April 2025 91

Months after the enactment of a law aimed at resolving disputes over Cuban trademarks confiscated since the 1959 revolution, a legal battle over a beer trademark has underscored the law’s ambiguities. The No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act, enacted in December 2024, prohibits the enforcement of trademarks from companies taken over by Cuba’s communist government unless there is approval from the original owner or a successor.

The current dispute involves Heineken’s subsidiary Cerveceria La Tropical and Soltura LLC, a California brewer that began selling Cerveza Palma in 2018. Both companies are contesting the legitimacy of their respective trademark rights to products inspired by beers once made in Cuba. Cerveceria La Tropical, which launched Cerveza Tropi Crystal in 2023, argues that it holds successor rights to its name, whereas Soltura claims that the new law effectively invalidates La Tropical’s trademark rights.

A central aspect of the case revolves around who can invoke the protections of the new law. If only specified original owners and their recognized successors can assert their rights, the law’s reach may be severely limited. Conversely, if the law can be invoked by anyone claiming a connection, this could lead to a situation where all Cuban trademarks are effectively unprotected until a successor successfully claims them.

Legal experts point out that the ambiguity in the law’s language creates potential complications. Should the court classify only those with verified links to the pre-revolution owners as eligible to assert rights, it would require an examination of long-dormant businesses that may have left behind scant evidence. This introduces a complex layer regarding who qualifies as a "successor-in-interest," especially for companies related to brands that have not operated for decades.

The law, which builds upon a 1998 statute banning courts from recognizing trademarks outside the original owner’s consent, was initially intended to tackle the ongoing "Havana Club" rum conflict. However, it now entangles the brewing industry, leading to the argument that cases could arise where no one is able to challenge stolen trademarks effectively.

The potential outcome of this case could significantly influence the landscape for Cuban trademarks in the U.S., determining whether companies can retain their rights or if they must indefinitely navigate a convoluted legal framework. Ultimately, the case raises fundamental questions about trademark enforcement, the definition of successors, and the implications for doing business with brands connected to Cuba’s tumultuous history.

Adrienne Stoner, a rum expert with extensive bartending experience, is set to host a unique cocktail-paired dinner at The Waterlot on Wednesday. As the "rum community liaison" for Maison Ferrand in the U.S., her role involves educating newcomers about rum, conducting seminars, and working with rum clubs throughout the country. Stoner brings her passion for rum from her background in tropical cocktail bars, where she learned about a diverse array of rums.

Excited about her first visit to Bermuda, Stoner invites cocktail enthusiasts to join her for an evening featuring seven courses paired with specially crafted rum drinks. This event is organized by local distributors of Maison Ferrand’s rum brand, Planteray.

While cocktail pairings may not be as traditional as wine pairings, Stoner believes that when done correctly, they can be just as enjoyable. Many newcomers to rum might hesitate to drink it neat, making cocktails a great introduction to the spirit. She highlights the global nature of rum, showcasing a variety of styles from different regions, including Rhum agricole from France and clairin from Haiti, which are increasingly accessible in the U.S.

In her travels, Stoner has observed that rum is ingrained in the culture of places like Barbados, where rum is plentiful and cherished. However, she also sees a growing enthusiasm for rum clubs elsewhere, where members are eager to explore the vast variety of rums available.

Stoner has sampled countless rums and prefers those with bolder flavors. During the dinner at The Waterlot, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the specific rums paired with each cocktail and how they complement the dishes being served. She describes the event as a holistic experience that promises both enjoyment and education, with personal engagement as an added bonus.

Guests can join Adrienne Stoner at The Waterlot on Wednesday at 6:30 PM for the Planteray Dinner, priced at $255 per person plus gratuities. Reservations can be made by emailing brent.mcclean@fairmont.com. For more information, visit Pitt & Co.

The annual Whiskey Riff Madness tournament, presented in collaboration with Rock the Country, welcomes fans to participate in voting for the ultimate patriotic country song. With 64 contenders, this year’s excitement revolved around some of the most iconic American country tunes.

As the tournament progressed, Toby Keith emerged as the formidable champion, easily sailing past competition with his hit "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue," which claimed over 87% of the votes in the semi-finals. In a different bracket, a fiercely contested battle saw Alan Jackson’s "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" narrowly defeat Johnny Cash’s "Ragged Old Flag" with just 54% of the votes.

Now, the stage is set for the championship matchup featuring Keith’s anthem against Jackson’s emotional tribute. Voting is currently open and will close at noon Central Time on April 7. Fans can vote multiple times for their preferred song.

This year’s tournament coincides with the upcoming Rock the Country festival, featuring performances from stars such as Kid Rock, Nickelback, and Travis Tritt, starting April 4 in Livingston, Louisiana. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate America with music throughout the summer.

For more details on how to vote and the Rock the Country festival, visit the following links:

• Vote Here
• Rock the Country Festival

Bomb City Distillery in Amarillo, Texas, is celebrating the launch of its first bourbon whiskey, expanding from its original vodka offerings. The distillery held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark this significant milestone, unveiling a limited release of 251 bottles of 750ml and 36 bottles of 375ml from Barrel Number 2, after more than two years of aging.

Founded on July 16, 2019, Bomb City Distillery is the first distillery in the Texas Panhandle. Its name pays homage to Amarillo’s historical link to the Pantex Plant, which is involved in nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly. This connection has shaped the distillery’s identity and ties to the local community.

Owner Kyle Michels expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new bourbon, which features a selective mash bill made from blue corn, winter wheat, and red-malted barley. This unique combination reflects the terroir of the Texas Panhandle and the region’s temperature variations that enhance the bourbon’s flavor profile as it ages in charred oak barrels.

"We’re really excited about this bourbon," Michels stated. "It’s something special. It’s a craft bourbon that showcases the grains, and the seasonal temperature changes in the Panhandle create a flavor profile that you won’t find anywhere else."

The distillery’s origins began with their vodka, which earned a silver medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition shortly after opening. The move to bourbon production allows the distillery to attract a new customer base. "The shift from vodka to bourbon is all about flavor," Michels added, emphasizing the distinct brewing process geared towards enhancing the taste of the grains and oak.

Bomb City Distillery was co-founded by Michels and his late partner Ryan Barnard. Michels, a roofer turned real estate investor, was inspired to create the distillery after watching “Moonshiners” on television. Together, they restored a historic 1947 building in the heart of Amarillo to serve as the distillery, utilizing original materials to maintain the structure’s character.

Reflecting on their partnership, Michels expressed pride in their shared dream for bourbon and noted that Barnard would be proud of their achievements. "It was always our dream to eventually have a bourbon," he said.

Looking ahead, Michels has ambitious plans for Bomb City Distillery. While initially focusing on distribution within Texas, he envisions expanding the brand’s reach nationwide in the future.

"We’re starting with Texas, but we’re hoping to go nationwide in the future," Michels remarked, noting the significant potential within the state alone.

For more information, visit the original article on the Amarillo Globe-News.

Celebrity imprints have increasingly become a conversation topic in the publishing industry, drawing comparisons to trends like "vanity vodka." Despite skepticism about their success and longevity, many stars from John Legend to Jenna Bush Hager are diving into book publishing.

Jenna Bush Hager made headlines for her recent partnership with Random House, leveraging her successful Today show book club, "Read With Jenna". This initiative has propelled numerous titles onto best-seller lists over the past six years, showcasing her potential influence. However, even celebrities without prior connections to literature are now embracing similar imprint deals.

A noteworthy endeavor is Zando, an ambitious startup that plans to capitalize on the star power of actors and influencers to drive book sales. Founded by ex-Crown editor Molly Stern, Zando has teamed up with various high-profile personalities, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Lena Waithe, to launch their publishing imprints.

The reception of these celebrity-led imprints raises questions about their viability. Critics argue that many manuscripts produced in this landscape often fall flat, perceiving these endeavors as fleeting celebrity projects. Publishing veteran Robert Gottlieb notes that such initiatives may not yield significant returns for either publishers or the celebrities involved. Historical examples abound—Johnny Depp’s imprint Infinitum Nihil, which published only two titles, and Lena Dunham’s Lenny Books, are indicative of the cyclical nature of these celebrity ventures in the literary world.

