A man pleaded guilty to giving rum to a 14-year-old girl, who was sitting next to him on a flight before sexually abusing her on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to San Diego, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California.

Family sues American Airlines after daughter finds camera in plane bathroom

Ryan Coffey, 33, of San Diego, pleaded guilty Monday to the charges that happened on Jan. 7, 2023. He was 31 at the time.

He admitted to giving the girl rum and touching her inner thigh and breasts. They didn’t know each other.

Coffey was indicted on March 15 for sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact stemming from his actions during a flight.

“Due to the bravery of a young girl who spoke out about her experience in the darkness of an airplane, and the prompt action of law enforcement, this individual was brought to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath in a press release. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring safety whether in the air, on land, or at sea.”

He could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been enhancing their farm system over recent years, evident in the graduation of many top prospects. This year, standouts like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Quinn Priester, Nick Gonzales, and Kyle Nicolas have moved from promising prospects to integral members of the MLB team roster.

Following the conclusion of the deadline and draft, the complexion of the system has significantly shifted. This ushered in an opportune moment for our editorial team to reassess and rank the Pirates’ top 10 prospects in light of various new entries.

Before delving into the list, it’s noteworthy to mention a few individuals who nearly made the mark.

Mike Burrows, the longest-serving prospect up for discussion, was selected in the 11th round of the 2018 draft. His progress accelerated markedly in 2021 and 2022. A setback occurred in April 2023 when he required Tommy John surgery, putting his promising trajectory on pause. Post-recovery, Burrows is returning to form, primarily pitching between 93-96 MPH. He boasts a high-spin fastball and curveball, complemented by an increasingly effective slider and changeup.

The Pirates selected Jack Brannigan in the fourth round of the 2022 draft as a two-way player, but he has since focused solely on fielding. In 2024, he primarily played shortstop, though he was originally drafted as a third baseman and has also played some games at second base. Brannigan is an above-average runner and is anticipated to excel defensively across the infield due to his strong arm, which allowed him to throw fastballs in the upper-90s in college. While currently his batting needs improvement, he holds the potential to become a 20/20 player in the future.

Yordany De Los Santos, a standout international recruit by the Pirates in the 2021-2022 offseason, has proved his mettle in the Florida Complex League at just 19 years old and has recently moved up to A-Ball with Bradenton. De Los Santos is expected to develop above-average power at the plate and is versatile enough to handle positions at shortstop, second base, or third base. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 170 pounds, his current speed is average, suggesting he might transition to a corner position as he further develops.

Chicken Cock Whiskey master distiller Gregg Snyder supervises the production of wash.

Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey has endured numerous challenges, including ownership changes, a distillery fire, and prohibition. Despite these obstacles, the brand disappeared in the 1950s.

In 2011, the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand was revived by Grain & Barrel Spirits, which also manages brands like Dixie Vodka, High Goal Gin, and Eterno Verano Tequila. The brand made its comeback in 2012 with a line of flavored whiskeys. However, these initial offerings were distilled outside Kentucky and failed to mirror the historical quality or the brand’s authentic Kentucky roots.

46-year whiskey industry veteran Gregg Snyder then stepped in.

Restoring Chicken Cock Whiskey to its historical prominence entailed moving distillation back to Kentucky and overseeing every stage of production. Under Snyder’s supervision, the distillation occurs at Bardstown Bourbon Company according to his specific recipe. Snyder meticulously manages the brewing, fermentation, and distillation processes, paying close attention to various aspects including time, temperature, and the use of enzymes and yeast. “From barley to bourbon to barrel to bottle,” Snyder remarked in a video interview.

Snyder meticulously selects Appalachian oak logs for crafting the barrels that age Chicken Cock Whiskey. He believes Appalachian oak imparts a richer flavor due to its tight grain, resulting from the harsh, stony landscapes where the trees thrive. His preference extends to logs sourced from the northern slopes, which see less sunlight, promoting slower growth and denser wood structure.

