November 2024 118
A Unique Collaboration: Napa Winemaker and Beer Master Join Forces to Craft Non-Alcoholic Wine
Grant Hemingway, a Napa Valley winemaker with experience at renowned vineyards, found his passion for wine slipping when he and his wife welcomed their two toddlers. Wine became a distant memory amidst the chaos of parenting. This personal shift spurred Hemingway to create a solution that would offer a better taste experience without the alcohol.
In collaboration with brewing entrepreneur John Green, known for creating the All Day Session IPA at Founder’s Brewing Co., Hemingway launched Libby Non-Alcoholic Wines after nearly four years of development. “When Grant and I connected, we realized we could channel that same ethos into something entirely new,” Green stated regarding their partnership.
Libby aims to tap into the expanding non-alcoholic wine market, which is projected to grow significantly, with estimates reaching $2.57 billion in 2024. Hemingway emphasizes the goal of providing a true wine-drinking experience that doesn’t compromise on quality. “We wanted to capture everything consumers love about wine, minus the alcohol,” he explained. The high-quality production process involved refining flavor profiles meticulously.
The wines are packaged in a lightweight, resealable swing-top bottle, combining functionality and aesthetics. Currently, Libby offers two varieties: a sparkling rosé and a sparkling white, each made from sustainably farmed grapes. The rosé features notes of strawberries and brioche, while the white offers hints of crisp pear and citrus aromas. Retailing at $17.99 per bottle, Libby positions itself as an indulgent yet health-conscious alternative.
Both Hemingway and Green are focused on strategic growth and creating a loyal customer base. “We’re pacing ourselves to build it right, with care and authenticity,” Hemingway noted. The duo is keen on expanding the brand while maintaining a commitment to quality.
While Libby currently has just two offerings, both entrepreneurs are excited about the potential to innovate further in the non-alcoholic wine sector. "We’re also thinking about different formats," said Green. As they move forward, their priority will always be to elevate the quality of non-alcoholic wines and to set a new standard in the industry.
Beverage Revolution: The Bev Bartending Machine Sees a $130 Price Slash!
This Cyber Monday, a notable discount has been spotted on the Bev by Black+Decker, often referred to as the "Keurig of cocktails." With a price drop to $169.99 from its original $300, this cocktail-making machine presents an attractive option for those who enjoy mixing drinks without the complicated steps of muddling or measuring ingredients.
Designed to deliver bar-quality cocktails with ease, the Bev requires nothing more than a drink pod and your choice of spirits. While reviews mention that the cocktail quality can vary, the significant discount makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their home happy hour experience.
For additional details on the Bev cocktail machine and to grab the deal, check out Amazon’s Cyber Monday page.
Cheap Vodka and Coffee Filters: A Genius Hack or Just a Waste of Time?
In college, a popular choice for a fun night out was mixing cheap vodka with Red Bull—often resulting in a drink that tasted more like gasoline than anything else. Despite the overwhelming taste and worries about our health, we powered through, eager to enjoy the buzz that followed. We frequently heard rumors about filtering cheap vodka through a water filter, but we never tried it—mostly because we didn’t own one and were simply too impatient with our drinks.
Interestingly, this myth has lingered over the years. Some assert that running low-quality vodka through a water filter can enhance its taste, prompting tastings and experiments among curious drinkers.
Research indicates that this practice does indeed yield some results. While you won’t transform a handle of Kamchatka vodka into high-end brands like Ketel One, taste tests have shown a slight improvement in flavor when filtering cheaper vodkas through devices such as Brita filters. The science behind this is straightforward: premium vodkas undergo rigorous distillation and are filtered through activated carbon, which helps to remove impurities, making them smoother.
Once cheap vodka is filtered, some unpleasant tastes may diminish, leading to a better drinking experience. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the brand of vodka, the quality of the filter, and the palate of the testers involved.
In conclusion, while this hack can soften the blow of cheap vodka, it won’t completely replicate the experience of drinking a premium spirit. For those hoping to avoid a nasty hangover, unfortunately, this method doesn’t offer a solution. The search for that elusive hangover remedy continues.
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Wine to Water: Supporting Hurricane Helene Victims as Winter Approaches
Wine to Water, an organization founded by Doc Hendley, along with his wife Amber, is actively working to support victims of Hurricane Helene as winter approaches. On the show ‘America Reports,’ they discussed their ongoing efforts to provide clean water and other essential resources to those affected by the disaster. The organization’s mission highlights the importance of ensuring that basic needs are met for communities facing challenging circumstances due to natural calamities.
More information on the organization’s initiatives can be found on their official website.
