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Wyoming has long been known for its stunning natural landscapes, including iconic spots like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Since 2006, it has also made a name for itself in the whiskey world with the establishment of Wyoming Whiskey, the state’s first legal distillery. Recently, the distillery announced the launch of a new bourbon called "State of the Union," crafted to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America this summer.

Situated in the quaint town of Kirby, Wyoming Whiskey was founded by Brad and Kate Mead along with David DeFazio. The distillery gained notable acclaim with the involvement of Steve Nally, a former master distiller at Maker’s Mark, who joined the team in 2009 before moving on to Bardstown Bourbon Company. In 2018, Edrington, a Scottish drinks firm known for brands like Macallan, acquired a stake in Wyoming Whiskey, eventually becoming the majority owner by 2023. This year, Edrington divested its shares to a local investment group led by DeFazio, reclaiming control over the distillery.

"State of the Union" reflects a celebration of American values and heritage. DeFazio noted that this bourbon serves as a toast to the history and independence of the nation. The whiskey features a wheated mashbill comprising 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, and has been aged for six years in new charred oak barrels, bottled at 98 proof. Its tasting notes promise a rich complexity with hints of raspberry, lemon, and sweet tea, complemented by flavors of peaches, white chocolate, and a finish of candied ginger.

Currently priced at $80, "State of the Union" is available exclusively at the Whiskey Shop in Kirby and select retailers throughout Wyoming. Other expressions from Wyoming Whiskey can also be found on sites like ReserveBar.

Pringles fans can now indulge in a unique experience with the release of Pringles Dill Pickle Potato Vodka by Sugarlands Distilling. This unusual spirit is infused with the sharp flavors of vinegar and dill, along with a “salty potato twist,” aiming to capture the essence of the popular chip flavor. Described as “tart, savory, and unapologetically bold,” the vodka is sold in 750ml bottles at a starting price of $21.99, although prices may vary across retailers.

The launch has already ignited a heated debate online, with some users expressing skepticism. One user commented, "Hard pass lol. Come on humans wtf," while others found the concept intriguing. This collaboration isn’t Pringles’ first foray into the world of beverages; previously, the brand teamed up with Miller Lite to create beer- and burger-flavored chips.

For more detailed information, check out the article on Dexerto.

Bottleship: History Served Neat is set to be a unique fundraiser benefiting the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Memorial’s World War II collection. Scheduled for October 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the event will combine maritime history, Southern barbecue, and rum-tasting, all taking place in the Battleship’s Wardroom.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the stories behind three historic ships named USS North Carolina while enjoying a catered Southern barbecue dinner and sipping on a signature rum cocktail. A special talk by Smuggler Mac will add an entertaining dimension to the evening, as attendees engage with the history of the battleship and its significance.

Tickets for the event are available for a $75 donation per person, which includes one rum cocktail. Additional cocktails can be purchased for $12 each. Proceeds from the event will support the growth and preservation of the Battleship’s World War II collection.

Space is limited, and advance reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased online at battleshipnc.com/rum.

Event Details:

• What: Bottleship: History Served Neat
• When: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ward Room, 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Tickets: $75 donation per person
• Age: 21+ only

For more information about the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Memorial, visit BattleshipNC.com.

The Battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) is famed as America’s most decorated World War II battleship, now serving as a memorial to honor the heroism and sacrifices of the veterans from that era.

Buffalo Trace’s parent company, Sazerac, has announced its acquisition of Au Vodka, a popular canned cocktail brand based in the U.K. The purchase price has not been disclosed, but the deal aims to expand Sazerac’s ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio, particularly in a market that is becoming increasingly significant for the spirits company.

Founded in 2015 by friends Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn, Au Vodka has become a leading brand in the U.K. for canned vodka cocktails. The brand gained additional recognition when YouTuber Jake Paul publicly showed his support by getting a tattoo of its logo. After launching in the U.S. market in 2022, Au Vodka achieved immediate sales success, moving 50,000 bottles in just its first week. Currently, the brand is available for online purchase in 35 states and on store shelves in eight.

Sazerac noted that the U.K. is an essential market for its growth strategies, and with Au Vodka’s established presence, the brand is positioned for further expansion in the U.S. The acquisition follows Sazerac’s recent streak of investments in the RTD segment, which has proven to be a bright spot in an otherwise fluctuating alcohol market. Earlier this year, Sazerac also acquired brands such as Dirty Shirley and took a stake in Sipmargs.

As Sazerac continues to innovate and grow its RTD offerings, the brand Au Vodka provides a valuable opportunity to enhance its market presence and connect with a broader consumer base.

For more information on Au Vodka, visit their official site or read the BBC’s coverage on their expansion efforts. Sazerac has also recently launched three new canned cocktails to bolster its RTD portfolio.

Diageo India is set to comply with new labelling rules set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding whisky and rum products. The company has been given a 90-day timeline to clear its existing stock in Maharashtra. Despite changes to product labels, the composition of the spirits will remain the same, indicating terms like “whisky-flavoured spirit” or “rum-flavoured spirit” on the packaging. This decision comes as part of broader action by the FSSAI against several liquor companies for alleged violations related to flavouring and age declarations.

The FSSAI’s directives have prompted discussions surrounding the impact on the liquor industry, particularly concerning recurring flavouring agents and established manufacturing practices. Executives from Diageo mentioned that they would challenge the regulator’s position in court, emphasizing that their products have consistently met applicable safety and quality standards.

Industry experts have raised concerns regarding the potential disruption to the manufacturing of whisky and rum, highlighted by the FSSAI’s stance which may necessitate a fundamental reformulation of existing products. Presently, the Indian market relies heavily on extra-neutral alcohol (ENA), derived from broken rice, which is less costly than matured spirit, causing concern over how brands will maintain pricing and quality.

The FSSAI’s ruling points towards a more stringent definition of spirits, which should be distilled from specific raw materials like cereals for whisky and sugarcane for rum. This stringent definition poses challenges for brands that have historically relied on additives to achieve desired flavour profiles. The rum and whisky sectors in India, which collectively manage around 432 million cases annually, could face significant operational and economic impacts due to the inability to provide sufficient matured spirits in response to regulatory demands.

The liquor industry appears divided on how to navigate the regulatory landscape, with calls for transitional periods to allow manufacturers to adjust without substantial losses. This development highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining product integrity and adhering to evolving regulations in India’s vast alcohol sector.

For more information, visit the FSSAI website and follow updates on the Ongoing developments regarding the liquor industry.