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Beverage Startup Faces $1M Fine for Fake Rihanna Collaboration Scheme Targeting Her Brother
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A beverage startup called The3rdBevco, based in Long Island, has been fined $1.1 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) due to allegations of fraud involving a nonexistent rum brand associated with Rihanna, called "RiRi Rum." The company’s founder, Peter Scalise III, agreed to the settlement without admitting or denying the allegations.
The SEC reported that The3rdBevco previously announced plans to employ Rihanna’s brother, Rorrey Fenty, as a strategic consultant to help develop the rum brand. While a letter of intent was signed, the SEC clarified that there were no real negotiations or agreements made with either Rihanna or her team regarding this partnership.
For over a year, The3rdBevco misled investors by falsely claiming they were working with Rihanna. They used unauthorized images and music of Rihanna in their presentations and presented fraudulent documents, including a fake signature purportedly from the artist.
Despite Rorrey Fenty’s intention to assist in the project, he did not enter into a formal agreement with The3rdBevco, and his involvement was limited. He had expressed concerns about the company’s practices, particularly regarding the unauthorized use of Rihanna’s likeness and name.
In addition to the fraudulent claims about the rum collaboration, the SEC’s complaint stated that The3rdBevco was involved in selling unregistered shares and misappropriating nearly $900,000 of investor funds for personal expenses.
Mark David Hunter, the attorney for The3rdBevco and Scalise, commented that they are relieved to have resolved the issue. Neither Rorrey nor Rihanna is implicated in the deceptive actions of The3rdBevco.
Liquid Death Partners with Whistlepig Whiskey for a Unique Collaboration
Liquid Death has collaborated with Whistle Pig Whiskey to create a unique new product: Whistle Pig Grave Stock Wheat Whiskey. This intriguing whiskey starts its aging process in a traditional oak barrel for several years. However, it takes a distinctive turn by being finished in a custom-made casket for approximately two weeks.
To top it off, the whiskey is blended with Liquid Death’s mountain-sourced water, resulting in an 86 proof spirit packed with complex flavors of honeysuckle, butterscotch, and biscotti. This collaboration brings together the quirky branding of Liquid Death with the craftsmanship of Whistle Pig, promising a refreshing and bold whiskey experience.
For more details, visit:
Eakins Oval’s Summer Pop-Up Returns: Enjoy a Beer Garden, Mini Golf, and Food Trucks!
The annual summer pop-up at Eakins Oval, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, kicks off today and will run until September 14. The event offers a vibrant mix of activities, including a beer garden, mini golf, food trucks, and various weekly events such as live music performances, movie nights, and youth-focused activities.
The space is operated by Libertee Grounds, known for serving a delicious array of food with Asian-American fusion flavors. This year’s exciting offerings include Korean smash burgers, Masala nachos, and a well-stocked bar featuring both beer and cocktails. In addition, families can enjoy the Philly-themed mini golf course, which remains free for children under 12, while adults and teens can play for a fee of $10.
The pop-up kicks off formally with a Juneteenth Festival this Saturday, which features music, art demonstrations, and an all-Black vendor market from noon until 9 p.m. Movie nights will include screenings such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" at 8:15 p.m. on Friday. The summer schedule also includes after-dark R&B concerts on select dates, teen nights, basketball tournaments, health classes, and arts and crafts sessions for kids.
Operating hours for the Oval are as follows:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays: 4-9 p.m.
- Fridays: 4-11 p.m.
- Saturdays: Noon to 11 p.m.
- Sundays: Noon to 9 p.m.
The Oval will be closed from June 30 to July 6 to accommodate the Wawa Welcome America festivities.
For more information, you can visit The Oval’s Instagram page.
Country Music Star’s Fiery Response After Beer Can Incident: “I’m About to Come Out There and Beat Your (Expletive)
Gavin Adcock, a former college football player turned country music star, has recently made headlines following a series of dramatic events. Last month, he was arrested for reckless driving in Tennessee after being caught speeding at 103 mph. This incident has garnered significant attention, especially since Adcock’s name has surfaced frequently in the media.
