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Mark Allen’s World Title Quest: A Party Animal Who Loves Vodka
Mark Allen firmly believes in the necessity of partying as he pursues his first world snooker title at the Crucible this Saturday.
This 38-year-old from Antrim has undergone a significant health overhaul which has resulted in weight loss of more than six stone in the past two years. This effort has paid off with several ranking titles to his name as well as an ascent to third in the world rankings. Dependending on this tournament’s results, he might even move to the No 1 spot.
Allen emphasized the importance of maintaining balance before his second-round game against John Higgins set for Saturday afternoon. Despite being a night owl, he is determined to keep a level playing field in an effort to reach the finals for the first time.
Spending time at parties doesn’t equate to a lack of dedication or discipline within the sport, according to Allen. He concedes that in the past the ratio might have been off and asserts that there is a critical time and place for everything. It’s important to keep in mind that life beyond snooker is also essential.
“I still enjoy a night out with my friends. I probably don’t do it as often as I did, but when I do, I make up for it. I enjoy having a few shots and going on the vodka, but I never do it too close to a tournament now, and that’s the difference.”
Allen, who reached the semi-finals last year – only his second appearance in the one-table set-up after a series of early-round disappointments – revealed he was convinced to change his mindset after a painful 13-4 second-round defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022.
That loss coincided with a period of turmoil in his private life, after divorcing his then wife in 2020, and declaring himself bankrupt the following year despite career earnings in excess of £3.5m.
Allen added: “Ronnie wasn’t playing anywhere near his best and he still brushed me aside, and I had to ask myself whether I wanted to be that player who came back here and didn’t challenge.
“It’s been deflating coming here so many times and underperforming, because I know I’ve got the game to win it. I’ve tried so many things and so far none of them have worked, but I feel like I’ve improved things in recent years and I’ve come into the tournament this year on a whole new level.”
Judd Trump is two frames away from a return to the quarter-finals after pulling away from Tom Ford to establish an 11-5 overnight lead. Leading 7-2 after Thursday’s opening session, the third seed took the first frame on Friday before Ford spurned a strong chance of this year’s first Crucible maximum, running aground on 73 after 10 reds and nine blacks.
Trump capitalised on a series of errors from Ford to ease further clear and at one stage looked capable of winning the match with a session to spare, before the 14th seed rallied and took the final frame of the day with a break of 83.
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David Gilbert dispatched Robert Milkins 13-4 to become the first player through to the quarter-finals, and revealed a rigorous fitness regime is behind his push to reach the last four for the first time since 2019.
Leading 12-4 after Friday’s morning session, Gilbert required just 17 minutes to complete his victory over the 16th seed, who was hampered by a recurring back injury and showed the extent of his frustration by hurling his cue after missing a simple red in the 12th frame.
“The lesson I learned from when I got to the semi-final was you have to be as fit as possible,” said Gilbert. “I’m using my time wisely, eating properly and the right things. I’m hitting the gym, pure weights and just trying to lift as heavy as I can. I’m going to smash the gym and keep eating the right stuff.”
Stephen Maguire battled to a 5-3 overnight lead against the 2005 winner, Shaun Murphy, while Jak Jones carved a 9-7 advantage over Si Jiahui, a surprise semi-finalist last year, after a poor quality second session of their second-round match. Jones, the lowest ranked player left in the tournament at No 44, is looking to reach the quarter-finals for the second year in a row.
Madison Beer Brillantly Remakes ‘Jennifer’s Body’ in Her New ‘Make You Mine’ Video
Madison Beer continues to embrace contemporary classics. She released the video for her single “Make You Mine” on April 24, which showcases her in a reimagination of a noteworthy thriller scene.
The track itself sees Beer expressing a fresh obsession.
Lyrics of the chorus, “I want to feel the rush / I want to taste the crush / I want to get you going / I want to lay you down / I want to string you out / I want to make you mine,” are sung over a captivating, rhythmic beat.
In the visual representation, Beer takes on the personas of Jennifer Check and Needy Lesnicky, roles originally portrayed by Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried in the 2009 film, Jennifer’s Body. As these characters, Beer reconstructs a number of scenes from this movie, featuring the famous hallway walk, the scene at the pool, and the dance sequence.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Beer declared “Make You Mine” as her top favorite song she’s ever crafted.
