If observations at the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Illinois were any indicator, Americans are trending toward darker spirits, cork-less wines, bitter beer, barrel-aged beer, Asian flavors, tequila and mezcal, and American whiskey, particularly single malts. The popularity of tequila and mezcal continues to be on the rise. Wines were abundant in cans, bags, pouches and kegs to keep them fresh and for ease of serving. Asian flavors touched all aspects, from “oriental spiced” gin to tamarind margarita salt and lemon ginger rimming sugar. The popularity of the more bitter pale ale grew by 35 percent in 2013.