Mason Walker and Clay Risen, authors of the book Bourbon Lore, delve into the world of legendary whiskey, sharing their top picks. Walker, who boasts a remarkable collection of vintage spirits, and Risen, an esteemed whiskey author, came together to create a comprehensive celebration of American whiskey culture through 100 notable expressions. Their collaboration extends beyond the book; they also host high-end tasting experiences across the U.S.

When asked about their all-time favorite whiskeys, Walker and Risen agreed almost immediately on Rathskeller Rye. Risen describes it as a personal favorite due to its legendary status and its profound impact on his whiskey journey. Originally distilled in 1983 at the Old Bernheim distillery and released 24 years later, Rathskeller Rye is exceedingly rare, with only 211 bottles available, most of which were allocated to Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel. Those who have tasted it praise its exquisite balance of spice and sweetness, with complex notes of maple syrup, port wine, cinnamon, and clove. This rarity is evidenced by a recent Sotheby’s auction, where a single bottle fetched an astounding $37,500.

While Risen cites Rathskeller Rye as his standout choice, Walker, who owns a bottle himself, considers it alongside another exceptional whiskey, Michter’s 25 Year Rye from 2011. He emphasizes that both represent significant chapters in the narrative of American whiskey.

Understanding the challenge of accessing such exclusive whiskeys, Bourbon Lore introduces a rarity classification system: Foundational (everyday options), Rare, and Legendary. For enthusiasts seeking something less elusive yet still delightful, Walker recommends exploring the Russell’s Reserve line, known for its accessible quality. He suggests purchasing a combo pack featuring five variations, a more economical choice compared to the elusive Rathskeller Rye.

In the realm of whiskey lore, Walker and Risen’s insights not only celebrate the rich history of American spirits but also make it clear that exceptional whiskey experiences come in a range of options, from the rare to the readily available.

In college, a popular choice for a fun night out was mixing cheap vodka with Red Bull—often resulting in a drink that tasted more like gasoline than anything else. Despite the overwhelming taste and worries about our health, we powered through, eager to enjoy the buzz that followed. We frequently heard rumors about filtering cheap vodka through a water filter, but we never tried it—mostly because we didn’t own one and were simply too impatient with our drinks.

Interestingly, this myth has lingered over the years. Some assert that running low-quality vodka through a water filter can enhance its taste, prompting tastings and experiments among curious drinkers.

Research indicates that this practice does indeed yield some results. While you won’t transform a handle of Kamchatka vodka into high-end brands like Ketel One, taste tests have shown a slight improvement in flavor when filtering cheaper vodkas through devices such as Brita filters. The science behind this is straightforward: premium vodkas undergo rigorous distillation and are filtered through activated carbon, which helps to remove impurities, making them smoother.

Once cheap vodka is filtered, some unpleasant tastes may diminish, leading to a better drinking experience. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the brand of vodka, the quality of the filter, and the palate of the testers involved.

In conclusion, while this hack can soften the blow of cheap vodka, it won’t completely replicate the experience of drinking a premium spirit. For those hoping to avoid a nasty hangover, unfortunately, this method doesn’t offer a solution. The search for that elusive hangover remedy continues.

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The Caribbean Rum Awards have announced the outstanding rums of 2024, with a Martinique rum taking the top prize. The winner, Trois Rivières Triple Millésime 2006-2014-2016, is a unique blend of three different vintages, aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks, and has been awarded the title of World Champion.

This recognition came at the seventh annual Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth, where more than 60 rums from various categories were meticulously tasted by a panel of esteemed rum experts. Alexander Britell, founder of the awards, praised the Trois Rivières rum as an exceptional representation of Caribbean craftsmanship.

The production process involves selecting the finest rums from 2006, 2014, and 2016. The 2016 vintage contributes freshness, while the 2014 vintage brings aromatic complexity, complemented by the award-winning 2006 vintage.

In the World Championship category, which features ultra-premium rums, J Bally Grande Cuvée du Siècle 100 Ans received the Gold award, followed by Rhum JM Canopée with Silver, and Plantation Legacy 120 with Bronze.

Awards were also given across other categories. For Premium Molasses Rum, Ron Eminente and Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength were honored with Double Gold and Gold, respectively. In the VSOP category, Trois Rivières VSOP earned Double Gold with Rhum JM VSOP and Rhum Bielle 4 ans following.

In the Hors d’age category, Rhum Bielle 2013 took home the Double Gold, while Reimonenq 7 Ans, a 7-year-old rum from Guadalupe, was recognized in the XO category with a Double Gold award. For Rhum Agricole Blanc from Guadalupe and Martinique, Marie Louise and Rhum Saint James TOMBOLO won Double Gold.

The judging panel for this year included top figures from the rum and culinary world, further enhancing the prestige of the awards. The event, part of a week-long rum festival in St. Barths, featured various activities such as rum tastings, dinner pairings, and master classes.

For more information about the awards and to explore more about this year’s winners, visit the Caribbean Rum Awards.