monk's XXX rum is mostly unmatured neutral spirit, matured rum under 5 percent.
Roja Parfums and the Rise of Gulf Fragrance Capital
Free full article. A Gulf-based distributor becomes an owner after years of Roja building ties in the region.
Highlights
The latest issue, alongside a few pieces worth reading again. Like going back to your favorite spirit or cigar.
The Vodka Boom That Nearly Killed Bourbon
Vodka was sold as a spirit with no taste. How the 1970s boom pushed American whiskey to the edge before bourbon came back.
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National Coffee Day: The Espresso Martini I Shake Too Long, and Three Coffee Fragrances
National Coffee Day was September 29. Three fragrances with coffee in the notes, ranked by how they wear on me, plus an espresso martini.
Negroni Week: A Template Built to Be Messed With
Negroni Week runs September 21–27. Why a three-ingredient, equal-parts drink has stayed interesting for over a century.
