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Innovative Brewing: Beer Crafted from Purified Shower Water in “Morning in America
From shower drain to beer can? A California company has introduced two new beers made from recycled water, aiming to shift public perception about water reuse. Epic Cleantec, co-founded by Aaron Tartakovsky, emphasizes sustainability in their efforts to craft these unique brews, which will soon be available on a national scale.
The beers are part of a broader initiative to educate consumers on the importance of rethinking water sources, especially in regions affected by drought. As more businesses explore recycling methods out of necessity and ecological responsibility, products like these could lead to more sustainable practices in other industries as well.
Tartakovsky believes that these beers not only offer a quirky alternative for craft beer lovers but also serve as a conversation starter regarding environmental challenges. The venture signals a growing trend in the beverage industry towards sustainable sourcing and increased awareness of water conservation.
For more information about this innovative approach to brewing, you can read further about their mission and product launch here.
Rum Wednesday: Trovador Unveils Exquisite Double Barrel Aged Rum
Local distillers are making waves in the spirits industry once again with the release of Trovador Double Barrel Aged Rum. This new offering comes from the collaborative team of Devon Trevathan and Colton Weinstein of Liba Spirits, Chad Newton of You Are Here Hospitality, and Raul Malo, the frontman of Mavericks.
Building on the foundation laid by their previous release, Trovador Silver Rum, which combined Cuban-style, Dominican, and Mexican distillates, this new rum takes a unique approach. Unlike many rums that typically age in used American whiskey barrels, Trovador opts for new American oak barrels. This choice results in a more refined flavor profile that extracts rich colors and complex notes without the influence of any residual whiskey flavors.
The Double Barrel Aged Rum features discernible notes of vanilla, caramel, and sweetness drawn from the molasses, with introduced hints of pepper and dried fruit originating purely from the oak. Notably, this rum stands apart from dark rums that often include added sweeteners and caramel coloring; it is an authentic Latin product crafted using traditional American aging methods.
Once the spirit is barreled at a high proof of 140, the distillers carefully monitor the aging process, ensuring the final product’s bottling proof is determined by taste. They agreed upon an ideal 43 percent ABV, leading to its rich, bold character.
Following the success of the Silver Rum, expectations for the new Double Barrel Aged Rum are high, with a planned statewide rollout early next year. If you’re eager to try this unique spirit, keep an eye out at local retailers or consider purchasing it online.
Sip in Style: Discover These Exceptional Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
During the holiday season, there is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of Black-owned whiskey brands that not only offer distinctive flavors but also embody rich cultural legacies. The market has seen a surge in new releases, providing consumers with thoughtful choices for their celebrations.
SirDavis Whisky
Launched in 2024 by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, SirDavis Whisky is rooted in history, honoring Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, a Prohibition-era moonshiner. The whiskey is produced in Houston and showcases a rich profile with notes of Seville orange, raisins, cinnamon, and clove, boasting an ABV of 44% (88 proof).
Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey
Victor G. Harvey Sr. created Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey to honor the first legally recognized free Black settlement in America. This four-year-old bourbon blends corn, rye, and malted barley, creating flavors of cocoa, custard, and cinnamon, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the preserved history of Fort Mosé.
Brough Brothers Bourbon
Established by brothers Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, Brough Brothers Bourbon is the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky since Prohibition. Their small-batch bourbons present a smooth flavor profile featuring hints of ginger, nutmeg, and apple, symbolizing a step towards greater diversity in the whiskey industry.
Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey
The brainchild of Ja Rule and partners, Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey is geared towards novices and aficionados alike. This whiskey, released in 2024, is infused with orange blossom honey and filled with flavors from Lapsang Souchong tea and spices. The brand aims to create connections through initiatives like the “Cocktails + Conversations” tour.
Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company
Founded by Floyd “Beau” Wheeler Jr., Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company produces a variety of spirits including bourbon and rye. Their 1932 Bourbon features flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The company emphasizes quality and innovation, continuing to build a legacy of Black ownership in the spirits industry.
These brands not only fulfill a need for quality whiskey but also represent a larger movement towards entrepreneurship and representation within the spirits industry. As you enjoy these offerings this holiday season, you’re also supporting a vital aspect of Black culture and history.
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From Farm to Flask: How a Seventh-Generation Indiana Family Transformed into America’s Top Craft Whiskey Distiller at the SFWSC
In a year marked by a downturn in whiskey sales, Starlight Distillery has emerged as a beacon of craft distillation from an unexpected place: a seventh-generation farm in Indiana. The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Starlight’s Mizunara Reserve Finished Bourbon as the Best Overall Bourbon, solidifying its reputation within the national whiskey discourse.
