Planteray Rum has recently launched a new product called Hogo Monsta, which aims to revive the 18th-century tradition of high-ester "heavy rums." Distilled in Barbados at the Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, this rum boasts an impressive 2,029 grams of aromatic compounds per hectoliter, making it the highest-ester rum currently available on the market.

Hogo Monsta is a unique spirit intended for serious rum enthusiasts. It’s characterized by its powerful flavors of overripe banana, pineapple, and mango, spiced with notes of varnish, brine, and tropical funk. Owing to its intensity, it’s recommended to use this rum sparingly as an ingredient in cocktails rather than consuming it neat.

Historically, high-ester rums were primarily produced for blending purposes, particularly for the German market, where they could be combined with neutral spirits to avoid high import taxes. They were known as rum verschnitt, and while Jamaican rums are well-known for this style, Hogo Monsta taps into the largely hidden tradition from Barbados.

Alexandre Gabriel, the founder and master blender of Planteray, has mentioned that while Hogo Monsta is a new commercial release, similar rums have been produced regularly at the distillery. His goal is to share unique expressions rooted in the rum heritage of Barbados.

The production of Hogo Monsta involves specific fermentation techniques that create concentrated esters, which are responsible for the rum’s pronounced flavor profile. Unlike traditional rums, which might see extensive aging periods, Hogo Monsta is only aged for a few months in ex-bourbon barrels and cognac casks.

With a limited release of just 5,000 bottles, this intriguing rum is priced at approximately $55 for a 200-milliliter bottle and is primarily aimed at a niche market of rum aficionados. As Gabriel states, “Don’t buy this unless you know what it is!”

For those who want to explore the unique essence of Hogo Monsta, it can be found across select markets including the U.S., UK, France, and several others in Europe.

The value of Irish whiskey exports saw a significant decline in 2025, dropping by 5% to €930 million (approximately $1.1 billion) according to Bord Bia, the trade body for Irish food and drink. This downturn occurred amidst challenging market conditions, particularly in the US, where import tariffs and a devaluation of the dollar impacted sales.

Bord Bia’s report revealed that Irish whiskey accounted for 45% of all drinks exported from Ireland. The anticipated tariffs, which were enacted in August 2025, led to stockpiling of whiskey in the previous year, contributing to a harsher trading environment as the year evolved. The broader American alcohol market continued to face pressure, disrupting the trend of premium products that has been characteristic of recent years.

In Europe, Germany remained the largest market for Irish whiskey, with stable exports to France and slight decreases noted in sales to Poland and the UK. The UK experienced lower sales as factors such as competitive market conditions, increased stock levels, and reduced consumer spending affected demand.

Further compounding issues, exports of Irish gin fell significantly by 14%, as the market began to rationalize the number of brands available. Notably, despite the drop in whiskey and gin exports, Irish cream liqueurs observed a 10% growth to €430 million, benefiting from premiumization trends in markets like the UK and North America.

Additionally, the overall value of Irish beer exports rose by 7% to around €350 million. Nevertheless, exports to the UK were down by 14%, while shipments to EU markets surged 21%, with France leading in terms of value.

Total Irish drinks exports reached €2 billion in 2025, marking a 2% increase from the previous year, while the total value of Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports grew by 12% to €19 billion. Bord Bia remains cautiously optimistic for the coming year, predicting a transition period with improved market conditions in the US and an influx of new Irish exporters in growing markets like India, Japan, China, and South Africa.

After the birth of her son, Jeanette Hurt’s sister, Karen, brought her a delicious homemade meal of stuffed shells smothered in a rich vodka sauce. This comforting dish not only satisfied her hunger following a grueling labor but also sparked a craving for that specific sauce.

Living far apart, Jeanette misses her sister’s cooking but discovered an intriguing alternative at Aldi’s grocery store: the Specially Selected Premium Vodka Sauce priced at $4.29 for a 24-ounce jar. The taste struck a nostalgic chord with her, embodying a delightful balance of tomato, cream, and cheese flavors.

Upon trying the store-bought sauce, Jeanette was pleasantly surprised. She simply warmed it on the stove before mixing it with pasta—an effortless meal that truly impressed her. The sauce boasted a velvety texture and a robust taste, thanks to an ideal mix of Parmesan and Romano cheeses and a dash of black pepper and basil. Notably, the hint of vodka added a unique zest, reminiscent of her sister’s homemade version.