“It’s just so exhilarating, extremely feel-good song,” Beer voiced. “It’s alluring, it’s irresistible. Every single person I’ve played it for started dancing and felt an immediate boost in their mood upon listening to it, and that’s the kind of reaction I always aim for.”
The video for “Make You Mine” can be seen above.
Anticipated Growth of Vodka Market to Reach US$ 68.25 Billion by 2033, as Predicted by Future Market Insights
The vodka market has seen stable development over time, driven by growing customer demand and an expanding cocktail culture. Factors such as evolving consumer tastes, widespread urbanization, and greater disposable incomes are influencing the market size. The frequency of vodka consumption in developing economies has risen, contributing to the expansion of the market.
The vodka market is projected to reach US$ 39.96 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2033. The vodka industry’s value is expected to hit US$ 68.25 billion by 2033.
The consumption of premium vodka cocktails has risen in developed economies, which could be the reason for this growth. The increasing popularity of flavored vodkas, such as cranberry, lime, and raspberry, is aiding vodka sales. The burgeoning offline commerce in alcoholic beverages is expected to expedite market growth during the forecast period.
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An Increase in Demand for Premium Vodka
Modern global consumers showcase more selective tastes as opposed to the scenario from five years ago. To enhance overall appeal and functionality, premium vodkas undergo numerous stages of distillation that sets them apart from their more common counterparts.
The rising trend for healthier alcoholic beverages, characterized by the blend of natural ingredients, less calories and the absence of sugar content is being fuelled by a heightened sense of health consciousness. In light of the increased consumer interest for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, the premium vodka category holds better prospects, more so on a foreign market scale.
With the consistent demand for flavored light beverages like hard seltzers, ready-to-drink vodka innovation is taking off in emerging countries. This is anticipated to drive the growth of the vodka market in the years to come.
Shift in Customer Preferences Towards Non-Alcoholic Drinks
The growth of the vodka market is forecasted to be hindered by the rising popularity of craft beer and the availability of alternatives. Strict government regulations and high taxes are also obstacles to the expansion of the global vodka market.
However, the global vodka market is expected to experience significant growth during the forecasted period due to consumer trends and various innovations, such as fruit-based healthy vodka. On the other hand, the emergence of non-alcoholic drink alternatives poses a formidable challenge to the vodka market.
North America Continues to Dominate the Market
The rising trend for flavored vodkas including Texas Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Bartlett Pear, and Sun-Riped Watermelon in the United States is driving its popularity. Canada’s increasing love for sweet citrus flavors along with acidic cherry and limeade vodka flavors is projected to stimulate the sector’s growth as well.
Moreover, the growth of the vodka market is anticipated to receive a further boost with alcoholic beverages such as Pyat Ozar, Svedka, and Hlibny Dar. The premium white spirits distribution system is likely to see improvements with the aid of the Canadian government, thereby setting off market expansion.
Our analyst shares their deep insights and expertise about the dynamics of the Vodka Market in an interesting discussion. You can tap into this knowledge by following the link provided here: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-16624
Let’s take a look at the key takeaways:
Competitor Analysis
The global vodka market is extremely diversified due to the presence of multiple regional and multinational companies. These firms are striving to maintain their stronghold in the industry by offering an extensive variety of vodka flavors.
Notable companies such as Diageo Plc, Brown Forman, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Pernod Ricard, and Constellation Brands Inc, among others, are adopting various business strategies. These strategies include initiating product innovations, forming partnerships, and expanding their distribution networks both online and offline. This is done to enhance their brand visibility and product portfolio, which will in turn facilitate market growth.
Recent Development
Constellation Brands Inc., a leading beverage alcohol manufacturer, inked a brand permission agreement with The Coca-Cola Company in 2022. This deal marked the introduction of the FRESCA brand into the alcoholic beverage market in the United States.
In March 2022, young entrepreneurs Stas Karanikolaou and Zack Bia collaborated with Global Brand Equities to launch Sunny Vodka. This new introduction enriched the company’s already prosperous liquid portfolio.
