NonStop Local Digital Journalist

MEILI REVOLUTION TOUR CALIFORNIA

MEILI MONTANA 2023 SUMMER

MEILI REVOLUTION TOUR CALIFORNIA

BELGRADE, Mont. – Actor Jason Momoa will be paying a visit to Belgrade Liquor THIS Sunday, April 21 to meet with fans and promote his Montana-made, Meili Vodka, along with entrepreneur and Meili co-founder, Blaine Halvorson.

Momoa and Halvorson will stop by Belgrade Liquor on Sunday, April 21 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm to take photos with fans and sign bottles of Meili while celebrating their multi-award winning, Bozeman-made vodka.

Momoa is perhaps best known for his roles as Khal Drogo in the tv series, Game of Thrones, and as Aquaman in DC Universe films.

Meili vodka will be available for PRE-SALE as 6-pack cases only, at a discounted price of $134.75. Cases will include 3 signed keepsake bottles and 3 unsigned bottles to enjoy!

In addition, with the purchase of a PRE-SALE case, customers will receive a ‘Golden Ticket’ which will grant them VIP advance line-up for photo-op and product pick-up at the event – meaning less wait time than day-of purchasers!

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: No liquor purchased within the store at Belgrade Liquor can ever leave the store and be brought back inside. – Bottle purchases for the signing must be made either as a Pre-sale or through the purchase line on the day of the event – there will be NO exceptions to this rule.

Pre-sale is not required, however the event is a first come, first served basis. You MUST be 21 and up to purchase alcohol and to attend the event.

At the event, purchases must be completed inside the store before entering the photo-op line. Signed bottles are prioritized for Pre-sale Golden Ticket holders.

Golden Ticket holders will be admitted to the photo-op line beginning at 10am on the 21st. Doors will open at Noon at Belgrade Liquor for day-of Meili Vodka sales and photo-ops.

Individuals are encouraged to reach out to Belgrade Liquor through email at info@belgradeliquor.com to inquire about the Pre-sale case purchase or any other details regarding the event.

Meili officially made its debut last year led by Momoa and Halvorson after an ambitious seven-year journey to create “the only vodka worth sipping straight”. Meili has bagged 9 awards since its launch and the creators are thrilled to celebrate this success with MT fans in Meili’s home state.

It is strongly advised that individuals always drink responsibly and in moderation.

NonStop Local Digital Journalist

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Currently in Missoula

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

Tap into Non-Stop News from Montana Right Now! From the Big Story to the 3 Things to Know – we have the moment’s essential headlines.

Local news headlines from NonStop Local in Great Falls and Helena – delivered to your email inbox every weekday.

Local news headlines from NonStop Local Bozeman and Butte – delivered to your email inbox every weekday.

Local news headlines from NonStop Local in Missoula and Kalispell – delivered to your email inbox every weekday.

Get the latest headlines on local sports! News from UM, MSU, High School sports and more.

Here’s a list of the top 5 things to know about chronic wasting disease this hunting season.

For bourbon enthusiasts, Pappy Van Winkle is a name that represents both excellence and rarity. This renowned brand crafts exquisite whiskey, and any obtained bottle is instantly cherished. If your goal is to acquire such a bottle, this is your ideal guide. In this article, I’ll evaluate and rank the six bottles presently produced by Old Rip Van Winkle to determine the best one. We will also examine the elements that evolved it into a highly esteemed whiskey brand.

These bourbons carry a luxury price tag, particularly in secondary markets. Hence, they will be judged solely based on taste. Individual preferences will be considered, including why a particular whiskey might rank higher on somebody else’s list. Having had the opportunity to savour most of these bottles, along with numerous other whiskeys, equips me to provide a balanced, experience-based ranking. All you have to do now is to join me on this excursion through some of the world’s finest whiskeys.

Learn more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

The exploration of this superb brand begins with the Van Winkle Special Reserve, affectionately known as the 12-year or “Lot B.” The label Lot B originated when Julian Van Winkle III differentiated the 12-year-old barrels back in 1991. The limited supply of Lot A was rapidly depleted, whereas the higher quantity of Lot B bottles took longer to sell. Owing to the nostalgia now associated, all subsequent bottles were marketed under the Lot B name. It’s essential to note that no whiskey here is substandard. The ratings range from good to fantastic, hence, even though the Van Winkle Special Reserve ranks last, it remains an admirable whiskey.

