Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

New Riff has introduced its latest release in the American single malt whiskey segment, showcasing an innovative blend of flavors that whiskey enthusiasts will not want to miss. The 2026 installment of New Riff Single Malt Whiskey features a unique mash bill composed entirely of malted barley, with various barley types including Marris Otter, Golden Promise, and a beer-inspired Barleywine.

The distillation process employs a variety of five distinct cask types for maturation: new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, used bourbon barrels, and both Spanish oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The result is a robust, balanced whiskey with a proof of 111.7. Upon tasting, the whiskey reveals rich layers of dark fruit, cacao, and smoky citrus on the nose, while the palate is met with notes of oak, sweet fruit, sherry, and smoke. The finish offers a delightful hint of candied orange peels and peat smoke.

Master Distiller Brian Sprance expressed excitement about this year’s blend, particularly the inclusion of Chevallier malt, which adds a distinctive character to the whiskey. He noted, “These whiskeys are inspired by malted barleys used in the brewing industry, reimagined through our Kentucky regimen.”

Fans can purchase this new whiskey at the distillery’s gift shop or online at New Riff Distilling starting May 15, with a suggested retail price of $69.99.

For more information, visit New Riff Distilling.

Vodka Fried Chicken: The Secret to the Crispiest Fried Chicken Ever

If you’re seeking the crispiest fried chicken, it’s time to rethink your batter. While traditional methods like buttermilk brining or air frying yield decent results, using vodka in your batter can elevate your fried chicken experience to a whole new level.

The Science Behind the Magic

The key ingredient in this dish is vodka, which transforms the way the batter interacts with the chicken. Here’s how it works:

• Inhibiting Gluten Formation: Vodka interferes with gluten development, meaning that even if your batter is slightly overmixed, the crust remains light and crispy instead of tough and chewy.

• Rapid Evaporation: Alcohol evaporates quickly, creating tiny bubbles in the batter that contribute to a lighter texture. This leaves behind a porous structure that enhances crunchiness.

• Dramatic Temperature Differential: Using ice-cold vodka creates a sharper temperature contrast when the batter hits the hot oil, leading to a quicker set of the crust, minimizing oil absorption, and maximizing crispiness.

Adding sparkling water gives an extra boost with its CO2 bubbles, further aerating the batter as it cooks.

Versatility of the Vodka Batter

This vodka batter isn’t just for chicken; it can also be used for frying onion rings, shrimp, fish fillets, or any other fried treat. Make a batch and keep it handy for various frying ventures.

Vodka Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken

• 12–16 chicken drumsticks
• Oil, for frying

Seasoning

• 10 g salt
• 5 g garlic powder
• 5 g white pepper
• 5 g chicken powder

Dredge

• 80 g all-purpose flour
• 8 g baking powder
• 150 g rice flour
• 240 g cornstarch
• 20 g salt
• 10 g garlic powder
• 10 g chicken powder
• 5 g white pepper

Vodka Batter

• 250 g dredge (set aside from above)
• 180 g vodka, ice cold
• 150 g sparkling water or beer, ice cold

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Dredge

• Mix the seasoning ingredients and rub them over all drumsticks.
• Combine dredge ingredients, reserving 250 g for the batter.

Step 2: First Fry

• Heat oil to 300°F (149°C) and fry the chicken for 8–12 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Vodka Batter

• Combine the reserved 250 g dredge with ice-cold vodka and sparkling water, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Second Fry

• Raise oil temperature to 350°F (175°C). Dip each drumstick in the vodka batter and fry for 2 minutes. Rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

Step 5: Third Fry

• Repeat the batter dip and fry for another 2 minutes, which will provide the ultimate crispy crust.

Step 6: Season and Serve

• While the crust is still hot, season your chicken with soy-garlic glaze, Nashville hot glaze, or a dusting of mushroom powder. Enjoy immediately.

This vodka-fried chicken is guaranteed to impress with its extraordinary crunch and lightness, making it a must-try for any fried chicken lover.

Spring break may be over, but the excitement for travel and memorable cocktails continues. A delightful cocktail recipe featuring Koloa Rum from Kaua’i takes center stage, transporting you to Hawaii with every sip. This recipe is perfect for those dreaming of the tropics, even if you’re just relaxing at home.

Coconut Citrus Sunrise

This colorful drink not only looks stunning but also delivers on flavor, thanks to a blend of fresh fruit and rum enhanced by the bitter notes of Campari.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Kōloa Kauaʻi Coconut Rum
• 1/2 ounce Campari
• 3 ounces fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Honey, orange wheel, and shredded coconut for garnish

Method:

1. Start by preparing a rocks glass: brush the rim with honey and roll it in shredded coconut, if desired.
2. Fill the glass with ice and pour the Campari directly into the base.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the coconut rum and orange juice over ice, shaking well.
4. Strain the mixture into the glass over the Campari to create an appealing layered effect.
5. Add an orange wheel for garnish.

