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Exploring Smoked Beer: What You Need to Know and 5 Must-Try Varieties
Throughout history, most beer had a smoky flavor, but contemporary trends have largely moved away from this style. Here’s a look at why some brewers are bringing smoked beers back into the spotlight.
Courtesy of Alaskan Brewing Company
Smoked beer constitutes a small fraction of the U.S. beer market, yet it remains a contentious style, even among dedicated beer enthusiasts. From subtly smoked helles lagers to bold, robust rauchbiers, these beverages feature smoked malts. There is considerable variation in styles due to the different wood types and the duration of smoking employed by maltsters, leading to a wide range of smokiness levels in the final product.
“At one time, it’s likely that all beer had a smoky characteristic,” shares Ben Smith, vice president of brewing operations at Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis. “In the beginning, when malted barley was being dried, a direct fire system was used, causing some smoke to blend with the malt during the drying process.” Nowadays, malts are typically dried in kilns to eliminate smokiness, except when that flavor is intentionally desired.
Smoked beers might require some time to appreciate fully, but the good news is that they blend nicely with a variety of flavors.
“Smoked beers are surprisingly adaptable when it comes to food pairings,” shares Tim Adams, the founder of Oxbow Brewing Company located in Oxbow, Maine.
Adams notes that Bamberg, Germany, is regarded as the heart of smoked beer, suggesting that one should begin with traditional dishes that feature pork and cabbage from German cuisine. He advises starting with “like with like” for pairings. For instance, smoky barbecue goes well with a milder smoked beer. However, he warns against pairing these beers with desserts or overly sweet flavors, as they can intensify the bitterness of smoked malt.
Brian Yaeger, founder of the Diff’rent Smokes festival dedicated to rauchbiers and a passionate advocate for smoked beer, encourages people to approach it with an open mind and enjoyment. “Rauchbier is the most punk rock style,” he explains. “It’s fantastic, but I can see why some might not like it. Brewing and enjoying it serves as a deliciously rebellious gesture against the majority in a way no other craft beer style does.”
Here are a few suggestions for beers to enhance your smoking experience.
Food & Wine / Surly Brewing Company
Smith describes this taproom-exclusive light German lager as a tribute to the smoked beer tradition originating from Bamberg, Germany. It serves as an excellent introduction to the style due to the minimal amount of beech-smoked malt incorporated, primarily for aroma and a subtle hint of flavor.
“By the time you reach the midpoint of the pint, you nearly don’t even notice the smoke anymore,” Smith remarks. He explains that after a few initial sips, the additional characteristics of the beer begin to emerge. “With a low ABV of 4.5%, you can comfortably enjoy two or three of them. They’re perfect for serving in a mug during Oktoberfest.”
Food & Wine / Oxbow Brewing Company
As a Marzen-inspired smoked bière de garde, Oxtoberfest takes cues from the brewing traditions of Belgium, Germany, and France, according to Adams. “The majority of our smoked beers are yeast-driven, Belgian-style farmhouse ales,” he explains. “While modern Belgian brewing features very few smoked beers, we believe that the smoke character enhances the fruit and spice flavors commonly found in these styles.”
Oktoberfest has a 6% ABV and skillfully balances malt and yeast characteristics. It carries a moderate smoky finish and is particularly delightful when enjoyed with a soft Bavarian pretzel.
Food & Wine / Dovetail Brewery
Grodziskies are among the more subtly smoked types within the category. Frequently hard to locate, they serve as excellent introductions to the style, thanks to their light body and lower alcohol content. Dovetail’s seasonal version of this style boasts a 3.8% ABV, striking a balance between zesty citrus notes and a faint smokiness, presented in a medium body with a refreshing finish.
