Review of Holmes Cay Heritage Blend Esotico Edition Rum
I’ve long been a fan of Holmes Cay for their unique approach to bottling single cask rums. But while their incredibly rare, expensive offerings are almost overwhelming in their quality, I’m equally impressed by the brand’s willingness to make an effort to appeal to customers of all means. With comparatively lower-priced products released in the Single Origin Edition range and now the ultra-affordable Esotico Heritage Blend, no matter what your budget, you can count on Holmes Cay to deliver something special.
As one of the most competitive spirit categories in the market, rum producers must continue to look for ways to appeal to more consumers and showcase value-for-money bottlings. With the Esotico Edition, Holmes Cay has achieved just that, making it a true multipurpose addition to any rum drinks cabinet. With a $39 price tag and a taste that will make you savor every sip, the Holmes Cay Esotico Edition is a top-notch rum that any customer can appreciate and afford!Since the launch of their first product back in 2012, Holmes Cay has been majorly committed to maintaining a dedication to the rum traditions of the Caribbean. With their new Esotico release, they’ve blended the three leading inspirations – English, Spanish, and French style rums – to create an ultra-easy-sipping 86-proof rum that works as a mixer and sipper both.
The three rums Holmes Cay used in their latest concoction come from the following:
* English Rum – An aged blend of three molasses-based rums, aged from 2-10 years in ex-bourbon barrels
* Spanish Rum – A blend of two heavy-bodied, sugar cane-juice based rums, each aged from 4-10 years in ex-bourbon barrels
* French Rum – A lightly aged rhum agricole – made from pure cane-juice – aged in ex-bourbon barrels
Esotico is a complex yet light-bodied rum with inviting notes of dried fruit, banana bread, honey, and a hint of oak. While not particularly high in proof, the 43% ABV gives Esotico a nice kick and flavor potency that sets it apart as an everyday sipper and mixer. Holmes Cay is a pioneer in the American rum scene, and their creativity and resilience in producing rum that challenges convention really shows with Esotico. It’s a tribute to the three major traditions of the Caribbean, and a must-try rum to add to your collection.Molasses-Based Rum, Blended from Barbados and Venezuela
Created by expert distillers, this blend of molasses-based rum offers a unique flavor and smooth profile. It combines two distinct Caribbean islands, each of which offers their own unique flavor of rum. The Barbados fuses traditional pot still rum with column still rum giving a delightful balance between sweetness and spice. The Venezuela portion of the blend utilizes column still rum, creating an approachable and light complexity. For those looking for unique flavors and a blend with layers, this rum makes an excellent choice. Furthermore, the addition of Martinique rhum made with cane juice adds one more level of flavor and richness. This superior concoction of rum allows for a sophisticated sipping experience.Esotico Rum: An Exotic Blend of Rum Styles
From the folks who brought us the classic Holmes Cay Rum lineup, comes Esotico– a unique blending of different styles of rum production. The label states three key terms – Rum, Ron, Rhum – indicating the combination of traditions and styles Esotico contains. True to form, the final product is a straightforward blend, bottled without any additional sweetening, flavoring or color added.
Rum is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from sugarcane by-products, and is widely produced throughout the Caribbean. Ron, a Spanish term meaning “rum” is a rum made predominantly in Latin and Central America. Lastly, Rhum, a French term also meaning “rum” is typical of production from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Esotico succeeds in bringing out the best characteristics of each style of production. On the nose there are hints of molasses, vanilla and some citrus notes, while the taste brings more subtle sweetness with notes of toasted nuts and gentle undertones of butterscotch. In each sip, the complexity of all three styles shines through.
