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Exploring Mellow Corn Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey: Your Complete Bottle Guide
Heaven Hill Distillery’s Mellow Corn is a curious whiskey. Most budget bourbons are bought without much thought, as people are either short on cash or want something to throw in with a mixer. Mellow Corn is a little different as it has become a much-loved whiskey that enjoys somewhat of a cult status. It possesses a unique charm with its unpretentious bottle and smooth profile. In a world where premium bourbons get the lion’s share of attention, there is something comforting in there being so much love for a budget brand.
With this being a corn whiskey, it is undeniably sweet but with a lovely vanilla and oak influence. Due to this, it’s much more impressive than many other budget options. As you can guess, this isn’t a whiskey with immersive depth, but there is elegance in its simplicity. Thankfully, we were lucky enough for Heaven Hill to send us a bottle to try. Along with trying out this bottle, I’ll use my wealth of personal experience to take you on a journey of what makes this brand special and if it’s worth giving a try. Let’s see why so many people love this cheap whiskey.
Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked
The history of Mellow Corn whiskey is one of tradition and revival. It originated in the heart of Kentucky and was created by the Medley Distilling Company in 1945. As with many old distilleries, Medley went through several changes of ownership over the years. It started off being sold to Renfield Importers in 1959, then to investor Abraham Schecter in 1978, and then to Glenmore Distillery in 1988. United Distillers bought Glenmore in 1991 but closed it only a year later. Family descendant Charles Medley took the distillery back into family hands in 1995, but by that time, the Mellow Corn brand had already been sold to Heaven Hill in 1993.
We can’t find much information specifically about the brand during this time, which speaks to how Mellow Corn has always sat quietly in the background. Despite facing periods of obscurity when it could have easily been left behind, it has persevered to the point where it’s now become popular with people who like to find these hidden gems. It’s this history — or lack of it — that helps with the charm of Mellow Corn. It’s almost a glimpse into the past when mass production and marketing gimmicks weren’t as widespread as they are today. It remains an unassuming drink and a great survivor of the ever-changing world of whiskey.
While similar, there are a few differences between bourbon and corn whiskey. Whereas bourbon needs to be made from at least 51% corn, that’s dialed up to 80% with straight corn whiskey. As with bourbon, the rest of the mash bill will usually be made up of malt.
ed barley and either rye or wheat. The higher corn content will give the drink a much higher level of sweetness than most other bourbons. While the mash bills are usually different, the most defining characteristic that separates corn whiskey from bourbon is the aging process.
Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, whereas corn whiskey doesn’t have to be barreled at all. If it is aged, then it must be done in either uncharred or previously used barrels. You may have noticed that Mellow Corn is “straight corn whiskey.” To have the designation of “straight” on there, the whiskey needs to be aged for at least two years. This also applies to straight bourbon. Due to this, it’s important to know what you are buying when it comes to corn whiskey. Mellow Corn is aged for at least four years, but others may not have any aging, giving them hugely different tasting profiles. If you want an aged corn whiskey, then make sure it at least has that “straight” designation on the bottle.
Now we come to the all-important question of the taste. The pale color suggests it doesn’t go past its minimum aging of four years, and the nose is unsurprisingly light. It does offer a nice level of corn sweetness, and it certainly doesn’t burn your nostrils the way cheap whiskeys can. I did get a hint of oak and pear to give it some depth. As with the nose, the palate doesn’t show any of the harshness you can find with budget spirits. It’s a simple but pleasant taste, supported by a nice mouthfeel that allows it to sit in your mouth. Up front, you get the heavy corn influence with a slight nuttiness and oak.</su
With inexpensive whiskey, harshness can often linger in the aftertaste. However, the extended aging of Mellow Corn prevents that, delivering a smoother finish that impresses right away. Unlike many other whiskeys that leave a warm aftertaste, Mellow Corn concludes with a delightful blend of corn and caramel flavors. While not an exceptional whiskey, Mellow Corn doesn’t claim to be. It’s an affordable and pleasing whiskey that surprises with its quality and can be comfortably enjoyed neat. I once ranked this as the worst whiskey from Heaven Hill, but this ranking was more a testament to the distillery’s high standards rather than a criticism of Mellow Corn. If aged corn whiskey is new to you, this is a must-try.
As noted, Mellow Corn is a corn whiskey which requires a minimum of 80% corn in its mash bill. For clarity on what a mash bill means, it’s essentially the recipe of grains used in the production of bourbon or whiskey. This particular whiskey hits that 80% mark precisely, complemented by 12% malted barley and 8% rye, lending a profound sweetness from the corn balanced with additional complexity. Heaven Hill, maintaining traditions of many esteemed distillers, includes a portion of previous distillate in its new production for consistent flavor. It also utilizes a heritage yeast strain for fermentation and distills the spirit in 70-foot-tall column stills, prior to aging in vast Kentucky rickhouses.
The label “bottled-in-bond” seen on Mellow Corn signifies its adherence to specific historical regulations established in 1897, aimed at guaranteeing whiskey quality amidst prevalent counterfeiting. To fulfill these requirements, the whiskey must age for a minimum of four years, be produced by one distiller in one season, and be bottled at 100 proof. It is this prolonged aging that renders Mellow Corn an excellent value, as it is aged longer than most other economical whiskeys.