Roust Group, one of the premier vodka producers, partnered with Beijing Soko in October 2020. This collaboration was targeted at expanding the reach of Russian Standard vodka into the Chinese market.
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Provided here are the segments of the Vodka Market
Segmentation by Type:
Segmentation by Quality:
Segmentation by Distribution Channel:
By Region:
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.
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Facing Challenges in 2023: Global Wine Industry Sees a Decline in Production and Consumption
In 2023, the global wine production fell by 10% to arrive at 237.3 million hectolitres. Many prominent wine-producing countries faced a considerably hard year. France recaptured its spot as the top wine producer worldwide. Global wine consumption also saw a reduction, reaching 221 million hectolitres in 2023, marking a decrease of 2.6% when compared to 2022. Similarly, the total surface area of the world’s vineyards underwent a slight reduction of 0.5% in 2023, equaling 7.2 million hectares. A drop in both production and consumption has managed to maintain market equilibrium, despite triggering significant inflationary pressures.
John Barker, the director general at The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), unveiled the projections for the wine industry in 2024 today. (All the numbers provided here are preliminary estimates by the OIV.)
The total wine production worldwide saw a steep decline in 2023, with a fall of 10% from 2022, resulting in 237.3 million hectolitres (Mhl). This continues a trend that has been present for two decades. Back in 2004, globally, wine production had reached approximately 295 Mhl. Currently, it is about 20% lower.
The volume in 2023 is the lowest wine production since 1961. The picture varies from country to country, but most big wine producers saw a decline. Some countries experienced very dramatic declines.
France regained its position as the world’s biggest wine producer and actually increased the volume by 4%. However, both Italy and Spain, the number two and three, saw very significant reductions in wine production, minus 23% and 21% respectively.
The decline is mainly due to the extreme climate conditions that several countries experienced, including rains, floods, fires, etc., and the ensuing problems with vineyard diseases.
World wine production 2023
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- USA
- Portugal
- Chile
- Australia
- South Africa
- Argentina
- Germany
Note that the production volume fluctuates annually based on factors like weather, industry trends, and global events. Hence, it’s always good to stay updated on the world’s wine map.
World wine production, top countries, 2023
The world’s total acreage of vineyards saw a slight drop, decrementing by 0.5% to 7.2 million hectares. Although a loss of 0.5% may be seen as insignificant, the decrease in “wine production capacity” is a trend that has been persistent for more than two decades since reaching a peak in 2003. At that time, the global vineyard acreage was just a bit above 7.8 million hectares. Almost 8% has been lost since then.
Spain holds its position as the leading country with almost one million hectares. France follows in the second position while China comes third and Italy holds the fourth position.
Here are the world’s top ten countries with the largest vineyard area:
The EU countries have 45% of the world’s total acreage and five of the top ten countries. The six biggest countries represent 56% of the total.
It should be noted that these numbers include all vineyards, including those producing grapes for other uses than wine, such as raisins and fruit juice.
World vineyard surface area 2023
The world’s wine consumption follows the same negative trend: global wine consumption declined in 2023.
The global consumption of wine was recorded at 221 million hectolitres (Mhl) in 2023. This demonstrates a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous year, 2022. An extended observation reveals a long-standing pattern of reduced intake; the peak consumption was noted in 2007 with around 250 Mhl, indicating that the current consumption is a significant 12% plummet since then.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) surmised this shrink in global wine consumption to the influence of COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing inflation, causing an upswing in consumer prices.
Global Wine Consumption 2023
In examining wine consumption trends in various countries, most of them have experienced only slight alterations. However, in China, there was a staggering one-fourth decrease in wine consumption. Conversely, in Romania, an increase by one-fifth was observed.
The USA continues to lead the globe as the largest wine consumer, closely trailed by the prominent European wine producers – France, Italy, and Germany. The UK, Spain, and Russia also make up the top wine-consuming nations.
Major countries in world wine consumption, 2023
However, challenges persist for the world wine industry.
In a comparison between 2023 and 2022, wine exports experienced a reduction in both quantity (-6.3%) and value (-4.7%).
