Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, has been crafting whiskey for an impressive 400 years, nestled in the stunning northern coast of Ireland. To celebrate the release of their remarkable 46-year-old Irish single malt, "Secrets of the River Bush," Shortlist visited the distillery to delve deeper into the whiskey-making craft.

In a conversation with Alex Thomas, Bushmills’ Master Blender, we explored her journey from an eager newcomer to a highly respected figure in the whiskey world. Alex’s journey began with her husband introducing her to a position at the distillery. Growing up nearby, she had always dreamed of working at Bushmills. Starting in the maturation team, Alex was captivated by the distilling process and the distillery’s commitment to tradition, sparking her passion for a career in whiskey.

In November 2021, she achieved her dream of becoming the Master Blender at Bushmills, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and honor.

During our discussion, Alex expressed her deep affection for the distillery, its heritage, and the people who have shaped its legacy. She emphasized that the magic of Bushmills lies in its dedicated workforce, who feel a sense of ownership and commitment to maintaining the distillery’s high standards. This culture of passion and care has allowed it to thrive while others have faltered.

For those new to the world of whiskey, Alex had some thoughtful advice. She encouraged aspiring whiskey drinkers to approach the experience with an open mind, recognizing that taste can vary based on context and individual experiences. She also highlighted the importance of cocktails, noting how they can enhance one’s introduction to whiskey and inspire creativity among mixologists.

As Irish whiskey continues to gain popularity, Alex’s vision for Bushmills seems clear: to honor its rich history while paving the way for future innovations. With the distillery’s enduring charm and the expertise of its leadership, it’s an exciting time for whiskey enthusiasts.

For more whiskey insights, check out The best whiskey in the world, taste tested!.

Marcia Likarish embodies the spirit of adventure, exploration, and community, which has shaped her journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. Rather than confining her world to home life after having her two sons, Robert and Jonathan, she opted to broaden their horizons by introducing them to travel and new experiences. This approach ingrained a love for adventure in the Likarish family’s foundation.

When her sons expressed their desire to start a whiskey distillery named Ironroot Republic, Marcia took it upon herself to aid their ambition. She accompanied them on a trip to Kentucky to learn from top distillers. During this pivotal visit, she discreetly placed their name on the waiting list for a new whiskey still from Vendome Copper & Brassworks, an esteemed manufacturer. Her firm belief in Ironroot led her to commit to the still two years before the distillery was established. Much to their surprise, the call from Vendome came when Ironroot was ready to start production; Marcia’s early action secured them a still, which became the heart of their award-winning whiskey.

Marcia’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond distilling. Her dedication to building community connections led her to engage with distillers across Texas, creating a network of support within the industry. This commitment earned her the affectionate title of "Mother of Texas Whiskey," a nod from her peers in recognition of her contributions and efforts.

Throughout her life, Marcia has demonstrated an unyielding curiosity and passion for sharing knowledge. Her involvement at Ironroot transcends business; she treats every barrel of whiskey as a cherished child, nurturing and guiding them to reach their full potential. For her, every bottle represents a time capsule filled with the hopes and efforts of countless people, making each sip a celebration of meaningful moments with friends and family.

Spirits distributor Blue Caterpillar has partnered with Two Drifters Distillery, a UK producer known for its carbon-negative rum, to bring their unique offerings to global travel retail. This agreement allows for the launch of Four core varieties: Pure White Rum, Signature Rum, Lightly Spiced Rum, and Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum across North, Central, and South America starting in June.

Founded by Russ and Gemma Wakeham, Two Drifters is notable for its commitment to sustainability—each bottle produced removes over 1kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Their operations utilize renewable energy and advanced carbon capture technology in collaboration with Climeworks to surpass their carbon emissions. Packaging is also eco-friendly, featuring lightweight glass bottles made in the UK, compostable seals, and labels crafted from waste sugarcane fiber.

The timing of this partnership coincides with a notable shift in the rum market, where a growing demand for premium products aligns with increasing consumer awareness of sustainable practices. This makes Two Drifters’ offerings compelling for those seeking exceptional flavors coupled with strong sustainability credentials.

