Actor Matthew Lillard is embarking on a new venture with the introduction of Ghost Face Vodka, a new spirit inspired by the iconic Scream franchise. Developed in collaboration with Macabre Spirits, Lillard partners with screenwriter Justin Ware and Fun World, the rights holders to the Ghost Face mask, to create this distinctive vodka just in time for the upcoming release of Scream 7 on February 27, 2026.

Ghost Face Vodka will be sold directly to consumers via Macabre Spirits’ website starting February 9, 2026. Priced at $160, it comes in an exclusive premium box that includes a variety of collectible items. The vodka itself is distilled in Germany from 100% non-GMO potatoes and is gluten-free, promising a smooth and silky drinking experience.

The limited edition package features:

• A handcrafted Italian glass bottle with a premium label.
• Each bottle is hand-signed by Matthew Lillard—only available with this release.
• A stylish collector’s box.
• Custom glassware and exclusive Ghost Face Vodka pins.
• A QR code on the bottle that links to a new social party game titled GFV Killer Bash, designed specifically for fans.

Lillard expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, "At Macabre Spirits, we love creating premium spirit experiences for the horror community. […] It’s a chance to give fans something premium, something collectible, and something that tastes incredible—just in time for me to return to the scene of the crime this February."

For more details, you can view the official product site at Ghost Face Vodka.

In a new Super Bowl commercial for Traveller Whiskey, Chris Stapleton pays tribute to his iconic performance of the national anthem from the 2023 Super Bowl, which is regarded as one of the best renditions in history. His moving performance not only touched the hearts of fans, including Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, but also left a lasting impact, leading many to wish he would sing it annually. However, Stapleton has made the decision to retire from performing the anthem, stating that the pressure is immense and acknowledging the significance of the moment.

Reflecting on his performance, Stapleton noted the extensive practice and preparation he undertook. He expressed appreciation for the flawless editing during the broadcast that helped elevate the overall presentation of the anthem. His dedication is evident as he mentioned the serious nature with which he approached the task.

In the commercial, viewers will witness a blend of footage featuring Stapleton preparing for his Super Bowl performance alongside scenes from Buffalo Trace Distillery to highlight the craftsmanship behind making quality whiskey. The 30-second ad reinforces the idea that perfect moments require hard work and intentionality, much like the effort that goes into creating both memorable performances and exceptional whiskey.

The commercial is set to air just before kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday, providing fans not only a chance to relive Stapleton’s legacy but also to celebrate the artistry behind both music and distilling.

Raw oysters offer a delightful experience, especially when enhanced with various toppings. Traditionally served at seafood shacks or dressed up in extravagant seafood towers, these ocean delicacies can be elevated further with unexpected accompaniments. One intriguing pairing gaining popularity is whiskey, which can bring a unique twist to the oyster-eating experience.

While condiments like lemon juice and mignonette are classic choices, whiskey introduces a warming element that can complement the briny flavor of oysters. Glenlivet, a storied Scottish distillery, even encourages the practice of adding whiskey directly into oyster shells. This combination works well due to whiskey’s balance of sweetness and saltiness—similar to other traditional toppings.

To incorporate whiskey into your oyster feast, you first need to shuck them. While this might seem daunting, with the right tools, such as a dedicated oyster knife and proper safety precautions, it becomes an enjoyable task. Once mastered, shucking opens the door to countless flavor combinations and presentations.

To serve whiskey with your oysters, consider using stainless steel condiment cups to hold the spirit, as they keep the liquid chilled. Alternatively, dropper bottles can provide an elegant way to add a few drops directly into the oyster shell. For a more indulgent experience, measuring glasses can be used to pour whiskey into the shells, allowing for a truly flavorful shot.

This innovative approach to enjoying oysters not only surprises guests but also highlights the versatility of both oysters and whiskey. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a quiet evening at home, pairing whiskey with oysters is an adventurous culinary delight worth exploring.

For more oyster preparation tips, consider visiting resources for shucking techniques or pairing suggestions.

Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that showcases the banana in a luxurious way. Originating from Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans in 1951, this dish combines flambéed bananas with rum and brown sugar, creating a rich and indulgent treat. Although bananas may seem like a humble fruit, they were elevated to dessert stardom through this sweet concoction.

The choice of rum is crucial in this recipe; while some may lean towards white rum, the original recipe calls for dark rum, which brings a richer flavor profile due to its longer aging process. Dark rum typically features bolder notes, such as molasses and spices, complementing the caramelized bananas perfectly. The flambéing process adds warmth and depth that a lighter rum simply can’t match.

When selecting a dark rum for making Bananas Foster, it’s essential not to choose overly high-proof options like 151 proof, which might create dramatic flames that can lead to kitchen accidents. Instead, opting for a dark rum with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 40% is recommended to achieve both safety and flavor. Two popular choices that offer quality without a hefty price tag are Goslings Black Seal Rum and Myers’s Original Dark Rum, both available for under $30.

For those interested in creating this decadent dessert, remember that using ripe bananas and the right rum can make all the difference. Bananas Foster is a nostalgic classic worth trying, not just for its taste but also for the spectacular presentation it delivers.

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Tabasco maker McIlhenny Company has filed a lawsuit against Stoli Vodka, claiming that the company’s new Halapeño Pepper flavor infringes on its trade dress rights by using a similar packaging design. This action arises after a failed partnership between the two companies, where discussions for a co-branded spicy vodka took place in late 2024. McIlhenny asserted that it opted to pursue other ventures, concluding the negotiations, while Stoli independently launched its spicy vodka.

The lawsuit emphasizes that Stoli’s product copied the iconic red and green color scheme associated with Tabasco. McIlhenny’s attorneys argue that Stoli has used a design the hot sauce maker proposed during the collaboration talks, but without including the Tabasco name. This resemblance, according to McIlhenny, could lead to consumer confusion.

The legal challenge was initiated as part of Stoli Group USA’s bankruptcy proceedings, which were filed in 2024. Stoli’s Halapeño Pepper Vodka marks the company’s first new product since its bankruptcy filing. McIlhenny is pursuing a preliminary injunction to prevent Stoli from using the contested design until the case is resolved in court.

Though both Stoli and Absolut—a brand under Ricard Pernod—are navigating a decline in alcohol consumption, they aim to leverage the growing consumer interest in spicy flavors, especially in alcoholic beverages. Sales of spicy vodka are expected to surge by 27% by 2029, according to data cited by Absolut.

Sidle up to a bar and ordering a whiskey today is straightforward: you simply choose your spirit and decide if you want it neat or on the rocks. The bartender typically serves about 2 ounces — unless, of course, you request a double. However, if you were in an Old West saloon, ordering whiskey involved a different approach known as "fingers."

This quirky measurement finds its roots in the way drinks were poured back then. The term refers to measuring the amount of whiskey by the width of your fingers held horizontally against the glass. So, after mastering the art of ordering, one might find themselves ordering “two fingers” or even “three fingers” of whiskey, directly correlating to the quantity of alcohol served.

Imagine the chaos if this method of ordering persisted today! Patrons would be inevitably affected by their own hand size, leading to wildly inconsistent pours. In a bar setting, discrepancies in finger sizes could potentially ignite disputes over drink quantities, mirroring the barroom brawls depicted in classic Western movies.

Ultimately, this finger measurement sheds light on the saloon culture of the past and serves as a humorous reminder of how we relate to our drinks. The next time you hold a whiskey glass, take a moment to consider what a genuine “finger” pour might look like and appreciate the simplicity of modern measurements. Wouldn’t it be amusing if such quaint customs still guided our bar outings today?

Absolut Vodka has ventured into exciting territory with its latest innovation: Absolut Tabasco, a hot sauce-flavored vodka. This release, introduced in January 2026, is a collaboration with the iconic Tabasco brand, known for its rich flavor profile that combines aged chili peppers and vinegar. Available in a 750-milliliter bottle priced between $15 and $20, Absolut Tabasco is gluten-free and boasts an ABV of 38%.

