Reviews Archive
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![Pennsylvania was Kentucky before Kentucky was Kentucky. Even the legendary Beam family has roots in Pennsylvania, but subsequently uprooted to Kentucky to keep the family business going strong. Long before Prohibition, there was another war waged on American boozers.
The Whiskey Rebellion, which was sparked in 1794, when whiskey distiller, Philip Wigle, and over five-thousand rebellious [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/wigle-whiskey-115x115.jpg "Wigle Whiskey: A Rebellious Whiskey")
Wigle Whiskey: A Rebellious Whiskey
Posted on April 17, 2012 | No CommentsPennsylvania was Kentucky before Kentucky was Kentucky. Even the legendary Beam family has roots in Pennsylvania, but subsequently uprooted to Kentucky to keep the family business going strong. Long before Prohibition, there was another war waged on American boozers. The Whiskey Rebellion, which was sparked in 1794, when whiskey distiller, Philip Wigle, and over five-thousand rebellious [...] -
![It is said that on the 8th day, Man created beer…and there was much rejoicing. No one knows for sure, but that seems about right. One thing is for certain; one visit to The Church Brew Works and you will become a believer.
Located in the former St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, The Church [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/church-brew-works-feature-115x115.jpg "The Church Brew Works: Heaven on Earth")
The Church Brew Works: Heaven on Earth
Posted on April 13, 2012 | 1 CommentIt is said that on the 8th day, Man created beer…and there was much rejoicing. No one knows for sure, but that seems about right. One thing is for certain; one visit to The Church Brew Works and you will become a believer. Located in the former St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, The Church [...] -
![Tailgating is as American as apple pie and trans fat. Historians suggest the first official tailgate party was at a college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. The origins of tailgating can be traced back to the wild west when in 1866, Texas rancher, Charles Goodnight transformed a U.S. Army Studebaker wagon into [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/go-pong-115x115.jpg "GoPong: Everything Tailgating")
GoPong: Everything Tailgating
Posted on April 7, 2012 | 2 CommentsTailgating is as American as apple pie and trans fat. Historians suggest the first official tailgate party was at a college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. The origins of tailgating can be traced back to the wild west when in 1866, Texas rancher, Charles Goodnight transformed a U.S. Army Studebaker wagon into [...] -
![Few legends bring about the overwhelming curiosity and wonder as that of the 13 Crystal Skulls. Their supposed mystic powers and amazing craftsmanship still bewilder scientists and archaeologists alike. The legend has been shared by the Mayans, Aztecs, various Native American tribes and other indigenous peoples from around the world. Hell, even Indiana Jones had [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/crystal-head-vodka-115x115.jpg "Crystal Head Vodka: Pure Spirits")
Crystal Head Vodka: Pure Spirits
Posted on April 4, 2012 | No CommentsFew legends bring about the overwhelming curiosity and wonder as that of the 13 Crystal Skulls. Their supposed mystic powers and amazing craftsmanship still bewilder scientists and archaeologists alike. The legend has been shared by the Mayans, Aztecs, various Native American tribes and other indigenous peoples from around the world. Hell, even Indiana Jones had [...] -
![Luscious and weighty with beautifully integrated aromatic spices and waves of white pepper. Sweet, like toffee, vanilla, and dried fruit. Citric zest, linen, some dustiness, and hints of oak. My mother is Canadian. I’ve spent a lot of time there. There are some things Canadians know almost instinctively: “Double-double” is coffee, usually Tim Horton’s coffee, [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/alberta-springs-whisky-115x115.jpg "Alberta Springs Canadian Whisky (10 Years)")
Alberta Springs Canadian Whisky (10 Years)
Posted on March 30, 2012 | 2 CommentsLuscious and weighty with beautifully integrated aromatic spices and waves of white pepper. Sweet, like toffee, vanilla, and dried fruit. Citric zest, linen, some dustiness, and hints of oak. My mother is Canadian. I’ve spent a lot of time there. There are some things Canadians know almost instinctively: “Double-double” is coffee, usually Tim Horton’s coffee, [...] -
![Ah… the dreaded hangover: nature’s way of punishing us for being too happy. The irony of drinking is most of us could pull an all night bender and wake up feeling like a million bucks (when we were 18 and under the legal drinking age). Fact is, the older we get, the more like d00-doo [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/drinkwel-2-115x115.jpg "Drinkwel: The Multivitamin For People Who Drink")
Drinkwel: The Multivitamin For People Who Drink
Posted on March 21, 2012 | No CommentsAh… the dreaded hangover: nature’s way of punishing us for being too happy. The irony of drinking is most of us could pull an all night bender and wake up feeling like a million bucks (when we were 18 and under the legal drinking age). Fact is, the older we get, the more like d00-doo [...] -