Upon acquiring the brand, Grain & Barrel discovered that the original recipes were lost. As a result, Snyder devised a high-rye bourbon reflective of the historical period the brand represents. The primary grain configuration of this whiskey includes 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. Snyder’s control extends from selecting the wood for the barrels, made from air-dried staves, to overseeing the aging of the distilled spirits.

Snyder’s innovation is not limited to Chicken Cock’s main products like their Kentucky straight bourbon, Kentucky straight rye, small batch bourbon, and double-oak whiskey; he also introduces limited-edition varieties. “Today’s whiskey enthusiasts are eager for novel experiences,” explains Snyder. “However, we commit to producing only top-quality whiskey worth celebrating.”

Snyder mentioned that a renowned whiskey bar, which he chose not to identify, frequently presents Chicken Cock whiskey alongside other leading brands in blind tastings to its global clientele of whiskey enthusiasts. According to him, Chicken Cock is reportedly chosen as the superior whiskey by customers 80% of the time.

This might reflect a distiller’s pride in his product, yet Snyder believes, “this genuinely signifies the success we’ve achieved in restoring Chicken Cock to its former high-quality status.”

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.

Our community aims to facilitate connections through open and mindful discussions. We encourage our readers to share their perspectives and engage in dialogue that promotes a respectful exchange of ideas.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County nonprofit is collaborating with Tito’s Handmade Vodka to construct an animal hospital.

The Animal League of Gaston County, an organization dedicated to animal welfare, currently operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. They are launching a campaign to establish a full-service, affordable veterinary facility with Tito’s matching community donations dollar for dollar, up to $60,000, until the end of the year.

Animal shelter is overcapacity following Gaston County storm

The ALGC highlights that while the average cost for a vet visit in North Carolina is $66.67, their clinic offers a wellness visit for $30 and a sick visit for $35.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Tito’s contribution to our matching campaign,” expressed Terry Kenny, CEO of the Animal League of Gaston County. “Our goal is to assist as many animals as we can, and with this clinic, that will become a reality. The matching funds from Tito’s will provide a substantial help, and we trust that the community of Gaston County will step forward to contribute the remaining amount required.”

Tito’s branding includes the motto “Vodka for Dog People,” which is prominently displayed on its products.

The Animal League of Gaston County initially launched their spay/neuter clinic in 2009 on West Franklin Blvd. Since then, they have serviced over 83,000 animals. In 2020, they expanded their services to include veterinary care, although the demand in the community continues to surpass their current capabilities.

“The efforts by the Animal League of Gaston County in supporting pets within their community are commendable, and we’re thrilled to help bolster their matching campaign, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and reach of their initiatives,” stated Lindsey Bates, senior director of philanthropy at Tito’s.

ALGC is the only service of its kind in a three-county area, but there are no residency or income requirements.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.

After its debut as a 12-year-old rye whiskey that clinched a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Bulleit had retired this particular edition from the market, causing a stir among enthusiasts. In the spring of 2024, Bulleit is set to bring back this beloved spirit with the release of their Bulleit Frontier Rye 12-year, an exclusive version of their well-known Bulleit Rye.

This iteration follows the same recipe as the Bulleit 95 Rye, comprising 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The ageing process marks the distinction: the standard offering matures between four and seven years, whereas this special batch is aged for no less than 12 years. Some of this whiskey’s components have even been aged in newly charred American white oak barrels for up to 17 years. The final product is a 92 proof (46% ABV) beverage, delivering the expected rye spiciness with hints of vanilla and anise. The Bulleit Rye 12-year-old is being sold across the nation (excluding Maine) at a price of $54.99 for a 750-milliliter bottle.

Despite missing out on acquiring the 2019 release of the 12-year rye whiskey, we secured a bottle upon its re-release in April. Our brief review? It fully lives up to its reputation and we sincerely hope it won’t be another five years until more becomes available.

