Paul's Journal

The Paul's Blog

Pairings, pours, guides, and seasonal picks — written by a crew that actually tastes what we sell.

Bourbon and whiskey selection at Paul's Wine & Liquor

The Beginner's Guide to Bourbon: Flavor Profiles, Brands & How to Taste

April 1, 2026 8 min read Mr. Singh

New to bourbon or want to finally understand what "high-rye" actually means on the bottle? This is the no-snob, shop-floor cheat sheet we hand to customers every week — complete with five starter pours under $40 from Buffalo Trace to Maker's Mark, and how to taste them side by side without burning out your palate.

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Latest Articles

Fresh reads, written by staff who know the shelves.

Craft Beer

Wisconsin Craft Beer 101: A Tour of Local Breweries Worth Trying

From New Glarus to Central Waters, here's our staff short list of Wisconsin breweries we keep on the cold shelf and why each one belongs there.

Mar 18, 2026 6 min

Pairings

How to Build a Great Wine Pairing Dinner at Home

A 4-course, 4-bottle plan that works for any Friday night. Grocery-store friendly, under $80 in wine, and the cheat sheet our customers keep asking for.

Mar 4, 2026 9 min

Cocktails

5 Classic Cocktails Every Home Bar Should Know

Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Negroni, Margarita, Daiquiri — done properly, stocked simply. Ratios, substitutions, and the two bottles of bitters you actually need.

Feb 14, 2026 7 min

Wine

Summer Rosés Under $20 That Actually Deliver

We opened 14 bottles on the counter. These are the six we'd buy again — plus which ones to skip at the big-box store down the road.

May 5, 2026 5 min

Spirits

Blanco, Reposado, Añejo: A Tequila Cheat Sheet for the Home Bar

Confused by tequila labels? Here's how the aging works, what to sip versus shake, and three go-to bottles we never run out of.

Feb 2, 2026 6 min

Seasonal

Hosting a Holiday Party? Use This Stocking Checklist

How much wine, beer, and liquor per guest. Printable list, size recommendations, and the 4 mistakes first-time hosts always make.

Nov 20, 2025 4 min

Whiskey

Rye vs. Bourbon: How to Pick the Right Bottle for the Cocktail

Why a Manhattan wants rye and an Old Fashioned behaves differently across the aisle. Our bar-swap guide with five bottle recs.

Jan 21, 2026 5 min

Local Makers

Wisconsin Distilleries Worth Knowing (And Drinking)

A roundup of Wisconsin-distilled spirits on our shelves — from rye out of Milwaukee to gin made 40 minutes north.

Oct 28, 2025 7 min