Dolph Lundgren, the iconic action star known for his performances in films such as Rocky and The Expendables, is venturing into the world of spirits with the launch of his vodka brand, Hard Cut. Drawing on his background in chemical engineering, which he earned before his Hollywood fame, Lundgren aims to create a standout vodka in a market saturated with other celebrity spirits, like those from The Rock and George Clooney.

In his pursuit of the perfect vodka, Lundgren and his wife, Emma, sampled numerous brands but felt compelled to develop their own when they couldn’t find a suitable option. He describes Hard Cut Vodka as "the perfect liquid for a vodka world gone soft," emphasizing that it should be enjoyed on the rocks.

The vodka is noted for its smooth, creamy texture with flavor hints of green apple, fennel, roasted potato, and butterscotch. Currently, Hard Cut Vodka is exclusively available in the United States, priced at $29.99 for a 700ml bottle. It can be purchased from Flaviar.com and will soon be available at BevMo locations in the US. Fans outside the US are hopeful that the vodka will be distributed internationally in the near future.

Dolph Lundgren is making a significant splash in the spirits industry with his new vodka brand, "Hard Cut Vodka," which launched recently in the U.S. Lundgren describes this vodka as a bold newcomer to the premium alcohol market, aiming to stand out in a space he feels has become stagnant. Sourced from Idaho potatoes and rocky mountain water, the vodka is bottled at 90 proof, offering a creamy mouthfeel and smooth finish with flavor notes of green apple, fennel, and butterscotch.

The actor has been developing this project for over five years, overseeing every detail from ingredient selection to branding and even receiving bartending training. He sought to create a vodka with character, emphasizing its high quality and versatility, whether sipped chilled or in cocktails.

Lundgren’s transition from Hollywood action star to spirits entrepreneur feels natural to him. He draws parallels between the intensity of his film career and his approach to crafting vodka, defining Hard Cut Vodka by its strength and refinement, qualities he embodies himself.

Expressing his vision, Lundgren shared that Hard Cut Vodka is not just a product but also a reflection of his life philosophy. He sees this venture as a potential legacy, hoping it inspires others to pursue boldness in their lives. The name "Hard Cut" is a nod to filmmaking terminology, symbolizing progress and determination, much like Lundgren’s career trajectory.

This vodka represents a new challenge for him, combining creativity and entrepreneurship in a way he hasn’t explored before. He aims for Hard Cut Vodka to resonate with consumers, aspiring to make it a celebrated name in the spirits category.

The Mondial du Rhum event marked its second edition from February 12-14, 2025, at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, and was themed "Humans at the Heart of the Rum Ecosystem." This year’s summit went beyond merely tasting rum, incorporating significant cultural experiences and fostering essential business connections.

The event was attended by over 300 industry professionals and connoisseurs, with buyers showing a pronounced interest, particularly in the mornings. This trend contributed to increased sales, especially in the event’s store, highlighting the appeal of exotic rum products. Patrick Loger, the organizer, emphasized the event’s growth into a vital international platform for the spirits industry.

Culturally, the summit featured various performances, including a fashion show by the haute couture house Zaady and musical interpretations from artists like Axelle Saint-Cirel. In addition, the "Théâtre des Saveurs" tasting area, arranged by Gault & Millau, allowed attendees to sample different rum products and discover new creations.

The summit received support from several institutional partners, including the General Direction of French Overseas Territories and Business France, which collaborated to highlight exhibitor expertise. Furthermore, a new initiative called "spiritourism" was launched by Atout France to promote tourism linked to the spirits industry.

Additionally, producers aligned with the summit’s theme formed a group called Ecorum, focusing on promoting agricultural rum production and enhancing its representation. The event showcased the rum industry’s social and economic significance and alluded to its promising future.

For more details, visit the official site: Mondial du Rhum.

Rum is a vital component of any home bar, beloved for both sipping neat and as a base for cocktails. Here are five exceptional rums, recognized by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), that are essential for crafting perfect rum cocktails. Each of these premium selections is available in the U.S. and ranges in price from $40 to $180 per bottle, with tasting notes provided by the 2024 IWSC judging panel.

Foursquare Rum Distillery 14 YO Equipoise Port Cask Finish Rum

• ABV: 61%
• Price: $162
• Tasting Notes: The 2024 IWSC Rum of the Year, this rum achieved an impressive 99/100 points. It offers enticing aromas of leather and olive oil, transitioning into flavors of citrus peel, cinnamon, and dark chocolate with a lingering dry, tangy finish of caramel and banana bread.

