Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine
With a rich history spanning centuries, the Pécharmant region is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive wines in France. Nestled in the Dordogne Valley, Pécharmant’s unique terroir gives birth to robust red wines that are as enigmatic as the region itself. But amidst this wine-rich land, one name stands out – Château Beauportail. […]
Discover the New Wave of American Whiskey: 4 Must-Try Variants
The U.S. government has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a new category. This announcement by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) took effect on January 19, marking the first addition of a whiskey type in 52 years.
American single malt whiskeys have been emerging over the past few years, although initially the designation was unofficial. Distilleries inspired by craft brewing and traditional Scottish whisky began creating these spirits. In 2016, the American Single Malt Commission was formed to push for recognition, ultimately culminating in a definition proposal in 2022 and a two-year wait for its finalization.
According to the TTB, for a whiskey to be classified as American Single Malt, it must meet specific criteria, including being made from 100% malted barley, distilled entirely at one distillery in the U.S., matured in oak casks, and bottled at no less than 80 proof.
The new category has gained popularity, blending characteristics of Scotch and bourbon. Here are four notable American Single Malt whiskeys to explore:
Little Rest American Single Malt Whiskey ($100)
A floral delight crafted by Shane Fraser, originally from Scotland. This whiskey offers a bouquet of floral notes and is an excellent choice for those who enjoy soft flavors.
Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey ($50.99)
This award-winning spirit, recognized as the World’s Best Whiskey for 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, combines elements of Scotch and bourbon with a clean oak and spice finish.
Wine Club First Meeting, Cedar Ridge Distillery ($100)
This unique offering is part of a special release series and aged in wine casks, yielding a rich spirit with floral hints and occasional peated malt characteristics.
The Macklowe American Single Malt Whiskey Gold Edition ($295)
Promoted as a luxury whiskey, this smooth spirit develops complexity with oak-forward flavors and floral notes, justifying its premium price.
For further details, check out the following links:
Florida Man Embarks on Unique Beer Tasting Adventure at Local Bottle Shop
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the latest episode of Florida Man Adventures, the spotlight shines on Crafty Bastards Bottle Shoppe in Gainesville, a popular venue known for its wide selection of craft beers and wines. With over a decade of service, Crafty Bastards prides itself on offering an impressive array of choices, allowing customers to build their own six-packs from individual beer selections.
Manager Jeffery Brunson shared details about the shop’s weekly highlight: a free beer tasting every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Different breweries come to showcase their beverages, creating a friendly competition to attract patrons. This event not only provides free samples but also serves as an educational experience for beer enthusiasts to refine their palates.
Brunson elaborated on the tastings, stating, “If we have a brewery showing up, we will offer their variety of beers. We often select a specific style and present an assortment from that genre, helping visitors discover new flavors and preferences.”
Dozens of people attend these weekly tastings to explore and enjoy premium beers, making Crafty Bastards a local hotspot for those looking to expand their craft beer knowledge.
For more details about Crafty Bastards Bottle Shoppe, you can visit their official website.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Advocates for ‘American’ Beer Labeling, Rejects ‘Domestic’ Terminology
Anheuser-Busch is urging its partners and distributors to shift their language from "domestic" to "American" when promoting beer. This initiative, outlined in a letter from CEO Brendan Whitworth, seeks to better reflect the pride and identity of the American beer industry.
In the letter titled "A Call for American Beers," Whitworth expressed his dissatisfaction with the term "domestic," noting that it is frequently used on bar menus, shopping aisles, and by data providers. He stated, “I don’t like the word ‘domestic,’” and called on those in the industry to make the transition in their marketing materials.
Whitworth argued that "American" conveys the spirit, passion, and pride inherent in the products made in the U.S. He also aimed to promote a sense of national pride related to beer brewed by American workers, which he emphasized needs to be acknowledged in advertising.
The shift in terminology comes after a challenging period for the company, particularly following a boycott of Bud Light due to its controversial marketing campaign in 2023 featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Whitworth’s leadership since he took office in July 2021 has focused on rebuilding the brand’s image and emphasizing its contributions to American culture and economy.
