June 2025 96
Elijah Craig: The Iconic Father of Bourbon and His Whiskey Legacy
In this article focusing on Elijah Craig, we delve into the life of a man widely regarded as the “father of bourbon.” Born around 1743 in Virginia, Craig emerged during a period of great religious revival known as the First Great Awakening. He became a Baptist preacher, driven by a fervent faith, but his journey was marked by conflict, including imprisonment for preaching without a license, reflective of the struggles faced by dissenting Baptists in colonial times.
Craig’s pioneering spirit led him to the western frontier in 1775 as part of the Great Migration. He settled near Elkhorn Creek in Kentucky, where he laid the foundations of what would become Georgetown. His contributions included establishing Rittenhouse Academy, one of the first classical schools west of the Alleghenies, and developing various industries, vastly enhancing the local economy.
Among his many roles, Craig took up whiskey distillation, an inevitable venture for settlers in a region abundant with corn. In 1798, records indicate he produced about 2,000 gallons of whiskey, which led him to pay significant federal excise taxes. Importantly, he is credited with the practice of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels, a method that transformed raw whiskey into the smoother, more palatable bourbon that is recognized today. This innovation not only defined bourbon but also set it apart in the world of distillation.
Craig’s distillery became one of the premier producers in Kentucky during his lifetime. His death in 1808 did not diminish his legacy; instead, it grew, with his name becoming synonymous with quality bourbon. The story of Elijah Craig invites us to appreciate bourbon not just for its taste but for the history intertwined with its creation.
Today, Heaven Hill Distillery honors Craig’s contributions through its Elijah Craig Bourbon brand, which has played a significant role in reviving and promoting premium bourbon. Craig’s life embodies the values of dedication, innovative spirit, and community responsibility, ensuring that he remains a celebrated figure in American whiskey history.
As we explore the Icons of Whiskey, Elijah Craig represents the melding of faith, resilience, and craft, illuminating the rich narrative behind America’s beloved spirit. When raising a glass of Elijah Craig Small Batch, we not only savor its flavor but also pay homage to a man whose influence continues to shape the world of bourbon.
Sip and Savor: Red, Wine & Brew in Mentor Hosts Exclusive Wine Tastings
Red, Wine & Brew in Mentor is gearing up for two exciting wine tastings that promise to elevate your palate. On July 16, attendees will have the chance to sample a selection of wines from Oregon’s A to Z Wineworks, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality. The tasting will feature their Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé, and Pinot Noir from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be purchased at the store located at 9620 Old Johnnycake Ridge Road or online at bit.ly/rwb-oregontasting-25. This ticket also grants a 15% discount on food purchases that evening.
Following this, on July 30, there will be a tasting event showcasing wines from the St. Helena, California-based Duckhorn Vineyard. This session, running from 6 to 8 p.m., will highlight limited offerings such as Migration Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, Migration Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, Paraduxx Red Blend, Canvasback Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, and Postmark Cabernet Sauvignon. Once these wines run out, they will no longer be available for purchase.
For those who make dinner reservations alongside ticket purchases, a food discount will be available. Additionally, visitors can experience new beers from Allagash Brewing, featuring their Allagash White, Allagash Tripel, and Allagash Surf House on tap.
For more information, you can visit Red, Wine & Brew or call 440-210-0024.
How Long Can an Open Bottle of Wine Last? Expert Insights Revealed!
An open bottle of wine doesn’t last forever, but with proper storage, you can extend its lifespan significantly. Whether you’re pouring a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine, the way you store it is crucial for retaining its quality.
Wine educator Rachel Thralls emphasizes that proper storage techniques can help preserve an opened bottle for a few days to even a week, depending on the type of wine.
How Long Does Open Wine Last?
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Red Wine:
- Lifespan: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Keep it in a cool, dark place with a cork or in the refrigerator. Red wines with higher tannins and acidity, like Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to last longer than light reds, like Pinot Noir. Take the bottle out about 10 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature.
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Full-Bodied White Wine:
- Lifespan: 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Oaked varieties like Chardonnay are more prone to oxidization, so keep them corked in the refrigerator.
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Sparkling Wine:
- Lifespan: 1-3 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: They lose carbonation quickly after opening. Using a sparkling wine stopper can help retain bubbles for longer.
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Light White, Sweet White, and Rosé Wines:
- Lifespan: 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: These wines can stay drinkable for several days if stored with a cork in the refrigerator.
General Storage Tips
- Invest in a Wine Preserver: Tools like vacuum pumps can help remove air from the bottle, preserving the wine for an extended period.
- Keep It Cold: Refrigeration slows down the wine’s development and keeps it fresh. An ideal temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Direct sunlight can ruin the flavors and aromas of wine, so store it in a dark place.