The OIV keeps track of an intriguing metric known as “the market internationalisation index”. This index illustrates the proportion of wine consumed outside the country of its production. In other terms, it’s a difference perspective on domestic consumption versus exports, serving as a reflection of wine globalization. This index also serves as a message to wine producers, emphasizing the growing importance of export markets.
In recent years, the market internationalisation index has experienced a significant increase, indicating that a larger volume of wine is being consumed outside its local market. In the year 2000, this index was roughly at 27%, with over two-thirds of wine being consumed on its “home market”. By 2021, this index had climbed to 48%, implying that nearly half of all wine is consumed in a country different from its origin.
However, the index has seen a decline in the last two years, down to 45% in 2023. The reason for this decrease isn’t immediately clear. Factors like smaller harvests or inflation might impact both domestic and international markets, so the explanation likely isn’t found there. The OIV suggests one potential explanation could be destocking, notably in the North American market. It’s possible that US importers, in particular, over-purchased in the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) and are now releasing this stock into the market, reducing their need to buy from abroad. We’ll see what unfolds in the following years.
The current statistics present a grim scenario for the global wine industry in 2023, yet there are glimmers of hope.
The substantial decrease in wine production in 2023 could have indicated a potential scarcity, however, the simultaneous decline in consumption counteracts this threat. The scales of production and consumption continue to be balanced, with production surpassing consumption by 5-10%. This excess is necessary to meet the demand for different usages such as producing vinegar and distillation.
From the perspective of producers, the evolution of prices has been favorable. The average export price of wine hit an all-time high of 3.62 euros per litre, marking a 2% increase from 2022. Certain countries have performed remarkably well. Both France and the USA have nearly doubled the average export price over a decade. For France, the price currently stands at 9.4 euro/litre, whereas for the USA, it is 5.5 euro/litre. Most of the other major exporters have experienced a similar trend over the past decade, with Canada being the exception.
Obviously, this exemplifies the inflationary tendencies impacting the wine industry. But naturally, this isn’t great news for the consumers.
—Per Karlsson
Skrewball Whiskey and Joey Fatone’s Plan to ‘Skrew the Usual’ for the Derby Season
Skrewball Whiskey x Joey Fatone
Skrewball Whiskey, the original peanut butter whiskey, has announced a partnership with Joey Fatone, the multitalented entertainer and member of NSYNC, to “Skrew the Usual” when it comes to celebrating the upcoming horse racing season and the sport’s big race in Kentucky this May.
As someone who consistently stands out when it comes to his race day fashion — it’s Fatone’s 22nd year attending the Kentucky Derby — the brand is joining forces with the singer to create a very special hat that’s perfect for race day.
“Horse racing is an iconic part of the summer season, and we’re thrilled to be part of it as we partner with the incredibly talented Joey Fatone,” said Skrewball Whiskey co-founder, Steven Yeng. “At Skrewball, we’re always looking for fresh and exciting ways to engage with consumers. Teaming up with Joey allows us to amplify that ethos and bring it to life in dynamic new ways.”
Skrewball Whiskey was forged through the entrepreneurial spirit of Yeng, a refuge from Cambodia and his spouse Brittany, an erstwhile chemist who later metamorphosed into a lawyer. Yeng nurtured a fascination for peanut butter shortly after setting foot in the United States. This fondness later found its way into a drink he concocted in the bar he managed in San Diego. The unexpected popularity of this unique beverage drove his spouse to exploit her chemistry skills to generate a non-perishable peanut butter flavoured whiskey. This revolutionary whiskey is famed for its awards and it continues to disrupt the norm in areas where whiskey dominates.
Only a dozen of these exclusive hats have been crafted!
The driving force behind this collaboration is Fatone’s equine racing inspired hat, custom designed to house small 50ml bottles of Skrewball whiskey, a feature highly sought after by racing enthusiasts who prefer to keep their chosen beverage within arm’s reach. Fatone will be seen flaunting this exclusive accessory (available in two shades to match his chosen attire for the weekend) during special appearances at distinct Louisville events, thereby reinforcing the spirit of Skrewball Whiskey at these venues through his signature charisma and high-octane vibe.
