Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General for Children, has raised concerns regarding the consumption of BORGs, or "Blackout Rage Gallons." This trend gained attention recently when Boston police confiscated multiple BORGs during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston.

Typically, a BORG contains a significant amount of alcohol—often vodka—mixed with water, caffeine, and electrolytes. The idea behind this concoction is to allow individuals to drink throughout the day while remaining hydrated and alert, ostensibly to prevent hangovers. However, the reality is that the alcohol content is alarmingly high. Some recipes recommend filling half a gallon jug with vodka, equating to around 30 to 40 shots of alcohol.

Dr. Hadland emphasized that even if consumed over a long period, this amount leads to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can result in mental status changes, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Historically, there have been incidents—in 2021, about two dozen students at UMass were hospitalized after drinking BORGs all day.

Currently, this trend primarily involves college students, who may find the audacious idea of carrying a bright gallon jug appealing. Although most teenagers do not consume alcohol, those who do often try to conceal it, making BORGs less common among high school students. However, trends from college often trickle down to younger age groups, prompting concern regarding the potential spread of this hazardous practice.

For more information about responsible drinking, visit Mass General for Children.

A man playing with his dog on the beach in Margate, New Jersey, made a surprising discovery last month—eleven unopened whiskey bottles believed to be from the Prohibition era. The bottles, found near the Margate Pier by Austin Contegiacomo, piqued his interest when his sheepadoodle, Koda, unearthed a bottle from the sand.

Contegiacomo soon realized that the items were some form of liquor, with each bottle etched with the name "Lincoln Inn" and an image of a man on horseback. Looking for insights about their origins, he shared images of the bottles on the Whiskey and Bottle Digging subreddits. Enthusiastic commenters helped him trace the history of the Lincoln Inn brand, revealing it was produced in Montreal and packaged in bottles from Dominion Glass, one of Canada’s largest glass manufacturers.

The presence of these bottles amidst other beach debris suggested they may have been recently washed ashore, likely due to dredging activities offshore. The unique diamond mark on the bases of the bottles indicates they were produced after 1928, a time when illegal liquor smuggling was rampant along the New Jersey coast during Prohibition. With Margate’s proximity to Atlantic City—a notorious hub for smuggled liquor—the circumstances raised questions about whether the bottles were left behind by smugglers.

As unopened whiskey retains its quality indefinitely when stored properly, Contegiacomo decided to keep one bottle for himself, displaying it prominently in his kitchen. He shared the ten remaining bottles with friends, who, like him, understand the historical significance of the find. According to him, the allure lies in the bottles’ mystery and the story of their journey rather than consuming them.

"I think right now, nobody is willing to open it," he remarked, appreciating the history behind his remarkable discovery. Koda, his canine companion, received special treats for the exciting find, adding to their beach adventures.

Sommelier André Hueston Mack visits Trader Joe’s to evaluate a selection of liquors and spirits, assessing their quality versus their budget-friendly prices.

The review begins with Texas Vodka, priced at $10.99. Mack notes that it resembles Tito’s Vodka, but it’s actually bottled by Dynasty Spirits. He describes it as clean with a hint of cut grass, stating that it lacks a burning sensation.

Next is Trader Joe’s Versatile Spirit Vodka ($10.99), which is made from grapes instead of grain, resulting in a rustic taste. Although Mack finds it rough around the edges, he acknowledges its potential for experimentation.

The Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey ($15.99) boasts the authentic qualities of a bourbon, thanks to its 51% corn content and aging requirements. Mack praises the notes of caramel and richness, appreciating its price point compared to other bourbons.

He then samples Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey at $14.99. While it claims to be produced in Tennessee following strict rules, Mack finds it underwhelming and prefers authentic brands like Jack Daniel’s.

Trader Joe’s Blanco Tequila ($19.99) passes muster as a raw spirit, showcasing good agave character without overwhelming heat. Mack deems it ideal for summer cocktails.