2011 Foursquare Rum Distillery ‘Vintage’ Single Blended Rum

• ABV: 60%
• Price: $125
• Tasting Notes: This blend features a bold introduction of apricots and coconut leading to tropical flavors of dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream, culminating in a rich finish resembling treacle and tobacco.

Foursquare Rum Distillery Exceptional Cask Selection ‘Covenant’ 18 Year Old Single Blend Rum

• ABV: 58%
• Price: $178
• Tasting Notes: Aromas of toffee and tropical fruit open before revealing an oily vanilla richness, expertly balanced with toffee and caramel, ending with a flavorful finish of sawdust and coffee.

These aged rums, rich in depth and complexity, are perfect for classic cocktails. Consider using them in a rum Old Fashioned or a Mai Tai to elevate the drink’s overall complexity.

Phraya Deep Matured Gold Rum

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $61
• Tasting Notes: Hailing from Thailand, Phraya is celebrated for its blend of rums aged 6 to 12 years, presenting aromas of milk chocolate and dried stone fruit. The palate reveals caramel and chocolate, finishing with baking spices and coconut.

This rum shines in cocktails like a rum-based Negroni, where its sweetness balances the bitterness of Campari.

Desert Diamond Distillery, Gold Miner 11 YO Barrel Reserve

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $41
• Tasting Notes: This craft New Mexico rum features floral aromas of roses and violets paired with decadent chocolate. The palate is balanced with coffee and caramel, leading to a lingering tropical fruit finish.

Gold Miner rum is an excellent foundation for cocktails such as a Daiquiri or a Planter’s Punch, enhancing the drink’s complexity.

These five rums are not only exceptional in flavor but also widely available, making them perfect choices for any rum enthusiast—whether enjoyed straight or as a key ingredient in cocktails. For those looking to explore further, see The Caribbean’s Gold Medal Winning Rums and The World’s Best Rum According to the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America.

Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General for Children, has raised concerns regarding the consumption of BORGs, or "Blackout Rage Gallons." This trend gained attention recently when Boston police confiscated multiple BORGs during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston.

Typically, a BORG contains a significant amount of alcohol—often vodka—mixed with water, caffeine, and electrolytes. The idea behind this concoction is to allow individuals to drink throughout the day while remaining hydrated and alert, ostensibly to prevent hangovers. However, the reality is that the alcohol content is alarmingly high. Some recipes recommend filling half a gallon jug with vodka, equating to around 30 to 40 shots of alcohol.

Dr. Hadland emphasized that even if consumed over a long period, this amount leads to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can result in mental status changes, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Historically, there have been incidents—in 2021, about two dozen students at UMass were hospitalized after drinking BORGs all day.

Currently, this trend primarily involves college students, who may find the audacious idea of carrying a bright gallon jug appealing. Although most teenagers do not consume alcohol, those who do often try to conceal it, making BORGs less common among high school students. However, trends from college often trickle down to younger age groups, prompting concern regarding the potential spread of this hazardous practice.

For more information about responsible drinking, visit Mass General for Children.

A man playing with his dog on the beach in Margate, New Jersey, made a surprising discovery last month—eleven unopened whiskey bottles believed to be from the Prohibition era. The bottles, found near the Margate Pier by Austin Contegiacomo, piqued his interest when his sheepadoodle, Koda, unearthed a bottle from the sand.

Contegiacomo soon realized that the items were some form of liquor, with each bottle etched with the name "Lincoln Inn" and an image of a man on horseback. Looking for insights about their origins, he shared images of the bottles on the Whiskey and Bottle Digging subreddits. Enthusiastic commenters helped him trace the history of the Lincoln Inn brand, revealing it was produced in Montreal and packaged in bottles from Dominion Glass, one of Canada’s largest glass manufacturers.

The presence of these bottles amidst other beach debris suggested they may have been recently washed ashore, likely due to dredging activities offshore. The unique diamond mark on the bases of the bottles indicates they were produced after 1928, a time when illegal liquor smuggling was rampant along the New Jersey coast during Prohibition. With Margate’s proximity to Atlantic City—a notorious hub for smuggled liquor—the circumstances raised questions about whether the bottles were left behind by smugglers.

As unopened whiskey retains its quality indefinitely when stored properly, Contegiacomo decided to keep one bottle for himself, displaying it prominently in his kitchen. He shared the ten remaining bottles with friends, who, like him, understand the historical significance of the find. According to him, the allure lies in the bottles’ mystery and the story of their journey rather than consuming them.

"I think right now, nobody is willing to open it," he remarked, appreciating the history behind his remarkable discovery. Koda, his canine companion, received special treats for the exciting find, adding to their beach adventures.