Esotico is a great entry point to the varied spectrums and depths of rum styles. So the next time you’re looking to explore a new spirit, give Esotico a try and enjoy the unique flavors it has to offer.Ah, Holmes Cay Esotico! For those who don’t know, it’s a rye-and-corn blended whiskey chalk full of sweet, bold flavors. You’ll find delightful notes of sultana dried fruits, along with banana and Nilla wafer-like vanilla pudding. There’s a subtle nutty kick with some citrus, wrapped up in a bite of ethanol that may take some by surprise given its modest proof. Put simply, this spirit is gracefully fruity and surprisingly wild at the same time.One sip of this delightful blend of Venezuelan and Martinique rum and you’ll be transported to the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean. Bright citrus notes of orange and lemon give way to floral scents of vanilla, with hints of honey and raisin to sweeten the deal. Further underneath these pleasant aromas lies a more earthy, funkier bouquet, thanks to the agricole found in the Martinique rum. The blend is modestly aged and the occasional kiss of anise hints of the oak and spices that round off the flavour profile. Elegant and light, it’s a rum you won’t forget!Every once in a while, a new rum brand arrives on the scene that drives curiosity and enhances your expectations. Holmes Cay, a rum from the Bahamas, is one of the newest of these to come around. Its debut bottle is simply called “Rum”, and it’s a no-nonsense basic expression designed as an uncomplicated rum for use in classic cocktail recipes like Daiquiris, Ti Punch, and Corn n’ Oil.
It’s distilled from sugarcane molasses and aged for anywhere between one and three years in white oak barrels. On the palate, you can expect notes of baking spices, vanilla, and sweet fruits. The finish, too, is smooth and pleasant.
Holmes Cay Rum is light enough to be suitable for mixing into your favorite classic cocktails – and it’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about the Holmes Cay brand. Its refreshing yet accessible flavor profile makes it difficult to go wrong with, and the fact that it’s affordable means you can buy several bottles without breaking the bank.
So if you’re looking for an uncomplicated, go-to rum for serious cocktail-making, the Holmes Cay Rum is certainly worth a try. Its versatile flavor will make it a hit with any crowd.A splendid blend of Caribbean rum, Holmes Cay is a great choice for vacation drinks. It’s produced from a combination of rums matured in both virgin and select oak casks to create a unique and balanced flavor profile. Pale golden in color, it features hints of tropical spices, charred wood, and a light sweetness.
The aroma from Holmes Cay is smooth and inviting, with notes of roasted nuts, brown sugar, and ripe fruit on the nose. On the palate, it’s smooth and full-bodied, offering nuances of charred wood, dried fruit, and light spice. The finish is warm and smooth with a hint of oak and sweet caramel.
Made from a blend of Caribbean rum, Holmes Cay has an ABV of 43%, making it a perfect choice for sipping neat or as part of a cocktail. Its classic taste and subtle notes of wood and caramel make it a great addition to any bar cart. And with its refined look and reasonable price tag, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion. So, if you’re looking for a timeless rum to enjoy with friends, look no further than Holmes Cay.Jim Vorel is a master of mixology, with a sharp eye for the perfect tipple. As a staff writer and resident liquor geek for Paste, Jim is constantly on the search to find the best flavors of beer, wine, and spirits to grace his glass. He takes great pleasure in educating others on the nuanced taste profiles of different libations and nuances of the cocktail-crafting trade. Follow Jim on Twitter to quench your thirst for knowledge and stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks for all things drinks-related.
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Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine
With a rich history spanning centuries, the Pécharmant region is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive wines in France. Nestled in the Dordogne Valley, Pécharmant’s unique terroir gives birth to robust red wines that are as enigmatic as the region itself. But amidst this wine-rich land, one name stands out – Château Beauportail. This esteemed château has played a key role in defining the Pécharmant wine scene and continues to lead the region with its exquisite offerings.
Château Beauportail, steeped in heritage and tradition, embodies the quintessence of Pécharmant wine. It is a living testament to the rich tapestry of the region’s viticulture, where each bottle encapsulates a slice of history and a taste of the extraordinary. The château’s wines are characterized by their robust structure, deep color, and aromatic complexity, reflecting the unique blend of clay, sand, and gravel soils in the Pécharmant appellation.
