Courtney Iseman

Courtney Iseman is a Brooklyn-based writer who has covered everything from punk icons to haunted historic landmarks, but primarily focuses on drinks. Her work has appeared in outlets including Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, PUNCH, Thrillist, VinePair, Good Beer Hunting, HuffPost, Delish, Fodor's, Grub Street, i-D, and more. For InsideHook, she has written on whether craft beer is actually kind of cringe in 2024, how Gen Z is engaging with absinthe, why smoked beer is hot, whether garnishing our cocktails is contributing to climate change, what's special about fresh hop season, and more. She also writes a free newsletter on drinks culture, Hugging the Bar, and penned metal magazine Decibel's beer column for several years. When not writing, she's traveling, rating the martini she's drinking, or hanging out with her pug.

All Articles From Courtney Iseman

Morning Beers: Airport Ritual or an Indulgence for All Settings?

What is it about traveling that makes us crave a pre-noon cold one? And who says we can't do the same at home?

Indian Flavors Are Finally Making Their Way Into Cocktails

Restaurants and bars are embracing Indian herbs, spices and fruits, paving the way for drinks that are just as interesting as the food

Cocktails to Make the Most of Tomato Season

From inventive takes on the Bloody Mary to tomato ‘tinis, these drinks are ripe for summer imbibing

Has the Great Hazy IPA Debate Finally Been Settled?

Hate is out and gratitude is in for the once-controversial beer style

Why One of Craft Beer’s Favorite Breweries Just Launched a Spirits Line

Trillium Brewing Company now offers more than just beer

Is Craft Beer Cringe Right Now?

Years ago, loving an IPA meant you were hip. What happened?

For Lovers and Haters Alike, Smoked Beer’s Flames Burn Strong

Everything you need to know about the polarizing style that's gaining prominence

How Cafe Culture Has Influenced Cocktails Beyond the Espresso Martini

Coffee and tea have made appearances in cocktails forever. Here’s why bartenders love them as ingredients.

Trace Brewing Keeps It Local and Invites Everyone to the Craft Beer Table

The Pittsburgh brewery's vocational programs are building the future of the industry

Should We Really Stop Garnishing Our Cocktails?

Those little bits of fruits and herbs are driving a sustainability debate, but they’re also an integral part of many mixed drinks

It’s Fresh Hop Beer Season. Here’s What the Fuss Is About.

Everything you need to know about this important moment on the beer calendar

Anchor Brewing’s Demise Is a Sad Sign of the Times for Craft Beer

If a 127-year-old craft brewery can't make it, who can?

Craft Beer Is Doing the Unthinkable: Mimicking Macro Beer

From the rise of the light lager to retro packaging, microbreweries are pulling inspiration from Big Beer