Imbibe’s Tasting Notes Newsletter, 09.02.20

These last few days before Labor Day always find me cramming in the last tastes of summer before shifting into autumn mode. I’m kicking my days off with ripe peaches and iced coffee before the mornings start to turn chilly, and greeting the evenings by cracking open a crisp pilsner or shaking my summer-staple Daiquiri, anticipating the impending turn toward cool-weather drinks.

While this year has been a stinker in so many ways, September offers a potential bright spot. Earlier this year, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we rescheduled our annual Negroni Week fundraising initiative from June to September 14-20. Since 2013, Negroni Week has raised nearly $3 million for charitable causes, with the generous support of thousands of bars and restaurants around the world. 

There are a number of things new about Negroni Week this year—for starters, Negroni Week won’t be taking place in bars this year, and instead will be a digital-only event, allowing everyone to celebrate safely at home amid the ongoing pandemic. The fundraising aspect of Negroni Week has also shifted this year, with all donations going to organizations and initiatives providing support to hospitality workers whose lives have been devastated by the COVID-19 crisis. But just as in past years, you’re invited to join the party—visit NegroniWeek.com for more details on this year’s event, and to find out how you can be part of this effort. 

We’ve got a brand-new magazine coming out this week—our September/October issue goes big on rum, and the people and places behind this profoundly engaging spirit. And for even more on rum, check out Episode 3 of our Radio Imbibe podcast, which features conversations with tropical drinks historian and bar owner Jeff “Beachbum” Berry; the fifth-generation head of Haiti’s Rhum Barbancourt, Delphine Nathalie Gardère; and Sly Augustin, the owner of Trailer Happiness in London.  

We’ve got lots more for you on our newly redesigned website, imbibemagazine.com, and be sure to get in on the social media action by following us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. And the best way to make sure you never miss what we’re up to is by subscribing to the print and/or digital issues of Imbibe—here’s where you can subscribe. Right now, you’ll receive a free digital guide to American whiskey with your subscription.

I’m not ready to let go of summer just yet, but I’m transitioning. (Instead of my evening Daiquiri, maybe I can keep my rum vibe going by switching to Mike Shea’s Pedro Martinez, featured in our September/October issue.) Have a great Labor Day weekend, and I’ll catch up with you again in a couple of weeks.