This 12-year-old bourbon is plenty complex. Despite its extended aging, there’s just a whiff of oak, accompanied by a plethora of orchard fruits and cherries. These fruits are also present on the palate, enhancing the high level of sweetness. The bourbon is not very warm, due to its low proof of 90.4. However, it’s a deliciously smooth concoction finished off with rich caramel, making the tasting an unforgettable experience. The fruity notes carry to the finish and meld with a slight nutty flavor. The tasting notes are slightly lighter than other varieties and lack the same strength, hence the lower ranking. Yet it remains a fantastic bourbon. Get lucky picking it up from your local Costco.

In the whiskey world, age is usually equated to quality. Whilst this holds some truth, the actual scenario is more complex. Unlike Scotch, Bourbon ages in new oak casks, impacting flavor faster. Thus, a 23-year old bourbon will have a more significant oak influence than a similar-aged Scotch. Consequently, the Family Reserve 23 Year expression often divides opinion. If strong wood flavors are not in your tastes, it’s wise to explore other Pappy bottles. This is the reason I didn’t rank it higher.

I have a preference for earthy tastes, but this particular bottle takes it overboard. The expression is instantly recognizable due to its deep amber color that suggests internal complexity. The aroma is not overwhelmingly woodsy, and you can savor cherries amongst other sweet notes. Initially, oak dominates the palate, but as you continue to taste, many other flavors like a strong hint of vanilla crop up. As the tasting progresses, cherry and chocolate flavors come to the forefront. The finish is pleasantly sweet and expectedly long-lasting. While not everyone may enjoy its extreme oakiness, I believe it’s a well-balanced bourbon.

Age is not the ultimate measure of a good bourbon, and this delicious 10-year-old variety is a must-have. The cost does not influence these rankings, but it’s a bonus that this expression has the lowest suggested retail price among all Old Rip Van Winkle bottles. Despite being the youngest on the list, it retains the sophistication and quality synonymous with the Van Winkle brand. This stunning copper-colored bourbon exudes a straightforward yet delightful aroma. Tasting this bourbon is a butterscotch journey, with traces of caramel and a ginger-like spiciness adding intrigue to its aroma.

The palate offers more warmth than the nose suggests. The spice notes evolve, revealing hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Other earthy flavors like tobacco and nuts are also present. A rich sweetness overlays this foundation, with the caramel tasting especially delightful. Although it doesn’t boast a depth of flavor to rank higher on our list, it emphasizes the familiar bourbon flavors very effectively. This 107 proof bourbon offers a bold character while maintaining the well-loved smoothness of Pappy. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking your first bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle. It is generally the most affordable and obtainable bottle, yet remains a delightful pour.

Moving on, we turn our attention from bourbon to rye whiskey. While most bourbons incorporate rye in the mash bill, Old Rip Van Winkle employs wheat instead. This results in the brand’s sole rye whiskey and the only bottle to contain any rye. However, it doesn’t taste like the majority of rye whiskeys in the market. Rye is reputed for lending a spicy kick to the whiskey, but here, it offers a comforting warmth instead. The deep amber coloration, coupled with the immediate hit of clove, cinnamon, and pepper fragrances warming your soul, are balanced by delightful notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla.

These flavors can all be identified on the palate. This whiskey type prompts a wave of robust flavor that enlivens the senses and washes away anything presently occupying your mind. The rye grain is pronounced, providing immense depth without being overbearing. Additional flavors like stone fruits, a subtle hint of smoke, and a nutty touch can be detected on the palate. Despite the high proof and flavor intensity, it remains smooth with a velvety mouthfeel. It falls short of the top two mainly due to its particular taste, which may not appeal universally. However, if you’re a fan of the rye influence in whiskey, you’re bound to adore it.

Deciding on the top two was exceptionally challenging. I eventually concluded that the top-placed expression offered marginally more depth. Yet, this bottle is undoubtedly a strong contender for the world’s best bourbon aged 15 years or less. This bottle enjoys wide reverence among whiskey connoisseurs worldwide. The aroma unveils a variety of enticing notes, predominantly berries and cherries, lending it a fruity essence. Alongside a tastefully sweet profile, you’re also treated to a pleasant cedar fragrance. Sipping this famed bourbon unearths diverse tasting notes within a luxuriant, buttery mouthfeel.

You first get a wave of caramel and vanilla sweetness, which gently ebbs away to unveil its layers of complexity. Flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and roasted nuts dance along your tongue before you get a spicy warmth of cinnamon. Despite its age, the oak influence is relatively subtle and allows this expression to be remarkably smooth. The finish is long, with the earthy wood and spice notes continuing to the end. It’s an excellent bourbon with impressive consistency from one batch to the next. If you can get your hands on a bottle, this whiskey will be cherished on those special occasions.