![It’s said that to truly know where you’re going, you must first know where you’ve been. Remembering history in its purest, unadulterated form is key to preserving the future for generations to come. In these busy times, it’s often hard to sit back and enjoy the finer things that life has to offer. For those [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/arsenal-cider-house-115x115.jpg "Arsenal Cider House: History in the Making")
Arsenal Cider House: History in the Making
Posted on March 20, 2012 | No CommentsIt’s said that to truly know where you’re going, you must first know where you’ve been. Remembering history in its purest, unadulterated form is key to preserving the future for generations to come. In these busy times, it’s often hard to sit back and enjoy the finer things that life has to offer. For those [...] -
![My grandfather used to say, “The only part of a pig you can’t use is his squeal.” That coming from a man who lived a simple life, during somewhat simpler times. He appreciated thrift and resourcefulness. He never saw value in fancy or elaborate things. Straight forward and practical were his watchwords. To my knowledge, [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/pigs-nose-scotch-whisky-115x115.jpg "Pig’s Nose Scotch Whisky (Review)")
Pig’s Nose Scotch Whisky (Review)
Posted on March 9, 2012 | No CommentsMy grandfather used to say, “The only part of a pig you can’t use is his squeal.” That coming from a man who lived a simple life, during somewhat simpler times. He appreciated thrift and resourcefulness. He never saw value in fancy or elaborate things. Straight forward and practical were his watchwords. To my knowledge, [...] -
![“There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says ‘Good people drink good beer.’ Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom, and you will quickly see: Bad People drink bad beer. Think about it.” Hunter S. Thompson was right. You can tell a lot about a person by the [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/copper-kettle-brewery-14-115x115.jpg "Copper Kettle Brewing Co. (Pittsburgh’s Brew-on-Premise)")
Copper Kettle Brewing Co. (Pittsburgh’s Brew-on-Premise)
Posted on March 4, 2012 | No Comments“There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says ‘Good people drink good beer.’ Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom, and you will quickly see: Bad People drink bad beer. Think about it.” Hunter S. Thompson was right. You can tell a lot about a person by the [...] -
![As a veteran, nothing bugs me more about war movies than actors not holding a weapon correctly, misusing military jargon or using improper fighting techniques. To the civilian, these details may go unnoticed, but savvy vets will spot an impostor from a mile away.
The creators of “Act of Valor” hit the nail on the head [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/act-of-valor-review-115x115.jpg "“Act of Valor” (Movie Review)")
“Act of Valor” (Movie Review)
Posted on February 29, 2012 | 1 CommentAs a veteran, nothing bugs me more about war movies than actors not holding a weapon correctly, misusing military jargon or using improper fighting techniques. To the civilian, these details may go unnoticed, but savvy vets will spot an impostor from a mile away. The creators of “Act of Valor” hit the nail on the head [...] -
![Throughout history, Man has adapted to his surroundings, thus propelling the species further up the food chain. Never doubt human ingenuity, especially when it comes to beer drinking. A man of action can open a beer with nothing more than a scuffed countertop, a Bic lighter or his teeth of the occasion calls for it. [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/beer-tool-bottle-opener-115x115.jpg "The Beer Tool – World’s Manliest Bottle Opener")
The Beer Tool – World’s Manliest Bottle Opener
Posted on February 23, 2012 | No CommentsThroughout history, Man has adapted to his surroundings, thus propelling the species further up the food chain. Never doubt human ingenuity, especially when it comes to beer drinking. A man of action can open a beer with nothing more than a scuffed countertop, a Bic lighter or his teeth of the occasion calls for it. [...] -
![For years we have failed to utilize magnets to their full potential. We use this incredible natural phenomenon to display macaroni paintings and bills on refrigerators instead of finding new ways of putting the Law of Attraction to work for us. The guys at MagnoGrip have revolutionized the workplace by simply adding an industrial strength [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/magnogrip-review-115x115.jpg "MagnoGrip – Bold Magnetic Work Gear")
MagnoGrip – Bold Magnetic Work Gear
Posted on February 21, 2012 | No CommentsFor years we have failed to utilize magnets to their full potential. We use this incredible natural phenomenon to display macaroni paintings and bills on refrigerators instead of finding new ways of putting the Law of Attraction to work for us. The guys at MagnoGrip have revolutionized the workplace by simply adding an industrial strength [...] -
![Refrigerators are one of those things that really haven’t changed much over the last 20 years. The guys at IMCG thought to give the fridge a much needed manly kick in the rear with their simple, yet revolutionary Fridge Monkey.