Anheuser-Busch has reported that 99% of the beer sold in the U.S. is domestically produced, and the majority of its ingredients are sourced from American farmers. Whitworth concluded his letter by urging others in the industry to embrace the label of “American” for their products, suggesting that the time has come to move past the term "domestic.
Trash Can Cocktails: Valley Bars Unveil Creative Specials for the WM Phoenix Open
It’s an exciting week for Phoenix sports enthusiasts, marked by the highly anticipated WM Phoenix Open. With concerts and practice sessions already underway, the main event at TPC Scottsdale kicks off on Thursday, making it a buzzing atmosphere in the Valley. To celebrate the festive occasion, various local bars and restaurants have developed unique drink specials to enjoy off the golf course.
Here are five standout drinks inspired by the "greatest show on grass":
The Global Ambassador – Le Par
Located at 4360 E. Camelback Road, The Global Ambassador is a luxurious hotel offering a special cocktail package for the tournament. One of their highlights is "Le Par," made with Ketel One Vodka, mint, honeydew, and Chandon Sparkling Wine, garnished with a cucumber and a golf tee. The Lobby Bar at the hotel will host a golf-themed takeover featuring live music and specialty cocktails available through Sunday.
Cheba Hut – Trash Can Hash Can
At multiple Cheba Hut locations throughout the Valley, the restaurant has introduced the "Trash Can Hash Can." Inspired by classic party drinks, this concoction blends rum, tequila, gin, vodka, Blue Curaçao, and housemade sour mix, topped with a full can of Red Bull and served in a unique trash can cup. This exciting drink is available until Sunday.
Pinnacle Brewing Co. – Golf Club IPA
Pinnacle Brewing Co., located at 15111 Hayden Road #100 in Scottsdale, has created "Golf Club," a West Coast IPA with a 6.9% ABV. This refreshing beer is infused with flavors of pine resin, bright citrus, and lychee and is available on draft or in cans for takeout.
Hash Kitchen – Call Me Caddy
At three Hash Kitchen locations in Gainey Village, Arcadia, and north Scottsdale, patrons can indulge in the "Call Me Caddy," which is served in a commemorative recycling bin cup. This cocktail mixes the classic margarita with Gin & Juice Citrus for a fun and festive drink, available until Sunday.
Kona Grill at Desert Ridge – Transfusion
Kona Grill, situated at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., is also getting in on the action with a range of golf-themed cocktails. One standout is the "Transfusion," a mix of vodka, fresh red grape juice, lime, and ginger ale. Guests showing their Phoenix Open tickets can enjoy 20% off their food until Sunday.
This special event in Phoenix combines the thrill of golf with creative culinary offerings, making it an unforgettable weekend for sports fans and food lovers alike.
Cacao & Cocktails: The Ultimate Valentine’s Date Night Experience
Mitch McConnell was taken away in a wheelchair after falling twice on the Senate steps. During the incident on Wednesday, the 82-year-old senator was surrounded by colleagues who hurried to assist him. His falls sparked immediate concern among staff and security personnel as they quickly gathered to help him regain his footing.
Reports indicate that McConnell stumbled not just once but twice, with one of the falls occurring on stairs leading outside the Senate chamber. The display of concern from his colleagues, including Senators Steve Daines and Markwayne Mullin, highlights the gravity of the situation.
While there has been no official statement regarding McConnell’s condition after the falls, the event has raised questions about his health, given his age and previous incidents.
For more details, you can check the full article here.
Touchdown Eats: 7 Must-Have Cocktails and Snacks for Your Big Game Viewing Party
The Big Game is just around the corner, drawing attention not only for the action on the field but also for the viewing parties—symbolic gatherings filled with laughter, cheering, and, most importantly, delicious cocktails and snacks. Below are some standout offerings to elevate your game day experience.
Pork Ribs With Cleveland BBQ Sauce
At Mabel’s Bar & Q in Las Vegas, enjoy succulent smoked pork ribs drizzled with tangy Cleveland BBQ sauce. Chef Michael Symon emphasizes that even if you can’t eat there, they provide takeaway options for home enjoyment.