The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best Rum: Insights from Top Rum Experts
The Caribbean Rum Awards have announced the outstanding rums of 2024, with a Martinique rum taking the top prize. The winner, Trois Rivières Triple Millésime 2006-2014-2016, is a unique blend of three different vintages, aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks, and has been awarded the title of World Champion.
This recognition came at the seventh annual Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth, where more than 60 rums from various categories were meticulously tasted by a panel of esteemed rum experts. Alexander Britell, founder of the awards, praised the Trois Rivières rum as an exceptional representation of Caribbean craftsmanship.
The production process involves selecting the finest rums from 2006, 2014, and 2016. The 2016 vintage contributes freshness, while the 2014 vintage brings aromatic complexity, complemented by the award-winning 2006 vintage.
In the World Championship category, which features ultra-premium rums, J Bally Grande Cuvée du Siècle 100 Ans received the Gold award, followed by Rhum JM Canopée with Silver, and Plantation Legacy 120 with Bronze.
Awards were also given across other categories. For Premium Molasses Rum, Ron Eminente and Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength were honored with Double Gold and Gold, respectively. In the VSOP category, Trois Rivières VSOP earned Double Gold with Rhum JM VSOP and Rhum Bielle 4 ans following.
In the Hors d’age category, Rhum Bielle 2013 took home the Double Gold, while Reimonenq 7 Ans, a 7-year-old rum from Guadalupe, was recognized in the XO category with a Double Gold award. For Rhum Agricole Blanc from Guadalupe and Martinique, Marie Louise and Rhum Saint James TOMBOLO won Double Gold.
The judging panel for this year included top figures from the rum and culinary world, further enhancing the prestige of the awards. The event, part of a week-long rum festival in St. Barths, featured various activities such as rum tastings, dinner pairings, and master classes.
For more information about the awards and to explore more about this year’s winners, visit the Caribbean Rum Awards.
Elevate Your Mixology: Crafting Culinary-Inspired Cocktails at Clemente Bar
Clemente Bar, a new venture stemming from the acclaimed three Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, presents a cocktail experience that is both accessible and sophisticated. Emphasizing culinary creativity and sustainability, Clemente Bar merges innovative drink crafting with responsible practices, offering patrons a unique and elevated approach to cocktails.
Celebrating 100 Years: Beshear Unveils Kentucky State Parks Craft Beer at Natural Bridge
POWELL CO., Ky. — Kentucky State Parks are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, a significant milestone that was commemorated at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Governor Andy Beshear visited the park for a celebration and to reflect on the impact of these parks on Kentuckians’ lives.
“Places like Natural Bridge are a big part in what makes life in Kentucky so enjoyable,” Beshear stated, noting the happiness he observed among visitors during the event.
As part of the centennial celebrations, the governor unveiled a special lager created for Kentucky State Parks by Against the Grain Brewing, a Louisville-based company. “For 100 years we’ve been drawing tourists to Kentucky,” Beshear remarked, emphasizing the importance of creating memorable experiences for families.
Sam Cruz, co-owner of Against the Grain, shared his journey into the beer industry, highlighting the brewery’s focus on community support. “It’s pretty exciting to have an opportunity to work with the state and also the state parks," he said. The brewery will donate 5% of the proceeds from the anniversary lager to Kentucky State Parks for upgrades and repairs.
During his tour, Governor Beshear took the skylift to the top of the Natural Bridge, where he admired the views and engaged with the park staff. He mentioned the pride park rangers take in their work, reinforcing the bond that exists between Kentuckians and their beloved parks.
The anniversary lager will be available in mid-December at 20 state parks and select retailers. Notable parks include:
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Powell County
- Carter Caves State Resort Park, Carter County
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Floyd County
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Russell County
The four-packs of the special lager can also be purchased at Against the Grain Brewery in Louisville and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
Exploring the Garlicky Flavor Profile of Pizza Hut’s New Tomato Wine
I tried Pizza Hut’s new tomato wine. Tell me why it was garlicky
As a registered dietitian who enjoys indulging in a variety of foods, pizza holds a special place in my heart. It’s a culinary masterpiece that combines tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors—all packed into a single slice. When I learned about Pizza Hut’s new offering, a pizza-flavored wine, it piqued my interest.
Contrary to what I hoped—a wine curated to enhance the pizza experience—this new product is, indeed, pizza-flavored. Crafted in collaboration with Just Beyond Paradise Winery from Kansas, the wine is meant to complement Pizza Hut’s signature menu items, featuring tomatoes and natural basil as the primary components.