At Château Beauportail, quality is never compromised. The château’s winemaking process is rooted in a deep respect for nature and the traditions of the Pécharmant region. Sustainable farming practices, meticulous grape selection, and a commitment to minimal intervention allow for the creation of wines that are authentic expressions of their terroir. This commitment to quality and tradition, coupled with an innovative spirit, places Château Beauportail at the forefront of Pécharmant wine production.
But while Château Beauportail may be a beacon of excellence in the region, it is not alone in its quest to showcase the best of Pécharmant. Two other châteaux, Pécharmant Corbiac and Château de Tiregand, offer remarkable contributions to the region’s wine landscape.
Château Pécharmant Corbiac, a family-run estate, is deeply entrenched in the region’s history. The château’s wines are known for their rich, full-bodied character, bearing the hallmark Pécharmant flavors of dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes. It is a beautiful representation of the region’s potential, where the elegance and power of Pécharmant wines shine through.
Meanwhile, Château de Tiregand, with its impressive architectural heritage, adds another dimension to the Pécharmant wine scene. Its wines are marked by their elegant structure and balanced fruitiness, providing a slightly different, but equally compelling, interpretation of Pécharmant terroir.
These three châteaux, each with their own unique style and philosophy, work in harmony to shape the Pécharmant wine landscape. They share a common goal: to create wines that are true representations of their region. As they continue to innovate while respecting tradition, they solidify Pécharmant’s reputation as a region of outstanding wines.
In conclusion, while Pécharmant may be lesser known compared to its more famous French counterparts, the region offers a unique wine experience marked by the distinctive character of its red wines. In the hands of wineries like Château Beauportail, Château Pécharmant Corbiac, and Château de Tiregand, Pécharmant wines continue to evolve, reflecting the past while looking to the future.
As the world of wine becomes increasingly global, it is the unique characteristics of regional wines that make them truly stand out. And in this aspect, Pécharmant, led by the likes of Château Beauportail, is a shining example. So, the next time you’re in search of a wine that carries the soul of its region, remember Pécharmant – it might just surprise you with its depth, complexity, and enchanting qualities.
Kentucky Derby Drink & Cocktail Guide 2015
The Kentucky Derby is one of the longest running sporting traditions in America. While some watch the Derby for the horse racing, others celebrate the cultural event by drinking Kentucky Bourbon based cocktails and spirits.
Horse racing and Kentucky Bourbon go hand in hand. In this article, we’ll highlight the top cocktails you can serve at your 2015 Kentucky Derby party.
The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep. Although the original Mint Julep was originally concocted using brandy, today’s Mint Julep is typically made with Kentucky Bourbon.
The most popular Kentucky Bourbon used in Derby Mint Juleps is undoubtedly Old Forrester. Although you may use your favorite Kentucky Bourbon when making your Mint Juleps, try our suggested Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipe below:
You’ll Need:
- Mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Sugar (For Simple Mint Syrup)
- A Bottle of Bourbon, preferably Old Forrester
- Fresh Mint Sprigs
- Simple Mint Syrup
Optional:
- Stirring Straws – Allows your guests to stir and sip
- Powdered Sugar – To compliment the mint garnish
Yields (1) 8 ounce serving.
Directions:
You will need to prepare the Simple Syrup for your Mint Juleps first. Simply bring 1 cup of water combined with 1 cup of sugar to a boil in a saucepan for 3 minutes. Let the solution cool to room temperature, then preserve the Simple Syrup in a glass jar.
Take a chilled bar glass and pour 1/2 an ounce of the Simple Syrup into the glass. Take a spoon and mix 3-5 mint sprigs into the bottom of the cup. Try to mash the mint sprigs against the side of the cup to release the flavor of the mint into the Simple Syrup. Take your spoon and remove the mint from the syrup and discard as needed.
Next, fill the cup full of crushed ice and proceed to mix 2 ounces (roughly two shots) of your favorite Bourbon into the glass. Stir the drink with a straw and garnish the drink with mint leaves. Top the drink off with additional ice as needed. Left over simple syrup can be refrigerated and used later in sweet tea.
