Kazakhstan’s Xaoma Gold vodka has been crowned the best vodka at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Judges awarded it an impressive 98 out of 100 points, praising its crisp texture and bright grain notes. Distilled from Kazakh wheat and infused with Central Asian herbs, this 80-proof vodka is inspired by an ancient nomadic elixir traditionally carried by Iranian wanderers, known as "xaoma," believed to provide strength and wisdom to those who drank it.

The production of Xaoma Gold utilizes modern distillation techniques while honoring its nomadic heritage, resulting in a spirit characterized by a smooth and dry mouthfeel with hints of coffee and lemon. It undergoes an 8-stage filtration process that ensures clarity without compromising its unique flavor profile.

Xaoma Gold is not new to accolades; it previously won Double Gold at the Warsaw Spirits Competition and scored 95 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Although it’s widely available in Europe, it can still be found in the U.S. market for about $24, distinguished by its striking green and gold label reflective of its cultural roots.

Vodka is often dismissed as a less exciting category; however, Xaoma Gold’s rich heritage and intriguing notes challenge that perception. It serves as an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their cocktail experience, particularly in a classic martini.

For more information on Xaoma Gold vodka, visit the product page: Xaoma Gold.

Whiskey Myers is set to perform at the Brandon Amphitheater soon, attracting excitement among fans of the Texas country-rock band. Known for their dynamic live shows and distinctive sound, Whiskey Myers has gained a loyal following since their formation in 2007. The concert promises to showcase tracks from their latest album and classic hits, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. As they gear up for the performance, anticipation is building for what has become a highlight in the region’s music calendar.

For more details on the concert and ticket availability, visit WJTV Jackson.

President Donald Trump’s trade policies have significantly impacted U.S. whiskey makers, prompting major retailers in Canada to remove American liquor from their shelves. Amidst this crisis, investor Brian Rosen offers a different perspective, suggesting that tariffs may unintentionally benefit small, American whiskey brands.

Rosen, founder and general partner at InvestBev, argues that while Canadian tariffs seem detrimental, they could make foreign whiskies—particularly from Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada—appear more expensive compared to American whiskey, enhancing the latter’s appeal to consumers. This could be a silver lining for many smaller whiskey producers, allowing them to maintain their prices while competing against international brands that may see their costs rise.

InvestBev, which holds a diverse portfolio of alcohol brands, strategically increased exports following Trump’s election in 2024 to avoid the brunt of the tariffs. Rosen indicates that this foresight placed InvestBev in a favorable position within the market.

However, it’s important to note that while larger players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard express grave concerns about potential job losses and decreased profitability due to tariffs, smaller distilleries often don’t have the same level of international exposure. According to Rosen, only a small fraction of Kentucky bourbon is exported, suggesting that domestic-focused distillers may not be hit as hard by these international market fluctuations.

Despite these potential benefits outlined by Rosen, a broader economic landscape reveals challenges for small U.S. whiskey producers. The Distilled Spirits Council has reported a record increase in U.S. spirits exports in 2024, but ongoing trade disputes create uncertainty, hindering growth opportunities for many distillers.

Many small distilleries are actively seeking exemptions from tariffs, indicating their concerns about rising costs for imported goods used in production. This reflects a wider reality wherein tariffs are complicating the supply chain for U.S. businesses, affecting both large corporations and small-scale producers.

As the trade environment evolves, the impact of tariffs will continue to be a contentious issue within the whiskey industry, making Rosen’s contrarian view both intriguing and indicative of the complexity of U.S. trade policies.

Detroit City Distillery is set to launch a new limited-edition spirit called Flower Day Vodka, designed to celebrate the iconic Flower Day in Eastern Market. This unique vodka is crafted by distilling Michigan lavender with lemon in 100% corn vodka sourced from Michigan.

The ingredient list is clean, featuring no artificial flavors, colorings, or sweeteners, and the vodka is noted for its refreshing combination of lemon and lavender flavors. Local artist Ivan Montoya has contributed to the design of the bottle, adding a creative touch to the product.

The Flower Day Vodka will be available for purchase starting May 9, ahead of the annual Eastern Market Flower Day taking place on May 18. Visitors on May 9 can also take part in a special event at the tasting room where they can create their own flower bouquets from Flowers for Dreams, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day.

The distillery describes Flower Day as a cherished holiday for Detroit residents, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the joy of blooming flowers just after Mother’s Day. The price for each bottle is set at $35.

Recent data from Belarus’s National Statistics Committee reveals a notable decline in alcohol sales for the first quarter of 2025. Vodka sales dropped from 1.9795 million decaliters in the first three months of 2024 to 1.9277 million decaliters in the same period of 2025, marking a decrease of 2.6%.

In addition to vodka, the sales of grape and fruit wines also saw reductions of 2.9% and 7%, respectively. Sales of liqueurs and liquor products dipped slightly by 0.2%, while beer sales decreased by 1.4%. Nevertheless, beer remains popular, with sales still reaching 8.912 million decaliters, down from 9.0369 million decaliters a year prior.

On a more positive note, some categories experienced growth. Sales of cognac, cognac drinks, and brandy surged by 8.1%, while low-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.7%. Sparkling wines and champagne also saw a rise of 4.5%, with other alcoholic beverages increasing by 4.3%.

These trends indicate shifting preferences among consumers in Belarus, reflecting broader changes in alcohol consumption habits.

For more details, visit tochka.by.

The manager of a Scottish vodka company, Nicola Morrissey, 49, who has connections to the infamous Kinahan crime cartel, has been seen publicly in Marbella, Spain, for the first time since her arrest. Accompanied by her husband, Johnny ‘Cash’ Morrissey, 65, the couple was spotted dining at an Indian restaurant near their luxurious residence.

The Morrisseys were arrested as part of a global investigation led by the U.S., where Johnny is accused of laundering over £170 million for the Kinahan crime gang. This group is linked to a turf war currently affecting Glasgow and Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Nicola’s vodka company, Nero Drinks, continues to operate from a discreet office in Glasgow. A source revealed that Nicola’s family is concerned about escalating gang-related violence in Scotland and is relieved she is in Spain.

Previously, Nicola had registered her business at a family property but later shifted it to a more anonymous location. Since her arrest, she has not returned to Scotland and seems to be aware of the violent disputes driven by the Kinahan network.

Nicola, originally from Stepps, Lanarkshire, founded her drinks company seven years ago, with ties to high-profile events and sponsorships such as the Hamilton Academical football club and the Marbella International Film Festival. The company has been associated with luxury and celebrity circles, but authorities have now deemed it a front for the cartel’s operations in the U.S.

After her and Johnny’s arrests in April 2022, Nicola was released without charges, while Johnny was granted bail amid ongoing investigations. Their lavish lifestyle includes a £4.5 million mansion and another villa in Costa del Sol. The couple’s connection to the Kinahan cartel has put them in the limelight, leading to concerns over their safety amidst increasing violence in Scotland.