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Dispelling Whiskey Myths: Unveiling the False Facts You Believed to be True

Cherished for its complexity and depth, whiskey holds a special place in the hearts of both casual sippers and seasoned experts. Whether it’s an Irish whiskey, an American bourbon or rye, or even a distinguished Scotch or Japanese whisky — the spelling largely depends on the spirit’s place of origin — each variety boasts its own unique story and flavor profile. The spirit’s versatility also shines in the many ways that it can be savored. Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base of classic and modern cocktails, appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.

The distillation process, which is central to the production of whiskey, was first developed in the region of modern-day Iraq and Syria some 4,000 years ago. However, it took approximately 3,000 years for distillation to make its way to Scotland and Ireland, where whiskey production as we know it began to take shape. The history of American whiskey began in the late 18th century when Scottish and Irish immigrants brought their distilling methods to the growing nation. They began brewing the spirit with rye and later corn, leading to the creation of distinctive American whiskey styles, such as bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.

Today, whiskey is celebrated as one of the most popular spirits in the world. However, despite this, the amber liquor remains veiled in misconceptions. Ready to separate the real from the imaginary? Keep reading!

Read more: Popular Vodka Brands Ranked From Worst To Best

The belief that older whiskies surpass their younger versions primarily springs from the perceived scarcity and consequent value of older bottles. It can’t be denied that aging whiskey in oak barrels injects it with a variety of flavors from the wood, including pepper, vanilla, and caramel. However, age in isolation does not dictate whiskey quality. Rather, this largely hinges on personal taste.

Furthermore, there exists a stage in the aging process where whiskey is most likely to strike its perfect complexity. Thus, any additional aging could result in an excessively wooden taste. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all aging period for whiskey, it depends on several factors. These include the whiskey variety, the barrels used for aging, and the location of their storage.

In general terms, the ideal aging period for bourbon ranges from five to 12 years. For Scotch, it more typically spans between 12 and 25 years. After this point, the whiskies run the risk of turning bitter and overly oaky. Despite this, some whiskey connoisseurs remain unfazed by older bottles. This is evidenced by one 60-year-old single bottle of Macallan Adami 1926 commanding a whopping $2.7 million at a 2023 auction.

During its maturation in wooden barrels, whiskey undergoes a transformation that can intensify its color, flavor, and aroma. This progression leads some to infer that the older the whiskey, the darker its shade, as it has had an extended period to absorb the traits of the wood. While it’s accurate that whiskey generally darkens with time due to its extended interaction with wooden casks during aging, this isn’t a failsafe way to determine its age.

Whiskies aged equivalently can exhibit extensive color variations. Factors such as the type of cask, conditions of warehouse storage, and the composition of the original mash bill all contribute to the color of the whiskey. American white oak likely imparts a red hue to the spirit, while European oak tends to give a yellowish tint. Whiskies aged in new oak casks often display a darker shade than those matured in used barrels. Some distilleries even add caramel coloring to maintain visual consistency between batches.

Many believe that the cost of whiskey mirrors its quality. While there might be some truth to this, it is not always so. Factors like the aging process, scarcity, and branding all add to the price of whiskey, not just its quality. Pricier whiskies often undergo longer aging which augments their flavor profile. This extended storage and increased loss due to evaporation, the famous ‘angel’s share’, boosts the price tag. Also, a whiskey may just be more expensive if it originates from a prestigious distillery with a rich history.

Beyond personal preference, the advent of craft distilleries has notably broadened the spectrum of affordable whiskies. The American Distilling Institute announced that there were 2,283 craft distillers in the U.S. in 2022, a tremendous increase from just 75 in 2006. Exploration of new grains, novel distilling methods, and unique aging processes by these smaller distillers have opened avenues for quality whiskies challenging the norms of premium brands without the high prices.

Oftentimes, casual drinkers, who may not delve into the intricate flavors and fragrances of whiskey, claim all whiskies taste alike. This is expected as the variety of whiskies and the nuances within each type are relatively complex, requiring some level of expertise to fully comprehend. However, these subtle differences translate into large taste dissimilarities among different whiskies.

There’s a wide array of factors that can influence the flavor profile of whiskey. Firstly, the type of grain used to produce whiskey can impart it with a distinct flavor. For instance, Scotch gets its characteristic taste from malted barley, while the U.S. government says that a bourbon’s mashbill must contain 51% corn to maintain its distinctive character. Various quantities of other grains like rye, wheat, and oats are also utilized in the production of whiskey.

Secondly, the source of water, a key element of whiskey production, can affect the final flavor of the sip due to its mineral content. Additionally, the distillation process, including the length of time the spirit spends aging and the environment it’s in during that process, is also crucial to determining the flavor nuances of the final product.

Crafted exclusively from malted barley and aged in barrels for a minimum of three years, single malt whiskey originates from one distillery. As such, it offers a distinct flavor that reflects its specific point of origin and production techniques. That said, even single malt whiskey usually contains a blend of various malted barley whiskey batches from the same distillery. In contrast, blended whiskey combines different types of whiskey from multiple distilleries, often using a mixture of grains such as corn, rye, and wheat.