Kentucky Bourbon Tailgate Sipper
Some Kentucky Derby partiers treat the Run for the Roses as a tailgating party that helps kick off Summer. The Kentucky Bourbon Tailgate Sipper is the perfect addition for your 2015 Kentucky Derby party.
You’ll Need:
- 4 cups of cubed fresh pineapple
- 1 cup of Kentucky Bourbon (Woodfords, Old Forrester, Etc)
- 1 cup of Cold Perrier Lemon Sparkling Water
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort
- 1 TBSP of Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 TSP of Vanilla Extract
Directions:
Using a food processor or blender, drop the pineapple chunks into the device allowing the chunks to smooth out. This roughly takes 30 seconds.
Strain the pineapple mixture using a wire mesh strainer and pour the pineapple juice into a 2 quart container. Be sure to remove any pineapple pulp from the juice and discard the pulp in the trash. Use a spoon to mash all of juice out of the pineapple against the strainer.
Using the 2 quart container, add 1 cup of your favorite Kentucky Bourbon, a cup of Perrier Lemon Flavored Sparking Water, 1/2 a cup of Southern Comfort, 1 TBSP of fresh lemon juice along with 1 TSP of vanilla extract. Stir up your concoction and serve over ice. Add garnishes if necessary.
Spiked Sweet Tea & Lemonade
This super simple concoction is sure to be a hit at your 2015 Kentucky Derby party. To make Spiked Sweet Tea & Lemonade, follow these directions below.
You’ll Need:
- 3 Cups of Water
- 2 Family Sized Lipton Tea Bags
- 1 Cup of Mint Leaves (Loosely Packed)
- 1/2 Cup of Sugar
- 4 Cups of Cold Water
- 1/2 of a 12-oz. can of frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 1 cup Kentucky Bourbon (Old Forrester, Knob Creek or Woodford)
Optional:
You can garnish the Spiked Sweet Tea & Lemonade with fresh sugarcane and fresh pineapple slices.
Directions:
First, take your 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add tea bags and fresh mint to your boiling water. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes.
Next, remove the tea bags and mint leaves. Mix the sugar into the minty, sweet tea mix and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once this is complete, mix in your 4 cups of cold water, your Kentucky Bourbon along with the lemonade concentrate. Serve over the Spiked Sweet Tea & Lemonade over ice and use the garnishes suggested above.
The most popular alcohol-related terms according to Google, and what they can teach us
Perhaps it’s quite apropos that I’ve had a homemade margarita in preparation to compose this article. It’s a standard and popular tequila-containing drink that’s a common unwinding tool after a long and productive day’s work.
Speaking of popular and common, it is quite an interesting undertaking to turn to Google to discover what’s hot and happening with people these days – especially in the realm of potent potables.
Alcohol, beer, wine – and Prosecco?
At the top of the list of popular liquor search terms appear those things you’d expect. Standard alcohol queries get nearly 500,000 monthly hits per month, but gaining on Champagne’s 100,000 searches is a foreign dark horse that might not be familiar to some.
That bubbly drink is Prosecco, an Italian variety and French sparkling wine rival that finds itself actually outselling Champagne for the first time in history. Expect the trend to continue into 2015, and if you want to appear cultured and smart, order a bottle the next time you’re dining out.
Moscato, of course
Why is Moscato so popular?
That’s a question that has been typed into the search-engine giant so often that Google offers it as its second suggestion. With more than 100,000 searches surrounding the sweet and sparking wine, the rise of Moscato has been attributed to its affinity with the hip-hop crowd. The pink and Bartenura versions of the wine receive the most seekers.
Cheap, dangerous and ordinary
Rounding out the majority of phrases of alcohol statistics are those extreme words that run the gamut between troublesome terms and everyday occurrences. Information about alcohol poisoning, binge drinking, withdrawal symptoms and alcoholism are mixed in with the more ordinary searches for data about wine and spirits.
Pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, Bordeaux and Chianti are the famous types of wines topping the list, with the latter harkening back to that unforgettable scene in the movie Silence of the Lambs, wherein Anthony Hopkins’ character mentioned it as being a lovely pairing with fava beans and sinister offerings. At the very least, the creepy mention taught us all that it is a wine produced within the Chianti region of Tuscany.
Wine is fine, liquor is quicker – and gets more attention
While beer and wine run neck and neck for attention from Googlers – especially once you factor in specific queries for brands like Marsala wine, Riesling or Cristal Champagne – or categories like merlot and ale (which is also surging in trendiness) – we can’t negate the attention given to the harder stuff.
Gin, vodka and rum get nearly a quarter of a million monthly searches, especially when brand names like Grey Goose are factored into the mix. Kraken rum is no slouch, neither is Yuengling beer – a brewski that gets the same 74,000 monthly searches as the uber-popular Ciroc brand of vodka brought to the public by Sean “P Diddy” Combs, a man who built that brand into a $100 million franchise.
It’s amazing what you can learn about the desires of folks who turn to search engines to discover. Don’t you feel smarter just by reading the above results?
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Whiskey will always be a favorite drink to some people, and others just aren’t going to be able to bear the strong taste and sting that it has to offer (personally I love it, but everybody has their own favorite). It’s a triple distilled whiskey that made its name through years of vicarious marketing, as well as simply producing a quality liquor for people to enjoy. It’s said to be one of the smoothest whiskey’s out there, and considering whiskey is quite bitter that’s saying a lot. It’s taken the brewery known as Jameson well over a hundred years to perfect this recipe, and say what you will, but that’s a long time to dedicate towards on specific alcoholic beverage. When somebody dedicates that much time towards something it’s going to be the best there ever was, plain and simple; Jameson clearly knew what they were doing with this particular drink.
John Jameson started this entire endeavor in 1780, which is when he realized that the triple-distillation process was the perfect one to use for Irish whiskey, the rest is simply history. It’s a legacy that most of us know as a great time, but John Jameson took his craft to heart (and you can really see that when you get your hands on this whiskey). He may have passed a long time ago, but his alcoholic legacy is still burning brighter than ever. There are 3 main components that make up this drink, and when you finally learn what they are you’re probably going to say “well, that sounds pretty easy”. I suppose it’s all about the technique as opposed to the ingredients used, and John Jameson was the master of distillation techniques. The ingredients used are maize, barley and “pure Irish water”, which must be where they get the Irish portion from.
Getting into deeper details the water originates from the Dungourney River in Ireland, and it just so happens the river flows directly through a Jameson distillery. That sounds like a scenic picture I would love to see, but I’ve never been to Ireland, what a pity. They mill, mash and then ferment the ingredients to the point where they’re ready to be distilled, and that’s when the fun really begins. The triple distillation process is no joke people, they use three types (a wash still, a feint still and a spirit still) and they really do means business when it comes to this technique. The triple distillation process provides an edge to the drink that no other company could mimic, and that’s probably why Jameson Irish whiskey is so popular.
After the drink is distilled it sits in aged barrels in order to mature, and this is known as the maturation process. From there they hold onto the whiskey until it’s ready to be shipped and bottled by brewery workers across the globe, and then they can go through the process of putting the drinks on liquor store shelves within your region!
Ch@t Vodka Review
Usually you get as drunk as possible to deal with school but a new brand of Vodka actually came FROM a school assignment. Pennsylvania resident Melissa Sohmer is turning homework into something much more as she’s released Ch@t Vodka into the world.
There are two things about it that make it different then the vodka you’re used to. The first is the taste. Ch@t Vodka doesn’t use typical methods to give it an unforgettable flavour. They use a process called TerrePure that takes far less time to age the vodka. It takes away the harsh elements commonly left behind when the traditional routes are taken and replaces them with ultrasonic energy leaving behind a smooth subtle taste with character. Think of it as an upgrade.