Described as “crafted from ripe, juicy tomatoes” infused with basil, I was uncertain about how apt such a blend could be outside of a sauce. But with tomatoes being fruits and basil frequently used in beverages, I proceeded with cautious optimism. However, my excitement waned when I noticed the inclusion of garlic in the mix—garlic in a wine?
The packaging came with a bit of flair: two stainless steel glasses, a corkscrew, and a $60 price tag. Although the wine sold out faster than the last slice at a party, a waitlist is available for future orders.
Pouring a glass revealed a startling color, reminiscent of a faux-red wine mixed with an artificial hue. The aroma offered a strong punch, perhaps more akin to a strongly seasoned dish than a delicate wine. Along with tomato and basil, the flavors of oregano, garlic, and oak screamed for attention.
I chilled the bottle as instructed and, at the outset, was met with a profile more comparable to a pinot gris rather than any traditional red wine—a necessary improvement, considering the baking ingredients listed. The taste was overwhelmingly seasoned, featuring a prominent garlic presence that turned out to be its most dominant characteristic.
While it was not the pleasant sipping experience one might hope for, it could lend itself well for cooking, particularly in a rich sauce. Though the taste left much to be desired in the realm of drinkability, the experience encapsulated a whimsical culinary endeavor—a testament to how innovation can sometimes take unexpected turns.
In the end, while I wouldn’t dare serve this wine at a dinner table, it certainly has a unique place in the world of experimentally flavored liquids. What it taught me is that sometimes, products designed for enjoyment can provoke revelations instead.
For more about the collaboration, you can explore listings from Irvine Winery.
10 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails to Elevate Your Holiday Celebration
If you’re in charge of mixing cocktails for Thanksgiving, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. The mixologists at First for Women have curated a list of fantastic cocktail recipes to elevate your holiday gathering. Whether you prefer something warm and cozy or a refreshing chilled drink, this selection has you covered. Here are ten cocktails that promise to make your Thanksgiving memorable:
1. Apple Cider Spritz
This cocktail combines the sweetness of apple cider with sparkling fizz, creating a delightful drink to enjoy while preparing the feast.
2. Spiced Cranberry Punch
Perfect for a large crowd, this punch features warm, fruity flavors and is infused with vodka for an extra kick. Make it ahead of time for convenience.
3. Buttered Rum and Apple Hot Toddy
When the temperature drops, a warm apple hot toddy with butter and spices can be the perfect remedy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare.
4. Smirnoff Holiday Cosmo
A festive twist on the classic cosmopolitan, this drink features a candy rim and cranberries, offering a deliciously sweet, tart taste.
5. Sparkling Elderflower Sip
Make a toast with this light and floral drink combining prosecco and elderflower liqueur. It’s perfect for pre-dinner celebrations.
6. Lemon Rosemary Refresher
This refreshing cocktail blends lemon juice and rosemary, topped with club soda for a fizzy finish that’s sure to please.
7. Cinnamon Apple-Tini
Delight in the bold flavors of fall with this spiced apple-tini, featuring a sugar rim to enhance every sip.
8. Honey Bourbon Cider Cocktail
This cocktail mixes honey, bourbon, and cider for a perfectly sweet and warming beverage, great for celebrating with family.
9. Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Set it and forget it with this mulled wine that brews cozily in your slow cooker, offering a delicious and aromatic option.
10. Berry-Orange Sangria
Redefine your idea of sangria with this berry and orange-infused recipe, ensuring a refreshing sip any time of the year.
For more delightful cocktail ideas, explore options for Christmas or try a flavorful Coquito recipe that’s creamy yet egg-free. Enjoy crafting the perfect drinks for a fantastic Thanksgiving celebration!
Temecula’s Wine Country Faces Shift as Baby Boomer Vineyard Owners Choose to Sell
Temecula’s wine country is facing significant challenges as an increasing number of vineyard owners—including previous Baby Boomers—are moving to sell their properties. This trend is primarily driven by retirement and rising debts, which are posing risks to the region’s winemaking economy.
Many vineyard owners, who had sustained their businesses through years of labor and investment, are now at a crossroads. With the costs associated with winemaking ever-increasing, coupled with the pressures of aging, many owners find themselves grappling with difficult decisions. The wine region, once flourishing, appears to be hitting a financial skid as the demographic of ownership shifts.
As vineyard owners deliberate over their futures, the impacts of these sales could disrupt the local economy reliant on wine tourism and agricultural production. This situation raises concerns not only for the viability of individual vineyards but for the greater health of Temecula’s wine industry moving forward.
For more information, visit OC Register.