Ideal Serving Temperatures
- Champagne and Sparkling Wines: 40-45°F
- Light Whites and Rosés: 45-50°F
- Full-Bodied Whites: 48-56°F
- Medium-Bodied Reds: About 55°F
- Full-Bodied Reds: 59-68°F
Storing wine properly ensures you enjoy every drop without worrying about it spoiling too quickly. Whether it’s a weeknight glass or a special occasion bottle, these tips will help respect the wine’s character and enhance your drinking experience.
‘King of the Hill’ Beer: A Beloved Brewery Brings Iconic Brew to Life!
Ahead of the much-anticipated season 14 revival of King of the Hill on Hulu, a brewery in San Antonio, Texas, is making the show’s fictional "Alamo" beer a reality. Alamo Beer Co. has partnered with Hulu to create this brew, intended for release before the premiere on August 4.
Previously, only the show’s iconic characters—Hank, Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer—could enjoy the fictional beer on-screen. Now, fans will have the opportunity to taste it for themselves, especially those living in Texas where it will debut first.
Eugene Simor, the founder of Alamo Beer Co., confirmed the beer’s development, stating, "It’s real…We’re just trying to finalize when the actual date will be for release." Those who attended a sneak peek of the revival at the ATX TV Festival in May were fortunate enough to sample the "easily chuggable" beer.
The new Alamo beer is set to hit store shelves in July or August, allowing fans a chance to enjoy it just before the revival of the show. The upcoming season promises to follow the Hill family years after we last saw them, with Hank and Peggy now retired and navigating a transformed Arlen, while their son Bobby, now 21, experiences life as a chef in Dallas.
For more details, check out the original article from the Express-News. King of the Hill‘s season 14 revival will stream on Hulu starting August 4.
Sip and Savor: Your Guide to Wine and Whiskey Tasting in Williamsburg This Weekend
Williamsburg is set to host its annual Whiskey & Wine Weekend from Friday through Sunday, featuring various events that celebrate local distilleries and wineries. Attendees can look forward to tastings, live music, and much more across different venues throughout the city.
This vibrant weekend is an opportunity for food and drink enthusiasts to come together and indulge in the rich offerings of Williamsburg’s beverage scene. Copper Fox Distillery is one of the highlighted businesses, showcasing artisanal whiskey and inviting visitors to explore their facilities and taste their products.
The event promises to be a perfect blend of flavors and experiences for residents and visitors alike, positioning Williamsburg as a noteworthy destination for whiskey and wine lovers.
Colin Jost Surprises Staten Island Locals with Free Beer for Blue Moon Campaign
“Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost is embracing a new partnership with Blue Moon, the beer brand that has made him its first celebrity ambassador. To kick off the campaign titled "Nothing Outshines a Blue Moon," Jost is giving back to his Staten Island community by offering free beers at his favorite local bars.
On June 24, adults 21 and over can get one complimentary Blue Moon beer at Jody’s Club Forest and O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar from 6 p.m., and at The Kettle Black starting at 7 p.m. The events are subject to availability, and attendees may even have the chance to see Jost make a surprise appearance.
In addition to the giveaways, Jost has co-written and stars in two new commercials for the brand. One spot, “Orange & Son,” features him having a conversation with animated oranges regarding the beer’s signature orange slice, while the other, “Zoom In,” uses humor to focus on the beer as the camera nearly crops out Jost himself.
This partnership highlights Blue Moon’s “Made Brighter” initiative, which aims to differentiate the beer in a competitive summer beverage market. Jost, a Staten Island native who has been part of "SNL" since 2005 and co-host of the "Weekend Update" since 2014, is excited about this new role representing a brand he enjoys.
Closure Alert: Additional Beer Store Locations Set to Close Across Ontario
The Beer Store has announced a new wave of closures, with nine locations set to shut down on August 24, bringing the total to 40 stores closing in the coming weeks. This decision follows earlier closures scheduled for July 6, July 20, and August 10, as well as five locations that were recently closed on June 15.
Ozzie Ahmed, vice president of retail at The Beer Store, stated that closing a retail store is never an easy decision and highlighted the importance of these stores and employees in the community. He pointed to the changing alcohol marketplace in Ontario as a significant factor in their decision to modernize operations and focus on efficiently selling beer and managing recycling services.
The specific locations closing on August 24 include:
- Toronto — 772 The Queensway
- Toronto — 720 Spadina Avenue
- Scarborough — 1089 Kingston Road
- Richmond Hill — 8825 Yonge Street
- Bothwell — 160 Oak Street
- Blind River — 115 Causley Street
- Garson — 3098 Falconbridge Hwy.
