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.

A recent geological study reveals that the African continent is gradually splitting apart, a process that has been silently unfolding for millions of years. This geological phenomenon is caused by the East African Rift, where tectonic plates are diverging, leading to the gradual formation of a new ocean. Experts estimate that in about 50 million years, Africa could split into two separate landmasses, with a new body of water filling the gap created by this division.

The research highlights how this slow but steady movement is affecting local geology, ecosystems, and even the communities residing in the region. Major areas like Ethiopia and Kenya are at the forefront of this rifting, experiencing earthquakes and volcanic activity attributed to tectonic shifts. As the process continues, scientists are keenly observing the changes in topography and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect the unique ecosystems under threat due to geological activity.

This information sheds light on the profound and gradual changes taking place under our feet, which, while not immediately apparent, will have significant implications for the future landscape of East Africa and its inhabitants.

Kazakhstan’s Xaoma Gold vodka has been crowned the best vodka at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Judges awarded it an impressive 98 out of 100 points, praising its crisp texture and bright grain notes. Distilled from Kazakh wheat and infused with Central Asian herbs, this 80-proof vodka is inspired by an ancient nomadic elixir traditionally carried by Iranian wanderers, known as "xaoma," believed to provide strength and wisdom to those who drank it.

The production of Xaoma Gold utilizes modern distillation techniques while honoring its nomadic heritage, resulting in a spirit characterized by a smooth and dry mouthfeel with hints of coffee and lemon. It undergoes an 8-stage filtration process that ensures clarity without compromising its unique flavor profile.

Xaoma Gold is not new to accolades; it previously won Double Gold at the Warsaw Spirits Competition and scored 95 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Although it’s widely available in Europe, it can still be found in the U.S. market for about $24, distinguished by its striking green and gold label reflective of its cultural roots.

Vodka is often dismissed as a less exciting category; however, Xaoma Gold’s rich heritage and intriguing notes challenge that perception. It serves as an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their cocktail experience, particularly in a classic martini.

For more information on Xaoma Gold vodka, visit the product page: Xaoma Gold.

Whiskey Myers is set to perform at the Brandon Amphitheater soon, attracting excitement among fans of the Texas country-rock band. Known for their dynamic live shows and distinctive sound, Whiskey Myers has gained a loyal following since their formation in 2007. The concert promises to showcase tracks from their latest album and classic hits, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. As they gear up for the performance, anticipation is building for what has become a highlight in the region’s music calendar.

For more details on the concert and ticket availability, visit WJTV Jackson.

President Donald Trump’s trade policies have significantly impacted U.S. whiskey makers, prompting major retailers in Canada to remove American liquor from their shelves. Amidst this crisis, investor Brian Rosen offers a different perspective, suggesting that tariffs may unintentionally benefit small, American whiskey brands.

Rosen, founder and general partner at InvestBev, argues that while Canadian tariffs seem detrimental, they could make foreign whiskies—particularly from Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada—appear more expensive compared to American whiskey, enhancing the latter’s appeal to consumers. This could be a silver lining for many smaller whiskey producers, allowing them to maintain their prices while competing against international brands that may see their costs rise.

InvestBev, which holds a diverse portfolio of alcohol brands, strategically increased exports following Trump’s election in 2024 to avoid the brunt of the tariffs. Rosen indicates that this foresight placed InvestBev in a favorable position within the market.

However, it’s important to note that while larger players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard express grave concerns about potential job losses and decreased profitability due to tariffs, smaller distilleries often don’t have the same level of international exposure. According to Rosen, only a small fraction of Kentucky bourbon is exported, suggesting that domestic-focused distillers may not be hit as hard by these international market fluctuations.

Despite these potential benefits outlined by Rosen, a broader economic landscape reveals challenges for small U.S. whiskey producers. The Distilled Spirits Council has reported a record increase in U.S. spirits exports in 2024, but ongoing trade disputes create uncertainty, hindering growth opportunities for many distillers.

Many small distilleries are actively seeking exemptions from tariffs, indicating their concerns about rising costs for imported goods used in production. This reflects a wider reality wherein tariffs are complicating the supply chain for U.S. businesses, affecting both large corporations and small-scale producers.

As the trade environment evolves, the impact of tariffs will continue to be a contentious issue within the whiskey industry, making Rosen’s contrarian view both intriguing and indicative of the complexity of U.S. trade policies.

Detroit City Distillery is set to launch a new limited-edition spirit called Flower Day Vodka, designed to celebrate the iconic Flower Day in Eastern Market. This unique vodka is crafted by distilling Michigan lavender with lemon in 100% corn vodka sourced from Michigan.

The ingredient list is clean, featuring no artificial flavors, colorings, or sweeteners, and the vodka is noted for its refreshing combination of lemon and lavender flavors. Local artist Ivan Montoya has contributed to the design of the bottle, adding a creative touch to the product.

The Flower Day Vodka will be available for purchase starting May 9, ahead of the annual Eastern Market Flower Day taking place on May 18. Visitors on May 9 can also take part in a special event at the tasting room where they can create their own flower bouquets from Flowers for Dreams, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day.

The distillery describes Flower Day as a cherished holiday for Detroit residents, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the joy of blooming flowers just after Mother’s Day. The price for each bottle is set at $35.