Food & Wine / Alaskan Brewing Company
Rauchbier, translating to “smoke beer” in German, didn’t arrive in the U.S. until 1988. That was the year Alaskan launched its smoked porter, a pioneering smoky beer that introduced American consumers to this style. Alaskan’s Smoked Porter has garnered more awards at the Great American Beer Festival than any other beer to date. It is rich and complex, aging beautifully, yet can also be enjoyed fresh.
Food & Wine / Threes Brewing
Matt Levy, the head brewer at Threes Brewing located in Brooklyn, New York, is the creative mind behind the brand’s Thought Experiment series. This unique series features a smoked helles that is aged in an oak foeder with whole fruit sourced from their barrel-aged program. The peach iteration boasts an ABV of 5.2%, showcasing a bubbly saison body complemented by vibrant fruit flavors and a hint of smokiness.
“There’s something primal about the flavor,” Levy explains, encouraging beer enthusiasts to explore a variety of smoked styles. “Why not try and see if you can find one that you like?”
Connecticut’s Record Acorn Year: Impacts on Rodents, Whiskey Production, and Bear Populations
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Have you noticed an increase in the sound of acorns hitting the pavement this year? It has been an extraordinary season for acorns, with effects that could influence bear interactions and even benefit the whiskey industry.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has labeled this fall as a “bumper crop” year for acorns, marking the first time since 2019 that such a record has been achieved.
Typically, around 57% of red oak trees yield acorns annually, but this year, that figure has surged to 87%. In contrast, the results for white oak trees have been disappointing, with only 9% producing acorns, falling short of the historical average of 25%. Despite the overall increase in acorn production, the northern region of the state did not experience a significant rise.
The red oaks enjoyed fruitful seasons in both 2016 and 2019, while white oaks have not had a successful year since 2015.
This year’s increase is likely due to various factors, as explained by Joseph Barsky, a research technician and forester at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. One reason is the maturation time; white oaks can start producing acorns within a season after being pollinated, while red oaks require two seasons.
“I believe that the pollination period last year experienced just the right conditions for optimal pollination, resulting in a substantial food set,” he mentioned.
Other theories suggest that oak trees have good years to overwhelm their predators, while another idea is that the trees need to build up their energy reserves.
Eagle found in Connecticut could be added to endangered list
This year is looking up for various animals such as squirrels, blue jays, deer, bears, and caterpillars, all of which rely on acorns for nourishment. Barsky mentioned that approximately 80 species rely on this crop as a primary food source, hinting at a potential rise in rodent populations in the coming year.
The surge in acorn production may lead to a shift in human-bear encounters. In 2022, during a failure of the acorn crop, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued a warning suggesting that more bears would be rummaging through trash in search of food. However, the agency has not commented to News 8 regarding any anticipated changes in human-bear interactions for this year.
The abundant acorn supply also bodes well for the Appalachian region. Barsky highlighted states like Kentucky and Tennessee, which utilize oak wood for crafting barrels essential for whiskey production.
Connecticut is home to 12 species of oak trees, which have faced difficulties in recent years. Barsky noted that leaf litter is building up in forests due to infrequent fires, with oak trees also struggling against competition from birch and maple trees.
Despite an expected increase in the number of acorns on the ground this year, Barsky expressed caution when it comes to forecasting future harvests.
“Much is contingent on the weather and its effect on acorn production,” he remarked.
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, visit WTNH.com.
Gatlinburg Distillery Sets the Standard for Craft Vodka, Winning Three 10Best Awards
Residents of East Tennessee are known for their enthusiasm when it comes to the area’s exceptional whiskey and moonshine. However, when a Gatlinburg distillery consistently earns accolades and attracts over a million visitors annually, it’s a clear sign that the rest of the world should take notice.
Sugarlands Distilling Company has secured the top position in three categories of this year’s USA TODAY 10Best craft spirits rankings, including having the best spirits tasting room.
“Be sure to put a visit to Sugarlands Distilling Company at the forefront of your plans,” 10Best editors remarked. “They offer tours and tastings of their distinctive craft moonshine and whiskey, plus the bartenders are very engaging and the ambiance is always lively.”
