January 2025 25
‘Red Rum’ Double Killer and Partner Sentenced for Gruesome Murder and Dismemberment of Woman
A double killer, Steven Sansom, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of Sarah Mayhew. Sansom, previously jailed for another murder, committed this horrific crime while on licence. He, along with his partner Gemma Watts, engaged in a twisted relationship characterized by violence and a shared "bloodthirsty and wicked fantasy."
The Old Bailey court heard that the couple had planned Sarah’s murder together. Both admitted to the crime, which involved not only the murder itself but also attempts to cover it up by dismembering her body and disposing of it in various locations. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cutts, described Sarah’s fear and suffering as she realized her fate.
Prosecutors highlighted the disturbing nature of the couple’s exchanges leading up to the murder, revealing fantasies of violence integrated with their sexual discussions. Sarah Mayhew, who had met Sansom years earlier on a dating site, was last seen alive on March 8, 2024. Her body parts were discovered weeks later in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, and subsequently, her torso was found in the River Wandle.
During sentencing, prosecutors described the meticulous efforts made by the couple to hide the gruesome evidence of their crime. Sansom had been observed discarding items linked to Sarah in the days following her death. Reports further detailed how DNA from the crime scene matched that of Mayhew’s.
Gemma Watts, sentenced to a minimum of 30 years, was also implicated in the murder and helped to conceal the body. The couple’s relationship was overshadowed by their obsession with violence, reflecting a brutal synergy that culminated in the tragic loss of an innocent life. As the case unfolds, it serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the grievous consequences of unchecked impulses.
For further information, you can explore the details of similar cases or discussions on relationships that delve into the psychological aspects of such violent crimes in legal and psychological forums.
Buffalo Trace Unveils Exciting Experimental Collection Blending Whiskey and Beer
Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the 26th release in its Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. This innovative spirit brings together the worlds of whiskey and beer, showcasing the influence of hops on flavor profiles.
The Role of Hops
Hops, the cone-shaped flowers from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), are essential in beer production, fulfilling four key roles:
- Bitterness: They balance the sweetness of malted barley with bitterness from alpha acids.
- Aroma and Flavor: Various hop types add an array of flavors and aromas—citrus, pine, floral, and more.
- Preservation: Hops naturally inhibit microbial growth, extending beer’s shelf life.
- Stability: They enhance foam stability and clarity in the final product.
While traditionally used in beer, hops are making their way into spirits. They can infuse unique botanical characteristics to a spirit, paralleling the use of botanicals in gin. However, adding hops to spirits requires careful balance to prevent overpowering bitterness.
Buffalo Trace’s Innovation
Buffalo Trace conducted extensive experimentation with non-traditional recipes and barrel treatments for over two decades, amassing more than 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey. The distillery focuses on pushing boundaries to create exceptional drinking experiences, as emphasized by Global Director Andrew Duncan.
The latest release, crafted over ten years, combines two hop varieties—Saaz and Zythos—with a raw distillate. This blend then aged in charred white oak casks for over eleven years. The process aims to harness the aromatic and flavor-enhancing properties of hops while ensuring a balanced whiskey character.
Tasting Notes
Upon tasting, this spirit presents a uniquely hoppy aroma reminiscent of citrus and herbal notes, complemented by vanilla and oak. The palate is creamy with intense citrus flavors, featuring robust oak and lingering herbal notes on the finish.
Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley encourages experimentation with this spirit, suggesting that it works well in classic cocktails like a Manhattan.
Buffalo Trace’s Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, with an ABV of 45%, will be available in limited quantities starting February 2025, retailing for approximately $46.99. Each bottle in the Experimental Collection is offered in 375ml, reflecting its unique and limited nature.
For more information on Buffalo Trace’s offerings, visit Buffalo Trace Distillery.
NEFT Vodka Partners with Ovation Hollywood for an Exciting Collaboration
NEFT Vodka has officially partnered with Ovation Hollywood as its first vodka partner. This collaboration will be inaugurated with a Super Bowl celebration alongside Dave & Buster’s, allowing visitors to enjoy themed cocktails or NEFT Vodka on the rocks during a live-streamed viewing event in the Ovation Hollywood courtyard. The partnership promises to feature multiple monthly events throughout the year.
Ovation Hollywood, located at the bustling intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, has transformed into a prominent destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Kim Sharp, VP of marketing at DJM Capital, emphasized the venue’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to its guests, and noted that NEFT Vodka will enhance their programming with unique activations.