“The Kentucky Derby weekend is my favorite time of the year,” avows Fatone, a regular at the Barnstable Brown Gala (globally acknowledged as one of the leading parties on the global social calendar with proceeds contributing towards Diabetes Research at the University of Kentucky) and an annual attendee at the Derby. “It’s the golden opportunity to dress to the nines and don outlandish and ornate hats just like this one! It’s quite remarkable to associate with a brand as unique as this, a synergy that complements my personal style and enhances my Derby experience.”
Skrewing the usual this Derby
The brown hat is chic with a wide brim and simple decor in the manner of a few feathers and some leather wrapping, plus of course, the smart pouches meant to perfectly hold two little bottles of Skrewball. “Being out of the norm is what I normally do anyway so this is the perfect collaboration to me — plus I love peanut butter,” laughs Fatone. “The brand’s take on ‘Skrewing the Usual’ and having fun aligns perfectly with what I strive for as an entertainer.”
Want to get your hands on one of the coveted race day hats? Have no fear, the brand will be giving away a few to those who enter an online sweepstakes. Visit www.SkrewballWhiskey.com/RaceDayHat before May 12, 2024 to enter.
Those who are planning to spend Derby Day at home can still get in on the “skrew the usual” action thanks to Skrewball Whiskey who created a couple race-inspired cocktails. Easy to make at home — or on the go like Fatone will be doing via the whiskey in his hat.
PB&G Mule
Method: Stir all ingredients together. Add ice. Garnish with lime and optional mint, if desired.
Skrewball Old Fashioned (New Fashioned)
Method: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass. Pour into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with a cherry and orange twist.
And yes, I did ask if there were any plans for a new NSYNC album or tour — to which Fatone says, “There are a lot of moving parts these days! We all have families and independent projects going on. Justin is starting a tour and I’m on the road a lot with AJ from Backstreet Boys, JC is writing and producing, Chris is on tour with O-Town, and Lance has his radio show with iHeartRadio. At this time, there’s nothing on the table, but it could be a conversation… someday.” For now, to keep up with Joey Fatone’s race season coverage, follow him on Instagram @realjoeyfatone.
Exploring the Top 3 Luxurious Caribbean Hotels for Rum Aficionados
Rum has historically been known as “kill-devil” due to its strong taste and aroma.
While iconic Caribbean dishes span from ackee and saltfish to coucou and flying fish to mofongo, each island across the region is united by one common spirit: rum, to be precise. Derived from fermented and distilled molasses, this alcoholic beverage has played a major role in Caribbean culture for centuries, with the world’s oldest surviving rum distillery deed dating back to 1703 and hailing from Barbados. In the modern era, the spirit also serves as a major draw for tourism, with the Caribbean’s most opulent hotels and resorts offering carefully-curated rum experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you plan your next booze-focused foray into the region, don’t miss out on these world-class hotels.
The U.S. Virgin Islands were administered by Denmark until 1917.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has earned abundant acclaim for its scenic beaches and charming settlements—and for those hoping to explore the idyllic beauty of Christiansted, the King Christian Hotel is the perfect base. The property rests just steps away from the Christiansted National Historic Site, providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the town’s many shops and historic attractions, while visiting seafarers are welcome to set off on a snorkeling tour of nearby Buck Island. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick close to the property can spend the day lounging in the outdoor pool or catching some rays on the sundeck.
St. Croix boasts a variety of inviting bars, with Breakers Roar standing out when it comes to delightful rum drinks. Located within the King Christian Hotel, this maritime-themed establishment excels in tiki bar culture, offering a plethora of intricate cocktails to try. Among the choices are the Banana Bana, a fusion of coconut and vanilla, and the Saturn Cocktail, a blend of gin and passionfruit. The menu also includes small plates like truffle fries and Thai chili wings. Additionally, as of early 2024, St. Croix’s Cruzan Rum Distillery has re-opened for tours, allowing visitors to taste the local rum at its origin.
The biodiversity of Puerto Rico is quite rich, home to unique species such as the elfin woods warbler and the Puerto Rican boa.