Recognized as a premier distillery experience on a global scale, according to Tripadvisor, Sugarlands Distilling Company produces a variety of award-winning spirits, including moonshine, rum, cream liqueurs, rye whiskey, and vodka. Its products are available in more than 40 states.
Moonshine tastings cost $5 per person, offering 12 different flavor samples that vary each day.
Distinctive flavors such as blueberry muffin and peanut butter and jelly have contributed to Sugarlands Distilling Company earning the top position, as highlighted by 10Best.
Sugarlands Distilling Company | Gatlinburg
Traverse City Whiskey Co. | Traverse City, Michigan
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery located in Vermont offers a unique experience for whiskey lovers.
In Woodinville, Washington, the Woodinville Whiskey Co. stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Great Jones Distilling Co. in New York City, New York, creates a vibrant distilling culture.
Meanwhile, in Kunia, Hawaii, Ko Hana Distillers provides a tropical twist on traditional distilling methods.
High West Distillery located in Wanship, Utah
Deviation Distilling based in Denver, Colorado
Balcones Distilling situated in Waco, Texas
Treaty Oak Distilling found in Dripping Springs, Texas
The distillery collaborated with NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his spouse Amy to produce High Rock Vodka, a triple-filtered vodka made from corn. This vodka is 88 proof, a nod to the number of Earnhardt’s car that triumphed at the Daytona 500.
Sugarlands Distilling Company | Gatlinburg
South Fork Vodka | Grass Valley, California
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. | Quechee, Vermont
619 Spirits located in North Park, San Diego, California
Red River Brewing Company and Distillery situated in Red River, New Mexico
St. George Spirits based in Alameda, California
Gamblers Bay Distillery operating in Tampa, Florida
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery is located in Vermont.
Ocean Organic Vodka hails from Kula, Hawaii.
Cardinal Spirits can be found in Bloomington, Indiana.
Sugarlands Distilling Company is known for its moonshine, but it also offers a variety of indulgent Sippin’ Creams with flavors like strawberries and cream, pumpkin spice latte, orange dream, Eggo Nog, chocolate, and butter pecan.
Sugarlands Distilling Company located in Gatlinburg
SennzaFinne based in Seattle, Washington
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits situated in Vail, Colorado
City Gate Spirits found in St. Augustine, Florida
State Line Distillery located in Madison, Wisconsin
Big Spring Spirits based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Tamworth Distilling situated in Tamworth, New Hampshire
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery found in Vermont
Saxtons River Distillery | Brattleboro, Vermont
Cardinal Spirits | Bloomington, Indiana
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase the finest in travel, food, drink, and lifestyle. Each week, a panel of experts from various industries nominates their favorite attractions and points of interest across diverse categories. The 10Best editors review these nominations and choose a final group of nominees, which are then presented to the public for voting over a four-week period.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
Support our vibrant local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article was originally published by Knoxville News Sentinel: Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg tops 2024 10Best lists
Get Ready for Traverse City Beer Week: A Celebration of Favorite Brews and Experimental Pours!
Traverse City Beer Week is making its return, featuring special offers from November 8 to November 16 this year.TC Tourism
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – This November, Traverse City’s beloved Beer Week is back, showcasing a great selection of popular and experimental beers. An innovative digital “passport” is available for visitors to explore the local breweries at their own pace. Attendees can expect an impressive array of deals on pints, tastings, and brewery merchandise, including options for beer-to-go.
Beer Week will take place from November 8 to November 16.
“Experience the creativity and originality of the Traverse City brew culture by embarking on a self-guided tour of local breweries and dining establishments,” said staff from Traverse City Tourism. “Keep track of your journey in the passport; checking in at various locations will make you eligible for exciting prizes!”
How It Works:
Claim a Traverse City Beer Week hat by checking in at five or more participating breweries and restaurants using your event passport.TC Tourism
What’s the prize this year? A cozy Traverse City Beer Week pom-style winter hat that will keep you warm while you enjoy your pints this winter. To earn this prize, simply check into five or more participating locations on your Beer Week passport. “Once you’ve met the requirements to claim this prize, the passport will alert you, and you can visit the Traverse City Tourism Visitor Center to collect it.”
More prizes if you stay-and-play. If you book a stay at one of the hotels or other lodging options that are part of the Traverse City Tourism group during Beer Week, you’ll be entered to win one of two vacation packages. One offer includes a 2025 Michigan Beer & Brat Festival package at Crystal Mountain resort. The other is a 2025 Suds & Snow Festival package in Traverse City.
Tourism officials encourage all attendees of Beer Week to enjoy their brews responsibly. It’s important to use a designated driver, take a cab, or arrange for a group tour vehicle.
“The beer culture in Traverse City offers more than just an opportunity to find your new favorite drink,” stated Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism. “It combines the artistry of brewing with an extraordinary destination.”
“Traverse City Beer Week provides guests the chance to savor wonderful brews while also discovering the lakes, trails, shopping, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and all the attractions that establish this area as a leading travel destination in the Midwest.”
Here’s a preview of some of the deals available during Beer Week:
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Savor the Flavors: Waterways and Wine Event Returns to Seneca Falls This Friday!
The eagerly awaited Waterways and Wine event is set to return on Friday, November 1, offering an evening filled with exquisite wine, delicious food, and lively entertainment, all to support the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry. The festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Seneca Falls, showcasing a selection of wines from some of the most respected wineries in the Finger Lakes region, including Hosmer, Anthony Road, and Trestle 31.
Local favorite Simply Homemade will be on hand to serve a variety of hors d’oeuvres and pairings, enhancing the overall experience for guests. The Ende Brothers are also scheduled to perform, providing live music that will contribute to a vibrant atmosphere throughout the night.
Attendees can look forward to not only wine tastings but also a live auction and a wine pull, offering the chance to win exciting baskets and bottles while supporting the museum’s efforts. This year, the proceeds will support the museum’s new permanent exhibit, The Tug Urger, which is a partial replica of an early 1900s Erie Canal tugboat. Guests will have the unique opportunity to engage with the museum’s director to learn more about the project and its progress.
Tickets are available for $45 for museum members and $55 for non-members, with an extra $5 charge for purchases made on the day of the event. Tickets can be secured in advance either online or directly at the museum. This event promises to be an enjoyable evening for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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Whiskey for a Cause: Massive Auction Launched to Aid Hurricane Relief Efforts
A large-scale online auction is currently taking place as Sazerac Co. is offering sought-after bottles of whiskey.Associated Press
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Sazerac Co. is conducting an online auction featuring some of its most prized spirits to aid the American Red Cross’s relief efforts for the victims of Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
A selection of individual bottles and collections from Sazerac’s premier distilleries and brands are available in the auction.
In the last month, Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in Western North Carolina and neighboring regions, resulting in over 200 fatalities. Following this, Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s Tampa Bay area, bringing about flooding and widespread power outages.
Items will be featured in the no-reserve auction, starting at $100 for each bottle or collection.
• Double Eagle Very Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• The Last Drop Release 28: Drew Mayville Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys
• The Last Drop Release 32: Louise McGuane 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
• The Last Drop Release 33: 15th Anniversary 40-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Bourbon
• Blanton’s Straight from The Barrel
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #1
• Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #2
• Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #3
The auction is live through 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1. To place your bid, visit blockbar.com.
Sazerac boasts a diverse portfolio of over 500 brands, including well-known favorites like Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Myers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.
I cover restaurants, beer, wine, and sports-related topics as part of our life and culture team. For my latest stories, check out this cleveland.com directory. I also join WTAM-1100’s Bill Wills to discuss food and drink on Thursdays around 8:20 a.m. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @mbona30. My recent book, co-written with Dan Murphy, is titled: “Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe” by Gray & Co.
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Raise a Glass: Tiny Cocktails Set to Make a Big Splash at Your Next Happy Hour!
For your next happy hour, consider trying out these charming miniature cocktails instead of your regular drink order.
Dudits / Getty Images
It’s widely acknowledged that miniature versions of things are simply cuter, whether we’re talking about desserts, houseplants, or even sunny-side up eggs. This trend has now made its way into cocktail bars and happy hours all around the nation, highlighting miniature versions of beloved drinks served in tiny glasses. These little cocktails, typically just a few ounces each, are becoming a fashionable choice for celebrating the conclusion of a meal while keeping an eye on portion sizes.
Before raising your glass to these delightful drinks, let’s dive into the origins of this trend.
Related: Stock the Perfect High-End Home Bar with These Under-$10 Glassware and Beverage Finds
Though gaining fresh attention, mini drinks have a history spanning several decades. Per reporting from The New York Times, most cocktails before World War II were just 1 or 2 ounces in size. It wasn’t until the 1940s and 1950s that larger versions, such as martinis, which usually measure 3 ounces, started to gain traction.
These smaller servings are also linked to a traditional practice known as the bartender’s handshake. This custom entails offering a modest 1- or 2-ounce drink or shot as a gesture of welcome to another bartender. Furthermore, it provides bartenders with a chance to sample and share their new cocktail creations, showcasing their friendliness through this ritual.
nhattienphoto / Getty Images
While smaller cocktails have been part of the drinking scene for many years, their presence has surged on menus and social media in recent times. This trend aligns with the increasing popularity of low-ABV and non-alcoholic beverages, offering a way to enjoy an adult drink without the common aftereffects. Much like low-ABV options, these smaller cocktails contain minimal alcohol, making them perfectly suitable for enjoying during lunch or happy hour.
Additionally, tiny cocktails provide patrons with the opportunity to explore a variety of flavors without the need to order standard-sized drinks. Instead of struggling to choose just one, you can have a few sips of mini cocktails, either in a flight or as part of a tasting experience. They’re ideal for a quick toast during a festive dinner and are often a more economical choice.
Moreover, these miniatures enhance the enjoyment of certain larger cocktails, ensuring that the final sip is just as delightful as the first.
Enjoy delightful mini versions of beloved cocktails such as martinis and Manhattans at your next happy hour gathering. The snaquiri, a compact version of the daiquiri, has gained such popularity that it has its own distinctive name. If this trend hasn’t reached your preferred bar yet, you can easily make one at home.
The secret to creating mini cocktails lies in having the perfect glassware. Typically, these drinks are served in small glasses, such as coupe or Nick and Nora glasses, that hold just a few ounces. Pick a recipe you love—perhaps one designed for smaller servings, like a Bee’s Knees cocktail—and get ready to mix.
To make your mini cocktail visually appealing for social media, consider garnishing it with an olive or a lemon twist.
Local Brewery Celebrates Triumph with ‘Beer of Britain’ Award Win
A brewery is celebrating after one of its beers was crowned the winner of a prestigious award.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) named Essex-based Crouch Vale Brewery’s Amarillo the Champion Beer of Britain.
Colin Bocking, 69, started the brewery in South Woodham Ferrers in 1981 and said winning was “good news – it’s always a lovely surprise when this sort of thing happens, it felt great”.
The long-standing Camra awards are given to recognise the best pubs, clubs, beer and cider in the UK.
Mr Bocking mentioned that he was around 26 years old when he embarked on his business journey, which he has been running alongside his wife, Fiona, for 43 years.
He reflected, “It was a complete career change for me.”
Prior to this, he worked in the civil service, managing pensions and benefits. “I felt there had to be more to life, and that’s when I transitioned into this venture.”
Recently, the couple was honored as winners at an awards ceremony held in Nottinghamshire on Wednesday.
