It’s four in the afternoon, the sun is dusty hot in the sky overhead, and we’re drinking sherry. No, we’re not on the porch and in our cream-sherry-cups with grandma . The idea that sherry is sticky, sweet, and outdated is like saying beer is for beards. No, this sherry is pale, and dry. It…

Whether it’s American (bourbon), Scottish (Scotch), or made in a pot still and aged at least three years in wood (Irish whiskey) it is beloved the world over. With St. Patrick’s day on the horizon it’s a good excuse to get to know Ireland’s national spirit: whiskey. Perhaps the first thing to know is that…

Drinking in Washington State With Washington Wine Month upon us, Beverage Director Amanda Reed explains what makes Washington special and why she dedicated 25 slots to the hometown hero on Heartwood’s wine list. Amanda Reed: I know it comes as a surprise to a lot of people, but Washington is the second premium wine producer…

Inspiration for menu items at Heartwood Provisions comes from more than just the pairings and the seasons: For both our chef and Beverage Director, Amanda Reed, alike it also comes from travels. And when you win a Hennessey Cognac cocktail competition—as happened to Reed—and get sent to Cognac, France, you come back bubbling with ideas….

Recreating the Red Ryder cocktail has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. I came up with this recipe years ago for a holiday pairing dinner with cinnamon as the theme, and have made it for friends and family ever since. Not only is this cocktail seasonal and festive; it is also easy to make…

In October, Amanda Reed joined hundreds of other beverage industry insiders from around the country at Portland Cocktail Week. The educational convention is arguably the second largest in the United States, after New Orleans’ Tales of the Cocktail. The trip began in an Amtrak car reserved exclusively by Brown-Forman (makers of Woodford Reserve.) Then it…