The review continues with Trader Joe’s Anejo Tequila ($22.99), which, despite its promise of oak aging, did not impress Mack with its subdued flavors.

Next, Espada Pequena Mescal ($21.99) offers a distinct smoky profile, although Mack notes an underlying chemical taste that detracts from the experience.

Trader Joe’s Blended Scotch Whiskey at $11.99 is dismissed as watered-down, reminiscent of family trickery with watered liquor. In contrast, the Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Ten Year ($26.99), earns mixed reviews for not fully delivering on flavor commensurate with its age statement.

He finds Trader Joe’s Special Reserve Irish Whiskey ($15.99) to be easier to drink and offers great value but raises questions about its labeling transparency.

Mack evaluates Rum of the Gods White Rum ($8.99) and its darker counterpart, indicating both lack character, though he prefers the dark rum for its slight sweetness.

Finally, he expresses enthusiasm for Art of the Still Organic Gin ($15.99), which features strong botanical notes, further solidifying its place in cocktail creations.

Overall, Mack’s tasting notes reveal a mix of winners and forgettable spirits, reinforcing the notion that budget options don’t always equate to poor quality, especially at Trader Joe’s.

For more information, check out Trader Joe’s Spirits.

One vodka brand received a Platinum medal, while 23 others were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Vodka Judging. The list of winners includes a variety of historic brands, emerging craft producers, and innovative new expressions.

elit Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $39

elit Vodka emerged as the top-rated vodka in the 2025 BevTest evaluation, achieving a score of 97/100 points. Produced in Latvia by the Stoli Group, elit Vodka is known for its remarkable smoothness and purity, credited to a sophisticated distillation and freeze-filtration process. This three-times distilled vodka offers a delicate aroma of grains and a soft, silky mouthfeel with minimal harshness. The BevTest Judging Panel noted that it features aromas of bread, dough, and subtle hints of almond, with flavors of honey-citrus peels and warm milk, making it ideal for sipping or as a high-end cocktail ingredient.

Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $28

The highest-rated flavored vodka, Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, scored 95/100 points. Hailing from Poland, this vodka is infused with bison grass from the Białowieża Forest, which imparts a unique herbal and slightly sweet flavor. In North America, the vodka is artificially flavored to replicate the taste of bison grass due to import restrictions on Coumarin—a natural compound found in the grass. Zubrówka is celebrated for its smooth profile with tropical aromas of honey, tonka bean, and coconut, making it versatile for cocktails or enjoyed neat.

Gold Medal Winners

In addition to these, 19 other vodkas earned Gold Medals in the 2025 BevTest review. Noteworthy mentions include:

• Nykur Limited Edition Super Premium Organic Jaeger Corps Vodka, 42% ABV, 750 ml – $60: With a score of 95/100, it fragrance includes wet sidewalk and golden apple notes, and a clean palate with citrus and berry nuances.

• Yacht Life Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $69: Also scoring 95/100 points, it boasts baked sweet potato and pizza dough aromas and flavors reminiscent of vanilla pound cake.

• Chopin Family Reserve Extra Rare Young Potato Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $149: Characterized by aromas of toasted nut muffin and marmalade, it is known for its velvety texture.

• Hi Post Handmade American Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $15: This notably affordable vodka received acclaim for its clean and delicate profile, exhibiting flavors of lemon chai and white strawberry.

Other distinguished Gold Medalists include Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Rosa Vodka (rose-infused), and Robert’s Organic Vodka, all showcasing unique aromas and flavor profiles.

Jerald O’Kennard, President of the Beverage Testing Institute, highlighted the trend of naturally flavored vodkas, which are gaining popularity due to their unique infusion processes and potential for creative mixology. As the vodka scene evolves, enthusiasts have much to explore, whether sipping straight or crafting innovative cocktails.

For more vodka recommendations, check out the articles on The World’s Best Vodka According to the International Wine & Spirit Competition and The World’s Best Vodka According to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.