While many budget bourbons are better suited for cocktails, Mellow Corn breaks this mold by also being an excellent choice for neat consumption. If you prefer the distinct flavor of corn, you’ll find this whiskey’s raw taste appealing. Even a formal tasting with a snifter glass is suggested to fully appreciate its aroma before tasting. Anticipated burns or harsh aftertastes common with cheaper whiskeys are absent here. Mellow Corn is smooth and mellow from start to finish, making it not just a strong contender for sipping but also a great mixer.
Mellow Corn is loved by many bartenders as it offers a great base for cocktails. It can work particularly well in classic drinks such as an old fashioned or a whiskey sour. It will give your drinks a beautiful sweetness without it dominating the palate, allowing the other flavors to shine. Along with Coke, it also works well with other mixers such as ginger ale, ginger beer, club soda, or any lemon-based drink. As you can see, Mellow Corn is a wonderfully versatile whiskey. It makes it a great liquor for your home bar as it can be used for a wide variety of drinks.
It’s fair to say this is an emphatic no. Mellow Corn is famous for being a budget bourbon that will never be burning a hole in your pocket. It has got a little more expensive in recent years, but it still remains highly affordable. Average costs lay around the $19 mark, but you can often find it for cheaper than that. Just because a whiskey is cheap, that doesn’t always mean it offers value for the money. There are a few whiskeys out there that I wouldn’t buy even if they were one dollar. As you’ve most likely worked out by now, this particular drink offers you excellent value for the money when you compare it to its rivals.
It’s not the cheapest whiskey out there, but even if you’re low on cash, it’s worth spending a few more dollars to get something much nicer and see what the fuss is all about. That also applies to those who are overseas and may need to pay a little more due to import costs. There are, of course, much better whiskeys out there for those willing to pay a little extra, but Mellow Corn has a price-to-quality ratio that is hard to beat. p>Finding an adequate corn whiskey to compare with Mellow Corn was tough. Many corn whiscores” style=”display:ick rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/14-white-whiskey-brands-try-121534635.html”>white whiskeys that, while worth trying at least once, can’t compete with the taste and depth you get from Mellow Corn. Most other aged corn whiskeys are much more expensive than Mellow Corn, which showcases how unique this spirit is. One of the best corn whiskeys out there is Balcones Baby Blue. At an average cost of around $39, it is comfortably pricier, but is that extra cost worth it?
Balcones Baby Blue is a Texan whiskey that is made from roasted blue corn that helps to give it both a rich and complex flavor profile. You’ll get a buttery sweetness on the palate and that is joined by roasted nuts and dark fruit. It helps to give it a depth that is not usually found with corn whiskey. It’s more of a craft whiskey that is ideal for those looking for an artisanal experience. It does beat Mellow Corn on a straight taste comparison, but the difference isn’t vast. We’d say that if you’ve never tried corn whiskey before, Mellow Corn would be a great first step. If you enjoy it, then a bottle of Balcones Baby Blue could well be for you.
We’ve seen how Mellow Corn stacks up against another corn whiskey, but how does it compare against another budget bourbon from Heaven Hill? I feel both of these whiskeys share similarities in the fact that they are quite basic spirits but also have tremendous value for money. Evan Williams also has a high level of corn in the mash bill at 78%, with malted barley and rye at 12% and 10%, respectively. However, with it being bourbon, Evan Williams was aged in new charred oak barrels compared to Mellow Corn being aged in an old bourbon barrel.
Even with those subtle changes, Evan Williams gives you more of a classical bourbon tasting experience. You get a more pronounced caramel flavor with the charred barrels giving it a notable oak influence. In this sense, it offers a bit more depth than Mellow Corn, but deciding which one is better will come down to personal preference. They are very similar in price, so it comes down to whether you’d prefer the beautiful sweetness of Mellow Corn or the extra warmth of Evan Williams. Both deserve a place as great budget whiskeys, and with their low price tags, you may as well get them both and find out for yourself.
With the likes of McDonald’s, Starbucks, or Apple, there are countless examples of brands modernizing old logos and labels. It makes sense as you want to bring your brand into the 21st century and keep up with your competitors. One brand that has resisted the urge for this trend is Mellow Corn, but that’s not through laziness. It helps with the sense of charm the whiskey has, as its traditional label is a nod back to American whiskey heritage. It’s easy to see why some wouldn’t like the label with its bright yellow background and bold vintage lettering with green and red. As someone who is colorblind, it can be a little challenging on the eyes!
But the reputation of Mellow Corn has grown due to its authenticity and it receiving a new label just wouldn’t feel right. In an ever-changing world, there is some comfort in something staying true to its original self. No doubt, a modern designer would remove the image of the corn and barrel, change the color scheme, and simplify the bottle. If they did, it just wouldn’t feel like Mellow Corn. It’s also a good case study of how not every brand needs to modernize in order to keep up with demands. It seems like the old-style incorporated has helped the popularity of Mellow Corn instead of hindering it.
Major acquisitions can bring complex deals into play. With a range of legal intricacies and substantial financial stakes involved, these transactions require significant time and effort to finalize. As mentioned, the Mellow Corn brand was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1993, interestingly enough, as a last-minute addition to the deal. This transaction with United Distillers included multiple brands like Cabin Still, J. W. Dant, and Rittenhouse, among others. At the time, Mellow Corn possessed negligible brand value, to the extent that United Distillers was indifferent about its inclusion.
