David Ortiz has shared his reactions regarding the Boston Red Sox’s recent trade of All-Star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Ortiz noted that he was not surprised by the decision, stating that sometimes players and teams must part ways if they cannot agree on specific conditions. Devers had been asked to play multiple positions, which he was reluctant to do, preferring to stay at third base. After Boston signed All-Star Alex Bregman, Devers was moved to designated hitter.

The trade sent Devers, who has a hefty 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension, to San Francisco in exchange for young players like Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks. Ortiz expressed well-wishes to Devers and pointed out that the trade provided the Red Sox with more financial flexibility to find someone aligned with the organization’s direction.

Since the trade on June 15, the Red Sox have struggled, posting a 5-8 record and falling 6.5 games behind the New York Yankees. Devers, on the other hand, has also faced challenges with his new team, batting just .204 since the trade compared to his .272 with the Red Sox.

Ortiz reflected on the mutual unhappiness between Devers and the Red Sox, emphasizing the necessity of moving forward for both parties. He expressed a desire to support Devers, being from the same Dominican Republic background, but noted that attempts to connect had been unsuccessful.

Beyond his baseball career, Ortiz is pivoting toward entrepreneurship with the launch of his rum brand, "Ozama Rum." Named after the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, the brand celebrates his heritage. Ortiz elaborated that the idea for the rum began about a year and a half ago, stemming from a passion for the natural ingredients and the sugarcane for which the Dominican Republic is renowned.

In launching Ozama Rum, Ortiz aims not only to introduce a premium product but also to create jobs back home. The reception has been promising, with testimonials about its quality and the lack of hangovers after consumption, resonating positively with consumers.

Discussing his vision for Ozama Rum, Ortiz highlighted the significance of quality and creativity in the product, aiming to connect with audiences through enjoyable experiences reminiscent of family gatherings from his childhood. His approach stresses fun and unity, reinforcing the communal aspects of enjoying rum—a beverage deeply tied to his upbringing and cultural traditions.

Fawn Weaver has become a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial world through her leadership of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, recognized as the fastest-growing whiskey brand in American history. Her company honors Nearest Green, a formerly enslaved master distiller whose expertise was integral to the creation of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Weaver’s commitment is captured in her book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest (2024), which aims to rectify historical oversights.

Under her stewardship since 2017, Weaver and her husband have become substantial landowners in Tennessee, overseeing more than 800 acres. They deliberately avoid traditional venture capital and private equity, opting for a diverse set of smaller investments to control the company’s growth—an unusual strategy in an industry dominated by large corporations. The brand’s success has been phenomenal, expanding into all 50 states and 12 countries within just two years. It received multiple accolades, including titles like “World’s Best” by Whisky Magazine and Wine Enthusiast’s Spirit Brand of the Year for 2020.

Philanthropy is also central to Weaver’s mission. She established the Nearest Green Foundation, which provides scholarships to Green’s descendants and has played an active role during the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing protective equipment to communities in need. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with Jack Daniel’s Distillery to create the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative, aimed at fostering diversity in the whiskey industry.

Weaver’s background includes a successful career in real estate and authorship, with multiple bestsellers to her name. She also held prestigious roles in the hospitality industry before her venture into whiskey. Recently, she announced her new initiative, Nightcap With Fawn, aimed at helping individuals find happiness and success amid adversity.

Despite facing challenges early in life, including dropping out of high school at 16, Weaver’s journey reflects her dedication to education, as she completed her degree 25 years later, graduating summa cum laude. Her story is a testament to resilience, emphasizing entrepreneurial success intertwined with social justice and historical acknowledgment, making a significant impact in both business and community upliftment.

Related Links:

• Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
• Fawn Weaver

The summer season is bringing a wave of new bourbon releases from Kentucky distilleries, with notable entries from Castle & Key Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, and Green River. Here’s what bourbon enthusiasts should keep an eye on this month:

Castle & Key Distillery: The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4

Castle & Key, in collaboration with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, has rolled out The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4. This limited-edition bourbon, available at cask strength, showcases 73% Hickory King Corn, a historic grain that was popular in bourbon production a century ago.

This batch not only emphasizes sustainable farming practices—collaborating with Walnut Grove Farms for grain production—but also aims to amplify the narrative surrounding African American contributions to the whiskey industry. The story centers on Dallas Peters, a Black man from Kentucky whose life experiences are tied to the bourbon culture of his time. Tasting notes include baked brown sugar and snickerdoodle on the nose, with a palate of dark honey, fig jam, and a finish of toasted brown bread. The bourbon is priced at $175, with only 204 bottles available.

Derby City Gaming: The Great Gambit

Derby City Gaming introduces The Great Gambit, a 16-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This single barrel release comes with a striking Art Deco label and is inspired by the themes of risk and refinement found in "The Great Gatsby." With only 45 hand-numbered bottles available, it is bottled at 122.22 proof and priced at $1,200 for a 750ml bottle, offers a sensory experience reflective of its sophisticated branding.