The other thing helping it stand out is its youthful appearance. While Vodka is enjoyed by drinkers of all ages, it’s marketing demographic is rarely someone in their early 20’s. Ch@t Vodka flips that on its ear by labeling bottles with popular text acronyms, helping younger drinkers relate to its product. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes great and has a fun taste as well! Ch@t comes in two flavours, both named after popular internet acronyms. The original flavour vodka is called P2P (or Person to Person) but it also boasts a fun strawberry flavoured vodka called SMH (or Shaking my Head, something you’ll be doing plenty of the next morning as it tends to go down smooth and easy). If the chosen acronyms seem random, they’re not. The first letter tells you what flavour it is. The P in P2P is for Plain (Vodka flavoured) and the S in SMH is for Strawberry. As the line expands expect future text friendly names.
Like I said above, Ch@t Vodka started as graphic design assignment in college. Her goal was to combine the ever importance of social media and alcohol. Ch@t is truly a family run affair. While it was Melissa’s original idea, she involved her father, who helped her make the prototype and network with experts and distillers, and her uncle Scott, who is assisting with the marketing and making the majority of the sales calls. Right now it’s marketed at just under $30, making it the perfect price for the younger crowd to enjoy. It’s only been a few months since Ch@t made its grand debut but it’s already sold in 10 suppliers in New Jersey, as well as on special order in Pennsylvania, and a select few restaurants with more to be added.
Having tried both kinds it’s easy to see why this will be successful. The regular flavoured Ch@t vodka (P2P) goes down much smoother, as advertised, with less of that harsh taste. If flavoured vodka is more up your ally you’ll definitely enjoy the strawberry flavor (SMH). It has a fruity taste but not enough to overpower the vodka and make it too sweet. Whichever you prefer Ch@t Vodka is doing things their own way and making drinking with friends even more youthful.
Connect with CH@T VODKA – Click Here
Kas’tell Vodka Review
Think about the last weekend you went out with your friends. How did you feel the next day? If it was a good night, you probably didn’t feel amazing. Any Vodka drinker knows the price they pay the next morning after a night out drinking their favourite brand. Kas’tell Vodka is slowly changing the game one bottle at a time. Right off the bat it stands out in a sleek and sexy dark red bottle. It definitely stands out in a memorable way. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what it’s in as long as it delivers in taste and flavour. I’m very glad to say Kas’tell Vodka does, big time. It boasts a smooth taste with no to zero burn. You may even find yourself in a much better mood the next morning as, since there’s less toxins involved, you’re far more likely to wake up hangover free. No hangover? Talk about perfection. Does it get any better?
Amazingly enough, it does. For each bottle of Kas’tell Vodka you purchase, you’re not only helping yourself have a better Sunday morning, you’re helping someone in need that really needs it. Proceeds of each bottle go towards registered charities and communities in need. It’s all part of a plan to reward the community and help people in need, making it the most charitable vodka on the market today.
Kas’tell Vodka is already making quite a name for itself in the entertainment industry. It was actually created by entertainment executive Thomas Kastelz. Thomas has been around the block for over a decade so he knows the ins-and-outs of the entertainment world. The idea was brought to Jeff Spencer and a partnership was struck. Since then the brand has expanded and a team of industry professionals were brought on board, including three separate marketing directors. Kast’ell Vodka knows what they are doing and how to reach the top.
Kas’tell Vodka is a luxury choice all the way. Creators Kastelz and Spencer refer to the brand as “embodiment of pop and hip hop culture for those who seek the quintessential experience of taste, style, and class.” It was always meant to be experienced in higher class situations and locations. While this may alienate certain demographics of drinkers, Kas’tell Vodka isn’t about attracting everyone. It’s about finding people who know what they want and deserve nothing but the best. Top quality Vodka is the name of the game.
So Kas’tell Vodka is a hit with vodka lovers, helping people in need, and the entertainment industry. You’d think that’s it but it’s even critically acclaimed. In 2013 Kas’tell Vodka won the Silver Medal for the Denver International Spirits Competition. It’s only a matter of time until they start sweeping future competitions. Kas’tell Vodka isn’t doing too badly for a company that only started a few years ago. It’s a good thing they’re offering vodka the way they do, you won’t be able to forget them the morning after the next time you go out.