The event featured a variety of beers from numerous breweries nationwide, culminating in the selection of the winners.
One brewery’s beer triumphed in the Premium Ale category before claiming the prestigious title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2024.
This marked the third time the brewery has secured a Camra award, having previously won in both 2005 and 2006.
“With thousands of beers available, many of which are excellent, the chances of winning an accolade like this are rather slim due to the intense competition,” Mr. Bocking remarked.
“So to win it is a lovely surprise, because the odds are always against it.”
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Essential Tips to Know Before Marinating Chicken in Vodka
A marinated chicken recipe serves as a reliable staple for any home cook. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight family meal, can be prepared ahead of time for workday lunch salads, and also works wonderfully as a highlight for special celebrations.
Marinades for meat are versatile, acting as both tenderizers and flavor enhancers—there are countless options available when it comes to recipes and formulas. While you may have tried to brine fried chicken in pickle juice, using vodka as part of your marinade may be a new concept. Alcohol does more than just serve as a cocktail base; it can be a fantastic ingredient in savory dishes, even enhancing comforting chicken soup and proving to be an excellent option for marinating meats.
Alcohol contributes to a tender and soft texture by targeting the collagen that often makes meat tough. It also enhances the overall flavors of your dish, much like salt, while introducing its own unique taste. However, some proteins can handle the robust flavors of alcohol better than others. When marinating chicken with vodka, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Read more: Delicious Ways To Season Your Fried Eggs
Meats such as beef, lamb, and pork possess more robust characteristics compared to chicken and can endure soaking in a vodka marinade for several days. Chicken, being more neutral and fragile, can be easily overwhelmed by strong flavors. Interestingly, while one might assume that white meat is the most prone to this effect, it’s worth noting that meats higher in fat content are more likely to absorb the flavors of an alcohol-based marinade. When it comes to chicken, the skin, wings, and thighs contain a greater amount of fat.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot try a vodka marinade with your chicken — just approach the process with care. Rather than soaking it for days, begin with a few hours (regardless of the cut). If you’re concerned that a strong vodka flavor may be unappealing for your chicken dish, consider other alcoholic marinades that may enhance your recipe while still achieving the desired marinating effect. Whiskey, with its notes of vanilla and caramel, makes a delightful combination with brown sugar, ginger, and soy, while the sweetness of rum complements spices like cinnamon and ginger beautifully.
There are numerous marinating mistakes that could jeopardize your chicken. By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can have greater confidence in creating a tender, flavorful dish that will impress any guest.
Discover the original article on Chowhound.
Whiskey Lovers Unite: Highlights from the Des Moines Whiskey Festival
DES MOINES, Iowa — This past weekend, the Des Moines Whiskey Festival provided locals with the chance to sample a variety of whiskeys from across the nation.
The event began on the 25th with a dinner aimed at supporting the Young Women’s Resource Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and advocacy of young women in the Des Moines region. Their programs play a significant role in empowering women to become confident leaders in their communities.
The celebrations continued on the 26th, featuring over 55 different whiskey tastings. This impressive selection included famous distilleries from all over the country, as well as local producers from Iowa.
Community celebrates new mural and court at local park
“We are excited to return the Des Moines Whiskey Festival to the Horizon Event Center,” stated Edgar Ortiz, the festival organizer. “This occasion not only honors whiskey but also serves as an opportunity for us to unite as a community and support a meaningful cause.”
As attendees navigated the festivities, they were invited to delve into whiskey culture through expert-led masterclasses. A selection of gourmet food options was available to pair with various whiskey offerings.
In its sixth year, the festival aimed to enhance the enjoyment with activities such as roulette and craps tables for everyone to engage in. Live performances from a diverse range of artists, including Lauren Vilmain, filled the event with entertainment.
This all-day event caters to both whiskey enthusiasts and novices, ensuring there is something for all to enjoy.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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