The immense depth and complexity of this 20-year-old means that it just about secures the top spot. I said above about how the 23-year had a heavy oak influence. This bottle does too, but in a much more subtle way, making it a sure-fire winner for any bourbon lover. Old Rip Van Winkle bottles can sometimes be overhyped but this is a masterpiece of whiskey craftsmanship. It has that stunningly rich color many of these bottles share and that color starts a sensory journey. The next step is the nose, which is intoxicatingly inviting. The vanilla and caramel give it a graceful aroma before you can pick out a rich tapestry of dried fruits, cherries, cinnamon, and oak.

The smell promises an indulgent tasting experience, and that’s exactly what you get. The mouthfeel is rich and refined, allowing you to unveil the layers of flavor gently. Along with the notes on the nose, we get some brown sugar, dark chocolate, and toasted wood. The 20 years of aging give it a depth that doesn’t end there, and you can also enjoy leather, tobacco, and baking spices. The oak provides a rock-solid foundation to the flavor instead of dominating it. This expression is a testament to the artistry of the Old Rip Van Winkle distillery. Whenever you get the chance to taste it, this is a bourbon to be savored and cherished.

With most whiskey ranking lists, I usually consider price and availability. I didn’t do that here, as all Old Rip Van Winkle bottles can be hard to find and difficult to buy at their suggested retail price. Due to this, I only considered the tasting notes of nose, palate, and finish to rank these bottles.

I’ve had the pleasure of tasting most of these expressions over my many years of enjoying bourbon, including tasting different yearly batches. I have also enhanced my knowledge and experience with a wide range of views from bourbon experts and enthusiasts, along with the opinions of friends who have tasted Old Rip Van Winkle. This was to produce a list that, while filled with my opinion and tasting notes, also offers a more rounded view of how good these bottles are.

Read the original article on Tasting Table

Courtesy of WhistlePig

Not long ago, I had the privileged opportunity to attend a special event hosted by WhistlePig in Houston, Texas. The event was an illuminating tasting that featured WhistlePig’s 12 Year Old World Rye, and was conducted by Master Blender Meghan Ireland and Brand Manager, Derek Hamilton. Even though I’m based in Los Angeles, they were kind enough to arrange for my air travel, allowing me to witness one of the most enlightening tastings sessions I’ve had in recent years—a breakdown of their 12 Year Old World Rye. In essence, it was a chance to gain insights into the blending process—although it revealed so much more than that. The evening saw industry individuals gathering and bonding over a New York Sour. The ‘New York Sour’, gets its name from the red wine topping it off. The chance to intimately engage with the three elements that culminate into the magical end product was truly enriching and emphasized the timeless harmonious relationship between wine and whiskey.

Courtesy of WhistlePig

The trio that forms WhistlePig’s 12 Year Old World Rye, ages in American Oak for almost 12 years. However, the final 2-4 months of this aging process occurs in wine barrels seasoned by Sauternes, Madeira, and Port. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, let me enlighten you. Sauternes is a divinely sweet wine hailing from the Bordeaux region of France. During its production, the Semillon grape develops botrytis—a fungus that helps the sugars to concentrate uniquely by insulating the grape from outer influences. Madeira, belonging to Portugal, is an island located far from the West African coast known for its sweet wines. These unique wines are made through fortification and exposure to heat and sun, creating an irresistible elixir. Lastly, Port is made in Portugal’s Douro Valley, then matures in the humid cellars of Vila Nova di Gaia located across the Douro River from Porto. This is a fortified wine that has resisted trials and time and has been exported globally for centuries. All these wines spend ample time aging in oak barrels, and this was my chance to experience the effects of each on the oak first-hand through the tasting session.

Courtesy of WhistlePig

The final blend of WhistlePig’s 12 Year Old World Rye comes from 63% Madeira aged, 30% Sauternes aged, and 7% Port aged. The Madeira component brought the structure and body, lending some rancio and umami notes. The Sauternes component was definitely softened with a floral and fruit-forward edge. The Port aged component showed the most broad-shouldered, with a pronounced spice and meatiness to it. The old adage rings true, This 12 Year Old World Rye is truly bigger than the sum of its parts. A wine lovers dream, looking for a foray into the whiskey world.

Courtesy of WhistlePig

MK: How did the idea of wine barrel finishing first come up for the 12 Year Old World Rye?

MI: The concept of wine finishing, long utilised in the scotch industry, intrigued our founding Master Distiller, Dave. He recognised the potential in expressing the adaptability of Rye Whiskey through different wine finishes.