For those curious about how to enjoy this unique vodka, Absolut’s recommendations include using it to create a flavorful Bloody Mary, a spicy lemonade, or a faux margarita. The integration of Absolut Tabasco into classic cocktails promises to deliver some intriguing new flavors that can excite adventurous drinkers.

Upon tasting, the initial sip of Absolut Tabasco was reminiscent of the bold, robust flavor found in the original Tabasco sauce, delivering a strong hit of spice and tang. Sipping it neat revealed a flavor profile that was surprisingly close to straight hot sauce, making it a notable choice for those who enjoy spice in their drinks.

Mixing with refreshing beverages like Strawberry Peach La Croix toned down the intense Tabasco flavor while still letting through a notable warmth. This adaptability can lead to novel drink experiences, though it largely depends on individual tolerance for spice.

For anyone ready to take their cocktail game to the next level, Absolut Tabasco holds promise, especially when blended into traditional favorites like the Bloody Mary. However, it may not appeal to those who shy away from spicier alcoholic options.

Ultimately, whether Absolut Tabasco is "absolutely hot or not" will depend on personal tastes. For those who find the concept exciting, this vodka stands out as a fun and bold option to enjoy at home or during social gatherings.

Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited has acquired full ownership of Kulcha Rum, bringing its stake in the brand to 100%. The company did not disclose the transaction’s value or previous holding details. With this complete ownership, Kintyre aims to consolidate management and expedite plans for broader distribution of Kulcha Rum both locally and internationally.

The organization is currently in talks with a distributor to expand its retail and on-premise presence across Jamaica and explore export opportunities. Selective rebranding and market-sensitization efforts are also underway, and production volumes are anticipated to increase as distribution arrangements are finalized.

Furthermore, Kintyre Holdings is negotiating with local and international strategic investors to enhance capital and market access; however, no agreements have been completed yet. The company is enhancing its operational teams that support Kulcha Rum and will appoint a new president and CEO who is set to take up the role on March 1, 2026. Additionally, a board of directors with industry experience is being formed.

Tyrone Wilson, chairman and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, emphasized that rum embodies culture and identity in Jamaica, highlighting the significance of this acquisition.

Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited is an investment holding company dedicated to acquiring and developing businesses in targeted sectors.

Relevant Links:

• Kintyre Holdings
• Kulcha Rum
• Tyrone Wilson

Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille, a new dining establishment, recently opened its doors in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village on January 26, 2026. Co-owners Deanne Crosby and Russ Twining have created a unique gastropub atmosphere offering upscale American-Caribbean cuisine, complete with a bar featuring 380 rare rums.

The decor of Black Jack’s has an industrial feel rather than a pirate-themed design, featuring wood-stained tables, brass lanterns, and aquamarine epoxy floors, emulating a relaxing coastal vibe. Crosby envisioned an environment reminiscent of the Bahamas rather than a kitschy pirate setting.

The menu echoes the offerings of their original location in Davie, emphasizing Caribbean flavors. Signature dishes include sous vide Baby Back Ribs finished on the grill and glazed with passionfruit rum barbecue sauce, as well as a Pacific Islander Grilled Pork Chop with a sweet-and-sour huli-huli sauce. Plates like Ropa Vieja and churrasco-style steak with chimichurri also highlight the Caribbean influence.

Creating an enticing drink menu, Black Jack’s features cocktails crafted to complement the rum selection. The establishment’s most expensive offerings include a 30-year Flor de Caña rum available at $160 for two ounces or $1,000 for the bottle. Another option is the Black Tot Last Consignment, a blend of Caribbean rums priced at $150 for two ounces.

Expectations are high for Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille to become a staple in the downtown dining scene; with weekly specials like all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Mondays, and a prime rib-and-shrimp combo on Wednesdays already in the pipeline.

For more information: Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille
Location: 505 NE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale