Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

Mojitos, a refreshing cocktail made from muddled mint, lime, rum, and a hint of sugar, are the quintessential drink for warm weather. As National Mojito Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate this crisp, herbal beverage all summer long.

According to Giancarlo Morales, a principal bartender at Fool’s Errand in Boston, a well-crafted mojito is about balance rather than being overly sweet. The cocktail serves as a versatile canvas where different rums can add unique flavors. Morales suggests that high-quality rum not only contributes alcohol but also enhances the character of the drink. A Jamaican rum can introduce tropical notes, while a cleaner Spanish-style rum keeps it crisp.

Here are five rums to consider for your mojito this summer:

1. Plantation 3 Stars Rum

This flavorful white rum blends Caribbean traditions from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad. It has complex notes of mango, papaya, and vanilla, ensuring your mojito shines through the ice and soda.

2. Bacardí Superior Rum

Known for its rounded mouthfeel and crisp finish, Bacardí Superior is a go-to choice for a classic mojito. This rum has made a name for itself as a foundational ingredient in many traditional recipes.

3. Copalli Organic Cacao Rum

This unique Belizean rum incorporates cacao nibs, giving your mojito a slightly bittersweet profile. Its blend of mint and cacao creates a deliciously unexpected drink.

4. Palm Republic Silver Rum

This blend, distilled in Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers subtle notes of banana and sugarcane, creating a softly layered mojito. It’s a newer brand that can help you impress friends this summer.

5. Oxbow Barrel Aged Straight Rum

For those who appreciate an aged rum, Oxbow’s expression offers a molasses-forward flavor that changes the game for traditional mojitos. The aging process enhances its sweetness, allowing you to reduce added sugar and savor the drink in the evenings.

Experimenting with different rums not only revitalizes the classic mojito but also allows you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. Whether sipping poolside or at an evening gathering, these variations promise a delightful cocktail experience.

Whiskey is often considered an acquired taste, appreciated for its complex flavors but sometimes criticized for its bitterness. For those who find whiskey’s strong notes a bit overwhelming, there’s a straightforward remedy that you can easily apply whether you’re at home or in a bar: a touch of sugar. According to experts Rodrigo Urraca and Eric van Beek from Handshake Speakeasy, sugar can help mellow out the bitter taste of whiskey.

If you’re at a bar, opt for whiskey-based cocktails that incorporate syrups or other sweet ingredients. For home experiments, simple additions like a sugar rim or a spoonful of sugar can help. For a more adventurous twist, consider blending in canned or fresh fruits to your whiskey.

Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy whiskey neat and pair it with something sweeter on the side, like peanut butter or chocolate. This pairing technique can help train your palate to appreciate the rich flavors of whiskey while making its bitterness more tolerable. As Urraca and van Beek suggest, achieving balance is key to enhancing your drinking experience.

Sugar isn’t the only kitchen staple that can enhance your cocktails. Salt can also play a crucial role in elevating flavors. A tiny pinch of salt can make a cocktail come alive, adding depth without overwhelming the palate. The same principle applies to other salty ingredients, such as soy sauce, which can add complexity.

However, caution is advised when incorporating salt, especially in drinks meant to lessen whiskey’s bitterness. Salt pairs excellently with tequila, enhancing its flavor profile without masking it. For example, a salt rim can significantly elevate the flavor of margaritas.

By applying these tips to your whiskey experience, you can improve your enjoyment of this complex spirit. Whether you’re mixing at home or ordering at a bar, remember that small adjustments can lead to a more enjoyable drink.

For further exploration of whiskey and cocktails, check out:

• Handshake Speakeasy
• 1800 Tequila
• Upgrade your whiskey with fruits
• Pairing whiskey with chocolate

ALB Vodka Expands Distribution with Columbia Distributing in Washington

ALB Vodka has announced a new partnership with Columbia Distributing to enhance its distribution network in Washington. This collaboration marks a significant step in ALB Vodka’s growth strategy as it aims to penetrate deeper into the Northwest market.

The partnership comes on the heels of Columbia Distributing acquiring selected distribution rights from RNDC, enabling a broader reach for ALB Vodka across Washington State. As a part of this strategy, ALB Vodka looks to increase its presence in both on-premise and off-premise locations, facilitating access to new consumers throughout the region.

Brian Grimsley, National Sales Director of ALB Vodka, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "In Columbia Distributing, we found a trusted partner to take the next step in ALB Vodka’s nationwide distribution… Columbia Distributing is perfectly positioned to grow ALB Vodka’s consumer base."

The collaboration is pivotal for ALB Vodka, one of the fastest-growing independent spirit brands in the U.S. The brand started as a regional product in Albany, New York, and is now expanding its distribution strategy nationwide, with Columbia Distributing playing a crucial role in this endeavor.

Chris Steffanci, CEO of Columbia Distributing, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting ALB Vodka’s compelling brand story and product quality that aligns well with the customer’s needs across the Northwest.

As ALB Vodka continues its expansion journey, they plan to deepen their market reach into Oregon and Alaska, with announcements expected in the near future.

A significant factor in ALB Vodka’s recent growth is attributed to strategic marketing initiatives such as a national inflight partnership with JetBlue and JSX, promoting the vodka to travelers domestically and internationally.

Currently, ALB Vodka is becoming increasingly accessible to consumers nationwide who are looking for high-quality independently produced vodka.

For more information, visit albvodka.com and www.coldist.com.

Coors Whiskey Co.’s 8-Year-Old Blended American Malt Whiskey has made waves in the spirits industry by earning an impressive score of 98 points at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), marking it as the highest-scoring malt whiskey in the country and securing a Gold Outstanding designation.

Crafted from a proprietary blend of malts, including those sourced from Colorado, this whiskey showcases a unique aging process where all components are matured for a minimum of eight years before bottling. Only 1,200 bottles of this exceptional whiskey will be available for purchase in Colorado and Illinois, with a suggested retail price of $80.

The whiskey is produced under the auspices of Coors, a name synonymous with American brewing since 1873. Recently, the company has expanded its portfolio to include spirits through its subsidiary, Coors Spirits Co., which debuted its first whiskey, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, in 2021. By 2023, Coors had also acquired a stake in Blue Run Spirits, further thrusting it into the spirits market.

Judges at the IWSC were captivated by the whiskey’s aromas, which included caramelized peaches, iced tea, beeswax, and creamy vanilla. The tasting notes revealed hints of tropical fruit and milk chocolate on the palate, all culminating in a long, savory finish.

This blended malt whiskey is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, and is classified differently from traditional single malts, using a series of undisclosed mashbills. The blend’s extensive maturation and the expertise Coors has amassed over the years in brewing have been critically acknowledged, positioning it as a formidable player in the competitive spirits arena.

For those interested, Coors Whiskey Co.’s award-winning 8-Year-Old Blended American Malt Whiskey can surely delight both whiskey aficionados and newcomers alike, with its notable craftsmanship and flavorful complexities.

• International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Coors Spirits Co.