For far too long, runaway beers have accidentally fallen out of a case and onto the [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/fridge-monkey-115x115.jpg "The Fridge Monkey by IMCG")
The Fridge Monkey by IMCG
Posted on February 11, 2012 | No CommentsRefrigerators are one of those things that really haven’t changed much over the last 20 years. The guys at IMCG thought to give the fridge a much needed manly kick in the rear with their simple, yet revolutionary Fridge Monkey. For far too long, runaway beers have accidentally fallen out of a case and onto the [...] -
![The beard is back! Some say it never went away. Some possess neither the testosterone nor patience to grow a full set of face pubes. Still, others (mainly ex girlfriends) contest that it tickles their happy places too much, therefore forbidding many of us from growing the Grizzly Adams-esque man manes we largely consider our [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/beardhead-feature-115x115.jpg "BeardHead – Warm Up, Lumberjack Style")
BeardHead – Warm Up, Lumberjack Style
Posted on February 8, 2012 | No CommentsThe beard is back! Some say it never went away. Some possess neither the testosterone nor patience to grow a full set of face pubes. Still, others (mainly ex girlfriends) contest that it tickles their happy places too much, therefore forbidding many of us from growing the Grizzly Adams-esque man manes we largely consider our [...] -
![Meat & Potatoes: the quintessential American meal, has been the staple dish for households across this land for hundreds of years. As my dad would say, it is the food that “sticks to your ribs.” Over time, less people wanted to go through the hassle of cooking dinner at home and soon restaurants and bars [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/meat-and-potatoes-pittsburgh-115x115.jpg "Meat & Potatoes – Pittsburgh’s 1st Gastropub")
Meat & Potatoes – Pittsburgh’s 1st Gastropub
Posted on January 31, 2012 | No CommentsMeat & Potatoes: the quintessential American meal, has been the staple dish for households across this land for hundreds of years. As my dad would say, it is the food that “sticks to your ribs.” Over time, less people wanted to go through the hassle of cooking dinner at home and soon restaurants and bars [...] -
![Word on the street is Ron Jeremy makes one hell of a stiff drink. We learned this the hard way at the Ron de Jeremy rum tasting. It went down as smooth as “the Hedgehog” himself, leaving the men with swagger and the women satisfied.
I’ll be the first to admit that rum is not my [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ron-de-jeremy-rum3-115x115.jpg "Ron de Jeremy – THE adult RUM")
Ron de Jeremy – THE adult RUM
Posted on January 16, 2012 | 1 CommentWord on the street is Ron Jeremy makes one hell of a stiff drink. We learned this the hard way at the Ron de Jeremy rum tasting. It went down as smooth as “the Hedgehog” himself, leaving the men with swagger and the women satisfied. I’ll be the first to admit that rum is not my [...] -
![Well, that about wraps up 2011. Throughout the year, our staff painstakingly logged countless hours scouring the entire Pittsburgh area for the best of the best for you, our loyal reader. We ate until our belts buckled, drank until our livers drowned and played almost as many rounds of golf as the President in search [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/BEST-OF-PITTSBURGH-115x115.jpg "The Best of Pittsburgh – 2011 Awards")
The Best of Pittsburgh – 2011 Awards
Posted on December 31, 2011 | 6 CommentsWell, that about wraps up 2011. Throughout the year, our staff painstakingly logged countless hours scouring the entire Pittsburgh area for the best of the best for you, our loyal reader. We ate until our belts buckled, drank until our livers drowned and played almost as many rounds of golf as the President in search [...] -
![They say “there is no sweeter sound to a man than his own name.” Seeing it engraved on something is 10 times sweeter. Your surname might not grace the facade of hundreds of public libraries like Mr. Carnegie, but our good friends Tony and Belinda can put it on just about anything else.
If you’re looking for [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Personilized-Carved-Gifts-021-115x115.jpg "Guy’s Gadget: Personalized Humidor")
Guy’s Gadget: Personalized Humidor
Posted on December 21, 2011 | No CommentsThey say “there is no sweeter sound to a man than his own name.” Seeing it engraved on something is 10 times sweeter. Your surname might not grace the facade of hundreds of public libraries like Mr. Carnegie, but our good friends Tony and Belinda can put it on just about anything else. If you’re looking for [...] -
![In the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, above a large limestone aquifer lays a set of stone buildings over 100 years old.
The first section of the oldest building was built in 1838 and is in fact the Woodford Reserve Distillery where the Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon Whiskey is produced.
