A Message To Our Readers

at Bar Goto Niban, Brooklyn just a couple of weeks ago - photo by Amanda Schuster

In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, things are different, but the booze community will go on

It’s amazing how much life has changed in just one week. 

I’m old enough to have lived through many moments of crisis, but never in those moments did I have to question whether I could live through them with other human contact. I’ve been in New York City during blackouts, 911, and Hurricane Sandy, and never in those anxious days did we lose our senses of community and have to avoid our friends, family, and loved ones. Bars and restaurants stayed open—sharing the last of their provisions by candlelight and sterno if they had to. But they still found ways to provide food and drink, and also the important reminder that we are not alone. 

The biggest difference then is that we always knew it would be just a matter of days before a certain sense of normalcy returned because the power would come back on, borders would be opened again, deliveries could resume. It was unthinkable anything would stop for any longer period of time. Of course there were businesses that couldn’t afford to be closed even for a week or so, or had to delay opening again to deal with necessary repairs, and that is truly tragic. But for the most part, there was never any doubt that our havens away from home, and for many, that integral conduit of employment, would be there for us. 

Given the circumstances, it’s very hard for me, as a drinks publication editor, to just smile and say, “Yay! Drink this!” However, an important lesson I’ve learned over the years is that because this community is so widespread and altruistic, sharing a common ethos that spans individual cultures, even if we are feeling alone, we’re not. Not only does technology keep us connected, but so does our sense of kinship as a whole. 

Already, bartenders and servers across the world are figuring out ways to keep serving the drinking masses (or to stop and deal with other pressing matters in their immediate communities, such as providing nourishment for kids who are no longer in school), even if we’re no longer sharing that moment across a slab of wood in person. Can’t wait to see what you come up with, you darlings. My late uncle once joked that the definition of hospitality is making people feel at home even if you wish they were. Well, now you have your wish! Bring it! 

As well as on premise venues, many breweries, distilleries and wineries we love and support are going to take a major hit. Whenever possible, if budget allows, please support these businesses by purchasing gift cards to use later, or buy some non-boozy merch if they have it! In New York City, venues have been given dispensation to offer to-go alcoholic purchases (take THAT post-Prohibition liquor laws!). Hoping other cities follow suit.

So yeah, what we publish for the next few weeks, let’s hope it’s not months or more, might be a little different than before. I’m still a crap bartender and won’t be making you drinks online, sorry. But I can at least show you how to drink well and enjoy this new phase of life with what you can get. Until we can all meet again in person.

Wishing all of you love, health and safety. And access to good things to eat and drink.

Amanda Schuster

Editor-in-Chief

For bartenders who have been laid off because of venue closures, the USBG (hey, this is no time for holding grudges, people) has put measures in place, with liquor brand sponsorship, to help with emergency benefits. Please click here to learn more.  We will provide information about other charities providing assistance during the Covid-19 crisis as it becomes available.