Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

The San Antonio Spurs have announced the unveiling of a unique Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Tree at the Frost Bank Center during their game against the Houston Rockets on November 7. This special tree is one of only 13 whiskey barrel trees in the United States and is part of an initiative to create excitement and promote the spirit of giving throughout the holiday season. The display will be in the outdoor ULTRA Club and is set to remain until January 7.

Mike Brown, Senior General Manager for Brown-Forman Texas, expressed pride in partnering with the Spurs to bring this tradition to the community. He emphasized the initiative’s aim to raise funds for Operation Ride Home, which helps military members reunite with their families during the holidays.

Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to purchase barrels from the tree, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Operation Ride Home. Additionally, the Spurs and Jack Daniel’s plan to host sampling events and branded giveaways while honoring military families at select home games throughout the holiday period.

It’s a bit early for holiday festivities, but cocktail enthusiasts can already enjoy seasonal drinks with the arrival of the Sippin’ Santa and Miracle pop-up cocktail menus. This year, Jeff "Beachbum" Berry has launched the Sippin’ Santa experience at his French Quarter bar, Latitude 29, just ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Sippin’ Santa menu includes new cocktails like "Wreck the Halls," which combines Caribbean overproof rum, tawny port, lime, maple and vanilla syrups, along with figgy bitters. Another highlight is the "Nui Nui New Year," a sharing drink that mixes vodka or rum with allspice liqueur, lime, orange, and a spice mix of cinnamon and more.

In addition to these new offerings, longtime fans of Berry’s tiki-style drinks can expect a range of cocktails featuring Caribbean rum, tequila, bourbon, and vodka. Returning favorites include "Jingle Bird," which consists of bourbon, Campari, pineapple, and lime, and "Holiday on Ice," made with vodka, cold brew, condensed milk, and ancho chili liqueur. There are also Secret Santa specials and two non-alcoholic options available.

The Sippin’ Santa menu will also be available starting November 17 at Pelican to Mars in Baton Rouge and at more than 60 locations across the U.S., from Florida to California.

On a larger scale, the Miracle menu, renowned for its festive twist on classic cocktails, will be featured at Barrel Proof and nearly 200 bars nationwide. This year’s offerings include "Dancing Sugarplums," which architects a blend of gin, plum wine, limoncello, plum milk syrup, and nutmeg, alongside returning drinks like the "Koala Lalala," melding blanco tequila with dry vermouth, apple liqueur, tamarind, and mint.

The Miracle cocktails can be enjoyed at Barrel Proof beginning November 18 and will also be featured at One Thirteen in Hammond, The Station in Baton Rouge, and Pamplona Tapas & Bar in Lafayette.

For further details on Sippin’ Santa, visit the official website. For the Miracle menu, check out their website.

Ketel One Vodka has introduced a new addition to its popular lineup with the launch of the Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini. This ready-to-serve cocktail aims to make it easier for consumers to enjoy this classic drink without the hassle of mixing ingredients.

The Lemon Drop Martini, characterized by its citrusy flavor reminiscent of lemonade, is not just a summer treat; fans appreciate it year-round for its bright notes that can lift spirits in any season. This new product is part of Ketel One’s effort to expand its offerings of flavored and sugar-free spirits, as well as ready-to-serve cocktails.

The ready-to-pour cocktail combines real lemon juice with a hint of sweetness from triple sec, presenting a perfect balance of tartness and smoothness. To enjoy, it is recommended to chill the drink before serving. Simply shake the bottle, pour it into a martini glass, and add a lemon twist for garnish.

Available in two sizes—350 mL and 750 mL—with prices around $13.99 and $25.99 respectively, the Lemon Drop Martini offers four to eight servings per bottle. It has received positive feedback from consumers, who are already labeling it a "must buy."

You can find the Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini at liquor stores nationwide, including Total Wine and The Bar.com.

The 12th Annual Irish Whiskey Awards recently took place at Teeling Distillery in Dublin, celebrating the best of Irish whiskey amidst an evening of camaraderie and spirited competition. The event saw a total of 20 awards given for various categories, highlighting the diversity and quality of this beloved spirit.