Situated on the flawless northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve offers awe-inspiring views of the island’s Río Grande municipality. Its expansive 29 hectares provide a vital refuge for a variety of native birds and reptiles. For adventure seekers, they can venture to the stunning El Yunque National Forest for an extensive hike. This property also excels at providing a peaceful retreat, offering amenities like an immense outdoor pool area and the Rainforest Spa on site. Its recently opened villas, Villas en la Reserva, offer soaking tubs and open-air balconies along with daily fresh pan sobao deliveries.
Puerto Rico stands as the homeland of globally-renowned rum brands like BACARDÍ and Ron del Barrilito. Staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve affords guests the possibility to taste the island’s finest offerings. On arrival, guests can drop by the elegant Lobby Bar for an Old Timer, a rum-infused take on the Old Fashioned, featuring cinnamon, jalapeño, and locally made Puerto Rican rum. For those preferring to unwind next to the pool, La Mina serves a great Mai Tai. Lastly, anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience should consider Nori Teppanyaki. Here, guests can enjoy a revitalizing lemongrass mojito while admiring the proficiency of the restaurant’s chefs, who prepare dishes such as pad thai, seafood fried rice, and miso salmon.
Barbados is largely formed from coral limestone, a quality that imbues the island with clean drinking water within its underground aquifers.
Home to beloved rum brands like Mount Gay and Foursquare, the sovereign island of Barbados has a deep connection to the spirits industry that dates back centuries—and few hotels exemplify this as well as Colony Club by Elegant Hotels. Just a few steps past the property’s outdoor koi pond, the Rum Vault offers a world-class drinking and dining experience that showcases the splendor of sugarcane distillate at its very finest. There are 150 rums up for grabs within the space, with options spanning from homegrown Bajan spirits to far-flung distillates from Japan and Mauritius—and the venue even comes with its own expert Rum Ambassadors to provide insight into each beverage as the Vault Chef crafts decadent cuisine to pair with each drink.
While the Rum Vault is certainly a highlight of the Colony Club, it’s far from the only amenity in place for guests to enjoy. The property’s Luxury Swim Up rooms serve as particularly relaxing accommodations, allowing guests to access the sprawling lagoon pool right from the patio, while carefully-manicured gardens and the hotel’s scenic strip of white sand beach both play host to all sorts of native Bajan wildlife. During early morning hours, guests are welcome to take advantage of a complimentary yoga or Pilates class, while afternoon brings the opportunity to set off on a guided stand up paddleboarding tour for a truly relaxing day on the water.
Crab Island: The Global Ambitions of a Rum Made in Vieques
The Vieques distillery is keen on introducing the quality of its product worldwide, starting with establishing a presence at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
April 25, 2024 – 11:00 PM
Comenzó a operar en el 2020 y destila entre 50 y 60 galones por día.
Marathon Runner Consumes 25 Glasses of Wine During London Marathon: Addresses Exhaustion Afterwards
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He crossed the finish wine.
A wine merchant raised the bar for boozers and runners alike after blind tasting 25 glasses of vino during the London marathon — nearly one for each mile. The som-mile-ier’s running performance currently boasts 3.9 million views on TikTok.
“I was totally exhausted, totally cooked, but it was just such a great day,” Tom Gilbey, who runs wine businesses, told the Guardian of his grape accomplishment.
Identified as the “wine guy” on TikTok, this Briton is often seen conducting sundry wine taste tests and providing tips on getting the most bang for your buck with wines.
In a recent act of gutsy determination, this wine connoisseur chose to run the London marathon with the aim of raising $2,487 for Sobell House hospice charity in Oxford that served his mother in her last days. The campaign has already surpassed expectations by amassing more than $16,000.
Embracing an additional dare, this enthusiast decided to taste a glass of wine at the end of each mile, attempting to identify its type, source country and year of production.
“Shiraz, Australia, 2022”, he accurately guessed after sipping from one of the glasses that were handed over to him at regular intervals, similar to water in a marathon run.
Out of the total 25 glasses, it was reported that he correctly identified seven 100%, got four completely incorrect, and for the rest, he was mostly accurate (meaning he may have missed one criterion).