In a separate incident, a video from 2024 resurfaced on social media, showing Adcock onstage during a performance. The clip captures a beer can unexpectedly hitting him in the face, prompting a fiery response from the singer. He reacted by stating, “Aight, this song is about talking (expletive), and I’m about to come out there and beat your fat (expletive),” which elicited cheers from the audience. His spirited comeback continued as he vented further expletives towards an unseen fan before diving back into his performance.
Despite the chaos, Adcock’s swift recovery and ability to continue performing surprised many, as the beer can struck him quite forcefully. The post-arrest period highlighted his frustration with his reckless driving incident, which he explained on social media after buying his dream car, a 1973 Dodge Challenger. He admitted he had been joyriding when he was pulled over by the police, stating, “The car ran great.”
Following his arrest, he was taken into custody by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and although his bond was set at $1,000, he was released the next morning. The 26-year-old singer has previously faced legal trouble, including an arrest related to a suspended license.
Gavin Adcock’s rise in the country music scene continues to attract both fans and controversy, marking him as an artist to watch closely.
Cocktails for a Cause: Discover How Sipping and Socializing Can Support Your Community
Cocktails for a Cause is an anticipated evening of drinks and networking hosted by the Sid Jacobson JCC’s Nikki Schwartz Memorial Community Needs Bank. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., this event not only aims to bolster food security on Long Island but also seeks to educate attendees about the organization’s efforts.
Susan Berman, the associate executive director of community engagement at Sid Jacobson JCC, emphasizes that the night will blend fun and philanthropy, encouraging guests to make monetary and food donations to support the Needs Bank. The organization is always in need of shelf-stable, non-perishable food items to cater to the customized needs of its clients.
This marks the fourth year of Cocktails for a Cause, which originated from a suggestion to host birthday celebrations at the Needs Bank. Peter Janowsky, managing director at Ryan & Janowsky Financial Strategies Group, was one of the first to volunteer his birthday event, which gradually evolved into a larger networking gathering.
The event not only focuses on celebrating the communal spirit but also aims to break down barriers, making the Community Needs Bank more visible to locals unfamiliar with its services. Berman states, “We don’t want to be the hidden gem that we were… this networking event is a perfect example of engaging the community in a way that’s social but also educational.”
Participants will have the chance to tour the Needs Bank and witness the invaluable work being done to support the community. As Berman puts it, “We want to celebrate [Janoswky’s] birthday with this great, impactful evening and get us from being a hidden gem to being a great resource in the community.”
Sip Into Summer: 8 Superb Cocktails to Celebrate the Season
Summer drinks offer a refreshing escape from the heat, and this collection of cocktails ensures there’s something for everyone—whether you’re aiming for a classic vibe or a modern twist. Here are eight superb cocktail recipes to celebrate the season:
BA’s Best Piña Colada
Get transported to a tropical paradise with this creamy blend of coconut cream, fresh pineapple, light rum, and lime juice. For an extra kick, consider adding an optional float of dark rum.
Recipe: BA’s Best Piña Colada
Breakfast Martini
This cocktail whimsically suggests breakfast with its orange marmalade ingredient. A mix of gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and marmalade makes it perfect for any time of day.
Recipe: Breakfast Martini
Caribbean Ember
Combining dark rum, pineapple juice, and ginger beer with rye whiskey and Angostura bitters, the Caribbean Ember merges tropical flavors with an old-fashioned twist, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy complexity in their drinks.
Recipe: Caribbean Ember
Cucumber Basil Margarita
This refreshing variant on the classic margarita combines summer staples, basil and cucumber, with a touch of elderflower liqueur and blanco tequila, offering a deliciously herbaceous option.
Recipe: Cucumber Basil Margarita
Dirty Spritz
Enjoy the light, refreshing quality of a spritz without the alcohol with the Dirty Spritz. This mix uses tonic, olive brine, and a nonalcoholic aperitivo to create a delightful drink that captures the essence of summer.
Recipe: Dirty Spritz
Garibaldi Granita
This icy treat combines orange juice, Campari, and vodka, then is frozen for a delightful fluffy drink that straddles the line between cocktail and sorbet. Simply scrape to serve!
Recipe: Garibaldi Granita
Gin Gimlet
A classic cocktail, ideally made with gin, melds botanicals with lime juice and simple syrup for a refreshing experience. The simplicity of this drink is what’s truly captivating.
Recipe: Gin Gimlet
Yazoo Street Scandal
Combining bourbon, hibiscus syrup, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and cold black tea, this powerful cocktail is perfect for gatherings—simply multiply the recipe for larger crowds.
Recipe: Yazoo Street Scandal
Enjoy mixing up these cocktails this summer to make each warm evening a little more special. Whether lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these drinks will surely impress your guests.
Lasso Motel’s 18-Year-Old Whiskey Wins Prestigious Best American Whiskey Award
During a recent blind tasting, Lasso Motel 18-Year American Straight Whiskey was awarded the title of the best American whiskey at the 2025 Ascot Awards. This honor also included being named Best in Show Ultimate Winner, distinguishing it as the top entry recognized among all participating spirits.
Produced by Dallas-based Dynasty Spirits, Lasso Motel 18-Year whiskey has an online retail price starting at $129.99 for a 750 milliliter bottle. The whiskey is notably high-proof at 121, featuring a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, and is aged in used bourbon barrels at the Midwest Grain Products Distillery in Indiana. The flavor profile is said to begin with rich notes of new oak and transition into buttery toffee and sweet sugar-maple, finishing with hints of dried apricot.
Bourbon and spirits expert Fred Minnick, founder of the Ascot Awards, remarked that the victory exemplifies a recent trend in the whiskey industry, where the best products are no longer confined to traditional bourbon or rye. Innovative blends, including straight whiskeys and unique finishes, have been on the rise, with Lasso Motel serving as a prominent representation of this evolution.
Other notable results from the Ascot Awards included:
- Bourbon of the Year: Old Soul Bourbon Tintype #1
- Rye of the Year: Pinhook Vertical Series Rye, 9 Year
- Scotch of the Year: Ardbeg Eureka!
- Irish Whiskey of the Year: Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
- American Single Malt of the Year: The QuintEssential Special Release, Wine Club
- Agave Spirit of the Year: Santa Almagia Tobala Joven
- Rum of the Year: Rolling Fork 16 Year Trinidad Single Cask
- Gin of the Year: Farmer’s Reserve Strength Gin
- Vodka of the Year: Belvedere 10
- Brandy of the Year: Wayward Cask 25 Year Calvados Pays D’Auge
- Liqueur of the Year: Faretti Biscotti
Approximately 1,000 samples participated in this year’s competition, where they underwent blind tasting assessments based on various criteria such as appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. The top scorers moved on to a championship round, leading to live-streamed selections of the champions.
The ASCOT Awards were first established in 2021 by Minnick, who is an accomplished author with plans to release a new book next year titled Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life.
Sip and Support: Limited-Edition Vodka Sodas to Aid Alberta’s Local Wildlife
Is there anything better than enjoying a refreshing vodka soda while also supporting local animals?
For the second year running, Nude Beverages has partnered with the Alberta SPCA to bring back the Nude YeePaw Pack, which is perfect for summer sipping. This mix pack of vodka sodas not only provides delightful flavors but also contributes to the welfare of animals throughout Alberta, as a portion of the proceeds goes directly to the SPCA to help them in their mission of caring for animals across the province.
A Beverage with a Purpose
Every Nude YeePaw Pack sold contributes one dollar to the Alberta SPCA, assisting in their vital programs. The pack comprises four fresh flavors: black cherry, classic lime, raspberry lemon, and a new addition, blackberry lime. With each beverage containing 5% ABV and being sugar-free, sweetener-free, and gluten-free, Nude Beverages emphasizes their commitment to healthier drink options.