Among the notable winners, the Dunville’s 24-Year-Old Palo Cortado Single Malt was recognized as the Irish Whiskey of the Year, marking its second consecutive win in this prestigious category. Echlinville Distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has established it as a leader in the sector, with their distinctive offerings setting modern standards for Irish single malts.

The awards were organized by the Celtic Whiskey Shop and included a range of categories covering blends, single malts, pot stills, and more. This year’s ceremony highlighted the resilience of the Irish whiskey industry, which has faced challenges, particularly with a noted decline in US exports.

One of the unique aspects of the awards is the community involvement; results are determined through blind tastings conducted by panels from over ten whiskey societies across Ireland, rather than by a select group of judges. This method ensures a comprehensive evaluation reflective of the wider whiskey community.

Key award highlights included:

• Irish Whiskey of the Year: Dunville’s 24-Year-Old Palo Cortado Single Malt
• Best New Irish Whiskey: Hinch Warehouse 3 Exclusive – Virgin American Oak
• Single Malt 11 Years and Under (High-Priced): Copeland Double Distilled Pino Hogshead
• Single Pot Still Whiskey 12 Years and Over: Redbreast 15-Year-Old
• Cask Strength Whiskey: Dunville’s 24-Year-Old PX Cask Strength

The event also supported charitable initiatives, with proceeds benefiting Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides meals for children in need worldwide, illustrating the spirit of community and support that exists within the industry.

The Irish Whiskey Awards continue to showcase the passion, talent, and artistry present in Ireland’s whiskey-making scene, inspiring fans and newcomers alike to explore the rich flavors and heritage of this iconic spirit.

For more insights on the latest Irish whiskeys, check out:

• The Best Irish Blended Whiskey According to the Beverage Testing Institute
• The Top Irish Whiskey According to the 2025 World Whiskies Awards

Soho Chicken and Whiskey has reopened its doors after relocating from Ohio City’s West 25th Street to a new spot on Lorain Avenue. The popular soul food restaurant made its debut at 4211 Lorain Avenue, in the former space of Xinji Noodle Bar, on October 30. Since its reopening, it has quickly filled up with patrons eager to experience its signature comfort food and inviting atmosphere.

The new location maintains an intimate feel with cozy nooks and exposed brick, while also incorporating new enhancements. The owners, Nolan Konkoski and Molly Smith, took their time to ensure everything was perfect, resulting in what they describe as a "well-established version" of Soho, keeping the same charming energy at its core.

We visited about a week after the reopening to a lively dining scene ahead of a Cavaliers game. The bar area is still prominent, leading into a main dining area with a slightly more open kitchen layout. Decor includes nostalgic pieces from the previous Soho location and a cheerful “Welcome Back Y’all” sign.

The drink menu is diverse, featuring both classic and seasonal cocktails alongside select wines and craft beers. We sampled the “Untitled,” a robust bourbon drink, and the “Psycho Killer,” a refreshing gin-based concoction—both reflecting Soho’s commitment to quality beverages.

No visit to Soho is complete without their deviled eggs, a must-try on the menu, praised for their creamy texture and the option to upgrade with smoked trout and caviar. The snack menu also highlights fried green tomatoes, which we enjoyed topped with street corn fixings, offering a delicious blend of flavors.

For our main courses, we opted for the iconic fried chicken, served with two sides, and the unique Carolina “fried rice,” which consists of griddled grits, Wagyu bologna, yams, and kimchi. The melding of these flavors made for a satisfying meal.

Desserts include freshly fried beignets, described as a doughy delight reminiscent of pancakes, which we couldn’t resist adding to our meal.

Soho Chicken and Whiskey has returned with an energy that promises to reinvigorate the Greater Cleveland dining scene, inviting patrons to relish not just the food but the memories that accompany it. Reservations are available for those eager to visit, and the restaurant plans to reintroduce brunch and special events soon.

For more details, visit Soho Chicken and Whiskey’s website or make reservations via Resy.