Green River: U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Bourbon

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary, Green River has released a special commemorative bourbon. Aged between 4 to 7 years in hand-selected barrels, this bourbon boasts tasting notes of caramel, black cherry, and cocoa, with a robust 111.1 proof. It is available at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Heaven Hill: Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond

Heaven Hill has announced the release of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, revisiting a classic with a 100-proof wheated bourbon crafted from 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The bourbon is praised for its balance of sweetness and rich depth, standing at a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Old Forester: Premium Cocktail Cherries

Expanding its portfolio, Old Forester has introduced premium cocktail cherries, made from amarena cherries in bourbon-infused syrup, designed to complement their whiskey offerings. Priced at $19.99, these cherries are available at select retailers.

RD1 Spirits: Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Mizunara and French Oak

RD1 Spirits presents a limited release of Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak. This unique blend, which combines bourbon and rye whiskeys, won a gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition. Tasting notes reveal complex flavors, including sandalwood and baking spices, with a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Kentucky’s bourbon landscape continues to thrive with these fresh releases, each emphasizing heritage, innovation, and the rich cultural narratives that surround bourbon production.

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — In anticipation of the Dick’s Open Golf Tournament, golf legend John Daly is set to hold a meet and greet at Park Manor Wine and Spirits on July 8. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hooper Road location.

This gathering is part of the promotional efforts for his Goodboy Vodka Drink, which is available at retail locations nationwide. Store Manager Lisa Enfield expects a significant turnout, estimating between 300 to 400 attendees.

The excitement surrounding the event has been palpable, with many calling and inquiring on social media about what items Daly will be signing. Fans interested in meeting the golfer will have the opportunity to get their vodka bottles autographed during this special occasion.

Absolut Vodka has unveiled its latest limited-edition bottle, the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition, to honor renowned pop artist Keith Haring, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of his original collaboration with the brand. This new edition showcases Haring’s distinct aesthetic, featuring vibrant colors and winding figures representative of his signature style.

The release is positioned as a homage to Haring’s legacy, reinterpreting his impactful 1986 campaign for today’s audience. It will initially launch in global travel retail on July 1, before becoming available in over 40 international markets, including the UK, Germany, Mexico, and China, starting in October.

The newly designed bottle aligns closely with Haring’s original artworks, adorned with hand-drawn elements such as his signature and a personalized interpretation of the Absolut medallion. Its vibrant visual identity and compelling messaging aim to resonate with a new generation of drinkers and art admirers.

To enhance the launch experience, Absolut will introduce several unique marketing initiatives, including pop-up vending machines at airports dispensing exclusive Haring merchandise with bottle purchases. Additionally, an engaging pop-up experience will be set at London Gatwick Airport. The Absolut Haring Fizz cocktail, which combines flavors inspired by Asian cuisine and New York’s lively culture, will also be featured prominently during activations.

Pernod Ricard representatives emphasized the travel retail environment as a perfect platform for this campaign, designed to create memorable experiences for customers through interactive touchpoints, 3D billboards, and partnerships with companies like Uber for exclusive promotional offers.

The overall strategy aims to inject joy into the travel retail experience and recruit younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, by fostering a connection rooted in cultural relevance and meaningful storytelling. Through innovative marketing and creative design, the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition seeks to captivate travelers while reminding them that "art is for everybody.

Jo Malone CBE has ventured into the world of spirits with the launch of her new brand, Jo Vodka. Known for her iconic fragrance creations, Malone is now blending her expertise in scent with the world of taste, aiming to create a uniquely expressive vodka experience.

Malone describes her inspiration as a desire to explore the intersection of smell and taste. "I’ve always wondered if I could take my sense of smell and push it further into the world of taste, because to me, the two are deeply intertwined," she shares. Jo Vodka will debut with three distinct expressions: 101 – The Purist, 102 – The Bohemian, and 103 – The Artist. Each vodka is crafted with natural botanicals and oils in collaboration with master distiller Joanne Moore, designed to evoke sensory awakening.

The concept for Jo Vodka emerged during a breakfast with friends who encouraged Malone to consider the similarities between making fragrances and spirits. They expressed that vodka, with its purity and versatility, would be an ideal platform for her creativity.

Emotion and personal expression are foundational to Malone’s work, which influenced the creation of each vodka. The memory behind 103 – The Artist, for example, pays tribute to her father and her formative years on King’s Road. Malone explains, "Each day, walking to the florist where I worked in Sloane Square, I was exposed to an eclectic mix of people, experiences, and senses. That daily rhythm left a lasting impression."

Malone’s approach also incorporates her synaesthesia, which allows her to experience scents and tastes as colors and textures. This unique perspective informs how she envisions each vodka: 101 as a soft leather, 102 as silk, and 103 as tweed.

Recognizing that vodka is typically considered a neutral spirit, Malone emphasizes the importance of the 101 expression. She describes it as "the key to unlocking the whole collection," designed to embody classic vodka purity with a delicate balance of sweetness and sharp clarity.

To support the launch, Jo Vodka will be available in 100 World Duty-Free stores globally this summer, partnered with retailer Avolta, promoting a transformative travel experience. This launch aligns well with the growing premium vodka market, anticipated to reach around $81 billion by 2033, indicating a rising demand for unique and high-end flavor experiences.

As Malone reflects on her journey, she remains committed to exploring her sensory world, hinting at the potential for future projects beyond vodka, such as Jo Wine or Jo Whisky. "I am a storyteller and want to carry on this journey," she states, underlining her passion for creativity and innovation.