It is no surprise the aquifer [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Woodford-Reserve-Distiller-Select-Bourbon-Whiskey--115x115.jpg "Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon Whiskey (Review)")
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon Whiskey (Review)
Posted on December 21, 2011 | No CommentsIn the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, above a large limestone aquifer lays a set of stone buildings over 100 years old. The first section of the oldest building was built in 1838 and is in fact the Woodford Reserve Distillery where the Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon Whiskey is produced. It is no surprise the aquifer [...] -
![Survival Straps® are 100% made in the U.S.A. and proud of it. They are pioneers in the paracord accessory industry and give back to our nation’s heroes through the Wounded Warrior Project. Any outdoorsman will tell you to never venture outside without a good strong rope. Survival Straps provide quick access to rope in convenient [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Survival-Straps-0011-115x115.jpg "Guy’s Gadgets: Survival Straps® – Paracord Survival Accessories")
Guy’s Gadgets: Survival Straps® – Paracord Survival Accessories
Posted on December 20, 2011 | 1 CommentSurvival Straps® are 100% made in the U.S.A. and proud of it. They are pioneers in the paracord accessory industry and give back to our nation’s heroes through the Wounded Warrior Project. Any outdoorsman will tell you to never venture outside without a good strong rope. Survival Straps provide quick access to rope in convenient [...] -
![Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Northside is a cigar lounge unlike any you’ve ever seen, fit with unmatched style, swagger and the welcoming feeling of being surrounded by good people. The first and only cigar lounge/night club in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Executive Cigars, LLC has something for everyone, even non-smokers.
Owner, Andrew Lee, [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Executive-Cigars-Pittsburgh-08-115x115.jpg "Executive Cigars, LLC: More than a Cigar Lounge")
Executive Cigars, LLC: More than a Cigar Lounge
Posted on December 7, 2011 | 2 CommentsNestled in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Northside is a cigar lounge unlike any you’ve ever seen, fit with unmatched style, swagger and the welcoming feeling of being surrounded by good people. The first and only cigar lounge/night club in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Executive Cigars, LLC has something for everyone, even non-smokers. Owner, Andrew Lee, [...] -
![If Mark Twain were alive today, he would change his famous quote to, “Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company… and Burgatory for the deliciously sinful gluttony.” If you leave this place without being absolutely stuffed to the brim, you either A: accidently ordered off of the kiddie menu or B: were [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Burgatory-Pittsburgh-115x115.jpg "Eternity in Burgatory? Yes, please!")
Eternity in Burgatory? Yes, please!
Posted on November 16, 2011 | No CommentsIf Mark Twain were alive today, he would change his famous quote to, “Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company… and Burgatory for the deliciously sinful gluttony.” If you leave this place without being absolutely stuffed to the brim, you either A: accidently ordered off of the kiddie menu or B: were [...] -
![Aloha to all our readers and to all the beer I consumed on my two-week-long West Coast excursion. Staying in Oahu, I experienced the commercial island nightlife as well as the famous Waikiki Beach. As Guy Manningham is an avid fan of microbreweries, I had to visit Kona Brewery or I would never hear the [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Kona-Brewing-Company-115x115.jpg "GM gets leid in Hawaii: Kona Brewing Co.")
GM gets leid in Hawaii: Kona Brewing Co.
Posted on November 7, 2011 | No CommentsAloha to all our readers and to all the beer I consumed on my two-week-long West Coast excursion. Staying in Oahu, I experienced the commercial island nightlife as well as the famous Waikiki Beach. As Guy Manningham is an avid fan of microbreweries, I had to visit Kona Brewery or I would never hear the [...] -
![According to Wikipedia, “Field notes refer to various notes recorded by scientists during or after their observation of a specific phenomenon they are studying. ” I tend to use mine for to-do list and Geocaching.
Call me a Luddite, but I prefer hand-written notes instead of typed. I’d also rather scribble down sketches than use Google [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Guy-Manningham-Field-Notes-06-115x115.jpg "Guy’s Gadget: FIELD NOTES")
Guy’s Gadget: FIELD NOTES
Posted on September 26, 2011 | No CommentsAccording to Wikipedia, “Field notes refer to various notes recorded by scientists during or after their observation of a specific phenomenon they are studying. ” I tend to use mine for to-do list and Geocaching. Call me a Luddite, but I prefer hand-written notes instead of typed. I’d also rather scribble down sketches than use Google [...] -
![High-quality spirits in most cases are enjoyed in a few ways – neat (no ice), with water or on the rocks (on ice). If you’re like me, you would prefer a hybrid, chilled-no ice. I don’t want to subject my fine libations to the diluting effects of ice, but I’d like to cut the heat [...]](http://guymanningham.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Guy-Manningham-Whiskey-Disks-08-115x115.jpg "Guy’s Gadget: Stop diluting your fine whiskey")
Guy’s Gadget: Stop diluting your fine whiskey
Posted on September 22, 2011 | 2 CommentsHigh-quality spirits in most cases are enjoyed in a few ways – neat (no ice), with water or on the rocks (on ice). If you’re like me, you would prefer a hybrid, chilled-no ice. I don’t want to subject my fine libations to the diluting effects of ice, but I’d like to cut the heat [...]
