by lspeed | Oct 5, 2025 | BLACK BOX: RANTS, RAVES, REVIEWS & RECIPES
Headlines proclaim that Generation Z, the cohort born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is drinking far less than those who came before them. Market analysts, health commentators, and beverage companies themselves have embraced the label of a “sober generation.” But as more data comes in, the story looks less like a tale of permanent abstinence and more like one of evolution and context.
The Decline
The case for Gen-Z drinking less rests on some strong numbers. According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, Gen-Z consumes about 30 percent less alcohol than Millennials did at the same age. In the U.S., average weekly drinks among 18-34 year-olds have dropped from 5.2 to 3.6 over the past two decades.
This decline is not limited to young people. Spirits sales fell by 8 percent in a single four-week period this year, while beer volumes are down more than 5 percent year-on-year. Even the once-reliable 35–54 age bracket, long considered the backbone of the alcohol industry, has plateaued after two decades of steady growth.
At the same time, alternatives are thriving. Non-alcoholic and functional beverages are booming: Coke Zero and Monster Energy continue to record strong volume growth, and in Western Europe, no- and low-alcohol beer now holds more than 5 percent of market share. These developments suggest something bigger than a generational quirk—they point toward a structural shift in how consumers view alcohol.
The Context
But here is where the narrative becomes more complicated. Surveys conducted by IWSR’s Bevtrac project paint a different picture of Gen-Z’s habits over the past two years. Across 15 major markets, the share of legal-age Gen-Z consumers who had consumed alcohol in the past six months rose from 66 percent in March 2023 to 73 percent in March 2025.
The gains are particularly striking in countries like the U.S., where the figure jumped from 46 to 70 percent, and Australia, which rose from 61 to 83 percent. So which is it? Are Gen-Zers cutting back, or are they drinking more? The answer lies in understanding both the timing and the context.
Moderation Or Abstinence?
Richard Halstead, COO of Consumer Insights at IWSR, argues that moderation, not abstinence, is the better story. Alcohol consumption has always tracked closely with disposable income. Gen-Z came of age during a cost-of-living crisis: high rent, inflation, and steep price hikes at bars and restaurants hit just as they entered legal drinking age. It is little wonder their initial drinking levels looked lower compared to older cohorts at the same life stage.
As more Gen-Zer’s enter the workforce and achieve financial stability, their consumption levels are climbing. But this does not mean they are returning to the binge-drinking culture once associated with youth. Instead, they are showing a clear preference for intentional drinking: fewer occasions, smaller volumes, and higher-quality products.
The Intentional Generation
Gen-Z’s approach can best be summed up in the word “refinement”. Rather than rejecting alcohol altogether, they are curating their experiences. Craft cocktails, premium spirits, and beverages with strong brand stories or wellness credentials appeal to them more than cheap quantity. This shift reflects wider cultural values. Wellness culture, social media, and a greater awareness of mental health all feed into choices about drinking. A beautifully mixed cocktail or a niche craft beer offers an experience that fits their identity, while a night of excess does not. In this way, Gen-Z is not killing alcohol culture as such. They are reshaping it around intentionality, aesthetics, and meaning.
Industry Implications
For alcohol brands, this duality of less overall volume but renewed interest in quality and experience, poses both challenges and opportunities. The old model of relying on younger generations to “catch up” to the drinking patterns of their elders no longer applies in the same way.
Producers must now cater to two simultaneous demands: moderation and premiumization. That means investing in no- and low-alcohol products while also elevating the experiences around traditional drinks. Storytelling, craftsmanship, and lifestyle alignment matter more than mass-market volume pushes.
Investors have already noticed the pressure. Alcohol stocks like Brown-Forman and Boston Beer are trading well below yearly highs, reflecting doubts about future growth. Yet the rise of functional drinks and the premium segment suggests that value, not volume, will determine the winners in the years ahead.
Understanding Contradictions
The apparent contradiction of decline on one hand, rebound on the other, make sense when seen together. Yes, the statistics confirm that overall alcohol use has declined compared to past decades. But they also show that Gen-Z is not abandoning alcohol entirely. Instead, they are rewriting the rules of engagement, with moderation and meaning at the center.
Image Credit: https://freepik.com
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reprinting, reposting & sharing allowed, in exchange for a backlink and credits
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all guest reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
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by lspeed | Oct 5, 2025 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
Mention Beef Wellington, and it immediately signals ceremony. Its roots, however, are less precise than its polished presentation suggests. The dish first became associated with Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some food historians argue it was named in honor of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, after his victory at Waterloo in 1815. The parallel between the duke’s strong, protective military image and the beef encased in pastry armor has long been part of the lore.