The narrative goes that Heaven Hill president Max Shapira inquired, “You want us to take this, too?” and United Distillers was more than willing to add it on. Whether there was any regret later isn’t clear, as Heaven Hill did not heavily invest in revitalizing the brand. Maintaining an economical whiskey without substantial promotion is not uncommon for distilleries. Nonetheless, over time, the popularity of Mellow Corn has surged, despite limited marketing. This tale of triumph against the odds contributes significantly to the charm surrounding Mellow Corn.
Budget bourbons usually lack strong brand appeal. They are not heavily marketed by distillers, and consumers often casually select them from the bottom shelf, usually for mixing or making cocktails. Mellow Corn stands out in this regard, achieving a cult status among whiskey aficionados and adoration from bartenders alike. The reasons for its admiration are not entirely clear, though several factors are notable. Among these, the ratio of cost to quality previously discussed plays a significant role, offering an accessible option for those seeking an affordable whiskey that is gentle on the palate.
But there are other factors at play too, as Mellow Corn is far from the with the only decent cheap whiskey in the world. Mifield also has a straightforward, consistently Nonepretentious character. Insstead of relying on sophisticated branding or excessive advertising, its prominence has mostly grown through organic recommendations. Its sweet and gentle profile not only resonates with experienced whiskey enthusiasts but also appeals to those who may find more robust whiskeys too intense. For bartenders, its simplicity offers a dependable and adaptable base for crafting both traditional and novel cocktails. Its taste integrates well with other components, maintaining balance rather than overpowering the mix. For anyone seeking value without sacrificing quality, Mellow Corn has emerged as a preferred choice for many.
Read the original article on Tasting Table
Non-Alcoholic Beer Gains Popularity: Could It Dominate at the Paris Olympics?
Bottles of beer adorned with the five Olympic rings are currently being produced at Anheuser-Busch InBev NV’s brewery in Belgium, gearing up for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
This event marks the first time in 100 years that Paris has hosted the summer Olympics, and the city is determined to make a significant impact, especially after the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic at the virtually spectator-less Tokyo Games. Remarkably, this year’s event will also introduce beer as an official sponsor for the first time in Olympic history, highlighting athletic excellence.
Interestingly, the sponsored brew, Corona Cero, is a non-alcoholic beverage.
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewer globally, seeks to promote this non-alcoholic variant, launched in Europe only two years prior. With the Paris Olympics poised to be a massive promotional platform, AB InBev aims to capitalize on this opportunity to cement its standing in the fast-growing non-alcoholic segment of the beer market.
Read More: Why Beer Is the World’s Most Beloved Drink
Worth $13 billion and counting, brands from Heineken to Guinness, and now Corona Cero, see a cohort of health-conscious consumers—many young, others older and wanting out of a booze culture—whose wallets they can tap.
Master brewers have been working on formulas to try to replicate the taste and texture of the real thing. Heineken, Guinness and Budweiser are all now available alcohol-free, while hundreds of craft brewers and newer labels are emerging to target the market.
For Michel Doukeris, the chief executive officer of AB InBev, it’s quite simple: “The consumer has changed.”
No-alcohol beer, which consists of beers with an alcohol content below 0.5%, represents a small niche in the beverage market with its annual production of 31.4 million hectoliters. This is significantly less compared to the 1.93 billion hectoliters of alcoholic beer produced globally, data from GlobalData Plc suggests. However, this segment has seen a notable compound annual growth rate of 3.6% since 2018, in contrast to the 0.3% growth rate for alcoholic beer. In the United States, the percentage of adults aged 18 to 34 who report consuming alcoholic beverages has declined from 72% in the early 2000s to 62%, according to Gallup.
These trends are significant for businesses, particularly for major players like AB InBev, which has acknowledged it will likely miss its target of generating 20% of its sales from low or no-alcohol beer by the year 2025. See report.
“Many prominent sports events like the Olympics often feature 0% alcohol variants of flagship beer brands,” explained Susie Goldspink, head of no and low alcohol insights at market researcher IWSR. “This emerging focus is aligned with the growing trend as well as promoting a moderation agenda for responsible consumption.”
This market dynamic also offers broader advantages for beer companies. By marketing their non-alcoholic products under the same brands as their alcoholic versions, these companies enhance brand recognition and navigate the growing restrictions on alcohol advertising more effectively.
The promotion of non-alcoholic beers through sports events is on the rise, with notable examples like Heineken 0.0’s association with Formula 1 and Diageo Plc’s Guinness 0.0 at the Six Nations rugby. Last year, Carlsberg A/S distributed 400,000 cans of the non-alcoholic French beer, Tourtel Twist, at the Tour de France cycling event.
Read more: How to Talk About Beer Like a Pro
Amid increasing brand competition, Carlsberg is strategically placing Tourtel Twist as the preferred non-alcoholic beer for the upcoming Paris Games.
“We are the official beer of Paris and France,” said Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg. “They are the official beer of the Olympic movement. At the events, Tourtel will be the beer you’re served.”
U.S.-based Athletic Brewing Co., which specializes in non-alcoholic beverages, believes that an Olympic sponsorship promotes the growth of the entire category.