Throughout the year, NEFT Vodka will showcase its two-ingredient vodka through exclusive tastings, signature cocktails crafted by their mixologist Luke Barr, and a variety of activities designed to engage patrons. Jeff Mahony, CEO of NEFT Vodka, highlighted the significance of creating extraordinary moments in their partnerships, expressing confidence that Ovation Hollywood is an ideal collaborator for delivering memorable experiences.
For more details, visit:
Capitol Police Investigate Threatening Incident Involving Woman with Molotov Cocktail and Cabinet Members
Riley Jane English, a 24-year-old from Massachusetts, was arrested at the U.S. Capitol after turning herself in to police, claiming she intended to kill a newly confirmed member of President Trump’s cabinet.
On Monday afternoon, she approached the police and revealed that she had multiple knives and Molotov cocktails, stating her desire to surrender. Police found a folding knife and two small bottles of vodka with cloth attached to them, along with a larger bottle of vodka and a sweatshirt with cut sleeves in her car.
English allegedly confessed to traveling from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., with the plan to assassinate either Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth or House Speaker Mike Johnson. During her trip, she stopped at a library in Maryland to read about the confirmation hearings of Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and decided to target him instead.
According to charging documents, English planned to use the Molotov cocktails to set fires in front of Bessent. She indicated to the police that she was prepared to kill several U.S. Capitol Police officers to reach her target and accepted the possibility of being killed by them.
Upon her arrest, she also carried a handwritten note expressing her feelings of helplessness in the face of violence, stating she “can’t do nothing while nazis kill my sisters.”
English is currently being held without bond following her initial court appearance and is scheduled for a detention hearing.
From Pitch to Profit: The Ball Boy Kicked by Eden Hazard Takes His £150 Million Vodka Business to a New ‘Fully Gold HQ’
The ball boy who was kicked by Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has taken his vodka business to new heights, relocating to a lavish headquarters valued at £150 million.
Charlie Morgan, now 28 years old, became famous for his confrontation with Hazard during a Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Swansea 12 years ago. Back then, Morgan, who was just 17, attempted to waste time by refusing to hand over the ball. Frustrated, Hazard kicked him, which led to the footballer receiving a red card, and Chelsea subsequently lost the match.
Years later, Morgan founded Au Vodka in 2015, and his success has skyrocketed; the brand is now worth a staggering £150 million. His entrepreneurial journey has earned him a spot on The Times’ list of millionaires under 30.
After moving to a new fully gold-decorated headquarters in Swansea, Morgan proudly transitioned his growing operation from a cramped office to an expansive space that mirrors the luxurious brand image of Au Vodka. He shared this milestone with followers on LinkedIn, reflecting on the rapid growth of his business from its humble beginnings.
The vodka brand has attracted celebrity endorsements from well-known figures like Ronaldinho and Floyd Mayweather. Morgan even reconciled with Hazard last year, where they shared a drink together, highlighting how far they’ve both come since that infamous match.
As his personal wealth reaches £55 million, Morgan will also inherit his father’s luxury hotel business and his role as a director at Swansea City FC, deepening his ties to the football community that initially thrust him into the limelight.
Buffalo Trace Unveils New Experimental Collection: A Unique Fusion of Whiskey and Beer
Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the 26th release of its Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. This innovative spirit merges the worlds of whiskey and beer, thoughtfully exploring how hops—typically associated with beer—can influence a spirit’s flavor profile.
The Role of Hops
Hops, the flowers from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), play several key roles in beer production, including:
- Bitterness: They counterbalance the sweetness of malted barley during brewing.
- Aroma and Flavor: Various hop types infuse different scents and tastes, enhancing the beer’s profile.
- Preservation: Historically, hops served as a natural preservative.
- Stability: They aid in maintaining foam and clarity in the final product.
While hops are conventionally linked to beer, they do crossover into spirits production, where they enhance botanical characteristics akin to those found in gin. Recent trends in craft distilling have made hopped spirits, including hop-infused vodkas and gins, increasingly popular.
The distillation process involving hops must be handled delicately; otherwise, the high heat can diminish the potent hop oils’ flavors. Hence, distillers must carefully balance the amounts used to avoid overpowering bitterness.
Buffalo Trace’s Innovative Approach
Buffalo Trace has a long-standing tradition of experimenting with unique recipes and barrel aging, with over 30,000 experimental whiskey barrels currently maturing. Each barrel has distinctive characteristics based on various experimental changes including mash bills and wood types.