While purists swear that single malt whiskey is superior to its blended counterpart, the reality isn’t quite so simple. The truth is that blended whiskey is often more balanced than single malt whiskey because distillers who undertake the blending process aim to create a whiskey that appeals to a wider range of palates. As a result, blended whiskey is usually smooth enough to drink on the rocks or even neat. Being more affordable than single malts, it’s also ideal for mixing into cocktails.

Some aficionados assert that relishing whiskey in its neat form is the sole method to truly value its distinctive traits. For those not in the know, consuming a spirit neat signifies it is savored in its pure form, with no additions like water, ice or mixers. Neat servings are typically presented at room temperature, enabling the imbiber to fully appreciate the drink’s complete flavor, texture, and scent.

Even though appreciating whiskey neat provides a chance to experience the spirit’s unaltered taste and delicate nuances, this is by no means the exclusive way to partake in this barrel-matured spirit. For instance, various experts assert that incorporating a bit of water into whiskey can amplify its flavors and make it more palatable for rookies or those who aren’t fans of strong alcohol tastes. Whiskey on the rocks proposes another, potentially more refreshing, approach, as the drink is served with ice which is an ideal method for those who appreciate the evolving flavors that result from the gradual watering down of the spirit as the ice melts.

Whiskey can also enrich classic cocktail recipes, for instance, the mint julep and the Manhattan, since incorporating the spirit with other ingredients can boost the overall taste and aroma of the drink.

Certain individuals hold the belief that whiskey is non-perishable due to its comparably high alcohol content. To be precise, whiskey contains a minimum alcohol volume of 40% ABV, which has the ability to preserve, obstructing the proliferation of spoilage-inducing bacteria. Whilst it’s accurate to say unopened whiskey bottles of high quality can technically endure for multiple decades, many factors can influence the spirit’s shelf life.

Unopened whiskey’s lifespan depends on several determinants, including the type of whiskey in store. A sealed bourbon bottle will likely outlast an unopened Scotch bottle due to its higher alcohol content. The storage conditions play a crucial role in whiskey preservation. The optimal condition is a cool, dark place away from sun rays. Despite the whiskey quality and the storage conditions, it’s critical to note that unopened whiskey will eventually degrade over time.

Opening a whiskey bottle exposes the whiskey to oxygen, triggering an immediate taste profile alteration. However, this alteration rate may differ depending on elements like the whiskey type and the storage conditions. In order to extend your opened whiskey bottle’s lifespan, you should limit its oxygen exposure by sealing the bottle tightly after each pour and storing it in a cool, dark place. Since whiskey oxidizes faster with less volume in the bottle, it’s advisable to transfer it into a smaller flask once more than half of the bottle is consumed.

Kentucky is almost identical to bourbon. There is even a popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail that gives whiskey aficionados an opportunity to taste pours from some of the state’s most famous distilleries. Kentucky has been a bourbon producer since the late 18th century when settlers in the region began distilling corn-based whiskey. Over the years, the state has maintained its top ranking as a bourbon producer for several reasons, including its limestone-rich water and the plentiful availability of corn, a vital ingredient in bourbon mash bills. However, bourbon production is not exclusive to Kentucky.

Although bourbon production is legally allowed all across the United States, the liquor must meet several specific standards to deserve its label. The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau defines bourbon as “Whisky produced in the U.S. at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent corn and stored at not more than 62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers.” Even though bourbon production can take place outside Kentucky, the state’s deep-rooted bourbon history and culture have led to a common misconception that bourbon can’t be produced elsewhere.

Don’t be surprised if you leave your whiskey in the freezer and notice, after some time, that not a single ice crystal has formed. This is perfectly normal. However, this does not mean whiskey won’t freeze. It simply means that the conditions in your freezer are not right for it.

The freezing point of whiskey is lower than water. Water may freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but whiskey needs much colder temperatures, about -17 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind though, the temperature required to freeze depends on the whiskey’s alcohol concentration. Your average home freezer is just not cold enough, maintaining a temperature of about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you will notice a slushy appearance when water is added to the whiskey due to a drop in freezing point.

While a subzero dram can be enjoyable, it’s commonly recommended to consume whiskey ‘on the rocks’ rather than having it on standby in your freezer. When whiskey is cooled in a freezer, it could lose some of its flavors and aromas. Further, whiskey might become too thick when it’s frozen, affecting its viscosity. For one to fully savor the subtleties of a good whiskey, it’s generally best to store it at room temperature or slightly colder, and not expose the bottle to freezing temperatures.

Cooking with wine or beer is not a strange concept, but cooking with whiskey often gets overlooked. The reason is not very clear, but it could be due to the spirit’s robust and distinctive flavor. Too much whiskey in a dish could be overwhelming. However, used sparingly, it could add a unique touch to your culinary masterpieces. Plus, you won’t need an expensive bottle of whiskey to create this unique taste in your food.

