Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine
With a rich history spanning centuries, the Pécharmant region is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive wines in France. Nestled in the Dordogne Valley, Pécharmant’s unique terroir gives birth to robust red wines that are as enigmatic as the region itself. But amidst this wine-rich land, one name stands out – Château Beauportail. […]
Madison Beer’s ‘Locket’: A Disappointing Departure from Pre-Release Hype
Madison Beer, initially recognized as Justin Bieber’s protégé in 2012, continues to be perceived through the lens of her early fame and social media presence. Despite her efforts to reclaim her narrative, her third studio album, locket, released on January 16, 2026, doesn’t seem to fulfill the ambitious promises set by her pre-release singles.
Promoting locket since early 2024, Beer released several singles prior to the album, including "Make You Mine," "Yes Baby," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Enough." These songs hinted at a sonic direction filled with darker pop elements, driving excitement among her fans. Just days before the album’s launch, she announced The Locket Tour, covering 32 shows across Europe and North America, further suggesting an era of significance.
However, upon listening to locket, the expectation of a groundbreaking shift in Beer’s career gives way to a more transitional album. The polished production may shine in private settings but doesn’t translate well to live performances.
One notable challenge throughout Beer’s music is her unclear musical identity. Much of locket draws parallels to artists like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, especially with tracks like "Angel Wings," which emulates Grande’s soft vocals. Despite this, "Angel Wings" stands out by showcasing Beer’s willingness to take risks, culminating in an unexpected, immersive conclusion that deviates from her usual style.
Yet, the expectation set by her pre-release singles isn’t fully realized in the album. While "Make You Mine" and "Yes Baby" display her confidence, the overall direction of the album veers away from this momentum. The absence of the strong track "15 Minutes" further hinders the album’s flow.
Outside of a couple of standout tracks like "Complexity" and "Angel Wings," which embrace creativity through structural and lyrical risks, the rest of the album remains subdued and ballad-driven.
Despite these critiques, locket reveals its depth over time, hinting at themes of emotional introspection. The true impact of Beer’s new music, and whether it evolves into something more substantial, may reveal itself during her upcoming performances on tour. For now, the intentions behind locket are enigmatically tucked away, waiting to unfold.
From Bear Poop to Beer: A Unique Portland Collaboration to Make Super Bowl History
Would you consider drinking beer made with bear poop? This peculiar question is at the forefront of a marketing campaign by Breakside Brewery and Columbia Sportswear.
The new beer, aptly named “Nature Calls,” is a collaboration between these two brands, known for pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Breakside Brewery is not new to unusual brewing practices, previously creating beers with creative names, but this venture takes it to another level. The "clean-tasting lager" features an unexpected ingredient: "a hint of bear poop collected trailside in Montana from the American black bear."
Despite the bizarre inclusion, the breweries assure consumers that the beer is safe to drink, stating, “We’ve brewed a lot of beers, but never one that celebrates nature this literally.” Scott Lawrence, founder of Breakside, initially thought Columbia was joking when they proposed the idea, but it has now turned into what they claim could be the wildest beer in America.
“Nature Calls” will be available at Columbia’s booth during The Players Tailgate on February 8 and in limited quantities at Breakside locations, although it won’t be advertised during the actual Super Bowl.
As the event approaches, beer enthusiasts across the country are left wondering if they’ll dare to try this unique brew.
The Popularity of Adding Water to Whiskey: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Tradition
New videos have emerged showing Alex Pretti’s confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis, occurring just days before his tragic death. His family’s attorney asserts that nothing in the earlier altercation, captured on video, could rationalize the sequence of events leading to Alex’s killing.
The footage has spurred discussions and concerns over the dangers posed by federal agents in such interactions. Pretti was shot and killed under circumstances that are now being scrutinized, raising questions about the use of force and the justification for such lethal measures. The case brings to light ongoing debates about law enforcement practices and accountability.
These recent developments have ignited broader conversations about the safety and treatment of individuals during encounters with federal law enforcement. As the investigation proceeds, many community members and advocates are calling for transparency and justice regarding Pretti’s death.