The Experimental Collection’s Executive Director, Andrew Duncan, shared that combining aspects of beer and whiskey in this new release reflects Buffalo Trace’s passion for pushing the boundaries of craft distilling.
Ten years in the making, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley decided to investigate using hops in spirit production amid the rising popularity of hoppy beers. For this release, he infused Saaz noble hops, known for their use in Bohemian pilsners, and Zythos®, an American hop with tropical and herbal notes, into a raw distillate for thirty minutes before redistilling it. The infused whiskey matured in charred white oak for over eleven years.
Wheatley remarked, “This spirit embodies the bold hoppiness that beer lovers will enjoy alongside its whiskey-like qualities.”
Tasting Notes
Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops
The spirit is characterized by a distinctly hoppy aroma, complemented by notes of citrus and herbs, along with vanilla and oak. On tasting, it presents a creamy texture with vibrant citrus flavors, notably lemon and orange zest, combined with fresh herbal nuances and robust oak. The finish is long-lasting, marked by herbal and citrus zest notes.
Wheatley suggests enjoying the spirit neat to fully appreciate its complexity, while also encouraging creativity in cocktail making—recommending its use in a Manhattan.
Availability: This unique spirit will be sold in limited quantities at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop starting February 2025, priced at approximately $46.99 for a 375ml bottle.
For more information, visit the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection.
The Comeback of Wine Tariffs: What It Means for the Industry
In the aftermath of the recent U.S. presidential election, there is growing concern among sommeliers, wine importers, and store owners about the impending return of tariffs on wine imports. Senior editor Mitch Frank discusses the implications of such policies for American consumers and the wine industry at large.
With the possibility of tariffs, the industry braces for the potential disruption in pricing and availability of imported wines. Trade battles could significantly alter the landscape, affecting everything from pricing to the selection available to consumers. For wine merchants and connoisseurs alike, these proposed tariffs signal a challenging future.
As the nation prepares for these economic shifts, industry stakeholders are strategizing on how to adapt to this new reality. The return of tariffs looms as a significant hurdle that could reshape how wine is bought and sold in the U.S.
Understanding Tannins: Their Role and Importance in Wine Quality
Tannins are essential components in wine that play a significant role in its taste, feel, and aging potential. Often discussed in relation to red wines, tannins are natural compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes, contributing to the dryness often felt in the mouth when drinking certain wines.
Origin of Tannins
Tannins are not unique to wine; they can also be found in foods such as tea, dark chocolate, and walnuts. In winemaking, tannins form during the fermentation process when grape juice comes into prolonged contact with the skins and seeds. This interaction varies, making red wines—due to their extended skin contact—richer in tannins compared to white wines, which usually have minimal contact with the skins.
Tannin Levels in Different Wines
Tannin levels differ among wine varieties. For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo are known for their high tannin content, which tends to produce a mouth-drying sensation. Conversely, Pinot Noir and Gamay possess softer tannins, resulting in a more delicate mouthfeel. Rosé wines, with minimal skin contact, exhibit low tannin levels, while white wines typically have the least, being quickly separated from the skins during pressing.
Tannins and Wine Tasting
When sampling a tannic wine, one may notice a drying sensation that contributes to its structure and mouthfeel. Tannins are crucial for providing balance to the wine, along with acidity and fruitiness. Without tannins, many red wines would lack the complexity that makes them enjoyable.
Food Pairing with Tannins
Tannins are vital in pairing wine with food. They can complement high-protein or fatty foods, like steak or rich cheeses, balancing the drying sensation they create. A classic example is the pairing of Cabernet Sauvignon with ribeye steak, where the fat in the meat softens the wine’s tannins. Conversely, pairing highly tannic wines with delicate dishes may overwhelm the flavors, making it essential to understand tannin levels for better selection.
Aging and Tannin Evolution
As wine ages, tannins undergo significant changes. Young wines may taste harsh due to unrefined tannins, but as they mature, these tannins bind together, forming sediment and resulting in a smoother mouthfeel. Some wines are crafted to age for years to develop more refined flavors, while others are best enjoyed young, showcasing fresh fruit flavors.