From savory sauces to sweet desserts, a drizzle of whiskey can introduce a rich depth of flavor to dishes. The versatile spirit shines in a huge range of gastronomic applications. For instance, a delicate drizzle of whiskey over a steak just prior to grilling not only helps to potentially tenderize the meat but also infuses it with a unique smoky character. Moreover, whiskey can help build a more complex flavor profile in desserts like puddings and pie fillings, elevating them to new levels of indulgence. Finally, classic desserts like ice cream and chocolate can also benefit from a splash of the amber spirit.

It’s normal for whiskey to be diluted with water during the production process. While whiskey in the U.S. is never watered down below 80 proof, it’s often much stronger than this. Cask-strength whiskey, also sometimes referred to as barrel-strength whiskey and high-proof whiskey, is a type of whiskey that’s bottled directly from the barrel without dilution. This means that the whiskey retains the exact alcoholic strength it had when it was in the barrel, which frequently ranges from 100 to 140 proof, or even higher in some cases. Whiskey that exceeds this is colloquially referred to as “hazmat” and can’t be taken on planes.

Many whiskey enthusiasts swear that high-proof whiskey boasts a richer and more complex flavor profile than its lower-proof counterparts. However, others are adamant that after a certain point, barrel-strength whiskey isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As Jonah Flicker so eloquently puts it in Men’s Journal, “I believe sipping a dram should be a mellow and pleasurable experience, not an exercise in masochism.” While Flicker isn’t against stronger whiskeys, he does say that anything over 130 proof is pushing the limits of good taste. Bourbon critic Chuck Cowdery agrees, telling Robb Report, “Nothing kills the taste buds like high-proof spirits. I won’t criticize anyone for doing what they like, but don’t kid yourself.”

Made from materials such as marble, granite, soapstone, and even stainless steel, whiskey stones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While most whiskey stones resemble standard ice cubes, others come in circular shapes. The reusable stones are designed to chill spirits without watering them down as traditional ice cubes do. All you have to do is remember to pop them in the freezer a few hours before you indulge in your tipple.

What’s the problem with whiskey stones? The most common issue is that they don’t provide the same cooling capacity as traditional ice cubes. Their ability to reduce the temperature of the drink is minimal and short-lived, resulting in dissatisfaction among many users. Furthermore, the fact that whiskey stones cannot melt and slowly dilute the whiskey is a disappointment for some drinkers. Plenty of whiskey connoisseurs argue that a bit of dilution unlocks the whiskey’s flavors, making the drink more complex and pleasurable. And last, but not least, whiskey stones have the potential to scrape your fine whiskey glassware. What a terror!

Read the initial article on Mashed.

March 14, 2024 liquor-articles

Rumble Proposes to Purchase and Manage TikTok’s U.S. Operations

Sean Gallup/Getty Images News

Shares of Rumble (NASDAQ:RUM) rose over 10% on Tuesday after the company said it was ready to join a group of other parties to buy and operate TikTok in the U.S., if ByteDance (BDNCE) were to divest its ownership in the company.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) addressed to TikTok boss Shou Zi Chew, CEO Chris Pavlovski said the company was ready to serve as a cloud technology partner.

Last week, a top Republican lawmaker said he would look for a House vote on a bill which would force ByteDance (BDNCE) to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. The initiative came after the Energy and Commerce Committee had voted to approve the bill by a vote of 50-0.

The bill is the latest attempt by lawmakers to force TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance (BDNCE), amid mounting tensions over China and data privacy.

A 2020 attempt by former President Donald Trump to ban TikTok had been blocked by courts. The Biden administration later ordered a national security review, while Congress passed a bill to outlaw TikTok on federal devices.

As of the quarter ended September 30, 2023, Rumble (RUM) had 58 million average global monthly active users, and roughly $267 million in cash and equivalents. The conservative video platform backed by Peter Thiel is not profitable.

According to Statista, the brand value of TikTok/Douyin amounted to $84 billion in 2023, making it the most valuable unicorn worldwide.

Rumble has a market cap of $1.87 billion.

March 14, 2024 liquor-articles

Top 30 Unique Gift Ideas for Beer Enthusiasts in 2024

The best gift to buy the beer lover in your life is obviously beer. You knew that. But what kind? They could be a craft connoisseur or a domestic diehard. Perhaps both. Or maybe an international option is more of a treat. There are a lot of choices. It’s probably wisest to leave the beer buying to the actual beer drinker and gift them something else.

So, consider what’s essential when drinking a beer. It has to be cold. Freshness is preferred. Company and location matter too, because beers in the backyard, on the beach and at the bar each offer something different. With those ideas in mind, we found the best gift ideas for every kind of beer drinker you know, including monthly subscriptions to rare beers, coolers to maintain just the right chill, glassware to accentuate every tasting note and more.