“Sometimes to move the needle you need bigger players that can help drive awareness,” said John Walker, the company’s co-founder.
For beverage companies, adapting to shifting trends is critical. These changes have contributed to the downfall of numerous establishments with over 7,000 bars closing in the last decade in the U.K., reports the British Beer and Pub Association. Factors such as alcohol duties, high rents, and stringent regulations have influenced these shifts, alongside evolving consumer drinking habits.
With a focus on millennials and Gen Z, who often use social media and look to decrease their alcohol consumption, it’s crucial for companies to offer appealing alternatives to conventional alcoholic beverages, rather than lose these consumers to competing brands or simpler choices like soda or water.
Heineken 0.0 currently leads the global market in non-alcoholic beer sales, with other top contenders including Suntory All-Free from Japan and Brahma 0.0%, which is owned by AB InBev.
In Germany, home to the world’s oldest brewery still in operation, non-alcoholic beers have been produced since the early 1990s. In 2020, responding to increased demand, Weihenstephan, owned by Bavaria, significantly expanded its production of non-alcoholic beers. Now, its non-alcoholic wheat beer comprises nearly 10% of its total sales and ranks as the third most popular product.
However, extensive marketing alone cannot sustain the non-alcoholic beer segment if the products are not appealing.
Historically, non-alcoholic beer was often viewed as inferior in taste compared to its alcoholic counterpart, which disappointed many consumers. Breweries faced a significant challenge: how to replicate the rich flavor profile of their beers without the alcohol. The question was whether to prevent the formation of alcohol during fermentation or to extract it post-brewing a normal strength beer.
According to Jim Koch, chairman of Boston Beer Company, which brews Samuel Adams, recent taste advancements were achieved as brewers mastered a low temperature distillation technique. The company introduced its non-alcoholic beer, Just The Haze, in 2021.
Introduced in 2017, Heineken 0.0 is crafted using water, barley malt, hop extracts, and yeast—the same ingredients as Heineken. The alcohol is removed through vacuum distillation, and then natural flavorings and aromas are added back to closely mimic the original’s taste.
“For a couple of years, I refused to start developing Heineken 0.0,” commented Willem van Waesberghe, Heineken’s global master brewer. “Because I’d never tasted a good one.”
The Olympic Games are set to begin in two months, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for July 26. AB InBev is preparing to launch details of its campaign aimed at “accelerating no-alcohol beer growth.”
Beyond that, getting no-alcohol beer on tap is expected to deliver the next leap in terms of volumes, increasing sales in bars by making the drinks more socially acceptable. It’s yet another technical challenge, but one that brewers are working on.
“It’s like rosé in the south of France is always better than at home,” said Waesberghe. “And in a bar you like the draft, it gives you the impression of authenticity.”
Preserve Your Wine: The Genius Bottle Swap Trick to Keep Leftover Wine Fresh for Days
For some people, finishing an entire bottle of wine in one sitting has never been a problem. However, there are any number of reasons even a wine lover can end up with some leftover wine. Unfortunately, once a bottle of wine is open, the clock starts ticking on its limited shelf life. And while you can put the cork back in that bottle of wine (assuming you still have it and it’s intact) or screw the top back on (if it’s a screw-top bottle), there’s a better way to store an open bottle of wine. All it takes is a simple bottle swap for a smaller bottle.
When it comes to keeping your wine fresh, the key is to minimize its exposure to oxygen because too much contact can cause oxidation, which may cause a loss of flavors and eventual transformation into vinegar. The more surface area of the wine that interacts with oxygen, the quicker it degrades. If you’ve poured out half a bottle of wine to drink, then the remainder of the wine in that bottle is now exposed to half a bottle’s worth of air. If you were to transfer the remainder of that wine into a smaller container, however, then you would limit the amount of air that can come into contact with it, which will help keep your wine fresher for longer.
Read more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients
For half of a standard bottle of leftover wine, the perfect swap would be to use an empty 375-milliliter half bottle of wine (also known as a demi or split bottle). If you have less wine left over then one or more 187-milliliter mini bottles (also known as quarter or piccolo bottles) would be ideal. What if you don’t have any empty smaller wine bottles handy? While you can purchase empty mini bottles for this purpose, you won’t have to if you already have another smaller container that you can use, like a mason jar, an old jam bottle, a beer bottle with a crown cap, or even a small juice or water bottle.
Whatever smaller bottle you choose, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. Utilize a funnel to transfer the remaining wine into the smaller bottle, filling it nearly to the brim to minimize the exposure to air and reduce oxidation. Securely tighten the cap to make it airtight, then store the bottle upright in the refrigerator. This method will keep your wine fresh for an additional one to two weeks.
Read the original article on Tasting Table
Tragic Discovery: Body Found in Search for Missing Hillwalker Mary Molloy on Isle of Rum
A body was discovered on the Isle of Rum today.
In the ongoing search for the hillwalker Mary Molloy, a body was located on the Isle of Rum.
The body was found during an extensive search effort on the isolated west coast island for the 68-year-old missing hillwalker.
The police have confirmed that the body of a woman was discovered today.
Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of Mary Molloy have been informed.
Police have stated that enquiries are ongoing, but there are “no apparent suspicious circumstances.”