This accomplishment was particularly notable considering the samples varied from gas station selections to costly $50 bottles of Barolo.
It was reported that Gilbey completed the race in four hours and 41 minutes, including the wine breaks, and he toasted his success by enjoying a glass of champagne after crossing the finish line.
Interestingly, the British participant found the wine tastings interspersed throughout the 26-mile-plus race made the journey feel less prolonged.
“It was hilarious because when you’re overtaken by a fridge and double-humped camel, you could get really depressed unless you knew there was a nice wine around the corner with some friendly faces to support you,” he declared.
Despite boozing while cruising, Gilbey claimed that the agony of running made him feel nothing but the “urge to finish,” joking that it was a “great way to stay sober.”
Nonetheless, the grape enthusiast said he purposefully avoided downing all the offerings in order to avoid passing out mid-race, explaining: “If they were good, I might swallow it and if they were bad, they went on the road.”
Needless to say, TikTok viewers were impressed by his literal drinking marathon.
“This man drank 26 different wines & still managed a sub 5 marathon. Let that sink in,” gushed one fan.
Another wrote, “Being a marathon runner AND a sommelier are two of the most pretentious hobbies but I absolutely love this guy.”
“All the back labels said they’d pair wonderfully with some cheese or gentle marathon,” quipped a third.
Ultimately, Gilbey is glad he could get sauced for a good cause.
“It’s just incredible and it’s great because that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s for a great charity and they’re one of many hospices that just work their socks off to make massive differences.”
While the runner claims he’d “100%” never partake in such a challenge again, he encourages “everybody to have a silly idea for a good cause and see what happens.”
Gilbey’s booze run might be impressive, but it pales in comparison to this Chinese grandpa, who ran 26.2 miles in just 3.5 hours while smoking cigarettes.
WhistlePig Unveils Its Oldest Whiskey Yet: A 25-Year-Old Single Malt
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The name WhistlePig has become practically synonymous with rye whiskey, as the Vermont-based distillery has taken control of the premium space in that category over the past decade. But WhistlePig has branched out a bit, venturing into single malt whiskey last year with the launch of the Beholden. Now the brand has upped the ante on age (and cost) with the release of a new 25-year-old single malt called, in a cringingly dad joke style with lots of stylized punctuation, the Badönkådonk.
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Rabbit Hole Dropped a New 15-Year-Old Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrels
The Beholden was a 21-year-old whiskey distilled at “the first single malt distillery in Canada,” which very likely means Glenora in Cape Breton although that is unconfirmed. I enjoyed that whiskey very much, even if the $800 price tag felt a bit excessive. According to a rep for the brand, The Badonkadonk was distilled at the same distillery and aged for a quarter century in new American oak barrels. The whiskey was then brought to Vermont in 2020 for further maturation in Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, and ultimately released as a single barrel expression. That means the whiskey may differ depending upon which barrel your bottle comes from, but official tasting notes describe “stone fruits, cedar wood, and a hint of discord” on the palate. Discord aside, that description rings true, with a decent amount of spice, tannic oak, dried fruit, and just a whiff of wood smoke along for the ride.
“Our single malts stand apart not only for age, but also maturation in the world’s best barrels,” said WhistlePig head blender Meghan Ireland in a statement. “After finishing The Beholden in our own well-aged rye barrels (with a wink), we set our sights on the best of California wine country. Known for their superstar Cabernets aged exclusively in American oak barrels, Silver Oak is the perfect partner to push boundaries with.” And for some reason WhistlePig recruited Monty Python cofounder and comedy legend John Cleese to promote the new whiskey by creating a video and penning a statement that plays on his love for scotch whisky. “I thought it was rather cheeky when I learned that some colonials were trying to ape the scotches that have from the beginning of time been crafted in Scotchland,” he said. “BUT… when I tasted it… MY WHOLE WORLD CHANGED!! My very DNA was instantly revised, my taste buds DANCED THE BAGPIPE, and I instantly became SPIRITUALLY ADVANCED.”
