In a saturated vodka market, where numerous brands vie for consumer attention, the redesign of New Amsterdam Vodka stands out as a significant evolution in branding. The task was handled by design agency ForceMAJEURE, which aimed to modernize the packaging while maintaining the brand’s recognizable elements.

New Amsterdam, owned by E. & J. Gallo, embarked on its first major redesign since its inception in order to enhance its visual identity and achieve a cohesive look across its product line. The fresh design features a striking midnight-blue palette, setting it apart from the typical clear and silver bottles that dominate the shelves.

One of the notable changes was elevating the iconic cityscape graphic, previously a mere decorative aspect, to become a central visual component. The refined vertical wordmark now imbues the bottle with a confident and contemporary presence, ensuring clear visibility whether on display in a store or behind the bar.

This comprehensive redesign was the result of close collaboration between the multidisciplinary team at ForceMAJEURE and E. & J. Gallo, spearheaded by Creative Director Michelle Mak. The redesign process was meticulously coordinated, driven by dedicated account and production professionals.

Key members of the creative team, including Tim Devereaux and Tianyun Jiang, contributed significantly to refining the label’s structure and enhancing the typographic hierarchy. Jiang played a crucial role in establishing the new visual aesthetic and contributing to broader design consistency.

The redesign has not gone unnoticed in the industry, earning numerous accolades such as a Silver Award from Graphis, a Gold Award at the 2026 MUSE Design Awards, and recognition from the PAC Global Award. These honors underscore the project’s strength and validate the high-quality craftsmanship and creative execution behind New Amsterdam Vodka’s revamped visual identity.

Yellowstone Bourbon has a storied history that dates back to 1872 when Joseph Bernard Dant named a series of whiskeys after Yellowstone National Park. Today, the brand is managed by his descendant, Stephen Beam, who, alongside his brother Paul, founded Limestone Branch Distillery in 2010 and revived the Yellowstone label. In 2015, they formed a partnership with Luxco, which was acquired by MGP in 2021.

The brand is particularly known for its annual Limited Edition releases, with the latest, the 2026 Limited Edition, being its 11th release. This bottling will be available nationwide starting August 2026.

For this year’s edition, Stephen Beam blended 7-year-old and 14-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons. Neither whiskey was produced at Limestone Branch. The 7-year-old is speculated to be sourced from Lux Row or another undisclosed distillery, while the 14-year component comes from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery.

After blending, the bourbon underwent secondary maturation in Ruby and Tawny Port casks for roughly 12 weeks, followed by a final bottling at a proof of 101 (50.5% ABV).

Upon tasting, the 2026 Limited Edition exhibits a rich nuttiness on the nose, with aromas reminiscent of peanut brittle, toffee, and dark dried fruits. The palate reveals similar nutty characteristics alongside dates, figs, and a hint of baked fruit. The finish offers burnt caramel notes, concluding a pleasant drinking experience.

At a price of $99, it’s positioned as a premium but moderately accessible bourbon, especially appealing to those fond of nutty, toffee-like flavors. The 2026 Limited Edition is available at the Limestone Branch Distillery Visitor’s Center and will soon roll out to wider distribution.

When preparing a rich vodka sauce, it might be tempting to opt for your finest vodka to impress your guests. However, experts suggest that this could be unnecessary. The flavors that make expensive vodka desirable for sipping or cocktails tend to vanish when it’s cooked down with tomatoes, cream, and other ingredients in a sauce. Instead, choosing a more reasonably priced vodka, like Smirnoff or Tito’s, will serve the recipe well without breaking the bank.

The key role of vodka in the sauce is not to impart a strong flavor but to enhance the taste of the tomatoes. Vodka helps to dissolve flavor compounds that wouldn’t blend as well with water or fat alone, contributing to a deeper, more balanced sauce. As the sauce cooks, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind only its flavor-enhancing properties.

It’s also important to avoid the cheapest vodka, as it may leave an unpleasant aftertaste that doesn’t improve even after simmering for a long time. The recommended approach is to select a midrange vodka that won’t overpower the dish with harsh flavors.

After adding the vodka to your sauce, ensure you let it simmer for several minutes. This allows the alcohol to interact with the ingredients, enriching the overall flavor without the sauce tasting of vodka itself.

Though the history of vodka sauce remains somewhat unclear, what is evident is that a budget-friendly vodka can significantly enhance your homemade creamy tomato sauce. Save those high-end bottles for cocktails, and enjoy the culinary benefits of a more economical choice when cooking.

Fregate Island, located in the Seychelles, is set to reopen at the end of this year following a three-year renovation. A notable feature of this upgrade will be a custom onsite distillery equipped with a 60-liter still, aimed at enhancing the guest experience while promoting sustainability.

The distillery emphasizes a waste-to-wealth philosophy by transforming excess island produce into unique spirits. This initiative not only enriches the guest experience but also integrates seamlessly into the island’s sustainability programs. As explained by Lucas Girod and Richard Lee of Fregate Island’s food and beverage department, waste from the distillation process is recycled back into the island’s compost system, nourishing the land that produces the ingredients.

The distillery focuses on creating bespoke spirits that reflect the local culture, in response to the modern traveler’s desire for authenticity. The distillery’s offerings will initially include "Pirates Ruin Rum," crafted from island-grown sugarcane, and a unique gin that showcases local botanicals.

Girod and Lee describe the distillery as a narrative experience, encapsulating the essence of Fregate Island in each bottle. The decision to produce rum and gin stems from the region’s rich heritage and the desire to utilize local resources creatively.

As part of their renovation, the team seeks a careful recipe development process with master distillers, highlighting the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The distillery was built in collaboration with BritStill, known for crafting bespoke copper pot stills, ensuring a unique piece of craftsmanship.

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the distillation process, providing a hands-on experience that connects them to the land and the spirit-making process. Everything from the sugarcane stalks is utilized, promoting a closed-loop system that underscores the commitment to sustainability.

This distilling experience aims to forge a deeper connection between visitors and the island, keeping the fresh flavors of its environment at the forefront of the Fregate Island experience.

When it comes to enjoying quality rum, beginners might feel overwhelmed by the variety available. To simplify the selection process, Robyn Smith, PhD, founder of an experimental rum distillery, shares essential tips for identifying quality rum.

Look for Transparency in Production

Smith emphasizes the importance of brand transparency. Seek out rums that disclose information about their production processes, such as where the rum was made, what ingredients were used, and how long it was aged. Transparency allows you to better understand what you are drinking and helps you develop your palate.

Specificity is Key

Avoid vague marketing terms like "premium" or "smooth." Instead, focus on specific labels that indicate the rum’s base ingredients, such as "molasses-based" or "cane juice." This specificity provides clarity about what you’re consuming and ensures the rum holds up to its claims.

Don’t Judge by Color Alone

It’s a common misconception that darker rums are always of higher quality. However, Smith points out that color can be a misleading indicator since rums may be artificially colored or sweetened. Instead, focus on the aroma and taste. Experiment with a variety of rums to discover different flavor profiles.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The ABV percentage is crucial; rum needs to be at least 40% ABV to qualify as rum. A higher ABV often indicates a focus on flavor rather than dilution. If it’s below 40%, it’s classified as a "rum-based liqueur."

Taste for Balance

Lastly, when tasting rum, look for balance in flavors. A well-made rum may be bold or even funky, but it should feel intentional and well-crafted. Don’t shy away from unflavored varieties initially, as they can provide a clearer understanding of rum’s true character.

By considering these factors, beginners can more confidently navigate the wide world of rum, ultimately leading to a richer appreciation of this diverse spirit.