In a statement posted on social media, a police spokesperson announced: “A body of a woman was recovered from the Isle of Rum on the afternoon of Saturday, June 1.
“The woman has not yet been formally identified, however, the family of Mary Molloy, who was reported missing in the region, has been notified.
“Investigations continue, yet nothing suggests foul play at this point.”
“Necessary documentation will be forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal shortly.”
Breaking Barriers: The Inspirational Journey of Two Women Transforming the Whiskey Industry
In a sector traditionally governed by male influence, two innovative women, Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea, are pioneering change and redefining the whiskey enjoyment and production landscape. They co-founded Jackson McCrea—a distinct premium rye whiskey crafted by women, for women. Not only are they the first Black female owners of a whiskey brand in California, but their venture also staunchly promotes women’s empowerment and inclusivity within the alcohol industry.
The transformation from wine aficionados to whiskey innovators underscores their entrepreneurial flair and dedication to crafting a whiskey that caters to women, aligning with their broader mission of promoting wellness and self-care.
Sheila Jackson, renowned for her enterprises that focus on females like Eve’s Lime Productions, which highlights the narratives of unique and fearless Black women worldwide, and The Good CEO, a podcast featuring bold and uncompromising CEOs, has consistently emphasized gender equality throughout her career. “My entire career has been about empowering women, elevating our stories, and expanding our voice,” she conveyed in an interview.
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are the visionaries behind Jackson McCrea, an innovative whisky brand developed by women for women.
McCrea, a life coach and founder of the Love CEO Institute, expresses that her enthusiasm for whiskey represents her commitment to personal growth. “Having a whiskey brand is in harmony with my life coaching beliefs and the life I strive to create,” McCrea explained during our conversation.
The inspiration for their brand also came from their affinity for exploration, sourcing premium rye from Tennessee and aging it in Northern California using French oak Syrah wine barrels.
The whiskey has been well received. Krista Purnell, a non-profit director and publisher, commended their work: “What Sheila and Natasha are achieving in the whiskey industry is remarkable,” she observed in our discussion. “They are redefining roles in a predominantly male industry through their passion, creativity, talent, and determination. Their rye whiskey is smooth, well-balanced, and caters to the refined tastes of sophisticated women whiskey aficionados.”
Amy Glass, co-owner of GTE Agency and a whiskey lover, praised the product as well. “I adore the smoky hints, the caramel smoothness,” she commented. “It’s not harsh, and I believe men will enjoy it just as much. It’s an ideal beverage for both genders to appreciate together.”
Jackson McCrea whiskey.
I recently caught up with these trailblazing entrepreneurs to find out how they transitioned from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers after a revelation over an Old Fashioned.
On A Mission: As founder of businesses like Eve’s Lime Productions, Jackson has always focused on female inclusion in her ventures. “Launching a whiskey brand is an incredible opportunity to share my love for the spirit and disrupt a space that has historically ignored women consumers,” says Jackson.
As a creator, McCrea says she thrives on making things from nothing. “Acting, directing, coaching and public speaking gives me an opportunity to live my best life,” she says. “I use my skills and business sense to create experiences that are enjoyable and satisfying.”
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea, friends and cofounders.
How They Got Started: Jackson and McCrea’s journey into the whiskey business started through a discussion while enjoying an Old Fashioned. Both held extensive experience in both the wine industry and the field of entertainment. Nevertheless, it was their shared passion for whiskey that led them to initiate a new project. “We both enjoyed whiskey and had always envisioned launching a whiskey brand,” McCrea states. “Our purpose in life is to inspire and strengthen women via all types of media. Whiskey serves as another channel for us to facilitate this mission.”
The Inspiration: Both founders were driven by a mutual goal of empowering women and crafting a product that caters specifically to women’s tastes. “After surveying various women and gathering their preferences, the feedback was definitive. They desired a whiskey that is effortlessly smooth to drink straight, featuring rich, nuanced essences along with hints of smoke, caramel, and spice,” Jackson elaborates. Their exclusive California-style rye, refined in French oak Syrah wine barrels, embodies these qualities.
Biggest Challenges: Penetrating the whiskey market brought its share of obstacles. “The greatest challenge was confronting self-doubt, the fear of judgment, or concerns that I might lack sufficient knowledge,” reveals McCrea. “It circulates around remaining steadfast in my beliefs, even if they do not coincide with others’ expectations.”
Similarly, Jackson emphasizes the significance of maintaining personal well-being and self-care amidst the business pressures. “This work is a marathon, not a sprint,” she notes. “The more we engage, the more essential it becomes to take care of our bodies.”
The Role Of Female Leadership: For McCrea, entering the whiskey industry as a woman has presented both challenges and opportunities, describing it as an entry into a world filled with endless possibilities. “It’s undeniable that we occupy a unique position in an industry where people like us are rarely seen,” she explains. “It’s not just a point of friction; it’s a chance to embrace and leverage our uniqueness.”
Jackson views this era as crucial for women in the field, drawing inspiration from pioneers such as Fawn Weaver. “Our aim is to perpetuate this movement and transform the whiskey industry’s image by incorporating more women into the discourse,” she states.
Jackson and McCrea.
Business Travel: The cofounders are often on the move, and Jackson highlights that interacting with other spirits brand proprietors is incredibly inspiring. “Navigating this industry can be tough. Engaging with other women who are on the same path has given me a sense of belonging to a supportive community,” she remarks.