For more details, you can follow updates on the developments surrounding this case at Yahoo News.
Absolut Unveils Spicy Tabasco Vodka: Elevate Your Cocktails with a Bold Twist!
Absolut has launched a new product that promises to add some heat to your cocktails: Absolut Tabasco Vodka. This collaboration combines the iconic smooth vodka with the rich flavors of Tabasco sauce, marking a bold entry into the flavored vodka market.
The vodka is infused with a natural essence derived from the fermented red pepper mash used to create the beloved hot sauce. The packaging reflects the partnership, featuring Tabasco’s signature colors and diamond label while retaining Absolut’s distinctive bottle shape.
Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing at Absolut, emphasized the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and partnerships, stating, “This year we’re bringing the heat with the launch of Absolut Tabasco. We’re proud to partner with another icon… to add a spicy kick to both classic and trending cocktails.”
The new Absolut Tabasco Vodka has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 38%, is gluten-free, and offers a balanced flavor profile that mimics the vinegary notes of traditional Tabasco without overwhelming the palate. The spiciness builds gradually, making it a versatile option for a variety of beverages, including Bloody Marys and martinis, or even enjoyed straight as a shot.
Kate Neuhaus from the McIlhenny Company, which produces Tabasco, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, citing the shared heritage of both brands and the quality they represent, calling it “the perfect match.”
Absolut Tabasco is now available at retailers nationwide and can also be purchased online, priced around $35 for a 750 mL bottle.
Top Vodka Picks for 2026: Discover the Best Bottles of the Year
Vodka is renowned for its clarity and simplicity, yet behind this straightforward image lies an intricate realm of production choices that mold its texture, character, and finish. The diversity in vodka comes from various factors including grain and water sources, distillation methods, and filtration techniques. Each of these influences the vodka’s performance—be it neat, chilled, or mixed in cocktails. The nominees for the best vodka include both traditional and innovative brands, showcasing an array of approaches that emphasize balance, purity, and versatility, while highlighting the spirit’s evolution.
Voting for the best vodka is open until February 25, 2026, with winners announced on March 4, 2026. Voters can participate daily.
The Nominees:
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Absolut: Crafted in Sweden from winter wheat and natural spring water, known for its clean profile and wide range of flavors makes it a popular base for cocktails.
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Belvedere: A Polish vodka made from 100% rye, recognized for its smooth texture and balanced flavor.
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Chopin: Offers single-ingredient vodkas made from potato, rye, and wheat, showcasing different textures and influences based on base ingredients.
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Grey Goose: Produced in France, celebrated for its smoothness and subtle sweetness, a preferred choice for high-end cocktails.
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Heritage Distilling Vodka: Emphasizes quality ingredients and careful distillation, aiming for versatility in cocktails.
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Prairie Organic Vodka: Made from non-GMO corn, focusing on transparency and sustainability, this vodka is clean and versatile.
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Prichard’s Tennessee Springs Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka: A flavored vodka combining citrus brightness with a smooth base.
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Sipsmith Sipping Vodka: Distilled in London, known for balance and mouthfeel, suitable for sipping and mixing.
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Smirnoff: Globally recognized for its versatility and classic profile, available in various flavors.
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Tito’s Handmade Vodka: A Texas-based vodka known for its gluten-free corn base and accessible style, widely used in mixed drinks.
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Valentine Vodka: Michigan-crafted with a focus on balance and texture, great for sipping or cocktails.
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Watershed Distillery Vodka: An Ohio-produced vodka that balances a soft mouthfeel with cleanliness, ideal for various drinks.
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Western Son Vodka: Texas-distilled, known for its fruit-driven flavors and versatility in cocktails.
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Wheatley Vodka: Produced at Buffalo Trace, known for its balance and clarity, designed for use in cocktails.
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Wild Roots Vodka: Crafted in Oregon, famous for its naturally infused fruit flavors, utilizing real ingredients for an authentic taste.
The award is decided by reader votes, reflecting preferences across various styles and brands within the vodka landscape. For any inquiries regarding the voting process, readers can consult the official Newsweek Readers’ Choice rules.