These recommendations are drawn from direct experiences with promotional content and products supplied by the manufacturer.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Bulleit has been in the business of producing rye whiskey expressions for 13 years. Although the company started its 12-year American straight rye much earlier, it wasn’t until 2019 that it was released, eventually earning a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This limited-edition whiskey is no longer available on the market.

In response to consumer demand for high-quality rye whiskeys, Bulleit, located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, is focusing on this segment. Jesse Damashek, the senior vice president of whiskies and liqueurs at Diageo, which owns Bulleit, emphasized their commitment to the rye whiskey category.

According to Bulleit Master Blender Andrew MacKay, the new version adheres to the craftsmanship of previous iterations. With a 95% rye mash bill, it ranks among the rye whiskeys with the highest concentration of rye available commercially. The Bulleit Frontier 12-Year-Old Rye Whiskey has garnered multiple accolades, including Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirit Awards, gold medals at the 2024 SIP Awards, 2024 Ascot Awards, and 2024 New York International Spirits Competition, as well as a perfect score at the 2024 Chilled 100 Spirits Awards.

The Bulleit Frontier 12-year rye whiskey offers a distinct taste compared to the Bulleit 95 rye and the 2019 debut of the same age. Despite sharing the same mash bill, the difference lies in the aging period. While the standard rye ages for about four to seven years in new American oak barrels, this special 12-year edition features whiskey aged for at least 12 years.

Remarkably, even within 12-year releases, subtle discrepancies emerge. The 2019 batch comprised whiskey exclusively aged for 12 years. In contrast, the 2024 batch includes barrels that have matured for up to 17 years, showcasing how five additional years can significantly alter a whiskey’s character.

The whiskey exudes a smoky, slightly peaty scent with undercurrents of vanilla and a caramel-like sweetness. These aromatic qualities translate to the taste, delivering a spicy, anise-laced vanilla flavor. Bulleit describes the profile as encompassing “light, fruity, woody-oaky, floral, and vanilla-spice notes,” producing a “semi-sweet, clean, and crisp” finish. Its smoothness is comparable to more expensive, longer-aged rye whiskies.

The 2024 edition maintains the same 95% rye and 5% malted barley composition found in Bulleit’s primary rye. The 95% rye content is among the highest in the industry, infusing the whiskey with its characteristic spiciness. According to U.S. law, all rye whiskey barrels must be American-made to qualify as “American whiskey.” They must contain at least 51% rye, distinguishing them from bourbon differences, be distilled at no more than 160 proof, and age in new charred oak barrels among other stipulations.

Bulleit Frontier’s 12-year rye whiskey is distilled and aged in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky. Like other whiskeys, the grains are mashed with water and yeast, which are then fermented before being heated up and distilled. The final step in the process is aging in unused charred American white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 years. No other flavors or colors are added, making this an American straight rye whiskey. After that, it’s bottled in the standard Bulleit Frontier bottle with the signature, slightly askew label slapped across the front.

If you ask the folks at Bulleit, they will tell you there are two ways to enjoy Bulleit Frontier 12-year rye whiskey: neat or on the rocks. In sampling the product, we tried it both ways and noted that each has some pros and cons.

Drinking it neat (that is, poured in a glass, unchilled, unshaken, and with nothing else added), allows for you to get the fullest version of the spirit’s aroma and flavors. Sipping this golden-amber spirit neat revealed the spicy, oaky-vanilla flavor that was promised in the tasting description. By drinking it on the rocks (with ice cubes — or with one large ice cube, as we prefer), it opens up some fruity aromas and makes for a much smoother sip. It does, however, tamp down that level of spice.

If that’s not how you like to drink your whiskey, that’s no problem either. Bulleit Frontier 12-year rye whiskey can definitely be used in any rye whiskey cocktail — whether that’s a Manhattan, an old fashioned, or a Sazerac. Rye is also the best whiskey to make a classic Boulevardier. One cocktail that Bulleit recommends is the “Ryes Up,” made with Bulleit Rye, sweet vermouth and cognac, elderflower liqueur, and a dash each of aromatic and Peychaud’s bitters. Stir the ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

The 2024 expression and the 2019 expression share similar characteristics such as mash bill, aging vessel, and proof. The distinction comes in the inclusion of whiskey aged up to 17 years in the 2024 version, unlike its predecessor.