Common Misconceptions About Tannins
A frequent myth is that tannins cause "wine headaches." While some individuals may be sensitive to tannins, these headaches are often linked to other factors such as sulfites or dehydration. For those looking to reduce tannin intake, lighter red wines, rosés, and whites are better options. Decanting bold reds or swirling them in a glass can also help to soften their tannins and enhance their aromas.
In summary, understanding tannins is essential in appreciating wine’s appearance, flavor, and complexity. They contribute significantly to a wine’s structure and paired dining experience, offering a unique exploration of different wine styles from bold tannic reds to softer, fruit-forward varieties.
Deliciously Creamy Baked Ziti with Vodka Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
A cockatoo recently captured everyone’s attention with a hilarious reaction after indulging in some cake. The bird’s antics mirrored that of a child who’s had a little too much sugar, leading to an uproar of laughter from its audience. The playful display has gone viral, bringing joy to many who appreciate the quirks of animals.
Adding to the buzz, Starbucks has announced the upcoming launch of its 2025 spring menu, which will feature an enticing new Chai latte that is already generating excitement. Alongside this, fans can look forward to other new items and the return of a beloved floral flavor.
In a heartwarming segment, a 92-year-old grandmother shared her favorite Trader Joe’s products, reminding us that wisdom is often intertwined with experience. Additionally, there’s a culinary tip going around about making breakfast burritos taste even better; a creamy ingredient is recommended for inclusion in scrambled eggs to elevate the flavor.
Starbucks is also making headlines with a major update to its drink policy, offering free refills for loyal customers, albeit with some conditions attached. Lastly, an interesting detail surfaced regarding the best way to cook hamburgers: many have found that baking them yields superior results compared to traditional skillet methods.
For those looking to explore culinary adventures, several new recipes highlight the best seasoning techniques for rice and chicken, illustrating that even simple dishes can be transformed into standout meals.
Raul Malo Teams Up with Spirits Experts to Unveil Trovador: A New Era in Distilling
Liquor store shelves are overflowing with celebrity spirits brands, yet often, a celebrity’s involvement in such products is minimal, chiefly participating in a sample tasting and allowing their name to be branded on an existing product. However, Trovador Rum stands apart by being a product deeply rooted in its creator’s personal narrative.
Raul Malo, the frontman of The Mavericks, has drawn inspiration from his Cuban American heritage and his music to establish Trovador Rum. The name "Trovador," Spanish for "troubadour," resonates with Malo’s musical essence, serving as an homage to both his cultural background and the journey that led to this creation.
Chad Newton, the driving force behind Trovador and known for his popular East Side Banh Mi, has always appreciated Malo’s artistry. Newton discovered a unique synergy between the atmospheric sounds of Malo’s pandemic-era solo album Say Less and the inviting essence of rum. This realization set in motion the idea of a rum that encapsulates the rich, diverse cultural influences of the Caribbean — much like the evocative music of The Mavericks.
With this vision, Newton enlisted the expertise of Devon Trevathan and Colton Weinstein from Liba Spirits, who had previously created a unique rum from New Orleans, utilizing local molasses and an array of distinctive flavoring ingredients. Their team also welcomed Beau Gaultier, a Louisiana native with a knack for mixology, as well as Jesse Goldstein, handling branding and design to ensure that Trovador was not just another celebrity label but a product of genuine craftsmanship.
Malo expressed admiration for the collaborative effort. He noted that Chad’s enthusiasm and the talent of the team transformed the project into a reality, reflective of their collective vision. The production team aimed to blend three distinctive styles of rum: a Cuban-style rum made from molasses and a specific yeast strain, an aged Dominican rum for added depth, and a Mexican cane juice rum highlighting fresh, herbal notes.
Malo’s heritage heavily influenced the creation, ensuring that Trovador showcased a balance of sweetness and smoothness. With meticulous attention to detail, the final product was bottled locally and made available through Lipman Distributors. Priced in the mid-$20 range, Trovador is designed to fit seamlessly into both home mixology and cocktail menus.
Trovador has already caught the eye of many renowned craft cocktail bars in Nashville, positioning itself as a versatile spirit for creative concoctions. Bartenders are embracing its complex profile, characterized by tropical fruit notes, coconut, honey, and a hint of citrus — all enhanced without additives.
While Trovador is establishing a reputation in Nashville, the team plans to expand its reach more gradually, although it can be shipped online to 47 states. Malo remains grounded in his approach, reflecting on the small yet essential milestones reached in bringing his vision to life. His philosophy underscores that doing something with care and dedication will lead to meaningful success.