Favorite Travel Locations: “During my five-year stay in Barbados, I explored numerous islands around it. However, my exploration isn’t complete. My ambition is to discover every Caribbean island, soaking in the diverse beaches and cultures,” she shares.
“The urge to travel is a deep-seated part of who I am,” adds McCrea. “Growing up, I aspired to be an ‘adventurer.’ I see myself as a worldwide citizen, eager to follow my heart’s desires. I have cherished my visits to Portugal, the South of France, and Mexico. My dream is to explore all of Africa.”
Lessons Learned: The story of Jackson and McCrea underscores the significance of both resilience and community connections. “Connecting with fellow spirits brand owners is endlessly inspiring,” states Jackson. “The industry is challenging to steer, hence finding a community of like-minded women provides a crucial support network,” she adds.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: McCrea’s advice for other women is to hold steadfast to their authenticity and beliefs. “Trust in your vision and stay committed to your dreams,” she says. “Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Proper self-care is crucial; never forget it, as it is conducive to your bottom line.”
Jackson emphasizes the importance of building a supportive tribe. “Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, filled with ups and downs. Your tribe, consisting of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges you face, can provide invaluable support and encouragement,” she says.
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Salt & Straw Unveils Exciting New Beer-Based Ice Cream Line
Beer and ice cream are quintessential summer delights.
However, it’s not as simple as mixing a scoop of mint chip into a pint of pale ale.
Instead, you might trust one of the top ice cream parlors to craft a selection of beer-infused ice creams, creating the ideal summer combination as temperatures rise and pool season begins.
The Salt & Straw Brewer’s Series offers a collection of five unique flavors, each blending a distinct beer from various American microbreweries. This series was launched today in stores and online for nationwide delivery, and it will be available until the end of June.
The collection offers a diverse range of flavors, featuring a porter, stout, lager, ale, and hazy IPA. However, the process of making beer-infused ice cream is more complex than just mixing beer with ice cream.
As explained by Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker at Salt & Straw, beer alone does not have a strong enough flavor profile to counterbalance the rich fat content of ice cream. Efforts to enhance the beer’s flavor by heating it ended up altering its inherent qualities. Therefore, Tyler had to meticulously break down each beer and reconstruct it into a creamy, sweet version that faithfully represents the original beer flavor in every spoonful. This meticulous process benefits the consumer immensely.
Here is a list of the five distinct flavors available, including details about the breweries involved and the methods used to create these ice creams.
Métier’s Black Stripe Porter & Bread Pudding
Métier Brewing, located in Seattle, stands out as one of the few black-owned breweries in the country and exemplifies how such establishments can foster a sense of community through beer. Tyler combines three types of malts, one variety of barley, and toasted coconut, which he then mixes with additional hops to forge an ultra-concentrated syrup. This concoction is transformed into an unfiltered coconut beer, mirroring the flavor elements of Métier’s Black Stripe Porter. Subsequently, this syrup is blended into an ice cream base along with Donna Moodie’s acclaimed gooey bread pudding from Seattle and crunchy toffee.
Breakside’s Barrel-Aged Chocolate Stout
Located in Portland, Oregon, Breakside Brewery holds recognition as an esteemed microbrewery. Collaborating with lead brewer Ben Edmunds, Tyler created a bespoke barrel-aged beer named Shasta Taffy for this particular flavor. Cocoa nibs are immersed in the brew for four days, post which they are dried and incorporated into chocolate to craft a chocolate bark. This beer-infused bark is then whisked into the ice cream, interlaced with a homemade tres leches cake swirl that uses two types of milk, with the stout serving as the third component.
Russian River’s Supplication Ale w/ Manchego
Russian River Brewing, located in Santa Rosa, California, is renowned for its creation of hoppy and Belgian-style beers. Their notable Supplication Ale is crafted by aging it in pinot noir barrels along with sour cherries for 12 months, and it’s released annually. This distinctive sour brown ale is innovatively combined with a creation of light fudge made by Tyler, infused with three-month-aged Manchego cheese and tart-cherry marmalade, giving a unique twist inspired by a classic beer and cheese tasting experience.
Monkish’s Space Cookies & Cream Hazy IPA
Located in Torrance, California, Monkish Brewing is an Asian-owned establishment that focuses exclusively on Belgian-style beers and is amongst the pioneers of the hazy IPA on the West Coast. Tyler extracts flavors from their Space Cookies beer, reminiscent of ‘nilla wafers, to craft an ice cream. This includes making a hops-flavored simple syrup blended with a citrus syrup crafted from fresh grapefruits and orange zest, mirroring the beer’s flavors, and integrating this with a swirl of ‘nilla wafer cookie butter.
La Tropical’s La Original Lager w/ Guava
La Tropical, which began in Cuba, ceased operations for 60 years following the revolution, only to be revived in 2020 in the Wynwood district of Miami. Using their century-and-a-half-old Cuban Ambar Lager recipe, Tyler crafts a uniquely tropical ice cream. This creation features homemade flan topped with sweet guava drizzle and infused with hints of honey.