Helping Animals in Need
While enjoying these drinks under the sun, you’re also contributing to a range of animal welfare efforts, including sheltering and rescuing pets and livestock across Alberta. Nude Beverages proudly supports Canadian communities and has previously donated over $257,000 to animal rescues nationwide.
Pick up a Nude YeePaw Pack at your local Alberta liquor store and enjoy a refreshing drink that makes a positive impact on the lives of animals in your community.
Create the Perfect Martini: The Ultimate Guide to Using Single Malt Vodka
The Reid Vodka from Cardrona Distillery emerges as an exceptional choice for crafting a perfect martini. Founded by Desiree Reid, the distillery is nestled in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains, aiming to elevate the country’s spirits profile since its establishment in 2015. Driven by frustration with bland vodkas, Reid sought to create a spirit that retained character and flavor, resulting in The Reid Vodka—a single malt expression that is fragrant, delicious, and ideal for a world-class martini.
Unlike many vodkas, The Reid Vodka undergoes a production process that ensures the true essence of its ingredients shines through. This grain-to-glass approach guarantees complete control over every production stage. The vodka is free from chill or charcoal filtration to maintain its rich, botanical notes, enhanced with touches of toffee and lemon.
For those looking to enjoy The Reid Vodka, here are a few martini recipes:
The Reid Martini
- Ingredients:
- 3 oz The Reid Vodka
- 1/2 oz French Dry Vermouth
- 3 Olives
- Instructions: Combine vodka and dry vermouth in a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 olives.
Vesper Martini
- Ingredients:
- 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc (or any Blanco vermouth)
- 0.5 oz The Source Gin
- 2 oz The Reid Vodka
- Instructions: Add ice to a stirring glass, stir until cold and slightly diluted, then strain into a cold coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
French Martini
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz The Reid Vodka
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- 1 oz Raspberry Liquor or raspberry syrup
- Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a coupe glass.
The Reid Martini Highball
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz The Reid Vodka
- 0.5 oz Dry vermouth
- Soda or Tonic Water to top up
- Instructions: Build in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a lemon peel.
For anyone who values flavor and character in their cocktails, The Reid Vodka represents a remarkable option, embracing the spirit of quality.
Toronto to Host Exciting New All-Canadian Wine Festival This Summer!
A brand-new festival celebrating Canadian wines is set to make its debut in Toronto this summer, featuring an array of unlimited samples and local cuisine. While renowned wineries in countries like Italy and France often dominate the global wine scene, Canada boasts a variety of exceptional wineries that deserve recognition.
The inaugural Elbows Up Coast-to-Coast Wine Fair will take place at Fort York on July 12, 2025, dedicated to honoring the nation’s finest grape growers. The festival is inspired by a popular hockey saying from Canadian comedian Mike Myers and aims to elevate locally-produced beverages in response to international market challenges.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 25 wineries from diverse regions, including British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Notable vendors like Paradise Grapevine and other Ontario favorites such as Hidden Bench, Rosewood Estates, and Tawse will be present, along with out-of-town participants like Nova Scotia’s Lightfoot & Wolfville and BC’s Ursa Major.
In addition to the wine offerings, a delicious selection of local food vendors will also be on-site, making for a well-rounded experience. Confirmed food vendors include Leslieville’s Ricky + Olivia, known for their innovative takes on classic dishes, and Good Cheese, which will provide artisan cheese plates and generous focaccia sandwiches.
The festival is designed with two sessions: the first from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the second from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Regardless of the session chosen, attendees will enjoy unlimited samples, food access, and a special keepsake glass to commemorate the event.
Tickets are priced at $35 until June 21, after which they will increase to $50, providing an incentive for early purchases.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Fort York – 250 Fort York Blvd.
- Admission: $35 to $80
For more information, visit the official event page: Elbows Up Coast-to-Coast Wine Fair.