Despite these critiques, advocates, like Molly Stern, suggest that these imprints can provide visibility that traditional marketing often overlooks. Even with the charm of celebrity backing, the challenge remains: retaining the interest of readers and successfully positioning titles on the shelves—particularly regarding the diverse narratives each celebrity imprint plans to endorse.

Success stories are scarce, with losses of engagement and enthusiasm often leading to the decline of many celebrity imprints. As the trend continues, the sustainability of celebrity-driven publishing remains to be seen. The industry holds its breath, watching whether these ventures can overcome skepticism and bring forth meaningful literary contributions.

Related Links:

• Books
• Sarah Jessica Parker

Vodka is often hailed as a versatile liquor that pairs well with a variety of mixers, and among its most popular drinks is the classic vodka soda. However, there are many interesting facts about vodka that may surprise even the most dedicated enthusiasts. Here are some essential tidbits to keep in mind the next time you’re at the bar.

1. Vodka’s Original Name

In the 1400s, vodka was known as gorzalka, which comes from the Polish word gorzec, meaning "to burn." This is a more fitting name than its current title, as vodka is derived from the Slavic word for "water," voda.

2. Ingredients of Vodka

Many believe vodka is exclusively made from potatoes. In reality, most vodka is produced from grains, though some brands, like Vermont Spirits, use maple sap, while Cîroc is made from grapes.

3. Caloric Content

A standard shot of vodka contains about 97 calories and has no added sugars or carbohydrates, making it one of the lighter liquor options available.

4. Hangover Potential

Due to its multiple distillations that filter impurities, vodka is less likely to cause hangovers compared to other spirits. Distillation removes congener compounds, which can make hangovers more severe.

5. The Vodka Belt

In Europe, there is a geographical area referred to as the Vodka Belt, encompassing many Nordic and Slavic countries, which together produce over 70% of the vodka in the European Union.

6. Leading Brand

In 2023, Smirnoff was declared the world’s top vodka brand, selling around 26 million cases, according to market data.

7. Flavored Varieties

Vodka is now available in an extensive range of flavors, with brands creating everything from salted caramel to bacon-flavored options.

8. Expensive Vodka

The Billionaire Vodka is the most expensive bottle of vodka, featuring over 3,000 diamonds encrusted in its design, with an extravagant price of $3.7 million.

9. Vodka as Currency

Historically, vodka was used as a form of currency due to its stable value. In regions of Russia, it is still used for transactions today.

10. Freezing Property

Vodka doesn’t freeze easily. It has a freezing point around -10°F, much lower than that of water, which freezes at 32°F. Therefore, it remains liquid even in a typical home freezer.

Armed with these fascinating facts, you can impress your friends the next time you order a vodka soda or any other vodka cocktail!

Anheuser-Busch has launched a new non-carbonated vodka tea brand called Skimmers, which will be available in nearly 20 states and Washington, D.C. This new beverage is made with Cutwater vodka, real tea, and natural flavors, and will be offered in four flavors: Original Tea, Half & Half, Peach Tea, and Lemonade.

The introduction of Skimmers comes in response to a significant growth in the vodka tea sector, which surged by 332% in 2024, as consumers increasingly shift away from traditional beer options towards ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Given the rise in popularity of hard tea—valued at $2 billion in 2021 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24.7% through 2030—Anheuser-Busch’s entry into the vodka tea market seems timely.

Historically, the hard tea segment has been led by Boston Beer’s Twisted Tea, which launched in 2001. However, in recent years, other brands such as vodka-infused Surfside tea and Boston Beer’s Sun Cruiser have gained traction as well. New entries in this space include Coca-Cola and Molson Coors’ Peace Hard Tea, and Monster Energy’s Nasty Beast.

Skimmers boasts a 4.5% alcohol by volume, with only 100 calories and 2 grams of sugar per 12 fluid ounces. While it will face competition from established brands, the rapid growth of the hard tea category presents a potential opportunity for Anheuser-Busch to expand its non-beer offerings. The evolving preferences of consumers for different types of alcohol indicate a need for brands to innovate and adapt, which Skimmers appears to embody.

For more information:

• Grand View Research on Hard Tea Market
• Coca-Cola and Molson Coors Enter Hard Iced Tea Market
• Monster Energy’s Hard Tea Launch