Uncorking the Secrets: Wine Writing Lessons from Legendary Travel Writers
The sun sets over the Parthenon
Never before have so many aspired to explore vineyards and devote their writings to the enchanting topic of wine. And yet, this profession—or should one call it a calling?—finds itself in a troubling predicament. It seems it always has. As wine publications wrestle with declining revenues and large digital platforms squeeze their visibility and traffic, the splintering of authoritative voices persists. What follows is a diminishing pool of invested readers. With the shadow of Artificial Intelligence growing more formidable, elevating quality has become essential for enduring.
The circumstances prompt us to contemplate perhaps an overly lavish engagement with early 20th century British travel literature. To dwell on the eloquent expressions of well-educated men, who wrote comfortably about the masterpieces of antiquity, seems almost too luxurious amidst the constant hum of notifications, emails, and the imperative to sustain content and manage finances.
However, this situation offers a marvelous chance for wandering into the more scholarly and polished works within this literary field. Often these writings recount benign, bumbling journeys, brimming with a charisma that renders the prose timeless. Therefore, categorizing my venture as both research and brief diversion, I turned to Robert Bryon’s esteemed Road to Oxiana.
Published in 1937, it charts his journey through the Levant and across the Middle East. Byron’s self deprecating tone will inevitably strike a more pertinent chord with the British reader, but it is universally acknowledged a masterpiece for its balance of witty memoir and poignant observation. Sensual prose bring exotic scenes to life, capturing the essence of people and place.
The author’s primary interest lies in the great monuments of Islam, but his deep knowledge is administered carefully, diluted with engaging journal entries that document the trials and tribulations of a colorful and unpredictable journey. Clearly, he is well versed in his field and able to braid scholarly comment, but it remains a backdrop, and a device for maintaining order lest his more comedic characters infringe on the intended atmosphere. For Byron, architecture (we may read wine) is a reason for travel, but it is certainly not the story.
Henry Vollam Morton is another outstanding travel writer of a bygone era, despite suggestions of appalling character. Over the last few days I’ve found it difficult to put down A Traveller in Southern Italy (1969). Although less poetic, the format is similar. Enthralment with the lives of the Saints provides motivation for his expedition, but his writing draws from the well of knowledge modestly – skillfully aware of the importance of peeling back the curtain and standing clear.
Inevitably, the subject of wine provides rich material for the writer and there are many enclaves in which to develop a specialism. For me, the most alluring wine writing, and the most age-worthy, provokes and evokes in a way that the best travel writing does. It connects on an emotional level and makes one long for experience. Put simply, the best books about wine are often not really about wine – at least, not entirely.
Paul Theroux, the great American writer noted that, “travel writing begins in journalism, slides into fiction, and ends in autobiography”. When I think back to those bright and elegant columns by Hugh Hohnson or Michael Broadbent, I am reminded of a note by Hemingway. “If a writer knows enough about what he is writing about, he may omit things that he knows. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one ninth of it being above water.”
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Unveiling the World’s Largest Vodka Bottle: A 7-Foot Golden Marvel Hits the Market
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Top Pick: The Best Rum for Beginners to Try in 2024
In this article, we are going to discuss the no. 1 rum for beginners in 2024. If you want more options to take your first steps into the alluring world of rum, check out our full list of the 15 Best Rums for Beginners in 2024.
As we mentioned in our article – The Best Rum in 2024 – the global rum market was estimated at $17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.
Rum is building momentum and getting more popular in the U.S.A. Today, the category is one of the most steadily growing and continues to benefit from several intersecting popularity shifts. In recent years, distillers have experimented with flavored rums, making the category much more versatile in offerings, and so today, flavored and spiced offerings account for over 57% of all rums sold.
The growth of premium rum has also been reflected in the merger and acquisition space recently. It was announced last year that Brown-Forman Corporation had completed the acquisition of the Diplomático Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain), for an estimated $725 million. The spirits giant announced its agreement to purchase the brand in October 2022, giving it an entry into the growing super-premium rum category.
As part of the acquisition, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) expanded its operations by acquiring a Panama-based aging, bottling, and shipping production facility. Destillers United Group S.L. will maintain the production and aging of the uniquely crafted and complex Diplomático Rum at their original distillery located at the base of the Andes mountains.
At the close of Q1 2024, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) witnessed shares being held by 30 hedge funds. Fundsmith LLP emerged as the largest shareholder, possessing approximately 11.46 shares with a market value of $591.5 million.
Another prominent player in the rum market, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEo), also made headlines by completing the acquisition of the Don Papa Rum brand in 2023. The agreement included an initial payment of $276 million with an additional performance-based consideration up to $188.6 million projected through to 2028. Don Papa Small Batch Rum, a high-end dark rum from the Philippines, is currently available in over 30 nations worldwide.
Moreover, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has been in the news for its innovative approach towards sustainable packaging, collaborating with PA Consulting and PulPac. They plan to trial a paper bottle for the Irish Cream Liqueur Baileys, primarily composed of mold dry fiber making up 90% of the material, supplemented with a thin plastic liner and a foil seal. Simultaneously, the company is also experimenting with a unique spiral-wound paper-based bottle for its Don o’Papa rum, currently undergoing feasibility tests and expected to comprise 90% paper-based material.
The stock of DEO was also held by 30 hedge funds at the end of Q1 2024 according to the Insider Monkey database, with a total stake value of approximately $634.21 million. Orbis Investment Management held the largest stake, with about 1.54 million shares worth $229.2 million.