The Coin Toss
Head over to Printer’s Alley in New York City for "The Coin Toss," a cocktail that features a tajin rim and dried pineapple for a refreshing and subtly sweet taste, hinting at a smokey mezcal twist. The bar invites you to enjoy Super Bowl LIX with this flavorful drink in hand.
Hurts So Good and The Ironhorse
For a match-up inspired by the teams, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas offers two themed cocktails: Hurts So Good, made with VSOP and fresh lemon juice, for Eagles fans, and The Ironhorse, a bold rye whiskey drink for Chiefs supporters. Bartenders take pride in crafting cocktails that resonate with the passion of fans everywhere.
Touchdown Tea
A blend of Russell’s Reserve Bourbon with lemon, green tea, and a hint of honey syrup shines at Commons Club inside Virgin Hotel New Orleans. This refreshing cocktail elevates the game-day atmosphere with its zesty yet smooth flavor.
The Big Easy
At Time Out Market New York, dive into "The Big Easy," combining the rich flavors of Remy Martin 1738 with Citadelle gin and orgeat syrup, embodying the vibrant spirit of New Orleans—a fitting tribute given the Super Bowl’s location.
Touchdown Tower
The Cove Club in West Palm Beach serves up the Touchdown Tower, a visually spectacular two-tier meal featuring crispy chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and lobster rolls—an indulgent feast designed to keep your energy high.
Sticky Ribs
At Social Kitchen + Craft Bar in Costa Mesa, savor sticky ribs seasoned with hoisin dynamite sauce, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Continuing with Kansas City-style barbecue traditions, they serve it with house-made pickles and coleslaw for a complete experience.
These culinary delights will ensure your Super Bowl viewing party is not just memorable, but a true celebration of sportsmanship and flavor. Enjoy the game!
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Rockhouse Hotel Marks 50th Anniversary with Launch of Exclusive New Rum
At the end of 2024, the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica, launched an exclusive rum to celebrate its 50th anniversary in partnership with Worthy Park Estate. This new offering, known as Rockhouse Rum, is a single estate, 18-year-old double-aged rum produced from just 187 bottles created from a single barrel aged in ex-bourbon American oak and XO Cognac barrels.
Bar manager Gossett Brown emphasized the importance of aligning with a local Jamaican brand, highlighting that Worthy Park Estate is known for its authentic Jamaican product, a philosophy shared by the Rockhouse Hotel. Rockhouse Rum embodies the heritage of the island, with complex aromas of tropical fruits, banana bread, and baking spices, complemented by flavors of stone fruit, brown sugar, and a hint of smokiness from the cognac barrel.
Distilled in 2006, the rum was chosen after an early morning tasting session where the team quickly recognized its quality. Brown explained that the rum’s rich aging process and unique flavor profile made it an obvious choice for their anniversary celebration. Guests can taste Rockhouse Rum at the hotel’s Pushcart bar, where it is offered as a one-ounce sample for $12 or a two-ounce pour for $20.
Brown shared that the partnership with Worthy Park stems from their long-standing relationship, with the distillery being featured prominently on the hotel’s cocktail list. Worthy Park’s commitment to using its own sugarcane aligns with Rockhouse’s values of sustainable farming and offering guests a distinctive experience tied to their environment.
Over the years, the bar offerings at Rockhouse Hotel have evolved significantly, moving towards a more mixology-focused approach. This includes incorporating local ingredients and crafting signature cocktails that reflect Jamaican culture, including a complimentary Rum 101 class hosted weekly for guests interested in learning about rum.
By introducing Rockhouse Rum, the hotel not only provides an exclusive product but also gives guests a physical connection to their experiences in Jamaica, allowing them to take a piece of their visit home with them.
Governor Sununu Lifts New Hampshire’s Ban on Russian Vodka Before Departing Office
CONCORD, N.H. — After nearly three years, New Hampshire has lifted its ban on Russian-made vodka, originally imposed by Governor Christopher T. Sununu in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This significant policy change came right before Sununu exited office, as he rescinded 145 executive orders on December 20, 2024, paving the way for his successor, Kelly A. Ayotte.
In an interview with The Boston Globe, Sununu explained his initial decision to remove Russian-made products from the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet shelves was aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing conflict. He noted, “The point was made. … We got a national story out of it,” affirming that the ban succeeded in drawing attention to the war’s significance.