To find out more about Kas’tell Vodka, click here.
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Pabst Blue Ribbon
Think back to the last beer commercial you saw on TV. Do you remember which brand it advertised? It was probably Molson or Coors, right? Over the last decade a particular brand has anchored itself in the beer world without throwing millions of dollars into billboards and television. Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR as its commonly abbreviated, experienced a huge uprising simply by doing what others aren’t; staying cheap and avoiding marketing. Keeping prices low keeps it in the public eye and popular with college students low on funds.
Today’s youth would be surprised to learn PBR’s heyday was the late 70s. It targeted a completely different demographic; the blue-collar working class. As the decades passed, its popularity fell by the wayside. In fact it wasn’t until 2002 that sales started to rise. Suddenly it wasn’t the beer your dad used to drink. College students started choosing it for their lower prices, and the fact that no one was telling them it was the hippest and sexiest choice worked wonders for the brand.
When you really break it down, it isn’t even known for its quality or taste. That itself is impressive. It’s not about what it tastes like but what it represents. All of a sudden it has a huge following for the reasons no multi-million dollar brewery would expect. Pabst’s aversion to traditional advertising is a new tactic for them. While the brand was started by the Pabst Brewing Company in 1844 there was a multitude of television commercials starting in the 1950s and onwards. They depicted the brand far more working class than today’s drinkers. Ironically its cheaper price point wasn’t one of their selling points back then. It was more about sophistication and taste. The company went into decline until it became hip to drink again.
Since its rise in power in the earlier 2000’s Pabst Blue Ribbon changed management. It was bought out by investor C.Dean Metropoulos in 2010. His pop culture savvy sons Evan and Daren, both in their late 20’s, represent the exact type of demographic Pabst avoided advertising to years ago. Since the leg work of revitalizing the brand was done it was all about keeping it up and the brothers were more than up to shining the beer in a new light. To put into perspective how much money they had, Daren purchased Hugh Hefner’s mansion for 18 million dollars in cash.
Since the buy out the brand has remained popular amongst youth. In both 2011 and 2012 the brewing company won the “Large Brewing Company of the year” award at the Great American Beer Festival. It’s still a strong seller in bars but since the buyout prices has gone up. While it still costs less than it’s competitors its taken a glitzier and more glamorous approach and tries a bit harder to be noticed by the movers and shakers of the entertainment world. For the most part the college crowd doesn’t care. They’re saving money and being seen with a brand people love.
Best Unknown Drinking Games
Everyone has a pre-drinking ritual before they go out. Whether it’s blasting their favourite song before hitting the bars or downing their favourite shot everyone preps differently. Drinking Games are a popular choice and have been a mainstay at parties for decades. You may know about King’s Cup and Flip Cup but here are some “alternative” drinking games sure to impress your friends at the next party.
1) Bottle Blow – All you need for this game is an empty bottle, which shouldn’t be hard to find, and a deck of cards. Put the deck of cards on the top of the bottle. Each of your friends take turns blowing cards off of the deck. The last person to blow a card drinks a beer. There are additional rules you can add to increase the fun. For example if you blow a Queen card off you drink a beer or if you blow two off, two beers and so on. The flexibility adding rules adds to the madness.
2) Quarters – If you’re short on ideas and game pieces, this one is great because it requires no additional pieces other than a quarter. The game starts by spinning a quarter to see who goes first. Whomever the antlers are pointed at is the first player. The object is to bounce a quarter off the table and into the glass. If the coin goes in the shooter picks who must drink. If the quarter doesn’t land in the glass, the next player starts their turn.
3) Edward 40 Hands – Not only is this game not for the faint of heart, it’s not recommended if you have somewhere to be in a few hours. The rules are simple. A 40 is duct-taped to each of your hands and you cannot remove them for any reason. You’re forced to drink both 40s, before even going to the bathroom.
