The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has revealed the results of its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition (WSTC), highlighting exceptional rums. The standout winner, Botran 8 Reserva Clásica Rum, not only claimed the title of Best in Show Overall Rum but also earned a place at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which further emphasizes its outstanding quality.

Finalists

Botran 8 Riserva Classica Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $24
Produced in the highlands of Guatemala since 1939, Botran 8 is aged for eight years using the Solera method, blending rums of different ages and maturing them in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. This process crafts a rum rich in caramel, dark fruits, and soft spices, offering a smooth palate experience with lasting notes of chocolate, molasses, and oak.

Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum, 44% ABV, 750 ml – $60
This Jamaican rum, crafted by Funk Harbor Distilling, embodies a modern take on traditional recipes and emphasizes high-quality, small-batch production. Its complex aroma features caramel, vanilla, and spices, leading to a balanced palate of brown sugar, butterscotch, and a hint of smoke. The finish enhances its richness, leaving a notable caramelized sweetness.

Red Eye Louie’s Immoral Spiced Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $20
Recognized as the Best in Show Flavored Rum, this spirited offering combines aged rum with natural spices for a bold flavor profile. Its aromatic bouquet includes cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of dried fruits. The palate showcases layered spices balanced with sweetness, culminating in a smooth, spicy finish.

The WSWA’s competition combines the expertise of a panel of judges, including sommeliers and industry professionals, ensuring the recognition of high-quality products. The three rums celebrated this year not only differ in style—from the complex aging of Botran to the bold spices in Red Eye Louie’s—but also embody the diverse qualities the rum category can offer, making them excellent choices for both sipping and cocktail mixing.

Kernville is set to host its 67th Annual Whiskey Flat Days, taking place from tonight until February 17. This festival promises to transport attendees back to the 1800s, offering a delightful family-friendly experience.

Visitors can browse through various stalls featuring cowboy hats, handmade items, and even participate in a gun show. The event also includes a range of contests such as best costume, fiddle playing, and mustache competitions for those looking to showcase their skills.

For more details, you can check out the Whiskey Flat Days website.

India has significantly reduced the import duty on America’s renowned bourbon whiskey from an astonishing 150% to 50%. This major tariff cut, which represents a decrease of 66.6%, was announced by the Department of Revenue on February 13, 2025, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s crucial discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding trade matters.

In the lead-up to these high-stakes meetings, India has taken steps to foster trade relations with the U.S. by announcing substantial tariff reductions on several American goods. The new customs duty specifically applies to bourbon whiskey, while other imported alcoholic drinks will maintain a 100% duty. Additionally, a 50% agricultural cess has been imposed over the 50% import duty.

Bourbon whiskey holds a significant market share in India, accounting for 25% of all liquor imports. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India imported bourbon worth USD 2.5 million, predominantly from the United States, which contributed USD 0.75 million.

During their meeting, Trump’s comment highlighted Modi’s effectiveness as a negotiator, emphasizing the bilateral desire to strengthen trade ties. They collectively pledged to more than double the two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 and expressed intentions to establish a bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing duties and enhancing market access in both countries.

What is Bourbon Whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey characterized by its sweet flavor, made primarily from corn (at least 51%). Typically aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon is legally defined and recognized as a distinctive product of the United States since 1964. The predominant distilling regions in the U.S. include Kentucky and Tennessee. Popular bourbon brands available in India consist of Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Gentleman Jack, and Old Forester.

For further details, visit the official announcement here.

Three American rye whiskeys were recognized at the 2025 World Whisky Awards, a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in the whiskey industry. The winners were announced during a ceremony in Bardstown, Kentucky. Here’s a closer look at these top rye whiskeys, along with their tasting notes.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye

• ABV: 61.6%
• Price: $99

Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey took the title of World’s Best American Rye Whiskey. Produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries in Bardstown, this whiskey showcases its commitment to quality with a mash bill of 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley. Distilled in a pot still and aged in #3 charred oak barrels, it is bottled at 50% ABV/100 proof.

Tasting Notes: The aroma is robust with spicy rye bread, pepper, and cinnamon, layered with sweet caramel and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and spiced with black pepper and clove, balanced by caramel, toffee, and a slight hint of dark chocolate. The finish is long, sweet, and warming, leaving a lingering spice and oak flavor.

Highline Triple Rye

• ABV: 48.5%
• Price: $79.99

Highline Triple Rye was awarded Best 12 Years and Under Rye Whiskey. This unique blend incorporates three types of rye grains, giving it a complex flavor profile. Produced by Highland Distillers, the Triple Rye consists of a mash bill made up of 53% rye and 37% corn, aged in #3 charred oak barrels and sourced from 5 YO, 5.5 YO, and 10 YO whiskeys.

Tasting Notes: The nose reveals strong spices such as clove and black pepper, along with butterscotch and caramel undertones. It has a smooth, full-bodied palate blending spicy rye flavors and balanced sweetness, with a long, spicy finish featuring lingering oak and hints of sweet vanilla and toffee.

Sazerac 18 YO Rye

• ABV: 45%
• Price: $99

The Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye was noted as the Best 13-20 Years Rye Whiskey. Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, it holds a reputation for rarity and complexity. Although the exact mash bill is not disclosed, it is believed to consist of 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley.

Tasting Notes: The aroma is rich, exhibiting spicy rye, black pepper, and clove alongside notes of butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla. On the palate, it presents smooth flavors of dark chocolate and baking spices, enhanced by a pronounced oak influence. The finish is long, nuanced, and leaves a smooth, refined aftertaste of spicy oak and sweet caramel.

Each of these rye whiskeys offers distinct expressions of classic rye flavors, making them noteworthy for distillery recognition and whiskey enthusiasts alike. The World Whisky Awards celebrates the high standards of craftsmanship in the whiskey industry, providing benchmarks for quality across various styles.

For more details on whiskey achievements, see also:

• The World’s Best Bourbon
• The World’s Best Tennessee Whiskey
• The World’s Best Small Batch and Single Barrel Bourbon

A recent social media post suggests that adding vodka to shampoo can strengthen hair, prevent dry scalp, and combat dandruff. However, a fact-check reveals that this claim is unfounded.

Claim Analysis

1. Can vodka in shampoo really strengthen your hair?

   • No. Hair is composed of keratin, a protein that cannot be externally strengthened by alcohol. While some claim vodka’s acidic properties can help "close" hair cuticles, there is no scientific evidence supporting this. In fact, alcohol can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to brittleness and breakage.

2. Does vodka prevent a dry scalp?

   • No. Vodka can actually worsen a dry scalp as it is a drying agent, which can strip away moisture, making a dry scalp feel even more dehydrated. This is particularly detrimental for those with sensitive or dry skin.

3. Can vodka stop dandruff?

   • No. Dandruff can stem from various factors, such as an overgrowth of fungi, excessive oil production, or skin conditions, none of which vodka addresses. The drying effect of alcohol can exacerbate dandruff issues rather than alleviate them.

Alternatives and Expert Advice

For maintaining scalp health and addressing dandruff, proven alternatives include:

• Medicated Shampoos: Formulas containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid effectively manage dandruff.
• Natural Oils: Coconut oil and aloe vera can moisturize the scalp and reduce flakiness.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antifungal properties, it may help control dandruff when mixed with carrier oils.
• Balanced Diet: Consuming omega-3 rich foods, probiotics, and vitamins supports scalp and hair health.
• Regular Washing: Keeping the scalp clean helps prevent oil build-up that can worsen dandruff.

If treatments fail, consulting a dermatologist is advisable.

Conclusion

The assertion that vodka can strengthen hair or remedy scalp issues is false. In fact, the misuse of vodka can lead to adverse effects, including dryness and irritation. It’s best to rely on scientifically-backed hair care products for optimal results.

Legacy Motor Club co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty, is teaming up with Sugarlands Distilling Company to launch a limited edition whiskey. This release comes just in time for the 2025 NASCAR season and will be available exclusively in Florida and at Sugarlands’ Gatlinburg distillery.

The whiskey honors Petty’s illustrious NASCAR career, where he amassed an impressive 200 Cup Series victories. The limited edition bottle is part of the Roaming Man collection, featuring a smooth 100 proof Tennessee straight rye whiskey. By adding Petty’s iconic signature and his famous No. 43 to the bottle design, it marks a spectacular tribute to his legacy.

Petty expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s an honor to be featured by Sugarlands and their esteemed Roaming Man collection. The release at Daytona is a perfect fit.” He looks forward to sharing this moment with fans and hinted at future collaborations with Sugarlands.

Sugarlands Distilling is eager to work with Petty, emphasizing the aim to create a memorable product for NASCAR fans. Past collaborations with the distillery include a partnership with Dale Earnhardt Jr. They aim to continue producing outstanding products that resonate with the NASCAR community.

For more information on Richard Petty’s whiskey collaboration, you can read more at Forbes.

Calumet Farm has recently captured attention by winning the coveted title of "Best of Show Whiskey" at the 2025 WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) convention held in Denver. This annual gathering, attended by over 3,000 participants, also serves as a platform for the premier distributors in the wine and spirit industry to evaluate and vote on outstanding products in the market.

This year’s top honor went to the Centennial 18 Year Old Decanter 118° Small Batch Bourbon, which has not yet been released to the public. Known for its non-chill filtered, 118-proof character, this bourbon is crafted from a mashbill consisting of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley. Although Calumet Farm does not disclose the source of its whiskey, industry speculation suggests it may originate from Barton 1792 Distillery.

The descriptors for this bourbon are impressive. On the nose, it offers aromas of peppered stone fruit, while the palate showcases familiar bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, elevated to their fullest due to its robust proof. The finish is a delightful mix of crème brûlée and candied apple.

Calumet Farm, a brand that was launched in 2013, has made significant strides in the bourbon realm, especially as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of their Lexington, Kentucky, farm. The Centennial 18-Year-Old is wrapped in an elegant trophy decanter and is set to retail for $499. Its official release date is still pending, but interested buyers can sign up for notifications on Calumet’s website.

For those looking to sample this exceptional bourbon soon, more information can be found on the Calumet Farm website.