If a beer drinker had to pick one glass to drink from for the rest of their life, this would probably be it. It brings out the best taste and aroma in any beer — from IPAs to sours and everything in between.

Every beer lover has stared into the cooler at a store and been frozen by the plethora of brews from which to choose. This subscription, which lets members pick their favorite styles and cancel at any time, helps alleviate the overwhelming decision by sending award-winning craft beers to their door.

Drinking from a cup is superior to drinking from a can. The airflow improves and the brew’s aroma is more easily enjoyed. This little device safely lifts the top off any can without leaving any sharp edges behind, meaning any can can become a cup.

This pup was trained well. Each time it removes a bottle cap from your beer, it keeps the cap in its mouth until you’re ready to throw it away.

A warm beer is a worthless beer. Our favorite soft-sided cooler can help avoid such a travesty with space for 30 cans. It won in our testing because it boasts the compactness and portability you’d expect, but in a durable frame usually reserved for bulky hard-sided coolers.

Read our review

Name a better duo than a warm soft pretzel and a cold beer. This box of puffy pretzels includes four varieties of salt — truffle, cheese, chili lime and traditional — to pair with whatever your beer lover is sipping.

Related article: The 58 best food gifts for every budget

Part glassblowing studio and part craft brewery, the Pretentious Craft Co. based in Knoxville, Tennessee is an internet favorite for its unique glassware. Its online shop has plenty of different shapes perfect for beers, but I’m especially drawn to this wobbling glass great for just about any drink.

Yes, it’s a splurge. But beer lovers tend to drink in numbers, and there’s no hosting flex quite like serving from a kegerator. This model can fit multiple Cornelius Kegs or a Half Barrel Keg.

These flight boards are perfect for bringing the brewery experience home. Choose from mini pub-style glasses or mini tulip glasses, and submit a design to get your board customized.

Spirits, bitters, citrus and soft drinks are commonly used in mixology, but don’t sleep on beer’s ability to elevate a cocktail. This hardcover book contains more than 50 recipes that combine beer with the likes of gin, whiskey and much more.

Related article: Give the merry with these best alcohol, wine and barware gifts

If your beer lover prefers Guinness, then you probably know the Irish classic has to be served right. This tool that ensures a proper pour is technically only compatible with particular cans that aren’t yet sold in the U.S. … but look hard enough online and you’ll find a hack to utilize it on any Guinness nitro can.

Black and Tan, Black Velvet or Snakebite — all these drinks can be easily layered using this tool. First, pour your bottom ingredient, then place the disc on the glass, and then delicately pour the top layer, letting it slowly trickle through the holes.

Choose from any of the 50 states for this plywood cutout that is specially designed to accommodate your bottle caps. It’s an innovative solution for anyone who loves to collect memorable tokens from their favourite local beers. What’s more, each cutout comes with extra holes for uncomplicated wall mounting your display in a man cave.

This bottle opener, hand-built by a father-son pair in Oklahoma, carries out its task with one essential provision: it won’t bend or harm the cap in any way. It’s a must-have item for collectors.

Meet the ultimate koozie. It snugly fits both 16-ounce cans and 12-ounce cans, coming with a chillable gel pack for the smaller cans, and can even accommodate a poured pint with its leakproof lid that our editors endorse.

Does the beer enthusiast in your life need hand-stitched coasters? Maybe not. But could one of these competitive sets from Smathers & Branson significantly upgrade their beer corner decoration? Absolutely.

I received one of these compact jackets as a gift years ago, and it has been my preferred koozie even as my collection has expanded. It’s entertaining, keeps my beverage chilled and its sleeves double up as handles as I drink. Bonus: Puffin offers many other styles, including leather jackets, space suits and rain jackets.

The concept of home brewing appears enjoyable — but it can be quite a task. Pinter tries to make the process easier by providing all the ingredients in a package they refer to as a Fresh Press. Simply pour it into the Pinter, add water, and after a couple of days, there are 12 pints of beer ready for you.

There is a plethora of excellent drinkware that looks attractive and keeps beer chilled, yet it seldom is as transportable and storage-friendly as these stackable pints from the company that produced the world’s most famous water bottle.

Related article

How to (finally) clean your water bottle, according to experts

A shower beer simply hits different. This silicone can holder sticks to any shower wall without additional adhesives or mounts. The brand also makes some of our favorite

shower organizers.)

This complex wall art traces the origins of every beer style back to lagers and ales. It’s fitting decor for any home bar — and a useful explainer for anyone tired of having to tell their friends about the difference between an IPA and a stout.

If their beer takes up too much room in the fridge, this highly rated beverage cooler can give those six-packs a home away from all the groceries. Its glass door looks great and its shelf arrangement and temperature can be adjusted to preference.

Your recipient will benefit from this set of four glasses designed for different styles of beer including IPA, stout, wheat and barrel-aged ale.