If you’d like to seek out some whiskey enlightenment for yourself, this bottle is going to cost you—it’s listed at $2,000, but will likely go for much more than that based on the prices currently listed for the Beholden at websites like . Fortunately, you can find it for its listed price at the WhistlePig now, but only while these limited supplies last.
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Decoding the Best Beers for Spicy Foods: IPAs, Hazy, Kolsch or Stouts?
I confess, I was raised on bland meals and never nurtured a fondness for spicy food. Despite this, my spouse, kids, and companions, who enjoy spice in numerous forms, delight in provoking me to sample various dishes, usually assuring me with “It’s not excessively hot! You’ll manage.” However, I never actually do.
In my childhood, when I dared to try spiced dishes, my mother used to hand me a glass of milk to alleviate the burn I felt. I never understood why, but it seemed to do the trick. Thankfully, I found the same relief in certain beers. The right brew not only enables me to bear spicy meals but also almost savor the ordeal. And for those who already delight in the heat delivered by chili peppers, this combination is absolute perfection.
Whether you’re a spicy food veteran or a timid beginner, here are some recommendations for coupling beer with spicy meals while keeping your sanity (and hopefully without crying).
Here’s a daring suggestion: I don’t believe IPAs pair well with spicy meals. While numerous beer aficionados argue that IPAs go well with spicy dishes, they only heighten the sensation of heat. The elevated alpha acids in hops, notably prolific in IPAs, can mix with capsaicin (the active component that gives chile peppers their spiciness), forming a vicious cycle that intensifies the heat. Whether it’s the heat from habaneros or some other source, a hop-dominant beer only amplifies the spiciness.
Indeed, a cold drink provides temporary relief from the heat of spicy food. However, as your mouth warms up, the spiciness returns. This is because capsaicin, the molecule responsible for spicy heat, does not dilute in water, and beer is mostly water. Capsaicin is neutralized by fats and alcohol, explaining why milk is often recommended.
For a lasting solution, you can consider several strategies. It’s worthwhile to note that spiciness is not a flavor but a sensation, although it can combine with various flavors. Therefore, try to either pair strong with strong where suitable, or balance matching or similar tastes. Additionally, think about how sweetness or fizziness can influence the pairing.
In my experience, malt-rich and sweet beers counterbalance spiciness quite well. Therefore, I find Märzen, amber lagers, or Vienna lagers superior to IPAs. Their sweetness doesn’t conflict with the potent flavors and provides a lasting sweetness layer in your mouth.
I’d suggest pairing foods with smoky chili like chipotle or ancho with a stout, preferably one with chocolate undertones. Generally, stouts go well with hot foods. Oatmeal stouts and sweet/milk stouts are especially fitting. Oatmeal stouts derive their smoothness from the oats used in their brewing, while sweet or milk stouts are brewed with malt sugars or lactose. While not traditional milk, it neutralizes spiciness much the same. For complementing smokiness, opt for a roasted malt beer such as a brown ale.
Dark beer varieties such as black lagers, schwarzbiers, and dunkels are perfect complements to spicy dishes for several reasons, with Death and Taxes, a San Francisco-style black lager from Moonlight Brewing, being perhaps the most well-suited among them. Notably, many of such beers bear caramel undertones that further elevate their compatibility with spicy food.
Beers with high residual sugar content, including Belgian specialty ales, saisons, barley wines, and lambics, effectively neutralize the heat of capsaicins. Hazy IPAs with low bitterness also serve the same purpose.
Alternatively, some recommend countering spicy flavors with carbonated drinks. Some researchers argue that the bubbles might stimulate more pain sensors, potentially worsening the burning sensation depending on your tolerance and the spiciness of your food. However, I find bubbly drinks rather helpful in dealing with spice. If you would like to test this hypothesis, try out a Kölsch, saison, witbier, hefeweizen, biere de garde, tripel, or sparkling ale.
The art of pairing beer and food typically abides by universally accepted guidelines. However, pairing spicy food with beverages is a unique case. Some people find appeal in spicy food precisely because of the burning sensation it elicits. Thus, feel free to experiment and discover the combination that suits your preferences. If you relish the spicy thrill, opt for an IPA.