Both Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) and Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) are listed among the Most Valuable Alcohol Companies in the World.
With that in mind, here are the Best Rums to Try for Your First Time.
For this article, we consulted several sources, including RumX, Master of Malt, Tasting Table, Reddit, and others to discover the Best Rums for Beginners. We identified the most frequently recommended rums across these platforms, assigning each a score for every recommendation, then added up the scores to rank the rums. In cases where multiple rums earned the same score, they were further ranked by the price of their 750 ml bottles before tax.</onds, and others to discover theBest Rums for Beginners. We identified the most frequently recommended rums across these platforms, assigning each a score for every recommendation, then added up the scores to rank the rums. In cases where multiple rums earned the same score, they were further ranked by the price of their 750 ml bottles before tax.
Insider Monkey Score: 16
A true expression of Master Blender Joy Spence’s passion, this single estate spirit is made from hand-selected, rare golden rums aged for a minimum of 12 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica. Smooth, robust, and woody – this superb blend reveals aromas of toasted oak, dried fruit, hazelnut, dark cocoa, molasses, orange peel, vanilla, and hints of coffee. Perfect for sipping or mixing into extraordinary cocktails, AE 12 Rare Casks is bottled at 43% ABV.
Appleton Estate, the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica, produces over 10 million liters of rum annually, 80% of which is destined to be exported.
To learn about other entry-level rums, you can refer to our list of the 15 Best Rums for Beginners in 2024.
At Insider Monkey, we explore various subjects from top rums to business insights; but our forte is pinpointing high-performing stocks. Presently, one of the most exciting areas is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For an AI stock that has more potential than NVDA and trades for less than five times its earnings, view our analysis on the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks.
Disclosure: This content was originally released at Insider Monkey.
Fawn Weaver’s Bold $1.1 Billion Strategy to Shake Up the Whiskey Industry
Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey in U.S. history, and founder and CEO Fawn Weaver has plans for the future that don’t include selling the valuable brand.
Fawn Weaver, at Uncle Nearest headquarters in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Have you tried Uncle Nearest whiskey? I’m thrilled to share my latest magazine feature, all about this incredibly fast-growing business and its founder and CEO Fawn Weaver. After visiting Uncle Nearest’s distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, I began to fully grasp what Weaver has been building over the past seven years, and wow was I blown away.
Weaver’s entrepreneurial celebration of Nearest Green—the formerly enslaved first master distiller of Jack Daniel’s who Weaver calls “the best whiskey maker the world never knew”— has been a runaway success since it launched in 2017. Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey in U.S. history—its sales have tripled since 2022—and the best-selling Black-founded and -led spirit of all time.
I go deep, explaining how Weaver has refined the playbook for how to build an independent spirits startup. She has shunned venture capital and private equity funding in favor of lots of smaller investments, structuring deals to maintain control of the company and ownership of the land.
“I don’t believe you own the brand unless you own the land. It’s special to us. But it’s also incredibly special to Black people,” Weaver told me. “Historically, we’ve done a lot of renting but not a lot of owning. A lot of being an ambassador and building other people’s stuff, but not a whole lot of building our own.”
Despite Weaver’s ban on institutional capital, investment bankers constantly reach out. Forbes conservatively estimates her business is worth $1.1 billion, and Weaver’s stake is valued at $470 million, which lands her on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women for the first time.
Many spirits brands reach a level of scale and “just kind of peter out,” Goldman Sachs’ Jason Coppersmith, a top food and beverage banker, explained to me: “What Fawn and team have been able to do is bucking the trend,” says Coppersmith. “Uncle Nearest is a brand that’s getting a lot of attention for the exact right reasons.”
But Weaver says she will never sell. Her vision is bigger than that.
“I’ve stood my ground even when people were saying, ‘She has to have a number,’” Weaver explained. “They’ve thrown every number at me and gotten the same response—no. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
I can’t wait for you to dig into this inspiring story.
— Chloe Sorvino, Staff Writer
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Fawn Weaver has perfected the strategy for launching a successful spirits business.
Fawn Weaver established Uncle Nearest to commemorate the previously enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of superb whiskey production. Seven years on, she leads the leading Black-owned liquor company, now valued at $1.1 billion, with bold visions for its expansion.
Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver, artist Katy Perry, and ABC Supply Chairman Diane Hendricks.
Weaver and another alcohol industry pioneer, Merrilee Kick, join this year’s list. Four women from the food sector including The Wonderful Company’s Lynda Resnick, Panda Express’ Peggy Cherng, and Clif Bar’s Kit Crawford have also returned to the rankings.
Bird flu typically spreads among birds, but there have been recent instances among cattle, including a case where a Texas man contracted the virus from infected cows. Many experts are concerned about the potential for a new pandemic.
The frozen food line, dubbed Vital Pursuit, will feature a variety of nutrient-dense meal options priced at $4.99 and under.
Chinese ecommerce sites Shein and Temu ship the equivalent of 88 Boeing 777 freighters of cargo worldwide every day. Cyrus Farivar reports on their “continuous ‘thirst’ for air freight,” environmental cost, and lack of a maritime logistics solution as they supercharge their expansion into the U.S.
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