If the beer enthusiast lives in a place where getting home from the bar is an expense, an Uber gift card can contribute to their safety and financial ease.

Northern Brewer offers homebrewing starter kits with prices ranging between $50-$700. This specific mid-range set includes all the essentials for brewing and bottling beer at home, featuring the ingredients for a Kama Citra Session IPA.

Enjoying a beer in the topmost seats of your favourite ballpark during a warm summer night is undoubtedly the best experience. These pint glasses, designed with 30 MLB parks, provide the second best alternative right at home.

Growlers frequently provide an ideal solution for individuals who wish to bring home beer from a brewery without opting for a bottle or can. This wooden tap is perfect for sharing some beers amongst friends. It’s accompanied by a 64-ounce glass growler, and it’s quite easy to clean, simply run some warm water through it after every use.

In our experience, this cooler has performed exceptionally well amongst a variety of others. This present is certainly one that will continue to be valuable for numerous summers due to its sturdy hard shell and ability to hold 28 cans alongside a substantial quantity of ice.

Read our review

The Original Craft Beer Club aims to showcase the diverse array of beers from across the country. You have options to choose from two different U.S. breweries for 12 or 24 beers featured in each shipment. It also includes tasting notes on the included brews. Gift memberships begin from a duration of three months.

For those who truly love beer for the taste and not the buzz, one of our favorite non-alcoholic beers is worth the try. Our reviewer has seen friends mistake its hoppy, citrusy taste for the real thing — it’s that good.

Related article: The 29 best gifts for wine lovers in 2024, according to experts

March 14, 2024 beer-articles

Rediscover the Delights at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival: More Dishes, Live Bands and a Purr-fect Touch of Cat Puns!

The new carnitas-style pork belly with esquites corn mac salad at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival showcases the varied menu the culinary team has planned for this year.

You can find this dish at LA Style, one of the ten festival marketplaces located throughout California Adventure. The esquites corn salad comes with a habanero and chilli-lime seasoning.

Disneyland Resort Chef Luis Madrigal expressed that this dish is a result of an attempt to experiment with the much-loved pork belly, all while presenting a Los Angeles cultural experience.

He shared, “So, we thought of including it. Carnitas are pork but they’re made in a unique style. We explored ways to merge this with the pork belly. We have this pork belly piece accompanying the esquites corn salad. Esquites are a common street food in Los Angeles, often sold by outdoor vendors. We wanted to offer that cultural experience to our guests, an experience that chefs get outside of the workplace. Growing up, many of us used to visit the elote man to get a cup of esquites. Now, we’re bringing that tradition together with the carnitas.”

The festival commenced on March 1 and will end on April 22, offering over 80 new dishes found in festival marketplaces, meals at participating locations and certain carts. This year, patrons can choose from the new four-coupon Sip and Savor Pass or the recurring eight-coupon variant. These passes can be spent on selected food and non-alcoholic drinks.

In addition to the wide range of food and beverages on offer, there is an educational aspect featuring local, celebrity, and Disney chefs who provide cooking shows on weekends at the Hollywood Backlot Stage.

The other half of the Food & Wine Festival is made up of entertainment, including a new interactive children’s display in Hollywood Land – “Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties,” which is inspired by Disney Junior’s animated show, “SuperKitties.” An amusing aspect of the show is the witty use of cat puns, spanning from “cat-astrophe” and “that’s paw-some,” to “cat-ch ya later” and everything in between.

“The series is flooded with cat puns and we just kept loading more,” stated Linda Love Simmons, the show director for Disney Live Entertainment. “We were in fits of laughter constantly,” she added.

The event features appearances by the “SuperKitties” and kids’ cupcake decorating activities.

The organizer stated a desire to provide an engaging activity for young food enthusiasts.

For live-music lovers, the festival will boast a larger number of bands this year. 14 different bands will be performing daily at the Palisades Stage and Paradise Gardens Bandstand. Musical genres range from reggae, top 40, 80s, R&B, jazz to big band.

The “Cookin’ with the Jammin’ Chefs” segment returns for the third time. It features music centered around cooking, dancing characters and performers dressed as chefs drumming on kitchen utensils. Characters such as Chip ‘n’ Dale, Clarabelle Cow, and Daisy Duck will contribute to feature with their exciting dance moves.

“I cherish the concept of rejoicing in everyone’s presence. The thought of everyone seeing themselves in the narratives we share delights me,” expressed Simmons. “With ‘Confection Purrfection’, the notion is that when people sense inclusion, it enhances their happiness. It amplifies joy for all. This is something we should embrace, ensuring that everyone perceives themselves as integral to the story. Also, the laughter and fun are tremendous. Even the tiniest chefs possess their own superpowers.”