Others trace the dish’s ancestry to French and Russian kitchens. Variations of meat wrapped in pastry were already common across Europe in the 18th century. The French pâté en croûte, or Russian kulebyaka, bear a striking resemblance, suggesting Beef Wellington was less a singular invention than an adaptation that the British later claimed as their own.
Big Name Chefs
Though its origins are murky, the dish’s rise to prominence is easier to track. In the 20th century, Beef Wellington gained prestige through appearances at high-profile events and in the work of celebrated chefs. Delia Smith included it in her influential cookbooks, cementing its reputation among ambitious home cooks in Britain. In the United States, Julia Child and James Beard helped bring it into the culinary mainstream during the 1960s and 1970s, when it became a fashionable centerpiece for dinner parties.
More recently, Gordon Ramsay has been one of its more visible champions. His television series and restaurant menus made Beef Wellington synonymous with high-end modern dining. Ramsay’s interpretation, involving precise timing and a streamlined method, reintroduced the dish to younger chefs and audiences who might otherwise have dismissed it as outdated.
The Method
At its core, Beef Wellington is a lesson in balance and timing. A whole beef tenderloin is seared to develop flavor and seal in juices. A layer of finely chopped mushrooms cooked down to a paste is spread over the beef, sometimes with Foie Gras or pâté for richness. To prevent sogginess, some chefs use a thin crêpe or slices of prosciutto between the beef and pastry. Finally, the meat is wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden.
The method requires precision: the beef must emerge medium rare while the pastry remains crisp. Achieving this balance has long been both the challenge and the allure for professionals. In restaurant settings, the preparation can be scaled, with individual Wellingtons prepared as single portions, or the classic whole roast sliced tableside for drama.
Classic Appeal
For the trade audience, Beef Wellington offers advantages. First, the high visual impact of the golden crust, cross-section layers, and dramatic carving make it a natural showpiece for special occasions. Second, the dish is adaptable. While the tenderloin remains traditional, chefs have experimented with lamb, venison, salmon, and even vegetarian versions using root vegetables or lentils. The method allows for seasonal interpretation and modern twists without losing its core identity.
Operationally, Wellingtons can be prepared ahead of service, held chilled, and baked to order. This staging makes it attractive for banquets and festive menus, reducing last-minute stress in the kitchen. Its association with celebration also gives restaurants a reliable upsell during holidays or set menus.
Going Forward
After peaking in the 1970s, Beef Wellington faded somewhat, seen as heavy or old-fashioned during the lighter dining trends of the late 20th century. Yet it has never totally disappeared. Over the past two decades, television exposure, social media, and the rise of “classics reimagined” menus have returned it to relevance. Diners value both the tradition it represents and the craft it demands from chefs.
Today, Beef Wellington sits comfortably in the space between heritage and innovation. A rare mix that explains why it still finds a place on fine dining menus worldwide.
Image Credit: https://wikipedia.org
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reprinting, reposting & sharing allowed, in exchange for a backlink and credits
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all guest reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
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by lspeed | Oct 5, 2025 | WINES: UNCORKING THE MYSTERY
San Juan stands as Argentina’s second pillar of production. Essential in terms of volume, but increasingly strategic in terms of diversity. While Mendoza dominates the image of Argentine wine internationally, San Juan offers an alternative profile with warmer, spicier reds, fortified traditions, and promising high-altitude terroirs that can complement Argentina’s broader offering.
Located to the north of Mendoza, it stretches along the foothills of the Andes at altitudes ranging from 650 to 1,400 meters. With around 47,000 hectares under vine, it accounts for roughly a quarter of the country’s vineyard area. The region’s dry, sunny climate and access to meltwater from the Andes through the San Juan and Jáchal rivers provide the basis for a viticulture that has historically leaned toward volume but is increasingly quality-focused.
History
Winegrowing in San Juan dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers introduced vines for sacramental and local consumption. For much of the 20th century, San Juan was known primarily as a bulk-wine and brandy source. Large cooperatives dominated production, and grapes were grown mainly for yield. Over the past three decades, however, investment from domestic and international producers, along with new vineyard management and irrigation techniques, has shifted San Juan toward producing higher-quality wines with clearer varietal identity.