Absolut and Tabasco Join Forces to Unveil Spicy Vodka Perfect for Bloody Marys
Absolut and Tabasco have joined forces to introduce a new chili pepper-flavored vodka, titled Absolut Tabasco, aiming to capture the growing trend for spicy flavors in the beverage market. This innovative product is rolling out across the U.S. and more than 50 international markets, catering to consumers’ increasing desire for bold taste experiences, particularly in cocktails like Bloody Marys and spicy lemonades.
Stéphanie Durroux, chairwoman and CEO of The Absolut Company, notes that the rising popularity of spicy flavors in cocktails prompted this shift away from the brand’s traditional fruit-based offerings. Priced at $25 per bottle, Absolut Tabasco combines the signature vodka with Tabasco’s aged red pepper mash, offering a savory alternative to Absolut’s usual sweet and fruity profiles. Although Absolut previously ventured into spicy flavors with its 1986 release of Absolut Peppar, this launch represents a significant enhancement to their flavor lineup.
The growing demand for spicy beverages aligns with emerging consumer trends, particularly among younger drinkers who frequent brunch settings where drinks like Bloody Marys thrive. Competitive entries, such as jalapeño-flavored vodka from Stoli and hot pepper versions from other brands, further illustrate the expanding category. Market data indicates that "hot pepper" flavored spirits generated approximately $135.4 million annually, with a notable 15% increase from the previous year.
Tabasco’s partnership with Absolut not only reflects a commitment to flavor innovation but also emphasizes a broader trend of brand collaboration across various consumer segments. As consumers seek exciting and adventurous flavor experiences, this collaboration stands to redefine how brands connect with their audiences by leveraging familiar products in new, innovative ways.
The Great American Beer Festival: A New Home and Fresh Vibes Await in 2026
For over four decades, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) has been a staple event at the Colorado Convention Center, featuring rows of tables, fluorescent lighting, and a buzzing crowd of craft beer enthusiasts sampling small cups of brews. Established in 1982 by the Brewers Association, the GABF serves as a pivotal gathering for breweries to introduce new beers to a national audience, where accolades can dramatically transform a brewery’s fortunes.
In 2026, this iconic festival will undergo a significant transformation as it moves outdoors for the first time in its history. Scheduled for October 10 and 11, the GABF will take place at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion in Ruby Hill Park, marking a new chapter in its storied progression.
The relocation signifies more than just a venue change; it reflects a new outlook from the Brewers Association regarding the overall festival experience. Ann Obenchain, the association’s vice president of marketing and communications, emphasized that this move offers a chance to innovate and inject new energy into the event. She noted how it aligns with the evolving landscape of American craft beer.
Historically, GABF has mirrored the growth of craft beer in the United States, transitioning from a small, niche gathering to a major event that attracts thousands of attendees from across the country. The original concept of the festival was to unite breweries, offer a platform for competition, and familiarize the public with the diverse styles of craft beer.
As the craft beer scene thrived and more breweries emerged, the festival expanded significantly, with the Colorado Convention Center becoming a crucial venue to accommodate its growing popularity. Despite the shift toward educational programming and food pairings, the festival maintained its core format focused on dense and rapid tasting.
The new setting at Levitt Pavilion aims to provide a more relaxed atmosphere with open green spaces, enabling a broader range of activities beyond just tasting. This outdoor venue will facilitate live music, enhanced tasting areas, and a reimagined version of the festival’s PAIRED event, which will benefit from the open-air environment.
Even with these changes, the essential elements of the GABF will remain unchanged. The hundreds of participating breweries and the competitive medal component will still be integral to the festival. However, attendees can expect a different ambiance, with a less structured layout that encourages social gatherings and leisurely exploration.
The move to an outdoor venue also mirrors trends in consumer preferences, as attendees increasingly seek experiential events that foster community and social interaction rather than rapid beer sampling. As craft beer enters a new phase of evolution, the GABF adjusts accordingly, aiming to create a vibrant festival atmosphere that resonates with both long-term enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Tickets for the 2026 festival will be available starting in June, offering both veterans and newcomers a chance to experience what promises to be an exciting transformation in one of America’s most beloved beer festivals.