4) Clown – Another game that requires only a deck of cards. Everyone flips over their card and if anyone has the same numbered card they must turn to the person and yell “Clown”. Speed is important for this game, because whoever doesn’t say it fast enough has to drink whatever the number on the card says.
5) Celebrity – This game is a little more social. It’s a great way to loosen up and break the ice if not everyone knows each other all that well just yet. Everyone writes down a celebrity’s name on a post it note and puts it in a bowl. Without looking, everyone reaches in and puts one of the names on their forehead. Once on, everyone takes turns asking yes or no questions to figure out who is written on their post-it note. Any time you get “No” as an answer you drink. If you get a “Yes” you hand out a drink to someone of your choosing. The first person to figure out their celebrity now has the ability to hand-out drinks to anyone they choose until the end of the game.
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Top 10 Drinks for St. Patricks Day
St.Patrick’s Day is the only day of the year when you can be as Irish as you want, regardless of your heritage. March 18th is the perfect day to try something new so here are ten cocktails to make your Irish eyes smile.
iCohol Presents..The Top 10 Drinks for St. Patricks Day!
1) Irish Car Bomb – A classic for a reason.
Ingredients: ½ pint Guinness Stout
½ oz. Irish Cream
½ oz. Irish whiskey
Instructions: Fill the beer glass with the Guinness. Fill a shot glass with the Irish whiskey and Irish Cream. Drop the shot glass into the stout and enjoy the coffee flavoured surprise.
2) Irish Highball – A taste of Ireland.
Ingredients: 2 oz Irish Whiskey (preferably Jamesons)
4 oz Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Ice chunks
Instructions: Simply pour the whiskey over ice and fill the glass with Ginger Ale.
3) Shamrock
Ingredients: 1 ½ oz of Irish Whiskey
1 tsp of green crème de menthe
½ oz of dry vermouth
1 olive
Instructions: Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with the olive.
4) Irish Old Fashioned – A sweet treat
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of sugar
Angostura bitters
1.5 oz of Irish whiskey
1 lemon peel twist
1 Maraschino Cherry
1 slice of orange
Instructions: Pour of the ingredients, minus the fruit, into a highball glass. Stir the liquids together. Garnish with the fruit and serve cold.
5) Irish Shillelagh – A fruity twist
Ingredients: 1.5 oz of Irish whiskey
Half ounce of gin
1 teaspoon of sugar syrup
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Peach Shnapps
1 teaspoon of White Rum
Instructions: Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker as well as some chipped ice. Shake. Pour the drink into an old fashioned glass without straining it.
6) Irish Rose – A light cocktail
Ingredients: 1 ounce of lime juice
1 ounce of Irish whiskey
6 ounces of Ginger Ale
1 ounce of pomegranate syrup
Instructions: Mix the ingredients together and serve over ice.
7) Hot Irish Whiskey – Perfect for a cold night
Ingredients: 1 ounce Jameson Whiskey
2 cups boiled water
Cloves
¼ slice of Lemon
2 teaspoons sugar
Instructions: Pour whiskey into glass. Add sugar and fill glass with boiling water and stir. Place 4/5 cloves into the lemon slice and add it to the drink. Serve hot.
8) Irish Coffee – What a way to wake up in the morning
Ingredients: 1 ounce Irish Whiskey
3 ounces hot coffee
Sugar (to taste)
Whipped Cream
Instructions: Pour coffee into a warmed mug. Add desired amount of sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add whiskey and top with whipped cream.
9) Fuzzy Irishman – Unforgettably sweet
Ingredients: 1 ounce Butterscotch Shnapps
1 ounce Irish Cream
1 ounce Raspberry Liqueur
Instructions: Mix all with crushed ice in a glass. Add mint leaves to taste.
10) Irish Hammer – Refreshing
Ingredients: 1 ounce Irish Cream
1 ounce Jack Daniels
1 ounce Irish Mist
Instructions: Mix with crushed ice in a glass and add mint leaves to taste.
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