Hello friends. Not sure how much I want to get into this so turning replies off. But I do want to share some of what I’ve been going through. Been sat at Mum’s deathbed for a week now and it is both brutal and exhausting. Also boring, if I’m totally honest. She’s somehow still going.

I *still* don't mention my book enough. You'd have thought I might have learned by now. Anyway. It makes an excellent present for the gin lover(s) in your life. Just sayin'. geni.us/GinATastingC...

If you think (correctly) that tech bros and Nazis ruined journalism and politics why are you still on X or Substack

I *still* don't mention my book enough. You'd have thought I might have learned by now. Anyway. It makes an excellent present for the gin lover(s) in your life. Just sayin'. geni.us/GinATastingC...

The music and general entertainment care homes seems to be about a generation out of date. These people were not fighting the Second World War. Their parents were. We’ll fucking Meet Again? Where’s the Marianne Faithful, Rolling Stones etc?

When I bought this typewriter a few years ago it felt like a nostalgic indulgence. I used to play with my dad's old one as a kid so it was good to have one again. Now, with the way AI is going plus the general creeping dread of being online, it's starting to feel more like a wise investment.

Tickets for the World Whisky Experience are selling fast. Purchase yours now to attend on either the 14th or 15th November and enjoy unrivalled access to some of the finest whisky being made across the world today. 📍 London. Tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/events/iwsc/...

Sky News just had Kelvin Mackenzie on, former editor of The Sun, one of the people at the centre of probably the most disgraceful front page in newspaper history, complaining about BBC journalists not being objective and 'fake news'. Astonishing. ~AA

Most people have no business buying a whisky cask. Not least because there are dodgy fucks out there more than happy to sell you one that may or may not exist.

News! We have plans for a print Pellicle in 2026 but we can only do that with your help. Become a Patreon subscriber now and support our b̶i̶d̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶l̶d̶ ̶d̶o̶m̶i̶n̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ writers, artists and editors, and keep Pellicle free to read for all 🫶🏻 www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/11...

Researchers extracted proteins from spent beer-brewing yeast and spun them into strong textile fibers that avoid the environmental impact of petroleum-based polymers, and the ethical as well as land- and water-use concerns of cotton and wool. cen.acs.org/materials/Br... #chemsky 🧪

And here's one from the vaults - mainly sharing for the first section on our most overlooked sense. the-glass.ghost.io/6-i-have-a-f...

Friday afternoon has somehow snuck up on me. Anyway, now that it's slacking-off time, here's a link for you: the-glass.ghost.io/press-once-a...

If anyone has any suggestions for how to save this article as a PDF without the images crashing all over the text, I'm all ears. cluboenologique.com/story/non-al...

Having seen the latest tawdry nonsense from Ellers Farm distillery/Dutch Barn Vodka, I have just one suggestion to make to spirits brands looking to "break through the noise", and that is: Don't be a fucking dick.

New article out in this month's Brewer & Distiller International on sustainable packaging and glass alternatives. Members of the CIBD can read it for free. The rest of you will have to wait a little longer, I'm afraid.

Well that was surprisingly emotional, wasn’t it? #CelebrityTraitors

Someone reeeeeally wants to get into my Instagram. So many password reset emails.

Beer friends, throw your suggestions my way for best beers flavoured with an added ingredient. Core-range rather than specials, as I need beers that'll still be around in a couple of years' time.

Ugh. Stupid projects and stupid commitments making me turn down stupid press trips to stupid Scottish castles and stupid Micheline stupid starred stupid restaurants. It's hell, I tell you.

Japan's "Mundane Halloween" costume contest is back! Each year website DailyPortalZ holds a contest where people dress up as something super duper ordinary. Here's a thread of some of my favorites from the 2025 contest! #MundaneHalloween

Bumping for the nighttime crew 🌜🍸

Yup. Oatnog. Better than expected, actually. Probably thanks to the Two Drifters rum.

New on The Glass, I've written about anticipation, about sitting on the cusp of something good, and finding the right bar in Rome. the-glass.ghost.io/press-once-a...

Last chance to turn it off. On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default. To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.

New on The Glass, I've written about anticipation, about sitting on the cusp of something good, and finding the right bar in Rome. the-glass.ghost.io/press-once-a...

This was about a week ago. Then I fucked off to Rome for a bit. I came back yesterday. Checked over the draft today and filed with just a few tweaks then invoiced. If there were any justice in the world, this would be how writing all my articles would be from now on - holiday included.

This is the best news I've heard all year. Blessed are the cheesemakers.

Some of you may remember that back in the summer I was playing around with the idea of a site that was kinda a self-publishing blogging platform thing. Well, I've finally got my arse in gear to get a demo/test version of it working on my dev server at home.

I don’t usually like to encourage the grape fiends - their sugar-juice gets enough attention as it is - but I have to admit, this stuff is rather lovely. Six months on its lees apparently.

Hot Pantheon action #Rome

Found a good spot round the corner. #Rome #Cocktails

Some Jubilee of Education slash pilgrimage business going on today and Rome has gone mental as a result. Super crowded and hectic. On the other hand, gelato.

In the Vatican. It’s a bit much.

Karaoke? With this tiny thing?

At last, some amaro

Sweet Jesus, this wine glass. Did we do something to annoy them?

One of the things in this picture is very old indeed. You can fill in the rest of the joke.

Rome update: Saltimbocca alla Romana, 8/10. Spuds a little limp. Sauce a touch greasy. But basically v tasty.

Arrived in Rome a few hours ago. 3am start this morning. Knackered. Bit of restorative lurking then it’s off to find somewhere to eat my own weight in pasta.

Unusually efficient afternoon: article pitched, accepted and first draft written already. This is not how things usually work.

Just received this too #englishwhisky

Fun time tasting the new blended whisky from East London Liquor Co - and it’s good in a Manhattan too.

On my way to check out East London Liquor CO’s new brand home (they’re nomadic distillers now) and taste their new blended whisky. #englishwhisky

Another dinger just in www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68f6...

Script writing today. Amazing what two months away from a project can do. Gain a lot of clarity and dispassionate perspective. Then: this bit's not working, perhaps I need to dig deeper into this character's inner flaw. Now: oh, I see: we don't need this character at all.

I can’t think of a funny caption for this.

Such a pleasure working with @rachelhendry.bsky.social on this tour de force. Do yourself a favor and put it on your weekend reading list!

Now there’s a good looking drink

To my wine friends: yes he's a fuckboy, and yes he'd absolutely leave you for someone more interesting. Specifically, the craft spirits world. Here's my case 👇🍷💔🥃