Not only did her husband enjoy this jarred sauce—an absolute pasta enthusiast—but even her teenage son, who typically wasn’t keen on pasta, went back for seconds. Jeanette also experimented with the sauce by pairing it with frozen ravioli, which turned out to be a fantastic combination. She intends to incorporate it in dishes like lasagna, baked mostaccioli, and her long-desired stuffed shells.

Beyond pasta, Jeanette envisioned the sauce as an excellent base for homemade tomato soup, especially when combined with broth and a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. This affordable and delightful sauce has now become a staple in her Aldi shopping list, fulfilling her comfort food cravings with ease.

For more information about the sauce, check out the original review on Simply Recipes.

Sotheby’s is set to hold its first live auction of American whiskey at the Breuer Building on January 24. This auction, named "The Great American Whiskey," could establish new records for the category, featuring 360 bottles from a meticulously curated collection. With estimates ranging between $1.17 million and $1.68 million, the event aims to attract a diverse group of bidders, including younger collectors from emerging markets.

Sotheby’s has seen a significant boost in its luxury division, which rose by 22% in 2025 to reach $2.7 billion. The auction house’s strategy to redesign its headquarters into more boutique and luxury-oriented spaces aims to enhance its appeal and broaden its audience. Rare spirits, notably whiskey and wine, have shown robust performance, drawing in new participants from regions such as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

The whiskey auction will include some of the rarest selections in the market, specifically from the Van Winkle brand, which is considered among the most sought-after. Notable lots include the Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel, estimated at $70,000 to $100,000, and the Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” at $60,000 to $80,000. Another featured item is a set of four LeNell’s Red Hook Rye barrels, estimated at $24,000 to $35,000 each.

Sotheby’s has previously set records for whiskey sales, with a bottle from the Macallan Distillery selling for $2.7 million in November 2023. The auction scene for whiskey has been recovering from a downturn, with recent sales reflecting a renewed interest. Experts suggest that the upcoming auction could set unprecedented benchmarks in the collectible whiskey market. This event is part of a week-long series called "Visions of America," celebrating American art and innovation in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Movie characters have toasted with a drink since the beginning of film, with bars depicted as the ultimate venue for connection and confession. Since playwrights and screenwriters recognized the power of liquor to set the mood, alcohol has played a vital role in countless cinematic narratives. In several iconic films such as The Thin Man, Casablanca, and Leave Las Vegas, whiskey takes center stage, enhancing the drama and character interactions.

One of the earliest examples of whiskey in film is in Greta Garbo’s first spoken film, Anna Christie (1930), where her character orders whiskey immediately upon her debut line. This sets the tone for the film, which features numerous whiskey moments within the first few minutes.

Billy Wilder’s The Lost Weekend (1945) showcases a darker side of whisky. Ray Milland plays a desperate alcoholic, and while the film may not glorify whiskey, its prominent role is undeniable, almost earning the spirit a place in the credits.

The 1949 film Whisky Galore! hilariously revolves around the misadventures of a Scottish isle when a ship filled with whisky wrecks nearby. Here whiskey becomes a symbol of community and celebration amid wartime rationing.

In 1956’s Written on the Wind, Robert Stack’s character, a troubled oil heir, finds temporary solace in corn whiskey, revealing its complexity in comforting those grappling with personal demons.

Fast forward to Lost in Translation (2003), where Bill Murray delivers a comedic yet poignant portrayal of a washed-up actor shooting a whiskey commercial in Tokyo. His awkward yet memorable "Suntory time" line contributed to the rising popularity of Japanese whiskey in the West.

Most recently, Ryan Gosling’s perfect preparation of an old-fashioned in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) pays tribute to the craft of cocktail-making, emphasizing its artistry through precise technique—a reflection of the modern mixology movement.

This brief journey through cinematic history illustrates how whiskey is more than just a drink on screen; it influences story arcs, shapes character developments, and enhances the emotional landscapes within films. From celebratory moments to somber reflectiveness, whiskey remains a beloved narrative device in the world of cinema.