Starlight Distillery, run by the Huber family since 1843, has nurtured both the land and its distilling craft over generations. In an interview, winemaker and distiller Christian Huber expressed the overwhelming joy of their recent accolades, noting that their approach emphasizes quality over the marketing buzz often associated with the spirits industry.
The family’s history stretches back to 180 years ago when Simon Huber, a winemaker from Germany, settled in Indiana, cultivating vineyards and producing wines. Through Prohibition and economic challenges, the Hubers preserved their wine legacy, transitioning into distilling fruit brandies in the early 2000s. Their commitment to craft led to successful grassroots efforts to legalize artisan distilling in Indiana, which positioned them favorably as they ventured into whiskey production.
What sets Starlight apart is their meticulous philosophy, valuing independence and quality. Without external debt or investors, the family has turned down acquisition offers, prioritizing the craft and legacy over quick profits. Their distillation process, led by master distiller Ted Huber, involves a winemaker’s mindset, highlighting long fermentations and specific yeast selections to enhance the whiskey’s character. This meticulous attention to detail culminated in their award-winning Mizunara Reserve Bourbon, aged in rare Japanese casks for a year, yielding unique floral notes and complexity.
Their second honor at the competition, Best Craft Distiller Whiskey, was awarded to the Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon, crafted by Blake Huber, showcasing the family’s dedication to producing standout, unique offerings.
As the Hubers celebrate their 25th anniversary of distilling in 2026 and prepare for their farm’s 185th anniversary in 2027, they are looking forward to launching a 25-year-old brandy and planning future expansions, including boutique lodging and a farm-to-table restaurant.
The essence of Starlight Distillery lies in their long-term vision, avoiding the pitfalls of the fast-paced whiskey industry. They focus on nurturing their craft to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, embodying a commitment to patience and quality, which is now resonating with a broader audience in the whiskey world.
Top 4 Whiskey Advent Calendars to Gift This Holiday Season
For whiskey enthusiasts, December is a special month filled with delightful tasting experiences, thanks to advent calendars that feature curated selections of whiskeys from around the world. These calendars offer not just a drink each day but an opportunity to explore various flavors and styles, making them a perfect gift for both seasoned collectors and casual sippers.
Top Whiskey Advent Calendars for 2025
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Flaviar 2025 Whiskey Advent Calendar – $270
- This calendar, named FlaviAIR, takes inspiration from the golden age of travel. It includes 24 bottles of 50ml whiskeys, sourced from seven countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Scotland. With some bottles valued at around $200 when purchased in full size, this is an excellent chance to try high-end spirits. The set also features custom Glencairn glasses, a Tasting Passport with guided content, and a 12-month Flaviar Black Membership. Buy here.
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World Whiskey Society Best Holiday Wishes – $69.99
- This is a festive and affordable advent calendar featuring 12 whiskey-filled ornaments. These are not only perfect for sampling but also double as Christmas tree decorations. This playful take makes it one of the most budget-friendly options for whiskey lovers during the holiday season. Purchase here.
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Seelbach’s Advent Calendar 2025 – $279.99
- For fans of American craft whiskeys, this calendar showcases 24 different whiskies from 21 brands across nine states. It includes everything from barrel-proof bourbons to cask-finished ryes, focusing on unique and small distillery offerings. Find out more here.
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Whisky Tour of the World Edition II – £199.95 ($262)
- This luxurious calendar offers 24 premium whiskey samples packed in a handmade wooden bookcase. Gifted with two whiskey glasses and an informative book featuring distillery details and tasting notes, it’s perfect for collectors and anyone who enjoys a sophisticated presentation. Check it out here.
With these options, whiskey lovers can count down to the holidays with exciting new tastes and experiences, making their December celebration even more special.
Last-Minute Thanksgiving Drinks to Impress Your Guests
If you’ve found yourself at a family or friend’s house for Thanksgiving without any pre-planned adult beverages, don’t panic. There might be a liquor cabinet nearby, which can save the day. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up delicious drinks that will make the family conversations flow more smoothly.
You can rely on an old cocktail-making adage: “one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, and four of weak.” Here’s how to interpret that:
- One: Citrus juice (like lime or lemon)
- Two: Sweetener (like simple syrup)
- Three: The spirit of your choice
- Four: A diluter such as soda water (optional)
For example, a simple drink can be made with:
- ½ ounce lime juice (one)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (two)
- 1½ ounces spirit (three)
- 2 ounces soda water (four)
Feel free to tweak these proportions based on your preference for tartness or sweetness. Here’s a selection of classic cocktails you can prepare quickly:
Daisy
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka, gin, tequila, or light rum
- 1 ounce fresh-squeezed citrus juice
- ½ ounce fruit syrup
- Garnish with a lemon, lime, orange, or cherry
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and serve over ice with garnish.
Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces whiskey, Scotch, aged rum, or gin
- 2 ounces fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce aquafaba or egg white
- Garnish with citrus
Directions: Shake the first four ingredients until foamy, strain over ice, and garnish.
Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey
- 1 ounce fresh juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Herbs like mint or basil
- Sparkling water
Directions: Shake first three ingredients with ice, add herbs and gently shake again. Serve with soda water and garnish with herbs.
Classic Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces brandy, rum, tequila, whiskey, Scotch, or gin
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 3 dashes of bitters
Directions: Combine in a mixing glass with ice, shake, and strain over ice in a rocks glass.
With these recipes, you can mix up some fantastic drinks even at the last minute! The key is to enjoy the process and adjust according to taste. Cheers to making the most of your Thanksgiving!
Mar’Tae Kitchen & Cocktails: A New Dining Experience in Trotwood Opens Its Doors
After a month of soft openings, Mar’Tae Kitchen & Cocktails in Trotwood is now officially open to the public, accepting reservations. Located at 5212 Salem Ave, the restaurant was previously home to Mr. Bourbon and John Anthony’s Southern Cuisine. While reservations are recommended, patrons without one can still enjoy the bar area.
The spacious 5,400-square-foot venue features an elevated dining experience, offering a variety of appetizers such as crab cakes, a deviled egg flight, and collard green dip. The menu includes enticing entrees like:
- Marry Me Chicken: Pan-seared chicken breasts in a sundried tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan ($24).
- Southern Style Oxtail: Slow-braised oxtail in a rich gravy with southern spices served over yellow rice ($30).
- Grilled Steak Alfredo: Tender marinated steak strips over Alfredo pasta ($30).
- Whole Fried Red Snapper: Whole red snapper deep-fried with zesty Cajun creole sauce ($32).
- Lamb Chops: Herb-marinated lamb chops finished with a red wine demi-glaze ($30).
Sides include mac and cheese, southern candied yams, collard greens, and garlic parmesan truffle fries. The restaurant boasts a cocktail menu with unique offerings such as:
- Southern Sunset: Tequila, triple sec, peach schnapps, and fresh peach puree ($14).
- Blue Smoke Martini: Vodka, rum, blue curaçao, and pomegranate ($14).
- The Mar’Tae Reserve: Whiskey, maple syrup, lemon juice, and strawberry liqueur ($16).
Owners Tae Winston and her brother, Mark Lee, conceived the idea for Mar’Tae as a response to community needs during discussions about the lack of dining options in Trotwood. Their shared vision led to the establishment of a family-friendly restaurant.
Having collaborated with Anthony Thomas of Universal HB Solutions, they’ve transformed the space, which now includes two private dining rooms, a 15-seat bar, and a main dining area for up to 50 guests.
Winston expressed excitement about creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community. "I think Trotwood is community," she said, emphasizing the strong local support they have received throughout their journey.
Mar’Tae Kitchen & Cocktails operates from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made through OpenTable. For more updates, check out the restaurant’s Facebook or Instagram.
Exciting New Beverage Launches: Canned Cocktails, Energizing Drinks, and Beyond!
Beverage innovation plays a vital role in responding to evolving consumer needs and driving growth within the industry. As consumers demand healthier options and unique flavors, brands are innovating to meet these expectations. This includes clean labels, low sugar alternatives, and eco-friendly packaging, as well as catering to cultural trends like mindful drinking.
Recently, several new beverage launches have showcased the industry’s focus on innovation:
New Mix Canned Cocktails
Brown-Forman has launched New Mix in the US, featuring Mexico’s leading ready-to-drink tequila cocktails. Crafted at Casa Herradura in Jalisco, these cocktails boast authentic flavors with the award-winning El Jimador Blanco Tequila. The initial rollout includes two flavors: Paloma, combining grapefruit and tequila, and Cantarito, a citrus-infused variant. Each 355ml can has a 5% ABV, priced at $10.99 for a four-pack, targeting states with a growing spirit-based RTD market.
Coconut Water Sparkling Cocktail
Nirvana, a Florida-based company, has introduced Chill, claimed as the first coconut water sparkling cocktail. This 5% ABV drink combines pure coconut water with premium spirits, crafted to satisfy the rising demand for authentic, functional beverages. Positioned as a high-end option, Nirvana plans to target coastal cities in the US and ultimately expand to the Caribbean and Latin America by 2026.