“As for ‘Cookin’ with the Jammin’ Chefs,’ the conclusion always resonates with me deeply: ‘Sample everything, give it all a try, because food, much like life, is a grand celebration. That, to me, encapsulates the essence of Food & Wine – it’s a spontaneous celebration. It’s a tribute to the abundance California offers. It also celebrates artistry. By the gazebo, close to the beer garden, works of art designed specifically for the festival can be observed. The mural is brushed to life. So, in the opening four days of the festival, attendees can witness the gradual birth of this mural at the hands of a real artist called Marcella Swett.”

March 14, 2024 Wine

Blake’s Hard Cider and Gypsy Spirits Unite: The Launch of New Triple Jam Vodka

Blake’s Hard Cider and Petoskey-based Gypsy Spirits are teaming up once again for a new vodka: Triple Jam Vodka.

It comes after the much-anticipated and successful release of the Apple Pie Vodka that was released last summer.

Triple Jam Vodka brings together vodka with flavors of fresh strawberry, blackberry and raspberry, with a touch of apples.

It’s inspired by Blake’s cider, Triple Jam, a 6.5% semi-sweet cider made with real berries.

“We’re excited to partner with our friends at Gypsy Spirits, to bring the flavors of Triple Jam to Michigan’s cocktail and spirits lovers,” said Andrew Blake, the founder of Blake’s Hard Cider. “This vodka combines our delicious real fruit flavors with their expert distilling for a uniquely Michigan experience. Gypsy Spirits’ philosophy is one of embracing life to its fullest, and that’s always something we fully support at Blake’s.”

“The chance to work with a group of people who excel at what they do and are passionate about their craft and supporting Michigan makes the beverage industry worthwhile. Collaborating with Andrew and the Blake’s team is thrilling as they contributed significantly to putting Michigan craft beverages on the map,” attested Michael Kazanowski, founder of Gypsy Spirits in a press statement. “Following the success of our initial product with Blake’s, the Apple Pie Vodka, we are eager to collaborate once more, this time with their renowned Triple Jam.”

The spirit is now available at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill and retailers throughout the state.

Blake’s is also celebrating the fifth anniversary of Triple Jam at the Berry Bash House Party, which is held at Blake’s Event Tent and Tasting Room in Armada on Saturday, April 13. Tickets can be purchased at blakeshardcider.com.

March 13, 2024 liquor-articles

Enjoy Great Vibes and Food at Rum For Breakfast

It might have taken a while for the party to hit its peak, but once the ‘big, bad soca’ picked up, Rum For Breakfast dominated the Hope Gardens area on Saturday morning.

Rum For Breakfast, one of the most significant pre-road march events of Bacchanal Jamaica, attracted a large audience.

The event was scheduled to start at 7:00 am, but by midday, the venue was almost full with visitors still pouring in.

Back to its roots, located within the rich garden area, the beloved breakfast party provided soca enthusiasts precisely what they craved.

People were clearly enjoying themselves as they danced with abandon, the perspiration on their bodies attesting to the intensity of their movements as they surrendered to the captivating rhythms of the music.

The responsibility of establishing the ambiance early on fell to disc jockeys such as Matthew Camps, Kyle Nocturnal, and Tyler Fyah, who aptly carried out their duty of getting the attendees in the mood for revelry as the day wore on. Tunes like Machel Mantano’s Happiest Man Alive, Kerwin Du Bois’ Too Real, Destra Garcia’s Just a Little Bit, and Patrice Roberts’ Anxiety held the crowd mesmerized as they flexed their hips in preparation for the main event.

The exhilaration within the confines of Hope Gardens merely intensified as the patrons lost themselves in the selections of the disc jockeys.

The celebration escalated to new levels of enjoyment after DJs Franco and Brush1, collectively known as the Road Marshall, delivered on their promise. The duo kept the crowd entertained with a succession of popular anthems, bringing the party to a culmination.

However, as the energy within Rum For Breakfast intensified, the breakfast buffet consistently performed at its peak. It offered delightful breakfast delights, including traditional Jamaican breakfast dishes like rundown mackerel, ackee and saltfish, callaloo, and others. The organisers ensured the attendees were fully satisfied as they revelled. As noon approached, the menu swiftly transitioned to include lunch specials such as mutton curry and a creamy pasta with jerk chicken.

March 13, 2024 liquor-articles

Responding to Criticism for Disinviting a Friend from my Oscars Party over a Broken Whiskey Bottle

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A man on Reddit who uninvited a friend from an annual Academy Awards party after the friend broke an expensive bottle of whiskey and refused to pay for a replacement was not wrong to do so — though he may want to adjust his priorities, other Reddit users decided.

An individual with the user name “InternationalList333” asked others about the situation in a March 8 post on the subreddit AITA (“Am I the A–hole”) — drawing some 4,500 reactions with approximately 2,000 comments in a short time.

In the post, the writer asked if he was wrong “for uninviting my friend from my Oscar party over a bottle of [whiskey].” The man, 29, said that every year, he and his wife, “Kate,” age 27, host a party to watch the Academy Awards, something they’ve done for five years.

“We dress up well, place bets on the winners and eat popcorn,” he said. “It’s a fun tradition that many of our friends look forward to every year. One of those people is ‘Rick’ (28M), a friend of mine from college.”

The Reddit poster said his wife “loves” whiskey — and ahead of last year’s party, she received a gift of an expensive bottle from her father. The bottle cost $175, the Redditor said.

However, as “Kate” had recently given birth and was still breastfeeding, she did not yet open the bottle. 

“During last year’s watch party, [the friend] Rick got wasted,” wrote the man in his post. 

“While searching for a different item in our alcoholic storage, he unintentionally shattered the bottle. He extended numerous apologies once his intoxication subsided. I was ticked off, nonetheless, the liquor belonged to Kate, she pardoned him, so I chose to disregard the incident.” 

According to InternationalList333, at that gathering, only his friend Rick was inebriated. 

“To add, we chose the beverages and placed them on the kitchen slab. Rick invaded the cabinet hunting for a bottle of alcohol (without prior permission from me), and was the standalone individual who performed this act,” the gentleman claimed. 

Post a few weeks of the event, InternationalList333 along with his spouse questioned Rick about his plans to compensate for the shattered whiskey bottle.

“He was shocked at our question, and told us he didn’t intend to. Rick’s been having problems with finances for quite some time and often struggles with his rent,” the man shared on Reddit.

“He made a point that since we were aware about his situation, we should not expect him to pay for a bottle of whiskey that cost $175.”

Rick was provided an ultimatum by InternationalList333: He would have to replace the whiskey by the time the next year’s party rolled around, or else he wouldn’t be invited anymore.

“He agreed at that time,” he noted. “Randomly throughout the year, I would ask him about the progress, he always reassured me saying that he was nearing his target.”

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This turned out to be untrue, apparently. 

Last week, I asked Rick about it again. He confessed he hadn’t actually saved any money for the bottle, wrote the Reddit poster. So I kept my promise and uninvited him from the party.

This apparently made Rick and his girlfriend very upset — who said

breaking the bottle was a “drunken mistake.”

They also insist that I’m being unsympathetic and entitled by expecting Rick to pay for a new bottle, he said. 

Kate’s on my side, but is worried we’re being too harsh. I really don’t think we are, but as Sunday approaches, I’m starting to feel guilty,” wrote InternationalList333.

Fox News Digital reached out to InternationalList333 for additional comments or updates.

On the AITA subreddit, people can respond to posts and indicate the poster is “NTA” (“Not the A-hole”), “YTA” (“You’re the A-hole”), “NAH” (“No A-holes Here”) or “ESH” (“Everyone Sucks Here”).

Users can “upvote” responses they think are helpful and “downvote” ones that are not.

Despite the vigorous debate in the approximately 2,000 responses to the post, the consensus was that InternationalList333 wasn’t in the wrong for expecting his friend to purchase a replacement bottle for the one he’d broken. However, many felt that it might not be worth jeopardizing the friendship over this matter.

“NTA. Regardless of whether he was drunk or not, he destroyed a

gift from a father to his daughter and then lied about it. That being said, if you’ve known him for a long time, and he’s always been a good friend, I would overlook it,” commented Reddit user “rafaelvandercan”, which was the most upvoted comment.

“The value of friendship exceeds the unintentional loss of a few hundred dollars,” added the same user.

Another highly-rated commentator agreed, stating that since Rick already had a history of breaking things, he “shouldn’t be allowed back in your house until he rights his wrong, either by replacing the broken item or compensating you for its value,” said a user named “7hr0wn.”

“It doesn’t matter that the item was a bottle of liquor. It doesn’t matter that Rick was drunk when he broke it. This is very basic guest etiquette,” said the user.

The same commenter added, “If you break something in someone’s house — accidentally, on purpose, or drunkenly — you make it right.”

Another user had a different take on the situation.

“Obviously unpopular opinion, but ESH [everyone sucks here]. Seems like Rick did a really poor job apologizing and shows little remorse,” said user “here4judgment.”

Hosting a party, said this same user, comes with the risk that something could be broken, especially if alcohol is being served.

“As I understand you, it was an honest drunken mistake, not the result of completely reckless behavior,” said here4judgment.

“Rick is struggling financially and It’s just a bottle of booze, man,” he added.

The friend should “apologize for not apologizing properly in the first place and for promising to replace the bottle when he didn’t intend to, and you should apologize for hounding him over a bottle of booze when you knew he was having a hard time making ends meet,” the commenter concluded.

March 13, 2024 liquor-articles

Expert Advice: The Top 4 Non-Negotiables for Brewing Beer at Home

Since the Neolithic revolution, when the implementation of agriculture paved the way for human civilization, society has been inextricably linked to the art of brewing beer. Little has changed over the ensuing millennia, as creating new brews and experimenting with recipes remains a popular business (and hobby) in the 21st century — some people have even turned Lucky Charms into beer, for example.

Because beer is made through a biochemical process called ethanol fermentation, in which yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a successful batch requires specific conditions. Failure to maintain these conditions can result in the beer becoming contaminated with mold or bacteria. In an exclusive interview with Mashed, co-owner and head brewer of Spice Trade Brewery + Kitchen Jeff Tyler helped hobbyists avoid the biggest mistakes people make when brewing beer by explaining four non-negotiables: cleaning, sanitization, healthy yeast, and temperature control.

When unwanted bacteria find their way into your fermentation vessel, your beer can become infected. As such, a good batch always begins with clean tools. “Make sure you spend the time to ensure every piece of your equipment is clean,” Tyler told Mashed. Only after removing debris and buildup should you use a sanitizing chemical to kill any unseen organisms that may linger on your brewing equipment. “[This] will ensure that your yeast is the only organism in your beer and help prevent contamination, off flavors, and bad batches,” he explained.

Read more: Popular Vodka Brands Ranked From Worst To Best

Once your brewing equipment is clean, your attention should turn to your yeast. Jeff Tyler, a brewing expert, spoke to Mashed about this important ingredient. Instead of dry, store-bought yeast, Tyler recommends fresh yeast or a damp block of yeast cells that need refrigeration. Aside from the quality of yeast, Tyler emphasises that the number of yeast cells is crucial to the brewing process. Typically, 1 million yeast cells per millilitre of wort should be used, but the desired ratio can differ depending on the type of beer you’re making.

Keeping temperature under control during fermentation is also critical. Generally, yeast creates the tastiest beer between 66 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Because fermentation generates heat, it can be difficult to prevent the liquid’s temperature from exceeding this range. “If you can’t regulate the temperature of your batch, store your beer in a cool, dark location,” suggests Tyler. He also recommends kveik yeast, a variety which can handle higher temperatures. Your brewing could improve by following Tyler’s advice, possibly earning a place among the ranks of history’s great brewers.

Read the full article on Mashed.

March 13, 2024 beer-articles

Exploring Australia’s Wine Sector: A Comprehensive Briefing

Wine barrels at a winery in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

Australian wine companies and lawmakers said China proposed lifting punitive tariffs on the nation’s wine, signaling the end is near to a three-year trade dispute as both countries seek to strengthen ties. Treasury Wine Estates referenced China’s plan in an exchange filing yesterday, adding that the final decision will be made in the “coming weeks.”

An ugly dispute has broken out between Tesla and Australia’s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, or FCAI, over local vehicle-emissions laws. It’s a brawl that encapsulates the challenge of decarbonizing a market that remains stubbornly in love with gas-guzzling pickups.

March 13, 2024 Wine

Triple Jam Vodka: Blake’s Hard Cider Latest Collaboration with Gypsy Spirits Announced

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Triple Jam Vodka (Photo: Blake’s)

(FOX 2) – Enjoy a new twist on Blake’s popular Triple Jam hard cider.

The Macomb County-based cider maker has teamed up with the up north distillery Gypsy Spirits for a Triple Jam Vodka, a berry vodka described as having flavors of strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and a touch of apple – just like the cider.

“It was crucial that the berry aroma and color remained the same, those elements are such a big part of the brand, and the three-berry blend needed to be captured in the vodka too,” Blake’s founder Andrew Blake said. “Triple Jam has been such a smashing success because of its real fruit profile — you don’t get this off-flavor of cough syrup or candy like with many fruited hard beverages.”

Triple Jam Vodka (Photo: Blake’s)

He said the biggest difference between the beloved cider and vodka is the lack of carbonation and a higher alcohol content; the cider is around 6% ABV, while the vodka is 30% ABV.

“It’s all about us staying true to our roots, while offering a more diverse line of beverages, a little something for everyone. We listen, our customers tell us what they want and what we are missing, and then we roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Blake said.

Triple Jam Vodka retails for $24.95 a bottle, and is available at the Blake’s Tasting Room, as well as stores in its distribution area all year long.

Blake’s previously collaborated with Gypsy for a cider-vodka collaboration. Apple Pie Vodka was widely released last year. That vodka sold out in days, something Blake said he didn’t anticipate.

After that success, Blake’s and Gypsy decided Triple Jam would be the next release.

“Blake’s is known for its beverage innovation, and with the massive success of Triple Jam nationally, we knew it had the runway to be the next craft spirit release,” Blake said. “The blend of berries and Gypsy’s Vodka create something so pleasant, that we believe this product will become a staple offering.”

And you can expect more of that beverage innovation later this year, Blake said.

“We want to explore styles outside of vodka, like whiskey and gin,” he said. “We have plans to craft a third collaboration this fall, but you’ll have to stay tuned!”

On April 13, check out the Berry Bash House Party, for a commemorative glass, tunes from a live DJ, house party games and retro video games beginning at 6:30 pm at Blake’s Event Tent and Tasting Room in Armada. Tickets are available now for $10 at blakeshardcider.com.

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March 12, 2024 liquor-articles
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