Japanese whiskey comes of age. Via Jeremy.
Getting around prohibitionist regulations in Iran…and Seattle. Via Shaun.
Bonus semi-related links: spending a week in the Islamic Republic of Utah. Gin and TV. Help wanted: drinking buddy opportunity. All via Jacob.
I learned that the Japanese also beat the French in a baguette bread baking contest recently.
You should also check out the Judgment of Paris where the French wines lost to Californian wines in a blind taste test by mostly French judges.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Paris_(wine)