Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

Almost a decade after acquiring a distillery in Tennessee, Sazerac has announced the launch of its first Tennessee whiskey, AJ Bond. This whiskey, a blend of column and pot-distilled spirits bottled at 95 proof, signifies the debut of the AJ Bond Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee.

The journey to AJ Bond began in 2016 when Sazerac purchased a distillery in Newport, Tennessee, formerly known for the Popcorn Sutton brand. The acquisition seemed more like an acquihire, as Sazerac retained the expertise of John Lunn, the master distiller, and Allisa Henley, the master blender, without acquiring existing brands. Their experience in the Tennessee whiskey industry, particularly from their previous endeavors at George Dickel, was crucial for this new venture.

Years later, Lunn and Henley orchestrated production under the radar, experimenting with a distinctive approach to creating Tennessee whiskey. In early 2026, it was revealed that the distillery would operate under the name "AJ Bond," symbolizing the partnership between Allisa and John. Tragically, John Lunn passed away in 2023, but both Henley and Sazerac aim to honor his legacy through the distillery and its offerings.

Consumers will soon be able to taste the fruits of their labor. The inaugural release of AJ Bond whiskey is set to appear on shelves in summer 2026. While specifics about the recipe remain undisclosed, it adheres to Tennessee regulations, containing at least 51% corn in its mashbill. The production involves a blend of two liquid streams, distilling one via pot stills and the other through column stills, followed by sugar maple charcoal filtering, known as the Lincoln County Process.

After aging separately, the whiskeys are combined at bottling at 95 proof. Tasting notes highlight aromas of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by flavors of baked apple, marzipan, and brandied cherry, with subtle hints of cream soda and baking chocolate.

In alignment with its Tennessee roots, AJ Bond sources corn from a family farm in Murfreesboro and utilizes barrels made from Tennessee oak. However, it’s yet to be confirmed if all corn and wood materials are sourced from within the state.

AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will launch in Tennessee in June 2026, with broader distribution anticipated later in the year. Priced at an MSRP of $39.99, this release marks Sazerac’s official entry into the Tennessee whiskey market, with plans for additional expressions from the AJ Bond Distillery in the future.

Vodka is not just a popular spirit for cocktails but also serves as a versatile ingredient in cooking. It enhances flavors in dishes like pasta sauces and soups, tenderizes meat, and contributes to the flakiness of baked goods. However, when selecting vodka for culinary purposes, the proof or strength of the vodka plays a crucial role.

In the United States, vodka must be at least 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) to be labeled as such. While there are higher proof options available, using standard 80-proof vodka is typically sufficient for cooking needs. This is because its primary role is not to impart a significant alcoholic flavor but to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

While it’s acceptable to use 80-proof vodka, choosing a good quality brand is essential, regardless of proof. Lower-quality vodkas can negatively impact the taste of your food. Even though the alcohol may evaporate while cooking, the vodka’s flavor can linger, influencing the dish’s final taste, especially in recipes where vodka is a prominent ingredient, such as in homemade vanilla extract.

Moreover, be cautious of lower-proof beverages labeled as vodka. Many have significantly reduced alcohol content, which can affect both the chemistry of cooking and the flavor profile due to their higher water content. These should be reserved for light cocktails rather than culinary applications.

In summary, for most cooking needs, standard 80-proof vodka is your best choice, providing the necessary benefits without breaking the bank on premium brands. Remember to prioritize quality and avoid any low-proof alternatives to achieve the best results in your cooking.

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My liquor cabinet is in the den, but I often find myself rushing to it from the kitchen, especially now that summer is in full swing. Rum has a special place in my culinary routine, extending beyond its typical use in cocktails.

Not only is rum a beloved spirit for mixed drinks, but its versatility enhances various dishes, enriching flavors from sweet to savory. Its applications are vast: from macerating fruits for refreshing salads, infusing sorbets, soaking sponge cakes, to adding depth to pancake batter and traditional dishes like savarin and sabayon.

Historically, rum has been associated with warmer climates, being distilled in tropical regions where sugarcane is abundant. This spirit became a popular alternative to beer for sailors in those parts of the world. The roots of the word "rum" are believed to stem from multiple sources including the Latin "saccharum" for sugar, the Spanish "ron," or the English “rumbullion,” a term for strong liquor.

Once known for its potency and less palatable flavor, rum underwent significant refinement in the 1800s, leading to more consistent production techniques. It can be found in a spectrum of colors, with some bottled with caramel for a rich amber hue, while others remain clear.

Cooking with rum unlocks delightful pairings with tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples, and it elevates meat dishes, making it an excellent marinade or finishing sauce for pork and chicken. Remarkably, once opened, the flavor profile of rum remains stable; it doesn’t mature or improve in the bottle like red wine does.

For those looking to explore fresh culinary ideas, rum is a valuable ingredient to keep on hand in the kitchen, adding warmth and richness to both standard and innovative recipes.

Brown-Forman, the owner of the Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery, has announced a temporary halt in production at the facility located in County Meath, Ireland. This decision reflects a broader trend in the whiskey market, where even prominent brands are feeling the effects of declining sales and shifting consumer demand.

The announcement was initially reported by Robb Report, which noted that the company emphasized the need for demand planning and production adjustments in line with market conditions. Despite the temporary closure, a spokesperson assured that there is a robust supply of aging whiskey, ensuring that Slane products will remain available to customers around the globe. The visitor center at Slane will stay open for tours and trade visits.

This pause in production coincides with a turbulent period for Brown-Forman. The company has faced challenges, including layoffs and lower spirits sales across its portfolio, which includes the well-known Jack Daniel’s brand. There have also been acquisition rumors surrounding the company, which has recently reduced operations at other distilleries including Scotland’s Glenglassaugh.

Slane Irish Whiskey has been a significant player in the Irish whiskey surge. Acquired by Brown-Forman in 2015, the company invested around $50 million in constructing a state-of-the-art distillery at the historic Slane Castle Estate. This estate is famous for its large concert events featuring global artists.

While the company has indicated that the current shutdown is temporary, it has also raised speculation about the duration. An employee’s LinkedIn post suggested that the distillery could be closed for several years, creating uncertainty about its future.

The whiskey industry as a whole is experiencing a cooling trend after years of rapid expansion. Companies are recalibrating production strategies as consumer preferences shift, inflation impacts spending, and sales of premium spirits decline. Even as Slane whiskey remains available for now, its production halt signals a significant moment for the brand and the overall Irish whiskey market, which was once characterized by unprecedented growth.

For enthusiasts of Irish whiskey, the continuation of Slane bottles in the market offers some comfort, but the future availability will be influenced by how the market stabilizes in response to evolving consumer preferences.