Initially, the ban included notable brands like Stolichnaya vodka, which rebranded as Stoli, and later returned to the shelves after demonstrating a shift away from Russian ownership. Other brands affected by the ban included Hammer & Sickle, Russian Standard, and Kutskova, which are currently not available in the state’s liquor outlets.
With Sununu’s departure, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is reassessing its remaining stock of Russian products and will determine how to proceed. Sununu, comparing his role to that of a CEO, considered it unnecessary to leave the ban in place for his successor to navigate, stating, “We got the ball rolling in the right way, and we’ll let the folks that are running that business make that decision going forward.”
The repeal of the Russian vodka ban aligns with Sununu’s broader strategy of rescinding various executive orders, some of which have raised questions regarding Ayotte’s stance on issues like diversity and police accountability.
Absolut Vodka Unveils Exciting New Line of Ready-to-Drink Cocktails
Absolut Vodka is expanding its lineup by introducing new ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve cocktails, enhancing their reputation for offering quality vodka selections. The brand is rolling out flavors that cater to the growing demand for convenience and quality in home cocktail experiences.
Among the exciting additions is the Espresso Martini, crafted with authentic espresso and Kahlúa, which is already recognized as a leading brand in coffee liqueurs. Alongside it, the Classic Cosmopolitan is making its debut as well, a cocktail that has become a staple since the 1980s, when Absolut first entered the cultural zeitgeist.
Absolut’s new canned cocktails include collaboration with Ocean Spray, featuring Vodka Cran•Peach and Vodka Cran•Mango, pairing perfectly with the flagship vodka from Sweden. This move aligns with their mission to make hosting easier while ensuring that social gatherings feel festive and fun.
Reshma Dhati, the Senior Brand Director of Marketing at Absolut, expressed excitement about these new offerings, which are positioned as high-quality alternatives for consumers looking to enjoy cocktails without the hassle of traditional preparation. These ready-to-drink cocktails are aimed at providing a convenient solution that allows people to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.
The new products are set to retail at approximately $16.99 for a 750ml bottle of the ready-to-serve options, while the canned cocktails will be available at around $22.99 for a twelve-pack. These products can be found at select retail locations nationwide.
For those interested in elevating their cocktail game, Absolut’s latest offerings could be a fantastic addition to any gathering.
January’s Rum Music Review: Insights by Jennifer Lucy Allan
Jennifer Lucy Allan returns with her latest trip to the world of Rum Music as she navigates through January’s releases while keeping the winter blues at bay. Despite the pressures of financial responsibilities, she reflects on her music choices and experiences, diving into poignant albums that energized her month.
Among her finds is Tori Kudo’s Studio Village Hototoguiss 2007-2022, a collection showcasing Kudo’s sentimental songs, which Allan found particularly captivating. The album’s final track, a charming cover of Beethoven’s seventh movement, epitomizes its warmth.
Next, she praises Liam Grant’s Prodigal Son, which features raw blues sounds and fluid guitar work, demonstrating the young artist’s prowess and love for the DIY culture found in authentic American roots music. Grant’s expressive tracks vary from gentle lyricism to lively, old-time rock.
Nina Garcia’s Bye Bye Bird is highlighted for its experimental approach, merging her guitar work with innovative techniques. The anticipation around this debut record under her own name bodes well as it receives positive attention from notable figures in the industry.
Oksana Linde’s album Travesías appeals to Allan’s nostalgia for the early synthesizer sounds and private press obscurities. She praises its ability to build imaginative soundscapes reminiscent of science fiction, while Judith Hamann’s Aune presents subtle, intricate layers, drawing connections between sound and sensory experiences.
Amidst these recommendations, Allan points listeners to Terry Reed’s On Way To Alpha, a mini LP offering a mix of potent tunes highlighted by powerful vocals, evoking a sense of discovering hidden musical treasures.
Allan concludes with a mention of Ignatz & Marcia Bassett’s collaboration, Dream Of Autumn Electrified Blues I & II, a welcomed revival of past underground sounds.
For a deep dive into January’s music scene and recommendations from the Rum genre, visit Rum Music.