Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

When Jake Norris observes the current whiskey culture in America, he feels a tinge of disappointment. Many enthusiasts have shifted towards collecting rare bottles instead of enjoying the spirits themselves, a trend to which he contributed during his time at renowned distilleries like Stranahan’s and Laws Whiskey House. He helped initiate the sought-after Stanahan’s Snowflake program, where fans would camp out for a chance to snag limited-release bottles, often trading them for significantly higher prices in the secondary market.

However, Norris believes this trend detracts from the true essence of whiskey. "What good is a record if you don’t play it? What good is a painting if there’s a tarp on it?" he mused. Whiskey, he argues, should be celebrated and savored rather than relegated to a shelf.

To inspire a shift towards drinking rather than hoarding, Norris has launched The Curated Barrel Project. His goal is to release eight unique whiskey expressions over the next two years, each made by aging original bourbon recipes in various casks to create distinct flavors. To encourage enthusiasts to enjoy these releases, he plans to host chef-driven pop-up events and offer accompanying zines with each bottle.

The first bourbon release from this venture, titled The Control, was introduced this month. Unlike future expressions, this one is not cask-finished, intended to showcase the bourbon’s original recipe consisting of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Aged for seven years, around 400 bottles are available for purchase.

Norris’s journey with The Curated Barrel Project began in 2024 when he found himself with 30 barrels of aging whiskey. Initially distilled in 2019 while he was consulting for another company, the bourbon underwent a pause due to the pandemic, leaving him with spirits that now had matured longer than anticipated.

Upcoming releases will be aged in various casks, including Cognac and Port barrels, enhancing their flavor profiles. In parallel to The Curated Barrel Project, Norris is also finalizing a distillery in Arvada, separate from his current releases but set to produce whiskey in the future. This new distillery will serve as the venue for the pop-up dinners he plans to host.

On May 28, Norris will welcome chef Manny Barella, a former “Top Chef” contestant, for a four-course pairing event. This unique gathering encourages guests to bring their own plates and cutlery, fostering a sense of connection and community among attendees.

With the added element of a zine—featuring a QR code linking to a custom playlist and Norris’s artwork—The Curated Barrel Project aims to shift focus from a collection mentality to a more immersive experience with whiskey. "I thought, why can’t whiskey be like that?" explains Norris, echoing his nostalgia for cherished memories tied to the act of enjoying music.

The first batch of The Control is available for $99, alongside tickets to the pop-up dinner priced at $250 per person. Additionally, memberships are offered at $800, ensuring holders receive a bottle from each batch and an exclusive bonus bottle. For more details, visit The Curated Barrel Project.

When deciding between vodka and tequila, many people ponder which spirit might be the healthier option for their cocktails. Although neither liquor is chosen primarily for health benefits, there are several factors to consider.

Tequila, especially when crafted from 100% agave, is noted for its low sugar content. According to nutrition experts, agave contains fructans that could support gut health and help manage blood lipids and glucose. These compounds are linked to feelings of fullness, which may help reduce hunger, and they also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, experts caution that while the agave plant may provide some health benefits, research hasn’t definitively shown that these effects carry through after distillation. Nonetheless, tequila production is heavily regulated, minimizing potential pesticide exposure.

On the other hand, vodka is often lower in calories than tequila and can be mixed easily with low-calorie drinks. Its neutral flavor allows for versatile drink options. Still, as vodka is generally derived from grains or potatoes, it lacks significant nutritional value.

It’s critical to remember that both tequila and vodka carry common risks associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol acts as a depressant, which can slow down the central nervous system, so moderation is key, especially for individuals managing mental health conditions.

When considering the health impacts of tequila’s higher fructose content, experts note that over time, it can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, although the sweetness level of tequila often mirrors that of vodka.

Ultimately, the healthiness of either spirit largely depends on the mixers involved. A sugary margarita mix with tequila could negate any health benefits, while a fresh lime juice and soda water combination presents a lighter option. The same logic applies to vodka, where pairing it with tonic or sparkling water offers a more calorie-efficient choice.

In conclusion, whether tequila or vodka is a healthier pick depends largely on personal preference and mixology. Both spirits should be consumed in moderation, keeping in mind what they are mixed with, to maintain a balance between enjoyment and health.