Climate
San Juan is markedly warmer and drier than Mendoza. The region averages more than 300 days of sunshine annually, with very low rainfall. The desert-like conditions require controlled irrigation, which has historically been supplied by river channels but now increasingly involves drip systems. The intense solar exposure ripens grapes quickly, producing full-bodied wines with higher alcohol levels. Cooling influences come from elevation and the strong Zonda wind, a hot, dry current from the Andes that reduces disease pressure but can affect yields.
Terroir
San Juan is divided into several valleys, each with distinct conditions:
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Tulum Valley: The traditional heart of production near the city of San Juan, historically dominated by high-yielding vineyards for bulk wine and table grapes.
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Zonda Valley: Higher altitude, with cooler nights and potential for more balanced reds.
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Ullum Valley: Small but promising, known for Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Pedernal Valley: A newer frontier at elevations above 1,300 meters, where limestone soils and cooler conditions deliver freshness and minerality, particularly in Malbec and Chardonnay.
Pedernal in particular has drawn attention as a site capable of producing wines with international competitiveness.
Grapes & Styles
Traditionally, San Juan has been a center for Syrah, which finds a natural home in the region’s hot, sunny conditions, yielding wines with ripe fruit, spice, and robust structure. The variety has become something of a signature for San Juan in both domestic and export markets.
Other key red grapes include Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Whites such as Chardonnay, Torrontés, and Viognier are present but represent a smaller share. San Juan also has a long history of producing table grapes and raisins, which remain important to the local economy.
In addition, San Juan is Argentina’s primary source of fortified wines and brandy, continuing a tradition established in the 19th century.
Industry Shifts
While San Juan was once overshadowed by Mendoza, recent decades have seen a steady repositioning. Private wineries, often with international partnerships, are investing in higher-altitude sites such as Pedernal, employing modern vinification techniques, and branding San Juan as more than a bulk supplier. Cooperative wineries have also adapted, developing premium labels alongside their traditional high-volume products.
Research institutes and local government have supported diversification, promoting varieties suited to the climate, improving irrigation efficiency, and encouraging sustainable vineyard practices. The focus has shifted from quantity to differentiation—especially around Syrah and high-altitude Malbec.
International Reach
San Juan wines, especially Syrah and blends, are gaining recognition abroad, though they remain less prominent than Mendoza’s Malbec. Exports go mainly to the United States, Brazil, the UK, and some Asian markets. The balance between bulk shipments and bottled, branded wines is changing gradually in favor of the latter, reflecting the global demand for regional identity and terroir-driven narratives.
Image Credit: https://api.winesofargentina.org/uploads/web/regiones/cuyo/san-juan/galeria/san-juan-vinedos.jpg
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reprinting, reposting & sharing allowed, in exchange for a backlink and credits
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all guest reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
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by lspeed | Oct 5, 2025 | LIQUORS: LIFT YOUR SPIRITS
Move over Sake and Soju. Asia’s newest obsession is juniper-based, botanically bold, and unapologetically local. Craft gin, once a niche import enjoyed only by expats or cocktail connoisseurs, is becoming one of the darlings of Asia’s distilling scene. From Tokyo to Mumbai, a new cohort of small-batch producers is taking on the spirit world, infusing traditional gin with regional flavors and cultural identity.
Unexpected Botanicals
Gin has always offered distillers a wide canvas for creativity. But in Asia, that creativity has evolved into a powerful form of cultural expression. Native ingredients once relegated to kitchens or apothecaries, such as Yuzu in Japan, Turmeric in India, Sampaguita in the Philippines, or Pomelo in Vietnam, are now signatures of premium gins that “taste like home”. “Gin allows us to tell a story,” says Jay Dhawan, co-founder of Stranger & Sons in Goa. “It’s not just about alcohol—it’s about identity.” Distillers are no longer content to replicate London Dry traditions. Instead, they’re developing spirits that resonate with their landscapes and communities.
Five Countries, Five Flavors
Japan: Precision Meets Poetry
Japan’s Kyoto Distillery, with its flagship KI NO BI, is credited with sparking some of Asia’s gin renaissance. Blended with Yuzu, Gyokuro tea, and Sansho pepper, KI NO BI offers a profile as delicate and structured as a haiku. Distilled with a rice spirit base and packaged with minimalist design, it has earned international accolades, including recognition as IWSC’s Gin Producer of the Year.