Filipino Rums Shine Bright: Gold Medals Won at Global Spirits Competition
Two rums produced by the renowned Filipino brand Tanduay have recently earned prestigious gold medals at the 2025 World Spirits Competition, organized by lifestyle publication Cigar & Spirits. The awarded varieties, Tanduay’s Reserve Rum 10 Years and Double Rum, stood out among a wide array of spirits through a rigorous blind-tasting evaluation conducted by industry experts.
The Reserve Rum 10 Years is distinguished by its decade-long aging process in ex-bourbon barrels, which imparts rich aromas of dried fruits, toasted oak, vanilla, and butterscotch. Its tasting notes reveal layers of caramel and dried fruits, culminating in a finish that evokes raisins, dark chocolate, and a hint of wood.
In contrast, the Double Rum, which is a carefully blended mixture of rums aged from five to sixteen years, is further matured for an additional two years. Its aromatic profile carries a delightful blend of sweet, fruity, floral, and citrusy notes, with hints of caramelized pineapple, toasted nuts, and cherry. The taste is predominantly sweet and fruity.
These gold medals contribute to Tanduay’s impressive collection of accolades, which also includes recent awards from the Monde Selection, World Branding Awards, and the New York International Spirits Competition, among many others.
Don Papa Rum Unveils ‘Alon’: Celebrating Filipino Craft and Coastal Community
Don Papa Rum has launched its newest product, Don Papa Alon, a rum inspired by the beautiful coastlines of the Philippines and the spirit of bayanihan, which embodies community and cooperation. This new variant shifts focus from the traditional sugarcane-rich areas of Negros to the vibrant shores, aiming to capture the essence of island life.
Don Papa Alon is characterized by a flavor profile that pays homage to Filipino culinary traditions. It includes notes of coconut, jackfruit, and spices, drawing inspiration from the local dish Ginataang Langka, a creamy jackfruit stew. Marketing Manager Angeline Manahan explained that the goal was to embody the pride and warmth of Filipino communities, creating a rum that evokes the atmosphere of relaxed gatherings by the sea during golden hour.
To ensure a true taste of local culture, the recommended way to enjoy Don Papa Alon is with a refreshing drink called Alon & Coco. This concoction combines 50ml of Don Papa Alon, 100ml of fresh coconut water, and a squeeze of calamansi, served over ice. Brand Ambassador Audrey Gustilo emphasized that using simple, fresh local ingredients allows the Filipino narrative to shine through more authentically.
Currently, Don Papa Alon is available at Landmark stores, as well as online through Booze.ph and Boozy.ph, with plans for expanded availability in retail outlets. This launch not only enhances Don Papa’s reputation for quality rum but also reinforces the celebration of Filipino culture and craft.
Unveiling Absolut’s Bold New Spicy Vodka: The Perfect Addition to Your Brunch Cocktails
Absolut Vodka has partnered with Tabasco Brand to introduce Absolut Tabasco, a new chile-flavored vodka designed to enhance cocktails with a touch of spice without overbearing heat. This collaboration marks the first joint venture between the two iconic brands, focusing on balanced flavors rather than extreme spiciness.
Available in the U.S. and over 50 international markets, Absolut Tabasco starts with real Tabasco pepper mash, aged for up to three years in reclaimed oak barrels. This process reveals the essence of Tabasco pepper sauce—its unique heat, aroma, and a mouthfeel reminiscent of the iconic sauce itself. With a gluten-free certification and no added sugars, the vodka is versatile for mixed drinks, making it a suitable option for cocktails like Bloody Marys or even spicy lemonades.
This product comes at a time when there is an increasing demand for spicy vodka, predicted to grow significantly in popularity over the coming years. Absolut Tabasco aims to appeal to consumers looking for unique drink experiences without overwhelming heat.
For further details on Absolut Tabasco, you can visit the official pages for Absolut Vodka and Tabasco Brand.