Bulleit has managed to introduce the blend with whiskey that has matured an additional five years. This adjustment resulted in the whiskey exhibiting subtle variances in aroma and taste compared to the earlier version. Originally, Bulleit Rye 12-year-old was noted for its aroma filled with dried orchard fruits, baking spice, and oak, alongside flavors of dried pear, light toffee, and oak. However, the latest version emphasizes less on fruity tastes and more on deeper spice notes.

The sweetness in the 2024 version is more caramel-oriented, coupled with a touch of vanilla, instead of pear. Both versions offer a delightful tasting experience, but the 2024 release caters more to those who appreciate deep, complex flavors in their whiskey.

Though now widely enjoyed, the Revolver cocktail is relatively recent, created about 20 years ago. It originated in California during the early 2000s when a bartender used a recently launched Bulleit bourbon to craft a new drink. This creation by renowned mixologist Jon Santer was aimed at making a new version of a Manhattan using available bar ingredients, which at the time did not include any homemade syrups. The cocktail, comprising Bulleit, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters topped with a flamed orange peel, quickly became popular and helped raise the profile of Bulleit bourbon, a whiskey rich in rye content.looking to use a case of newly released Bulleit bourbon.

Indeed, Bulleit’s production array, including its renowned rye whiskey, has evolved in response to requests from the bartending community. Company representatives have shared that their premier rye whiskey was specifically developed for bartenders eager to revive the cocktail scene reminiscent of the pre-Prohibition era. Since high-rye bourbons differ from rye whiskeys, with the former retaining some sweetness from corn, the demand for sophisticated rye whiskies prompted Bulleit to pursue products such as the 12-year American straight.

Marking its 30th anniversary in 2017, Bulleit inaugurated a new distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, designed with environmental preservation and water conservation initiatives. The site featured Shelbyville’s initial industrial solar array, aligning with Bulleit’s goal to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030. Additionally, the location includes an organic garden aimed at supporting pollinators.

In 2021, Bulleit’s parent company, Diageo, introduced a carbon-neutral whiskey distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Bulleit was the inaugural brand distilled at this facility, supplementing its ongoing operations in Shelbyville.

Bulleit is committed to environmental conservation, collaborating with American Forests to boost ecosystem restoration efforts. This partnership has initiated a tree-planting campaign in urban areas like New York City and Houston, where Bulleit achieved its goal of planting one million trees nationwide, three years ahead of its initial schedule. Subsequently, Bulleit initiated the first phase of the Don’t Trash Glass initiative in Kentucky, collaborating with the Glass Packaging Institute and GlassKing Recovery and Recycling. This program encourages local bars, restaurants, and businesses to partake in glass recycling efforts, enhancing bottle collection and promoting recycling practices.

In a way, Bulleit has always been known for its rye. Even before the distillery launched its flagship Bulleit 95 Rye in 2011, its namesake bourbon had been garnering attention because of its high rye content. In fact, Bulleit Bourbon gets its bold flavor from a whole lot of rye. In all, 28% of the mash bill is rye (the remainder is 68% corn and 4% malted barley), which is the reason for its blend of spicy and sweet flavors. This recipe harkens back to Augustus Bulleit, the great-great-grandfather of the man who started the current iteration of Bulleit. Augustus started making bourbon in the 1830s.

As legend goes, Augustus used a high rye percentage to differentiate his product from others in the market. Business was going well through 1860, when he disappeared without a trace while transporting barrels of whiskey to New Orleans. Tom E. Bulleit Jr. then resurrected the family business in 1987. Despite the rye-forward character of the bourbon, it wasn’t until nearly a quarter century later when the distillery started producing its own rye.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.