MK: Can you elaborate on the contributions of each component to the ultimate blend? Referring to finishes of Sauternes, Madeira, and Port.

MI: The combination of these varietals is captivating. The Sauternes contribute a distinct honey and floral aroma. The Madeira introduces a robust body and pleasurable mouthfeel to the whiskey, further adorning it with hints of roasted almonds and fruity undertones. The Port, on the other hand, deftly asserts itself on the finish, whilst still allowing for the traditional rye spice notes. It introduces delightful dark fruits flavours – think plums and raisins..

MK: Was the blend of the 12 Year Old World Rye crafted keeping a wine enthusiast’s palate in consideration?

MI: While I don’t think we were specifically thinking of wine drinkers we were definitely thinking of those with a bit of a sweet tooth. Rye whiskey is known for being bold and spicy, and one of the goals of 12yr was to create a rye whiskey for people who may be looking for something slightly softer and sweeter. So while not explicitly crafted with the wine drinker’s pallet in mind, we have found that it is the whisky in our portfolio that self claimed wine drinkers really gravitate towards. I think this is in part because 12 Year Old World Rye has that higher perceived sweetness and is more fruit forward than many other ryes.

MK: When you’re drinking wine, what are some regions and grapes you like to get into?

MI: I have just started to really get into the world of wine a little more. I recently took a trip out to Napa and really got an appreciation for both the Napa Cab and Zinfandels.

Click here to visit WhistlePig’s website and learn more

Provided by WhistlePig

More than a month after her son’s disappearance during night out drinking in Nashville sparked a desperate two week search for him, a Missouri mother says he texted her that night and said his drink “didn’t taste good.”

Michelle Whiteid didn’t say what time that text exchange happened, nor did she say whether she’d shared the information with police. But she told NewsNation’s Brian Entin it made her suspicious.

Riley Strain’s mom says he texted her before disappearing that his rum and coke did “not taste good.” It’s one of the new parts of our interview airing tonight on NewsNation at 10pmET. Also — why Riley’s family is very disappointed in his fraternity. All of it at 10. pic.twitter.com/jSwK98ba6l

— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) April 16, 2024

“Maybe there was something in it that shouldn’t have been,” she said.

Whiteid said her son told her the rum and coke “tastes like barbecue.”

“And I said, ‘Well, you probably shouldn’t drink it then,’” she said “And he goes, ‘It tastes like barbecue’ and I go, ‘Well, that sounds awful’ and he said, ‘It sounds good, but it’s not.’”

Authorities in Nashville are still awaiting toxicology reports from the autopsy on Riley Strain’s body, which resurfaced in the Cumberland River eight miles from where he was last known to be two weeks after his March 8 disappearance, as CrimeOnline reported. Strain and a group of his University of Missouri fraternity brothers were in Nashville for a conference, and they headed out drinking that night.

Upon arriving by bus, they checked into The Tempo Hotel, not far from the nightlife, according to E! Online. They visited Casa Rosa, a bar owned by country music star Miranda Lambert, before heading to Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk. Around 7:30 p.m, Strain spoke to his mother via Facetime, continuing the conversation through text for roughly an hour afterwards.

Next, the party proceeded to Luke’s 32 Bridge, owned by another country star, Luke Bryan. The bar reported that he consumed one alcoholic drink and two waters before being escorted off the property due to an unspecified breach of their behaviour policy around 9:30 p.m. Security footage showed him being led out, accompanied down the stairs by one of his fraternity brothers, who then returned to the rest of the group upstairs.

Strain’s stepfather, Chris Whiteid, stated that Strain had informed some fraternity brothers that he was “walking back to my hotel.”

“They didn’t think anything about it,” he commented.

Caught on security cameras and a police body cam was Strain, seen initially traversing a parking zone and moving away from his accommodation. Footage from another camera showcased him unsteadily moving across First Avenue North, approximately ten minutes prior to 10 in the night. Engaged in a burglary investigation near the river, a policeman had a short interaction with Strain as he passed. There were no signs of any issues.

The final signal from Strain’s mobile was recorded close to the James Robertson Parkway Bridge above the river, roughly an hour afterwards.

Strain’s acquaintances reported to his parents that they started searching him after returning to the hotel and finding him absent but only informed the police about his disappearance on the following day. Following this, the search operations kicked off. The law enforcement found the recorded videos, recovered Strain’s credit card near the river, and there was no further development until March 22, when an employee working downriver came across a body floating in the water.