For those looking to explore more about rum, check out our best dark rum guide for additional cocktail inspirations.

This recipe is all about fun, flavor, and a dash of tropical flair, reminding us that no matter where we are, a great drink can take us on a journey. Cheers!

The Council of Whiskey Masters, known as the foremost authority in whiskey expertise, recently showcased the most exciting American whiskey releases of 2025. This elite group, comprising master blenders, distillers, and seasoned judges, engaged in a thoughtful assessment to identify standout bottles for whiskey enthusiasts.

Highlights from 2025’s Best American Whiskeys

1. Michter’s 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

   • ABV: 57.1%
   • Price: $5,500
     Paul Pacult describes it as “easily the finest bourbon” of the year, featuring aromas of black cherry and marzipan.

2. Knob Creek 21-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

   • ABV: 50%
   • Price: $260
     Justin Stumpfer praises it for its regal profile, highlighting notes of leather, deep oak, and dark toffee.

3. Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond

   • ABV: 50%
   • Price: $59
     Tom McCormick regards it as an exceptional choice for bourbon lovers looking to elevate their experience.

4. Heaven Hill Grain-to-Glass Specialty Barrel Series

   • ABV: 55%
   • Price: $130
     Susan Reigler calls it a “spicy butterscotch bomb” with remarkable depth.

5. NOCO Cask Strength Bourbon 4X

   • ABV: 64.65%
   • Price: $250
     Sebastien Gavillet highlights its delicate yet layered complexity, featuring notes of baked apple and dark chocolate.

6. Bard Distillery “Muhlenberg John Prine You-Got-Gold” Bourbon

   • ABV: 47%
   • Price: $77
     Martin Duffy describes it as “light and effervescent” with hints of vanilla and brown sugar.

7. Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 9 Years

   • ABV: 50%
   • Price: $135
     Described as rich and bold by Joseph V Micallef, it appeals to those who enjoy barrel-influenced flavors.

8. Jack Daniel’s 14-Year Tennessee Whiskey

   • ABV: 53.5%
   • Price: $700
     Samuel Wright notes its robust profile, reinforcing Jack Daniel’s place in the premium whiskey market.

Conclusion

These selections reflect not only the diverse offerings in the world of American whiskey for 2025 but also emphasize a movement toward age-statement revivals and craftsmanship. The recommendations from the Council of Whiskey Masters set a benchmark, guiding enthusiasts toward the most compelling new releases of the year. Whether you prefer a traditional bourbon, innovative Tennessee whiskey, or a unique single malt, this curated list provides an excellent roadmap for your tasting journey.

For more insights into whiskey, explore additional articles:

• America’s Best Bourbon, According To the Beverage Testing Institute
• Best Bourbons Of 2025, According To The Top Spirit Competitions

Knob Creek bourbon is a staple in many bars, known for being a reliable choice for whiskey lovers. Launched in 1992 as part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, it emerged during the 1990s bourbon revival, crafted by Booker Noe, grandson of Jim Beam. This period was crucial as bourbon was losing popularity to lighter spirits like vodka, prompting some distillers to make their products smoother and less bold. In contrast, Knob Creek was introduced as a pre-Prohibition style whiskey that embraced full flavors, aligning with a trend called "premiumization" that aimed to restore the spirit’s stature.

The name “Knob Creek” references a real place in Kentucky, specifically Knob Creek Farm, linked to Abraham Lincoln’s childhood. While Lincoln himself has no connection to the whiskey’s production, the name evokes historical significance, associating the brand with traditional Kentucky whiskey heritage.

Knob Creek is distinctive for its 100 proof bottling, which is higher than many mainstream bourbons that often sit at 80 proof. This choice enhances the bourbon’s flavor and adheres to the brand’s philosophy of delivering a full-bodied experience. Its 9-year age statement, a key part of its identity, emphasizes the importance of aging in new charred oak barrels—an essential factor that imparts characteristic flavors like vanilla, caramel, and spice.

Despite its artisanal branding, Knob Creek is produced by the Jim Beam distillery, making it accessible and backed by a robust infrastructure. The term "small-batch" does not have a strict legal definition, but it positions Knob Creek in the middle between mass-market and craft spirits, appealing to those seeking a more substantial whiskey experience.

Knob Creek adheres closely to traditional bourbon-making practices, using a mash bill that typically consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. This choice results in a balanced profile combining the sweetness of corn and the spiciness of rye. Additionally, the aging process in heavily charred oak barrels influences the whiskey’s taste and texture, yielding a product that is bold and rich, with a complex flavor profile that has made it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

For more details on bourbon options, you may check The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked.