November 2024 118
The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best Vodka: Insights from the New York World Spirits Competition
A vodka produced from agave, inspired by tequila-making techniques, has been awarded the title of the world’s best vodka at the New York World Spirits Competition 2024. This prestigious competition, managed by The Tasting Alliance, celebrated Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, a newcomer to the market that debuted earlier this year in May.
The competition, held in Brooklyn over the summer, involved blind tasting by experts, including spirits journalists and bartenders. While the results for various categories were revealed earlier, the overall Best In Show honors were disclosed this month. Weber Ranch competed against other notable entrants such as Derring-Do Vodka from Florida, DE CAJON Vodka from Peru, and Por Osos Vodka from Texas.
Weber Ranch 1902 stands out due to its unique composition, crafted entirely from Blue Weber agave. This approach sets it apart from the majority of vodkas, which typically utilize ingredients like wheat, potatoes, or corn. Priced at $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle, this vodka combines the rich flavors of agave with the traditional crispness of vodka. The agave used is mature, at least seven years old, and is distilled in Jalisco, Mexico before being blended with water from the Trinity Aquifer in Texas.
The official tasting notes indicate fruity and sweet undertones, with flavors of green apple and pineapple, presenting a warm finish that reduces the typical harshness associated with vodka. This distinct flavor profile allows it to function well both when sipped neat and as a cocktail mixer.
The acknowledgment of Weber Ranch comes at an interesting juncture in the spirits industry, as tequila and vodka vie for consumer attention. While tequila sales have risen, vodka has seen a slight decline. Weber Ranch pairs the richness of tequila with the classic characteristics of vodka, illustrating that consumers can enjoy both without having to choose one over the other.
For more information on the New York World Spirits Competition, visit The Tasting Alliance.
4 Refreshing Fruity Cocktails to Savor This Fall
English author and satirist Samuel Butler once stated, “autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” As autumn blossoms, fruits like pears, apples, and Meyer lemons come into season, showcasing their tartness, enticing us into the world of cocktails.
In crafting cocktails, balance is key—finding harmony between sweet and tart, bitter and sweet, and strong and weak. The beauty of seasonal fruits is that they often provide this balance naturally. This narrative resonates with the trend of bartenders adding citric acids artificially; perhaps we should let nature’s produce speak for itself.
However, sometimes nature might need human intervention, especially through quality seasonal liqueurs, which are often made from fresh fruits harvested during their respective seasons and released later.
Here are four fall cocktail recipes that embrace the essence of the season:
Recipes
Apple Sidecar
- 1½ ounces Barber Lee Spirits’ Apple Brandy
- ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec (like Cointreau, Combier, or Naranja)
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- Slice of fresh apple
- Cinnamon sugar
Preparation: Wet the rim of the glass with citrus juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar. In a shaker, combine the apple brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Smoked Rosemary Pear
- ¾ ounce Alamere Spirits’ French-Wheat Vodka
- ¾ ounce St. George Spirits’ Spiced Pear Liqueur
- ¾ ounce St. Elder Elderflower Liqueur
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Preparation: Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Flame the rosemary sprig and drop it into the drink before serving.
Cranberry Rosemary Gin and Tonic
- 1½ ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Marin Coastal Gin
- 2 ounces quality dry tonic (Fever-Tree or Q)
- 1 Meyer lemon wedge
- 5 fresh cranberries
- 3 dried juniper berries
Preparation: Muddle the cranberries in the glass, then fill with ice, gin, and tonic. Squeeze the lemon juice into the drink before stirring, garnishing with juniper berries.
Boysenberry Cosmopolitan
- 1½ ounces Hanson of Sonoma’s Boysenberry Vodka
- ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- ¼ ounce sweetened pomegranate juice
- 3 fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1 dehydrated Meyer lemon wheel
Preparation: Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass, garnishing with the lemon wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Each of these cocktails celebrates seasonal flavors, offering a perfect way to enjoy fall while honoring the natural balance that fresh ingredients can provide.
Beer, Wine, or Liquor: Who Really Has the Worst Diet?
Beer drinkers have received some disappointing news regarding their health choices. A recent study reveals that they tend to have poorer diets, exercise less, and smoke more than people who prefer wine or liquor. The research, which involved over 1,900 alcohol consumers, found that a significant portion of beer drinkers were also more likely to be younger, male, and of lower income.
The study scores showed that none of the drinker types—beer, wine, liquor, or those who consume a mix—achieved a healthy diet rating according to the Healthy Eating Index, which measures diet quality on a scale of 100. Wine enthusiasts scored an average of 55, while liquor drinkers and mixed drinkers scored around 53, with beer drinkers coming in last at 49.
Lead author Dr. Madeline Novack from Tulane School of Medicine explained that the common pairing of wine, especially red wine, with balanced meals containing meat, vegetables, and dairy contributes to better dietary choices among wine drinkers. In contrast, beer drinkers often consume far less nutritious foods, often opting for fried or processed meals. The dietary preferences may also influence their alcohol choices, linking unhealthy eating habits to a preference for beer.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of discussing alcohol consumption and its relation to nutrition with healthcare providers, as excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver disease in the United States. As Dr. Novack noted, it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of their dietary habits alongside their alcohol choices.
The findings support earlier research suggesting a correlation between alcohol type and dietary habits, with implications for public health regarding nutritional education and lifestyle changes.
For more insights on this topic, you can read further about the relationship between diet and alcohol consumption here.
Wedbush Assigns Neutral Rating to Rumble Inc (RUM): Key Insights and Analysis
Wedbush recently assigned Rumble Inc (RUM) a Neutral rating, as reported on July 17, 2024, by Finviz. Analyst ratings play a pivotal role in shaping investor expectations and sentiments regarding stock performance.
On the trading front, Rumble Inc (RUM) experienced a modest uptick on Monday, closing at $7.21, marking an increase of $1.10, or 18.00%, from the previous close of $6.11. The stock opened at $6.20, dipped to a low of $6.15, and peaked at $7.29 during the trading session. The trading volume reached 6.92 million shares, significantly surpassing the average volume of 1.57 million.
Over recent trades, Rumble Inc’s stock has displayed notable volatility, showing fluctuations of 24.96% over the last five trades and 33.77% over the past 30 trades. Compared to earlier in the year, the stock has adjusted by 3.30% over the last six months and increased by 18.98% in the last three months. Currently, RUM’s stock trades 21.66%, 29.27%, and 13.71% above its 20-Day, 50-Day, and 200-Day Simple Moving Averages, respectively. As of the latest close, the stock is trading 21.63% below its 52-week high but is 116.52% above its 52-week low. The 14-day Average True Range (ATR) of 0.47 indicates the average price volatility of the stock.
Looking into Rumble Inc’s financial health, it has reported an operating margin of -192.15% and a profit margin of -163.37%, with a gross margin of 3.30%. The profit margin is an important metric that reflects the company’s efficiency in converting sales into net income.
Rumble Inc’s market capitalization stands at $2.99 billion, with a Price-to-Sales Ratio of 38.1 and a Price-to-Book Ratio of 10.6, showcasing its sales and book value metrics.
When it comes to insider trading, a high percentage of shares, 73.91%, are owned by company insiders, with financial institutions holding 9.03%. Recently, notable insider trades include Arsov Robert, a Director at Rumble Inc, who sold several batches of shares: 30,000 shares at $5.93 each, totaling $0.18 million on November 6, 2024; another 30,000 shares at $5.89 each for $0.18 million on November 5, 2024; and 27,500 shares at $5.83 each, amounting to $0.16 million on November 1, 2024.
Sip & Celebrate: 8 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Warm Your Holiday
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are feeling the stress of the holiday season, making a festive cocktail seem like a perfect way to unwind. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Thanksgiving cocktails can add an extra touch of celebration to the occasion. These drinks, featuring seasonal flavors such as warming spices, crisp apples, and cozy citrus, help create a warm and inviting atmosphere as friends and family come together.
While wine is typically the beverage of choice with traditional Thanksgiving meals, there are delightful cocktails that can complement each part of the feast. The right cocktail not only makes the holiday feel more special but also balances the flavors of the dishes served.
Here are some excellent cocktail recipes to try this Thanksgiving:
Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
- Garnish: Orange Peel
Directions:Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about thirty seconds until chilled. Strain over ice and garnish with an orange peel.
Midnight Orchard
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fear City Spirits Gin
- 1 oz Apple Brandy
- 1 oz Blackberry Syrup (or muddled fresh blackberries)
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- Garnish: Blackberries and sage
Directions:Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with blackberries skewered on a sprig of sage.
Count Your Blessings
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz Jeptha Creed Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (made with cinnamon, cardamom, & clove)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 ½ oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Apple Brandy
Directions:Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with apple slices and freshly grated cinnamon.
Thanksgiving Rum Punch
Ingredients (serves 4):
- ¾ cup Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 cups Apple Cider
- 1 cup Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
- 1 can Ginger Ale
Directions:In a small saucepan, combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ½ cup cider over medium heat. Cook until honey dissolves and is fragrant (about 7 minutes), then cool and steep for 15 minutes before discarding spices. Mix the spiced cider with remaining ingredients in a punch bowl and serve over ice.
Maestro Dobel Pumpkin Spice Reposado
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Maestro Dobel Reposado Tequila
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Pumpkin Spice
- Garnish: Cinnamon Salt Rim
Directions:Rim a cocktail coupe glass with cinnamon salt. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the chilled glass.
Calvados Sidecar
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Boulard Calvados VSOP
- 0.75 oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
Directions:In a shaker, combine the liqueur, lemon juice, and Calvados with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, garnished with orange zest.
Galliano Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Galliano Espresso
- 1 oz Espresso
Directions:Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.
Apple Cider Bourbon Sour
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon
- ¾ oz Apple Cider
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
Directions:Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
These cocktails offer a festive way to toast the holiday as you gather around with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of the season and make some cherished memories this Thanksgiving!
Brewing Kindness: Join Us for the Love Your Neighbor Collaborative Beer Release Party!
Broad Street Love and Love City Brewing have joined forces to create a new beer called "Love Your Neighbor," aimed at supporting those in need within Philadelphia. Broad Street Love serves as a community resource center for individuals facing homelessness and poverty, while Love City Brewing is known for building community through craft beer.
The debut of this special brew is commemorated with a release party, which also serves as a kickoff for the upcoming Love Your Neighbor Fest, scheduled for October 2024. This festival will be the first of its kind to engage with the community served by Broad Street Love, featuring music, meals, and various activities directed toward Philadelphia’s vulnerable populations.
The beer’s label incorporates a QR code linking consumers to the Broad Street Love website, providing information on how to contribute, volunteer, and support their mission.
For further details about the limited beer release and other events, you can visit broadcitylove.org and lovecitybrewing.com.
Exploring New Zealand Whiskey: The Exciting New Frontier in Spirits
Nestled in the picturesque Crown Range of New Zealand, just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, lies Cardrona Distillery. This quaint stone-walled structure produces a symphony of steam that rises into the crisp mountain air. The idyllic setting, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands with its rolling hills and sheep grazing in the distance, is a beautiful contrast to the modern sounds of a helicopter delivering whiskey enthusiasts to the distillery.
On a February Tuesday, visitors arrive at Cardrona to indulge in New Zealand’s burgeoning whiskey scene. The distillery represents a renaissance of sorts for the region, with a commitment to creating high-quality, barrel-aged spirits that are poised to make waves in the international market. As they gather to sample these unique offerings, it’s clear that Cardrona and its fellow distillers are ready to cement New Zealand’s place on the global whiskey map.
For additional information, check out Cardrona Distillery.
The Future of Vintage Wine Estates: Implications of Recent Asset Sales
Now that nearly two dozen assets from the bankrupt Vintage Wine Estates have been sold, the new owners are starting to outline their plans for the diverse wineries and brands that span the North Coast, Central Coast, Pacific Northwest, and Midwest regions of the United States.
Vintage Wine Estates, which had anchored its operations in Santa Rosa, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 24, citing $400 million in debts against $425 million in assets. The bankruptcy court in Delaware approved the sale of eight assets for a total of $140.6 million, while other bids, such as Deutsch Family Wines & Spirits’ $16 million offer for Ray’s Station winery, remain pending.
Jay Adair, the owner of Adair Winery and also the executive chairman of a vehicle salvage company, recently acquired five wineries for $85 million: Kunde Estate, B.R. Cohn, Clos Pegase, Girard, and Viansa Sonoma. Adair intends to inject approximately $25 million into these properties to revamp their facilities and establish a coherent experiential brand across the portfolio.
"We’re going to make them younger, hipper, and more exciting," Adair commented, acknowledging the previous brands felt neglected. His strategy encompasses creating an integrated food and hospitality program across all tasting rooms, enhancing packaging, and elevating winemaking practices. The plan includes synchronizing wine club programs to foster exclusivity and community engagement, rather than simply focusing on discount offerings.