The body was identified as Riley Strain. His trousers were missing, something not uncommon for individuals who have been submerged in water for weeks, thus his wallet was not found either. At the time of body recovery, the police stated that the location and time of the discovery were as anticipated.

An autopsy was conducted the next day, and police stated that till now, all the evidence suggested an accident without any instances of foul play. The parents arranged for a second autopsy, which confirmed the same findings. The toxicology results for both autopsies are currently awaited.

In the previous week, a witness surfaced claiming to have seen and spoken to Strain on the night of the incident. However, post a conversation with the police, the witness retracted their statement, asserting that they had mistaken Strain for someone else.

To stay updated with the latest news in true crime and justice, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Image representation: Riley Strain/family handout]

Carbone is one of the hottest see-and-be-seen spots across the country.

Known for their fun vibes and delicious food and with locations in New York, Las Vegas, and Miami, you can count on each of their locations being booked and busy every night of the week.

MORE: Chef Mario Carbone makes his Orecchiette Vito recipe

Chef Mario Carbone dropped by “GMA3” recently to share the crowd-favorite spicy rigatoni vodka recipe.

Ingredients:

16 oz. mezzi rigatoni

24 oz. jar of Carbone Spicy Vodka Sauce

1 cup heavy cream

2 tsp. unsalted butter

Directions:

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions or until al dente.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the Carbone Spicy Vodka sauce with heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked, drained pasta to the saucepan. And toss to coat.

Add the butter and stir everything to mix together. Heat for an additional two minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt.

Plate, serve and enjoy!

Learn to make the iconic Carbone spicy rigatoni vodka pasta originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

A 57-year-old man from Wichita has been sentenced to 22 years, 10 months in prison for sexual assault of two underage girls who had run away in 2020, as reported by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

The court records detail that despite knowing the girls’ minor status, Donald L. Baker allegedly forced them to consume vodka, smoke marijuana and use cocaine. The man also provided them with money subsequent to the assault.

In May 2020, the two girls, both 14 years old then, had escaped from a temporary group home placement in northern Wichita. The records indicate that Baker approached them in a yellow box truck while they were on foot around 10th and Indiana, close to Washington.

A press release from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office stated “Baker told the girls he would take care of them”.

He utilized his resources to procure substances such as narcotics, alcohol, and cigarettes, which were subsequently transported to his residence. It was in this setting that the sexual offenses occurred, as stated in the press release.

As indicated in the legal documents, which provide a summary of the testimonies depicting the attacks, the juveniles were unacquainted with Baker at the time of their encounter, during which he offered them a place to stay.

The testimony further explains that subsequent to Baker convincing the juveniles to accompany him, he coerced them into consuming vodka. In addition, he provided one of the juveniles with a pipe and a substance known as cocaine, albeit he referred to it as “white weed,” and instructed her to smoke it.

Post supplying the juvenile with the aforementioned substances, he commenced his series of sexual accosts upon her.

The girl testified that she bit Baker to halt the attack.

When Baker took the other girl into a bedroom at his house to assault her, too, she smashed a glass to try to stop him, court records say.

The next morning, Baker gave the girls two $20 bills and dropped them off in the same location where he found them.

At least one of the girls needed medical care after the ordeal to treat injuries and gonorrhea, which she contracted from Baker, the records summarizing the testimony say.

During the authorities’ interview with Baker post-assault, he claimed to be inebriated, shared about other people having intimate relations in his house, and expressed belief that he was being framed, especially by covetous family members. Nonetheless, he subsequently conceded picking up the girls; however, he refuted allegations of sexual assault or drug force-feeding, as court records depict.

In the course of inspecting Baker’s premises, law enforcement officers recovered marijuana, cocaine and various vodka bottles.

David Dahl, a District Judge of Sedgwick County, found Baker guilty of multiple crimes during a bench trial the previous year. The District Attorney’s press release informs that Baker was convicted on two aggravated indecent liberties with a child counts, criminal sodomy and supplying a minor with alcohol.

Judge Dahl declared the 274-month prison sentencing on Friday. In the process, he rejected a petition from Baker’s defense seeking probation, or at most, an imprisonment term not exceeding 136 months on grounds that it was Baker’s debut sex offense conviction and he had contested his guilt throughout the proceedings.

Baker will be subject to post-release supervision and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life once he is released from prison, the DA’s news release says.

Abuse charges and a fatal shooting: Stepfather-now-husband accused in Wichita woman’s death

Man who preyed on teen girls while working at Wichita school gets prison sentence

Wichita man ordered to serve at least 100 years in prison for sexually abusing girls

Wichita man who kidnapped, choked, raped girl in Riverside park gets life sentence