- Manotick — 1160 Beaverwood Road
- Powassan — 760 Main Street
- Atikokan — 711 Mackenzie Street East
The rapid expansion of Ontario’s alcohol sales to include convenience and grocery stores selling beer, with the exception of spirits, has significantly impacted The Beer Store’s business model and has led to these closures.
Celebrating Local Flavor: Inaugural NJ Craft Beer Week Showcases 150 Breweries
More than 150 independent breweries in New Jersey are gearing up for the inaugural New Jersey Craft Beer Week from July 13 to 20, a statewide initiative aimed at boosting visibility and support for the craft beer industry.
Organized by the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, this campaign will include a variety of events such as tap takeovers, trivia nights, food trucks, and live music at breweries across the state, including North, Central, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore. The Guild, representing policy interests of independent breweries and brewpubs, unveiled this initiative as their first coordinated public campaign to promote the state’s often underestimated craft beer scene.
New Jersey, despite housing numerous breweries, ranks low in brewery count per capita and beer consumption. These statistics highlight an opportunity for growth and awareness in a state that is currently lagging behind in both access to and knowledge of its craft beer offerings.
The timing of this campaign comes as the industry is emerging from a challenging period characterized by rising operational costs and regulatory hurdles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2019, New Jersey has seen a decline in the number of breweries, dropping from around 180 to roughly 150, with a significant number of closures occurring since mid-2020.
The craft beer industry in New Jersey saw initial growth following the state’s law changes in 2012, which allowed more extensive production and distribution for microbreweries and brewpubs. However, the industry faced setbacks in 2019 due to new regulations imposed on breweries by the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which introduced restrictions on events and food sales as a way to appease full retail license holders like bars and restaurants.
As advocates for local breweries noted the struggles posed by these restrictions, recent legislative changes have begun to ease regulations, allowing breweries more flexibility in operations and promoting local craft beer enjoyment.
The New Jersey Craft Beer Week aims to reconnect locals with breweries in their communities, encouraging residents to explore the craft beer offerings available right in their own neighborhoods. The Guild hopes this event will be the catalyst for rediscovering the state’s vibrant craft beer landscape, with specific launch events at various participating locations on July 13.
For more information about New Jersey Craft Beer Week, including a listing of participating breweries and events, you can visit the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.
Savor the South: Crafting the Wrightsville Crush Cocktail from Cape Fear
WILMINGTON, N.C. – This summer, try making a refreshing Wrightsville Crush cocktail with a simple four-ingredient recipe presented by Mark Bloomquist of Blue Shark Vodka and Sarah Fried from G Prime Steak & Cellar, who recently visited the WECT kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Wyland’s Vanilla Vodka (made by Blue Shark Vodka)
- 0.5 oz. Orange Liqueur
- Squeeze of Coco Lopez
- 1.5 oz. Fresh-squeezed orange juice
For step-by-step directions on how to craft this cocktail, check out the accompanying video. Enjoy your summer with this delicious drink!
Celebrating Four Years of Flavor: Whisk & Whiskey’s Journey Through Baked Goods, Culture, and Cocktails in Brooklyn
Whisk & Whiskey, a popular bar and bakery in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is celebrating its four-year anniversary of providing a unique blend of baked goods, cocktails, and Trinidadian-Cambodian small bites. The establishment, co-owned by Chef Secoyah Browne and Chandra Touch, originally began as dinner parties during the pandemic. It officially opened its doors in 2021, taking advantage of New York’s regulations that required food to be served with liquor.
Located at 259 4th Ave., Whisk & Whiskey quickly became a beloved community spot, attracting locals looking for a place to enjoy delicious food and reconnect with friends. Browne’s vision has always been to run a bakery, while Touch has taken the lead in bar management and event sales, making their partnership a perfect fit.
The menu includes a variety of Trinidadian specialties, such as bakes—fried dough often filled with saltfish or shark—plantains, and doubles. Touch curates a special selection of cocktails and mocktails, while Browne crafts seasonal desserts and small bites. The duo chose Park Slope for their location due to the neighborhood’s need for diverse culinary options.
Browne remarked, “The community was really ready for some additional culture, some additional spice… Trinidad is definitely underrepresented food-wise, especially in this area, as is Cambodian food.” She emphasized the similarities in ingredients between the two cuisines, showcasing cultural connections through food.
In addition to their food offerings, Whisk & Whiskey hosts various events, including Trinidadian dinner parties and film screenings, fostering a sense of community among their diverse clientele.
Throughout their journey, Browne and Touch have learned to adapt, especially in light of recent tariffs that prompted them to raise prices. They’ve communicated transparently with customers regarding these changes.
Looking ahead, the owners plan to open another location in Brooklyn, allowing them to continue sharing their passion for community, bites, and cocktails.
For more information about Whisk & Whiskey, visit their official website.