V8 Energy Pear Ginger
The Campbell’s Company’s V8 Energy has rolled out a limited-edition flavor: Pear Ginger. This blend offers a unique alternative to traditional fall flavors, incorporating pear and ginger with 80 milligrams of caffeine from tea. Each can also provides a serving of fruits and veggies without added sugar, aiming to energize consumers looking for something fresh this season.
RTD Spiced Chai Latte
Drink Me Chai is launching a ready-to-drink (RTD) Spiced Chai Latte in 250ml cans. This new product targets the grab-and-go market, offering a blend of aromatic spices and semi-skimmed milk. With a focus on Gen Z and Millennials, the RTD chai will appeal to the growing demand for convenient yet authentic beverage options.
Crossip Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Crossip, a UK-based brand, has expanded into India, responding to the increasing consumer interest in alcohol-free drinks. The partnership with DryDrnks aims to introduce Crossip’s bold and versatile non-alcoholic spirits to a market eager for mindful drinking experiences. This expansion leverages India’s vibrant cocktail scene, allowing bartenders to create innovative drink options across various strengths.
These innovative products illustrate the beverage industry’s commitment to creating tailored solutions that improve consumer experiences while adapting to market shifts.
Expert Tips: Substituting Peach Schnapps with Bolder Alternatives in Your Cocktails
Peach schnapps is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, enhancing drinks like the Sex on the Beach with its sweet and fruity profile. However, its lower alcohol content, typically around 15% ABV, and high sweetness can steer some drinkers away. Molly Horn, a Chief Mixologist at Total Wine & More, offers insight into effective alternatives for peach schnapps in cocktails.
When considering substitutes, Horn emphasizes that replacing peach schnapps with stronger spirits isn’t straightforward. For peach-flavored spirits, she suggests using a peach-flavored whiskey instead of vodka, as it provides a bolder peach flavor. If whiskey isn’t available, soaking peaches in bourbon is another option to achieve a similar taste profile.
It’s important to adjust not just the type of alcohol but also the proportions. Horn advises reducing the overall base spirit or splitting the base between a stronger peach spirit and rum or vodka. Adding simple syrup can help balance any reductions in sweetness, allowing the drink’s flavor to shine without being overpowered.
Some cocktails, like the Bellini, require the unique qualities of schnapps and might not benefit from substitutes. Instead, cocktails such as the Missionary’s Downfall or the Sex on the Beach can creatively incorporate the swaps Horn suggests, maintaining their rich flavors while elevating their alcohol content.
For those looking to explore new flavors, the key is to know your adjustments in both alcohol and sugar content for a well-balanced drink that satisfies your palate.
Expert Tips for Selecting the Perfect Thanksgiving Wine
Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming with its array of dishes and family dynamics, making the choice of a perfect wine seem daunting. The right approach, according to wine experts, isn’t about selecting a single ideal bottle but rather creating a diverse lineup to please various palates. Adam Lapierre, a Master of Wine with Total Wine, advises prioritizing versatility and individual preferences over rigid pairings, highlighting that the holiday is about enjoyment and sharing rather than perfection.
The complexity of a Thanksgiving meal—with its salty gravies, sweet yams, tart cranberries, and rich turkey—calls for wines that are high in acidity to refresh the palate and versatile enough to harmonize with a spectrum of flavors. Brian Gelb, also from Total Wine, emphasizes that wines should complement the meal’s rhythm rather than overpower it.
For whites, Gelb suggests turning to offerings from the Loire Valley, especially Vouvray, which presents a balanced sweetness and vibrant acidity. Lapierre recommends whites from Campania, Italy, known for their freshness and food-friendly qualities. These selections elevate the meal nicely, keeping the atmosphere light and refreshing.
Red wine can also have a place at the table, provided it is chosen wisely. Gelb advises against heavier reds which might dominate the turkey and instead points toward mid-weight options such as Beaujolais Crus like Morgon or Fleurie, known for their berry-driven profiles and earthiness, making them suitable partners for stuffing and other savory dishes.
Champagne and sparkling wines can serve as excellent ice-breakers at the dinner, enhancing the festive spirit. Lapierre champions Grand Cru Champagne for its universal appeal, noting rising consumer interest in sparkling wines that complement various dishes seamlessly.
With value also being a concern, especially during a holiday that can require multiple bottles, both experts stress that there are affordable options in the $25 to $35 range, particularly from both well-established and emerging regions.
Ultimately, the key takeaway for a successful Thanksgiving wine experience is to avoid the trap of selecting just one wine. Instead, offering a selection allows guests to explore what pairs best with their chosen dishes, enriching the overall dining experience and aligning with the holiday spirit of abundance and generosity.