At the end of 2024, the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica, launched an exclusive rum to celebrate its 50th anniversary in partnership with Worthy Park Estate. This new offering, known as Rockhouse Rum, is a single estate, 18-year-old double-aged rum produced from just 187 bottles created from a single barrel aged in ex-bourbon American oak and XO Cognac barrels.

Bar manager Gossett Brown emphasized the importance of aligning with a local Jamaican brand, highlighting that Worthy Park Estate is known for its authentic Jamaican product, a philosophy shared by the Rockhouse Hotel. Rockhouse Rum embodies the heritage of the island, with complex aromas of tropical fruits, banana bread, and baking spices, complemented by flavors of stone fruit, brown sugar, and a hint of smokiness from the cognac barrel.

Distilled in 2006, the rum was chosen after an early morning tasting session where the team quickly recognized its quality. Brown explained that the rum’s rich aging process and unique flavor profile made it an obvious choice for their anniversary celebration. Guests can taste Rockhouse Rum at the hotel’s Pushcart bar, where it is offered as a one-ounce sample for $12 or a two-ounce pour for $20.

Brown shared that the partnership with Worthy Park stems from their long-standing relationship, with the distillery being featured prominently on the hotel’s cocktail list. Worthy Park’s commitment to using its own sugarcane aligns with Rockhouse’s values of sustainable farming and offering guests a distinctive experience tied to their environment.

Over the years, the bar offerings at Rockhouse Hotel have evolved significantly, moving towards a more mixology-focused approach. This includes incorporating local ingredients and crafting signature cocktails that reflect Jamaican culture, including a complimentary Rum 101 class hosted weekly for guests interested in learning about rum.

By introducing Rockhouse Rum, the hotel not only provides an exclusive product but also gives guests a physical connection to their experiences in Jamaica, allowing them to take a piece of their visit home with them.

CONCORD, N.H. — After nearly three years, New Hampshire has lifted its ban on Russian-made vodka, originally imposed by Governor Christopher T. Sununu in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This significant policy change came right before Sununu exited office, as he rescinded 145 executive orders on December 20, 2024, paving the way for his successor, Kelly A. Ayotte.

In an interview with The Boston Globe, Sununu explained his initial decision to remove Russian-made products from the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet shelves was aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing conflict. He noted, “The point was made. … We got a national story out of it,” affirming that the ban succeeded in drawing attention to the war’s significance.

Initially, the ban included notable brands like Stolichnaya vodka, which rebranded as Stoli, and later returned to the shelves after demonstrating a shift away from Russian ownership. Other brands affected by the ban included Hammer & Sickle, Russian Standard, and Kutskova, which are currently not available in the state’s liquor outlets.

With Sununu’s departure, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is reassessing its remaining stock of Russian products and will determine how to proceed. Sununu, comparing his role to that of a CEO, considered it unnecessary to leave the ban in place for his successor to navigate, stating, “We got the ball rolling in the right way, and we’ll let the folks that are running that business make that decision going forward.”

The repeal of the Russian vodka ban aligns with Sununu’s broader strategy of rescinding various executive orders, some of which have raised questions regarding Ayotte’s stance on issues like diversity and police accountability.

Absolut Vodka is expanding its lineup by introducing new ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve cocktails, enhancing their reputation for offering quality vodka selections. The brand is rolling out flavors that cater to the growing demand for convenience and quality in home cocktail experiences.

Among the exciting additions is the Espresso Martini, crafted with authentic espresso and Kahlúa, which is already recognized as a leading brand in coffee liqueurs. Alongside it, the Classic Cosmopolitan is making its debut as well, a cocktail that has become a staple since the 1980s, when Absolut first entered the cultural zeitgeist.

Absolut’s new canned cocktails include collaboration with Ocean Spray, featuring Vodka Cran•Peach and Vodka Cran•Mango, pairing perfectly with the flagship vodka from Sweden. This move aligns with their mission to make hosting easier while ensuring that social gatherings feel festive and fun.

Reshma Dhati, the Senior Brand Director of Marketing at Absolut, expressed excitement about these new offerings, which are positioned as high-quality alternatives for consumers looking to enjoy cocktails without the hassle of traditional preparation. These ready-to-drink cocktails are aimed at providing a convenient solution that allows people to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.

The new products are set to retail at approximately $16.99 for a 750ml bottle of the ready-to-serve options, while the canned cocktails will be available at around $22.99 for a twelve-pack. These products can be found at select retail locations nationwide.

For those interested in elevating their cocktail game, Absolut’s latest offerings could be a fantastic addition to any gathering.

Jennifer Lucy Allan returns with her latest trip to the world of Rum Music as she navigates through January’s releases while keeping the winter blues at bay. Despite the pressures of financial responsibilities, she reflects on her music choices and experiences, diving into poignant albums that energized her month.

Among her finds is Tori Kudo’s Studio Village Hototoguiss 2007-2022, a collection showcasing Kudo’s sentimental songs, which Allan found particularly captivating. The album’s final track, a charming cover of Beethoven’s seventh movement, epitomizes its warmth.

Next, she praises Liam Grant’s Prodigal Son, which features raw blues sounds and fluid guitar work, demonstrating the young artist’s prowess and love for the DIY culture found in authentic American roots music. Grant’s expressive tracks vary from gentle lyricism to lively, old-time rock.

Nina Garcia’s Bye Bye Bird is highlighted for its experimental approach, merging her guitar work with innovative techniques. The anticipation around this debut record under her own name bodes well as it receives positive attention from notable figures in the industry.

Oksana Linde’s album Travesías appeals to Allan’s nostalgia for the early synthesizer sounds and private press obscurities. She praises its ability to build imaginative soundscapes reminiscent of science fiction, while Judith Hamann’s Aune presents subtle, intricate layers, drawing connections between sound and sensory experiences.

Amidst these recommendations, Allan points listeners to Terry Reed’s On Way To Alpha, a mini LP offering a mix of potent tunes highlighted by powerful vocals, evoking a sense of discovering hidden musical treasures.

Allan concludes with a mention of Ignatz & Marcia Bassett’s collaboration, Dream Of Autumn Electrified Blues I & II, a welcomed revival of past underground sounds.

For a deep dive into January’s music scene and recommendations from the Rum genre, visit Rum Music.

Hot buttered rum is a timeless winter cocktail that combines rum, butter, and spices into a warming drink with deep historical roots. Its origins date back to the 17th century when rum was pivotal to Colonial America’s burgeoning trade. As rum distillation flourished, hot buttered rum emerged as a favored drink among settlers who enjoyed experimenting with warm beverages, particularly in the cold months. This rich concoction quickly became popular at home gatherings and taverns, offering both warmth and indulgence.

While variations existed as far back as the 1500s, the specific blend of rum, butter, and spices that defines hot buttered rum became established in the 1600s. With rum becoming a mainstay of daily life and a component in various popular drinks like toddies, it was only natural for colonial settlers to mix their beloved spirit with butter and spices. This innovative approach added comfort and a way to unwind, ensuring hot buttered rum’s place in the cultural canon of drinks that symbolize colonial hospitality.

Today, modern takes on hot buttered rum are turning heads with unique twists. Bars and restaurants now offer variations that appeal to contemporary tastes, such as adding caramel for sweetness, a splash of citrus for brightness, or even swapping rum for bourbon. Some establishments have even introduced non-alcoholic versions, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavor without the alcohol kick.

Despite the evolution of this cocktail, traditional hot buttered rum retains its status as a comforting classic, providing warmth and a taste of history during the winter months. For enthusiasts looking to explore this delightful drink further, experimenting with its various interpretations can lead to interesting flavors while honoring its storied past.

How does an afternoon of tasting up to 100 whiskeys sound? I’ll borrow from the alleged words of Mark Twain: "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough."

If that sounds appealing, check out the Jersey City Whiskey Fest, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Harborside Atrium in Jersey City. For $70, your ticket grants you admission (or $15 for designated drivers), a souvenir tasting glass, and as many .5-ounce samples as you can responsibly drink.

Alongside a variety of whiskeys — including bourbon, single-malt, Canadian, and rye — attendees will also find other spirits like tequila and vodka. Participants can engage with master distillers and whiskey experts to enhance their tasting experience.

In addition to spirits, the festival will feature local craft beers, food for purchase, live music, and various vendors.

To reserve your tickets, visit newyorkcitywhiskeyfest.com. The event is strictly for those aged 21 and older, and pets, as well as outside food or drinks, are not permitted.

Jason Armstrong, a former bartender and wine importer, founded his whiskey brand, Den of Thieves, after an inspiring conversation during a bourbon trail trip in 2017. A friend, aware of his passion for whiskey, encouraged him to pursue this dream. However, it was only after he had named the brand that he discovered a surprising connection to his family’s history of bootlegging.

The name "Den of Thieves" reflects Armstrong’s upbringing in Brooklyn during the 80s and 90s, a time marked by a significant drug problem. He described how local drug dealers looked out for him as a kid, ensuring that he stayed in school. This experience led him to believe that there existed an unwritten honor code even among thieves. Additionally, being an avid comic book fan, the name nods to a character named Xander from the thieves’ guild in New Orleans, symbolizing Armstrong’s vision of whiskey being associated with clandestine, traditional bars.

As he began his journey with Den of Thieves, he unexpectedly learned that his maternal grandfather, Bernie Powell, had been a bootlegger in Georgia. Armstrong, who had never met him as he died before Armstrong was born, now feels a connection between his whiskey brand and the legacy of his grandfather’s “den of thieves.” Currently, Den of Thieves is available in several states, including New York and New Jersey, with plans for expansion later this year.

The whiskey’s initial debut occurred in 2018, but Armstrong decided to withdraw it from the market as he was not satisfied with the flavors. After revamping the product, he successfully relaunched it in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The pandemic unexpectedly benefited his brand, allowing him to secure shelf space and gain traction amid surging liquor sales, which saw a 20% increase from March to September 2020.

Den of Thieves now offers a range of four whiskeys: a five-year-old bourbon, an eight-year-old bourbon, a ginger vanilla bourbon, and a chocolate bourbon. Armstrong’s first creation was the ginger vanilla bourbon, specifically designed to pair well with cigars, something he personally enjoys.

Throughout this journey, Armstrong has ensured that there’s something for everyone in his whiskey line, stating that no one trying his products would leave without finding something to their liking. He also advocates pairing his whiskey with one of his own cigar creations, Tristan Lee Cigars, named in memory of his nephew and sister who passed away.

For additional information about Den of Thieves, visit Den of Thieves Whiskey.