Currently producing around 100,000 cases annually, Adair’s objective is to scale up to 400,000 cases in the future. However, he envisions that the wine club will account for only about 10% of the overall production, emphasizing quality over volume.
In addition to his new acquisitions, Adair is developing his own Adair Winery in Suisun Valley, investing significantly in facilities inspired by reputable examples from the region. The new winery aims to enhance visitor experiences by highlighting the area’s agricultural heritage and hosting various community events.
Foley Family Wines & Spirits has also seized opportunities, acquiring five brands that produce around 150,000 cases for about $15 million. The acquisition includes the popular Bar Dog Wine, Cherry Pie Wines, and others, alongside a promising tasting room location in Bodega Bay, expected to attract significant visitation.
As the market moves forward, other notable sales include Jeffrey House reclaiming Ace Cider in a $7.63 million deal, while Total Beverage Solutions purchased several brands for $6 million. The overall effect of the Vintage bankruptcy is notable, leading to lower asset sale values that have shaken the broader wine transaction market, as highlighted by industry analysts.
While the situation presents challenges, experts believe that high-quality businesses will still attract buyers at reasonable valuations, especially with natural market cycles at play. The coming months may see increased activity as the vital sales season approaches.
Experience the Wild Cocktails at Mary Brickell Village’s Hottest New Speakeasy!
A new cocktail bar in Brickell, named Panamericano, has opened its doors, featuring a speakeasy vibe and a unique twist on craft cocktails inspired by North and South American themes. Located on the second floor of Mary Brickell Village, the entrance is discreet, marked only by an unmarked door and a doorbell, leading into a modern and sleek space dedicated to the art of mixology.
Owner Andrei Stern, a native of Mexico, has created a menu that celebrates the spirit of the Americas. The bar focuses on Latin American-inspired drinks prepared with regional ingredients sourced from throughout the continent, such as vodka from Peru, gin from Mexico, and rum from Belize. These cocktails are designed to playfully "Americanize" classic recipes, with options like the "Taco Martini," flavored with taco notes and garnished with a miniature taco, and a highball dubbed "From Argentina with Love," which nods to a beloved Argentine dessert.
In addition to its inventive drinks, Panamericano introduces immersive "ceremonies" themed around Latin American traditions. For example, the "Cacao Ceremony" combines cacao and corn in a fragrant foam, while the "San Pedro Ceremony" is served with a candle to enhance the sensory experience, drawing on Ayahuasca rituals. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, there’s the "Water Divination Ceremony," honoring Colombia’s Kogi tribe, which is offered to guests blindfolded, promoting a unique engagement of the senses.
The design of Panamericano reflects its commitment to showcasing the cocktail-making craft. The bar features a T-shaped layout with a 39-inch work stage, allowing guests to observe the bartenders as they create each drink. This interactive approach makes the cocktail experience more than just ordering; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind it.
To foster a community among cocktail lovers, Panamericano will host monthly bar takeovers, featuring local bars like Kaiju and Swizzle Rum Bar, for unique mixology collaborations. Stern emphasizes the goal of enhancing Miami’s cocktail culture and celebrating the local talent within the industry.
For more information, visit Panamericano.
Panamericano
900 S. Miami Ave.; 305-403-7304; Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Kamala Harris’ Niece Shares Heartwarming Photo of VP Enjoying a Relaxing Evening After Trump’s Election Victory
A recent social media post from Meena Harris, niece of Kamala Harris, illuminates the Vice President’s life following her defeat in the presidential election to Donald Trump. In the photos shared, Kamala is seen engaging in a game of Connect 4 with her two great-nieces while sipping white wine.
Meena expressed her admiration, stating, “Back to where it all began only a few months ago. My eternal gratitude to everyone who showed up. We love her so much.” Kamala wore a sweatshirt featuring her alma mater, Howard University, as she enjoyed quality time with family.
Comments on the post reflected a wave of support from Democrats, with one user expressing gratitude for the Vice President and another noting the bittersweet nature of the moment, appreciating the joy she finds in family after a challenging election season.
During her concession speech delivered at Howard University, Kamala acknowledged the disappointment but reassured her supporters that “everything will be okay.” Despite having secured significant fundraising and leading in the Democratic primary, Kamala lost to Trump by a substantial margin, earning only 226 electoral votes to Trump’s 312.
Kamala urged her supporters to keep fighting for a better future, advocating for resilience and the belief that they hold the power to effect change, despite setbacks.