India: Spicy and Unapologetic
Indian distillers approach gin with the same intensity as their cuisine. Hapusa Gin highlights Himalayan juniper and turmeric for earthy complexity, while Nao Spirits’ Stranger & Sons layers Gondhoraj lime, pepper, and Indian citrus. The result is gins that are unapologetically bold, designed to match the energy and vibrancy of the subcontinent.
Vietnam: Terroir in a Bottle
Vietnam’s Song Cai Distillery leans into terroir-driven philosophy, sourcing botanicals directly from ethnic minority farmers. Pomelo, cassia, and ylang-ylang infuse their gins with flavors that mirror the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. By spotlighting smallholder agriculture, Song Cai has also positioned itself as a socially conscious distiller with a loyal international following.
Thailand: Tropical Alchemy
Bangkok’s Iron Balls Gin embraces pineapple and coconut for a playful tropical twist, while brands like Siam Lanna and Kata Rocks Gin highlight lemongrass, cardamom, and Thai herbs. Thailand’s craft gins are often designed with pairing in mind, working seamlessly with the bright, aromatic flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Philippines: Floral Expressions
In the Philippines, Full Circle Distillers has infused their ARC Gin with Sampaguita (the national flower), calamansi, and mango, ARC captures a sense of place while also appealing to global palates. Multiple awards have cemented its reputation, and its presence in bars from Manila to Manhattan shows how quickly Filipino gin is gaining traction.
What’s Next?
Asian craft gins are no longer confined to local bars. They’re winning medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, appearing on cocktail menus in London and New York, and attracting attention from mixologists eager for new flavor profiles. Expect further experimentation, such as shiitake-infused gins in Japan, Ayurvedic-inspired botanicals in India, and zero-waste distilling initiatives across the region. Tokyo’s Ethical Spirits, for instance, is turning sake lees and expired beer into sustainable gin, while Vietnamese distillers continue to explore indigenous plants overlooked by mainstream markets. And bartenders in Hong Kong and Singapore are partnering with local distillers to create limited editions designed exclusively for their cities’ cocktail scenes.
Image Credit: https://freepik.com
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reprinting, reposting & sharing allowed, in exchange for a backlink and credits
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all guest reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by lspeed | Oct 5, 2025 | DECODING GRAPES: FROM VINES TO VINTAGE
Ribolla Gialla is a white grape with roots in northeastern Italy. Historical records trace it back to the Middle Ages, when it was planted widely in the Collio hills near the Slovenian border. Across the frontier it is called Rebula, where it has long been grown in the Goriška Brda and Vipava Valley. While once considered a local wine for everyday use, it has become the poster child of modern Friulian whites and the revival of long-maceration styles that shaped today’s “Orange Wine” movement.
Geographical Reach
The variety’s core lies in Friuli Venezia Giulia—Collio, Colli Orientali, Isonzo, and Carso—where producers treat it as a regional signature. In Slovenia, especially Brda and Vipava, Rebula is equally important, forming a bridge across a shared wine culture. Smaller but growing plantings exist in Croatia’s Istria, Austria’s Styria, and more recently in experimental vineyards in California, Oregon, and New Zealand. Outside its European base, plantings remain rare, but the grape is attracting interest among winemakers looking for fresh, high-acid whites or suitable grapes for skin-contact winemaking.
Wines Styles
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Dry Whites: Typically fermented in stainless steel or large neutral casks. Wines are pale, light on fruit, and emphasize acidity and texture.
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Skin-Contact “Orange” Wines: Ribolla Gialla’s thick skins make it well suited for extended maceration. These wines range from golden to amber, with firm tannins. They are central to the Friulian and Slovenian tradition of orange wines.
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Sparkling: The grape’s high acidity is ideal for metodo classico sparkling wines as well as lighter Charmat-method styles. These are increasingly seen in Friuli, sometimes marketed as a regional specialty.
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Sweet and Late Harvest: Produced occasionally in warm vintages, usually in very small volumes.
Main Labels
Cellaring
Classic dry Ribolla is best enjoyed within a few years for freshness, while skin-contact versions can age for a decade or more. Sparkling Ribolla is a younger development, but several Friulian houses are positioning it as an identity wine for the region. Increasing international plantings suggest that Ribolla Gialla may continue to find a niche among winemakers searching for high-acid, versatile grapes adaptable to both traditional and experimental styles.
Image Credit: https://www.cadibon.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/vendemmia-Ribolla-Gialla-2021.jpg
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reprinting, reposting & sharing allowed, in exchange for a backlink and credits
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all guest reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