Dr. Russ Wakeham expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting their ambition to capture 1% of the global rum market by 2035 while making a positive environmental impact. Michael Gebrael, CEO of Blue Caterpillar, affirmed that Two Drifters exemplifies the innovative and quality-driven brand ethos they aim to promote.

Melky Jean’s Saint Sauveur Rum stands as a testament to Haitian heritage and the narrative of resilience rooted in the 1972 refugee story, marking a significant chapter in Haitian history. This rum blends rich flavors with a deeper meaning, serving both as a libation and a celebration of the Haitian spirit as Haitian Heritage Month unfolds.

Born from Melky Jean’s vision, the Saint Sauveur 1972 Premium 4 Year Rum is not just another celebrity product. It is a thoughtful, crafted homage to the struggles and triumphs of the Haitian people. The rum’s unique flavor profile offers a smooth, smoky finish accented by oak, caramel, and vanilla nuances, creating a sensory connection to history. Each bottle also features a tribute to the Saint Sauveur ship, which famously ran aground in Pompano Beach in 1972, carrying Haitian refugees in search of freedom.

Melky Jean, a third-generation entrepreneur, embodies the legacy of her grandmother, a moonshiner from the 1940s, and her mother, who created traditional Haitian liqueur, Kremas. As the majority owner of Saint Sauveur Rum, Melky embraces her heritage while crafting a new narrative, underscored by the tagline: "Taste the Heritage, Celebrate the Spirit." This message emphasizes the importance of self-representation and the power of storytelling.

In her aim to reshape perceptions of Haiti, Melky argues that black individuals must take the lead in narrating their own tales. Her presentations often highlight the lack of awareness about important events like the Saint Sauveur’s landing, drawing parallels to the well-known Mayflower. This focus on history serves to strengthen the brand’s identity within the larger context of the Haitian-American experience.

Melky speaks passionately about her upbringing in Brooklyn, where her dual identity made her feel disconnected from both American and Haitian cultures. Identifying as both American and Haitian, she faced challenges in navigating her identity in a society that often simplified complex narratives. This complexity is reflected in the mission of Saint Sauveur Rum, which seeks to honor and encapsulate the multifaceted experiences of the Haitian diaspora.

The rum’s packaging also reflects Melky’s commitment to authenticity, as she chose to work with a Black woman-owned design company for the bottle labels. This decision reinforces her dedication to inclusivity and representation in the industry. Moreover, she asserts that the story of Haiti is intricately linked to the broader narrative of Black history, urging recognition of the contributions of Haitian individuals to American society.

With a personal connection to the year 1972—when her mother arrived in the United States seeking refuge—Melky’s entrepreneurial journey is as much about self-investment as it is about perpetuating her family’s legacy. By creating Saint Sauveur Rum, she challenges conventional norms surrounding rum consumption, promoting it as a sophisticated beverage suitable for savoring rather than merely a vacation drink.

The act of enjoying Saint Sauveur Rum symbolizes a celebration of Haitian heritage, resilience, and community. Melky emphasizes that enjoyment of the rum connects drinkers to the shared legacy of strength embodied by the Haitian people. Her familial lineage, marked by women of indomitable spirit, provides a rich historical foundation for the brand, which Melky views as more than just a product—it is a cultural experience that bridges generations and communities.

In summary, Saint Sauveur Rum offers a unique narrative intertwined with the journey of Haitian identity. As Melky Jean invites others to share in this heritage, she celebrates the profound contributions of Haitians to the fabric of American history, echoing resilience and strength with every sip.

May 2, 2025 — Noblewood USA has announced a remarkable 41% growth in Beluga Vodka’s business for Q1 2025, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing super-premium vodka brand in the U.S. Over the past year, Beluga Gold Line Vodka has secured an impressive 56% share of the luxury vodka segment, making it the leading vodka brand priced above $30 in the country.

Sergey Kucher, CEO of Noblewood USA, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s momentum, stating, “With rising demand and growing brand visibility following a strong Q1, we’re energized to build on this success and solidify Beluga’s leadership in the luxury vodka category.”

Beluga Vodka is expanding its presence in significant national chains such as Total Wine & More, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Foods, and Binny’s Beverage Depot, along with prestigious independent retailers and luxury establishments like Cipriani, Casa Tua, and Disney World.

