Tracie Franklin is making waves in the spirits industry as the liquid curator of Edmond’s Honor, a premium bourbon whiskey that honors the significant yet overlooked legacy of Edmond Albius. Albius, a botanist from Bourbon Island, changed the vanilla production landscape by developing a hand-pollination technique that allowed the crop to flourish in Madagascar, making it the world’s leading vanilla producer.

Despite Albius’ colossal impact, his contributions remained largely unrecognized until Pronghorn decided to bring his story to light through bourbon. Franklin emphasizes that the aim is not only to celebrate Albius but also to highlight other untold stories within the spirits industry.

Franklin’s culinary journey began in her childhood, influenced by her diverse background as an Air Force brat with Southern heritage. After studying theater at Cal State Fullerton and performing internationally with Disney Live, she discovered her love for whiskey in New York, where she found it to be the only spirit compatible with her singing career.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin pursued her passion for distillation through the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, gaining valuable experience in production and learning from industry experts. When Pronghorn approached her to create a bourbon that celebrated Albius, it felt like fate.

Edmond’s Honor utilizes a dual-aging process, starting with a high-corn mash aged in American oak and finished in French oak cognac casks infused with Madagascar vanilla. At 43% ABV, the bourbon offers a complex yet approachable flavor profile, featuring aromas of orange blossom, brown sugar, and toasted oak, leading into notes of bourbon vanilla and baking spice, finishing smoothly with lingering vanilla.

Franklin also aims to redefine perceptions of flavored bourbon. By creating the title of "liquid curator," she highlights her vision of crafting bourbons that feel natural in daily life—ideal for both cocktails and sipping neat. Edmond’s Honor has already gained recognition with awards like “Best in Class” at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards.

The bourbon’s packaging reflects Albius’ legacy, featuring cloche-shaped bottles with botanical etchings that symbolize the importance of his work. The tagline “a story in every pour” reinforces the aim to connect drinkers to the nearly forgotten story of Albius, with QR codes linking to his complete narrative.

Franklin’s journey is a testament to the potential for inclusivity and historical recognition within the spirits industry. Edmond’s Honor is available across several U.S. states with plans for wider distribution, aiming to ensure that important stories, like that of Edmond Albius, continue to be told.

For more information about Edmond’s Honor, visit their website.

A serious warning has been issued to the public in Scotland following the discovery of counterfeit vodka that could pose a lethal risk if ingested. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) reported that these dangerous bottles, marked as Glen’s Vodka, may contain harmful chemicals, specifically isopropyl, which is not safe for human consumption.

The counterfeit 35cl bottles are reported to have unusual smells and tastes, differing significantly from authentic Glen’s Vodka. If consumed, individuals may experience a range of severe symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, slow breathing, and in extreme cases, coma or death.

Consumers are urged to exercise caution when purchasing vodka and are advised to look for a laser etched lot code on genuine products, which is typically located between the rear label and base of the bottle.

Those who suspect they may have consumed the counterfeit product and are experiencing any symptoms should contact NHS 24 at 111 immediately. Additionally, anyone with information about the production or distribution of counterfeit alcohol can report it to the Scottish Food Crime Hotline at 0800 028 7926 or online, in collaboration with Crimestoppers.

Hangovers are an unpleasant side effect of enjoying cocktails, leading many to seek ways to prevent them. A common belief is that higher-quality vodka reduces the likelihood of a hangover compared to cheaper brands. However, this idea isn’t entirely accurate. While pricier vodkas are often distilled more, which can imply a better quality, the fact remains that even premium vodka can lead to hangovers just as easily.

Vodka, contrary to a common myth, is not exclusively made from potatoes; it is typically distilled from grains like rye and wheat. The distillation process purges by-products known as congeners, which have earned a bad reputation in association with hangovers. While purer spirits can lead to fewer congeners, contributing to a smoother taste, they don’t significantly reduce the chances of suffering a hangover.

Congeners do influence hangovers, acting alongside acetaldehyde—a compound formed during alcohol metabolism that causes inflammation and common hangover symptoms such as nausea and headaches. Other contributing factors include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and low blood sugar.

Ultimately, paying more for vodka generally only brings a more pleasant drinking experience without guaranteeing protection against hangovers. The best way to prevent hangovers remains abstaining from alcohol altogether. However, if you choose to drink, consider avoiding darker spirits that typically contain higher levels of congeners and utilize hydration strategies like consuming solutions that can quickly restore fluids to mitigate potential hangover effects.

For more details on reducing hangovers, check out this link.

Hangovers are a much-dreaded part of enjoying a night out, leading many to wonder if there is a way to avoid them through the choice of vodka. A common belief is that more expensive vodkas lead to fewer hangovers compared to their cheaper counterparts. However, this notion may not hold true.

The science behind vodka production reveals that the spirit is typically made from grains such as rye and wheat. During distillation, vodka is purified, which includes the removal of by-products known as congeners. These congeners are sometimes attributed to the severity of hangovers, but they are not the sole reason for the discomfort.

Although premium vodkas undergo more distillation and filtration—often yielding a smoother taste—it doesn’t mean they will spare you from a hangover. In fact, the smoothness and mouthfeel of high-end vodka don’t significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a hangover. Many factors contribute to hangover symptoms, including acetaldehyde, a compound created when the body metabolizes alcohol, which can lead to inflammation and symptoms like headaches, nausea, and anxiety. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and low blood sugar further complicate matters.

The reality is that the additional cost of high-quality vodka results in a more pleasant drinking experience, rather than a reduced chance of a hangover. If minimizing hangovers is a priority, it’s advisable to avoid darker spirits like whiskeys and red wines that contain higher levels of congeners.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to drink responsibly and stay hydrated. Techniques such as consuming an electrolyte replenishment drink can further help mitigate the hangover effects. Remember, the only foolproof way to avoid a hangover is to abstain from alcohol entirely.

For more information on hangovers and vodka, visit the original article on Chowhound.

In a notable shift within the brewing community, Massachusetts breweries have started diversifying their offerings beyond traditional beer, responding to the evolving tastes of consumers and the competitive market landscape. Trillium Brewing Company is the latest to join this trend, unveiling new ready-to-drink canned cocktails and beverages following a significant expansion of their distillery in Canton.

The brewery, which began its spirits program five years ago, is now ready to provide a variety of products, including rum, vodka, and whiskey. According to co-founder JC Tetreault, this expansion is designed to allow Trillium to offer handcrafted cocktails as well as a line of new canned beverages. Presently, customers can find a canned rum punch and margarita utilizing Trillium’s spirits, along with lemonade and pink lemonade which were recently launched.

Trillium’s VP of sales and marketing, Mike Dyer, expressed their commitment to quality, stating, “In a growing market segment full of choice, we’ve stuck to our roots and crafted an array of top-shelf beverages that Trillium fans and discerning consumers will appreciate.” The plan includes distributing these new canned products at select bars and restaurants while still producing their original beer lineup, such as the popular Fort Point Pale Ale.

In collaboration news, Bent Water Brewing has created a custom beer called Backstage Pils specifically for the Brighton music venue Roadrunner. This beer will be exclusively available at shows, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting ZUMIX, a Boston-based music nonprofit.

In a sweet twist, Honey Dew and Vitamin Sea Brewing have teamed up to create a doughnut inspired by Vitamin Sea’s Pool Water seltzer. This vibrant blue delicacy features a lemon cake base topped with vanilla-blue frosting.

For more about Trillium Brewing’s new offerings, visit their official website.