Bardstown Bourbon Company has introduced a revolutionary whiskey, the Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend, set to launch on May 29. This innovative spirit is the result of a collaboration with Mars Whisky and showcases a unique aging process where Kentucky bourbon and Japanese single malts from Mars’ distilleries age together in the same barrel.

This approach differs significantly from traditional finishes, where one spirit influences another primarily in the final stages of aging. By co-aging the whiskies for a full year, they integrate deeply, resulting in a product that reflects the richness of both Kentucky bourbon and Japanese whisky. Dan Callaway, Bardstown’s master blender, emphasized that this method is about “true integration,” creating a whiskey that offers complex flavors shaped by both traditions.

The Japanese whiskies involved are no ordinary spirits; they include the Komagatake single malt, which previously matured in Umeshu plum liqueur barrels, and Tsunuki whisky aged in rare Sakura cherry wood casks. These distinct characteristics blend with Kentucky bourbons aged for 10 to 16 years to produce flavors of caramelized plums, roasted malt, vanilla bean, and toasted oak, culminating in a sophisticated finish.

This release, priced at $99.99 for a 375mL bottle and bottled at 109.8 proof, will be available in limited quantities exclusive to Bardstown Bourbon’s gift shop and Louisville tasting room. If this whiskey quickly sells out, enthusiasts can take heart knowing another whiskey blending American and Japanese traditions is already aging in Japan, hinting at an exciting future for this cross-cultural innovation in whiskey-making.

ALB Vodka, produced in Albany, New York, has recently formed a partnership with JSX, known for its premium air travel services. This collaboration means that ALB Vodka will now be served on all JSX flights, enhancing the semi-private airline’s in-flight offerings.

Brian Grimsley, the National Sales Director for ALB Vodka, emphasized the alignment between ALB and JSX, stating that both brands cater to travelers seeking a premium experience without compromises. JSX, which operates approximately 175 charter flights each day, focuses on providing a streamlined and luxurious travel experience. In 2025, JSX was recognized as the No. 1 Domestic Airline by Travel + Leisure for its customer-focused service.

Ben Kaufman, Senior Director of Customer Experience at JSX, pointed out that vodka is the most requested spirit on their flights, highlighting the importance of featuring a quality brand like ALB. He noted that both companies share a disruptive approach in their respective industries, attracting customers who demand superior quality.

This partnership comes as ALB Vodka is rapidly expanding its market presence, having been awarded the 2025 Spirit of the Year and Vodka of the Year by USA Spirits Ratings. With its distribution in over 5,000 locations nationwide, including high-end restaurants, hotels, and major retailers, ALB Vodka is positioned as a prominent player in the premium spirits market.

ALB Vodka is now available on all JSX flights as part of their complimentary beverage service. The release reflects ALB’s push into premium travel and its commitment to delivering a high-quality product.

For further details, visit ALB Vodka.

Penelope Bourbon has made a significant mark in the whiskey industry since its inception in 2018, rapidly establishing itself as one of the most popular American whiskey brands. The company gained substantial attention when it was acquired by MGP, a prominent grain and whiskey conglomerate, in a deal reported to be worth up to $200 million in 2023. Despite the acquisition, the founders, Michael Paladini and Danny Polise, have remained active, continuing to lead the brand and oversee product innovations.

Their latest offering is the "Architects of Golf" series, a unique collection of 18 limited edition bottles designed to capture the essence of a round of golf. Both Paladini and Polise are avid golf enthusiasts, and their passion for the sport is evident in this new creation.

The series pays tribute to Penelope’s existing Architect bourbon, which incorporates French oak staves, adding complexity to the whiskey’s flavor profile. The new collection features three initial bottles, each a 6-year bourbon whiskey bottled at 94 proof. While the specific distillation source isn’t disclosed, past releases suggest that it likely comes from MGP-owned Ross & Squibb in Indiana, or Luxco’s Lux Row in Kentucky.

The bourbons in this series are finished with American oak staves, applied with varying intensities over different durations. For example, the first bottle has the lightest stave finish, while the third bottle has the most robust application.

Paladini reflects on the significance of the series, stating, “Architects of Golf is a nod to the subtleties of the game and where some of our best ideas took shape.” He emphasizes how minor adjustments in the blending process can lead to substantial impacts on the final product.

The Architects of Golf series is set to hit shelves in May, with each bottle priced at a suggested retail of $59.99.