The brand is gaining global recognition, having recently achieved:

• #2 in The Top 50 Vodka Brands Ranked
• #5 in the Top Trending Vodka Brands Worldwide

Beluga Vodka is crafted from 100% Nordic grain and pure spring water, emphasizing an ecological commitment. It is distilled six times, resulting in a refined and smooth profile. The brand’s portfolio includes Beluga Gold Line, Beluga Noble, and others, all designed to provide a luxurious experience that pairs perfectly with caviar.

For more information, visit Beluga Vodka.

April is a special month for whiskey fans, particularly for those who appreciate Chattanooga Whiskey. On April 11, the distillery released its 13th edition of the Founder’s Blend, a notable addition to their lineup. This year, the distillery was recognized as the Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year by Whisky Magazine during its 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

Tim Piersant, the founder of the distillery, crafts a unique blend each year, symbolizing the history of the distillery by utilizing a solera process involving three large charred oak casks. The solera method, often seen in rum and sherry production, allows distilleries to integrate younger spirits repeatedly into the older stocks, thereby creating a dynamic blend while never showcasing a specific age statement on the label.

Chattanooga Whiskey employs this technique differently. The smallest solera cask (625 gallons) contains whiskey from its original recipe, known as 1816, which was originally sourced from Indiana’s MGP distillery. The production process includes combining this aged whiskey with their flagship Barrel 91 Tennessee High Malt recipe, which incorporates three specially roasted and toasted malted grains and is housed in a larger cask of 4,000 gallons, representing the current production stage of the distillery.

In addition, Chattanooga Whiskey’s "Infinity Barrel" contains 1,645 gallons of experimental creations. This year’s blend incorporates not just the historical 1816 whiskey but also includes five new experimental recipes, including a malt whiskey made from Italian barley and a variant of their 99 Rye recipe.

For this specific Founder’s Blend, Piersant has created a blend that consists of 23% Past (1816), 58% Present (Barrel 91), and 19% Future (Infinity Barrel). The result is a standout among the previous editions, showcasing rich flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted s’mores, accompanied by notes of anise and fruit from the experimental blends.

Whiskey enthusiasts in Nashville are fortunate to find the Founder’s Blend available for around $60 a bottle, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

For more information about Chattanooga Whiskey, visit Chattanooga Whiskey.

Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, former roommates at the University of Georgia, ventured into the whiskey business by founding American Spirit Whiskey (A.S.W.) after experimenting with distilling at home. They began their journey in the late 1990s, driven by the idea of creating a rye whiskey that wasn’t widely available. Initially armed with only a makeshift still and a book called The Business of Spirits, their enthusiasm gradually translated into a successful craft distillery. Established formally in 2016, A.S.W. quickly gained recognition, earning numerous awards at the San Francisco World Spirit competition—the largest event in the industry.

Chasteen attributes their success to a convergence of cultural trends that favored whiskey, particularly in the South. Though they faced challenges and learned through trial and error, they decided to pursue distilling full-time, raising nearly two million dollars from friends to launch their distillery. Their expansion was rapid, with plans for a third location at Atlanta’s busy airport. However, this momentum came to a halt with the introduction of Donald Trump’s tariffs in early 2025. Chasteen’s frustration was palpable as he described the impact these tariffs had on their plans to penetrate international markets.

In 2024, American whiskey exports reached approximately $1.3 billion, and A.S.W. was poised to capitalize on this growing market. Chasteen had invested significantly in securing trademarks for their brands, anticipating a successful venture into countries like China, Japan, and the European Union. However, retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and threats from the E.U. stifled their ambitions, complicating the landscape for craft distillers like A.S.W. and casting uncertainty over the industry.

Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, echoed Chasteen’s concerns, highlighting the anxiety within the industry. As small businesses feel the burden of increasing tariffs, Chasteen and his team remain cautiously optimistic; they secured funding just before the tariffs took effect, allowing them to weather the storm while exploring domestic markets. Despite the challenges, they aim to adapt their strategy, focusing on growth within the United States, even humorously considering that increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic could work to their advantage.

A.S.W.’s story reflects the broader struggles and resilience of craft distillers amidst a complex economic environment influenced by shifting trade policies.