Liquor-articles 1359

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A USPS worker was arrested earlier this month after consuming alcohol at a house party on her delivery route, leading to erratic driving behavior. Katelyne Dye, 33, was charged with DUI following an incident that took place on April 12.

Reports from the Melbourne police indicate that they received calls about a USPS mail truck driving against traffic on South Harbor City Boulevard, with the driver reportedly tossing plastic cups out of the vehicle. Officers observed Dye’s truck swerving in and out of lanes, prompting them to pull her over.

Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found Dye to be “confused and disoriented.” Field sobriety tests indicated she was under the influence. When questioned, Dye admitted to drinking two shots of vodka at a party she attended after making a delivery on Riverview Drive. She claimed that her swerving was due to falling asleep at the wheel and suggested that the plastic cup was just water used to mask the smell of alcohol.

Witnesses reported that she nearly collided with several vehicles while driving on U.S. 1 before police intervened. Dye was subsequently taken to the Brevard County jail.

For more information, you can read the full article on WKMG.

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A postal worker from USPS, identified as Katelyne Dye, 33, was arrested for DUI on April 12 after she consumed alcohol at a house party during her delivery route.

The incident unfolded when Melbourne police received reports of a USPS mail truck driving against traffic on South Harbor City Boulevard and throwing plastic cups out of the vehicle. When officers arrived, they observed the truck traveling west on East University Boulevard, making a U-turn to head east while swerving in and out of its lane.

Upon pulling over the truck, police noted that Dye appeared confused and disoriented. Field sobriety tests indicated that she was under the influence. When questioned, Dye revealed that she had gone into a home on Riverview Drive to deliver mail and had been invited to a party where she consumed two shots of vodka.

Dye admitted to swerving because she had fallen asleep behind the wheel. She commented on the cups being thrown from the truck, stating it contained just water that she used to rinse her mouth in an attempt to mask the smell of alcohol.

Witnesses corroborated police reports, stating they saw Dye’s truck nearly collide with several vehicles as it swerved on the road. She was subsequently booked into the Brevard County jail.

Belvedere Vodka has launched Belvedere Dirty Brew, a coffee-based vodka that retails for $50 and is available at Selfridges. The brand’s CEO, Francois-Xavier Desplancke, describes the product as a bold statement that combines luxury spirits with coffee craftsmanship.

Belvedere Dirty Brew is designed from a captivating bottle to its intriguing name, distinguishing itself in the market. This launch follows the brand’s promotion of Belvedere 10, featuring a campaign with musician Future and director Taika Waititi, showcasing vintage Rolls Royces and cowboy aesthetics.

Future emphasizes the authenticity of the campaign, stating that it reflects a genuine embodiment of the product’s spirit, merging simple design with extravagant elements. The vodka’s bottle design symbolizes the quality of the Dankowskie Diamond rye used in its creation.

Additionally, Belvedere has recently become the first official vodka partner for Formula 1, marking its presence in high-octane events. Desplancke highlights that this partnership aligns with both brands’ commitment to innovation and excellence, establishing Belvedere Vodka not just as a partner but as a significant participant in the thrills of Formula 1.

For more details on Belvedere Vodka and its partnerships, visit WWD.

In Hadley, V-One Vodka is facing significant financial challenges due to newly imposed tariffs. Founder Paul Kozub disclosed that before he can receive a shipment of 2,000 vodka cases from Poland, he must pay an $8,000 tariff, in addition to a hefty federal liquor excise tax of $25,000 to $28,000 per shipment. This added cost is particularly burdensome for small businesses like his, especially given the current inflation and rising operational costs.

Kozub expressed his frustration over the additional 10% tariff on European goods, stating, “You’re already taxing this product, and now you are levying a 10% additional tax.” He highlighted that this tariff is a considerable hit to profit margins, which are already strained in the industry. With V-One Vodka set to celebrate 20 years in business, Kozub has strived to distinguish his brand by investing in a state-of-the-art distillery in Poland, allowing him to maintain high-quality production.

Unexpectedly learning about the new tariff from his customs broker, Kozub hoped to avoid it as the shipment had left Europe before its announcement. Now he faces the dilemma of choosing between paying the tariff to clear his shipment or risking costly storage fees at the port. This shipment is critical, particularly as the holiday season approaches, which typically sees increased sales of alcohol.

Despite already raising prices 18 months ago, Kozub finds little room for further increases without risking a loss of market share. He noted, “It feels like there is not room for me to go up anymore.” His commitment to using high-end ingredients, such as local maple syrup in his V-One Hazelnut Vodka, reflects his dedication to quality, even as he battles the financial implications of tariffs and rising production costs tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kozub has actively sought assistance from local political representatives in hopes of finding relief from the tariffs. While he acknowledges the broader aim of the tariffs—reshoring U.S. manufacturing—he argues that vodka production in Poland is essential to the beverage’s quality and heritage. He emphasizes that many small businesses are similarly affected, feeling the real impact of these tariffs on their operations.

Tickets are currently available for Round 15 of the Whiskey Wednesdays charity raffle series, organized by Elizabethtown-based nonprofit Give 270. The series will run each Wednesday from April 9 to June 25, featuring a unique "Odd or Even" raffle format with a selection of valuable prizes hidden behind 12 locker doors, along with two grand prizes at the end.

Participants can look forward to an impressive lineup, including a six-bottle Weller “Rainbow” Vertical, a two-bottle set of George T. Stagg and Stagg Jr. Batch 1, and multiple bottles from the Van Winkle collection, among others. Each ticket will offer five chances to win each week, in addition to four weekly bonus prizes. Noteworthy bonus offerings include two Willet 8 year Rye MANABOUTTOWN Give 270 Single Barrels, a Luca Mariano Give 270 Pick, and a Buffalo Trace Give 270 Pick.

Each week, the winners will advance towards the chance of winning one of two ultimate prizes: Buffalo Trace O.F.C. Vintage 2005 for odd-numbered weeks, and Double Eagle Very Rare for even-numbered weeks.

All proceeds from the raffle support various local organizations and initiatives, with weekly funds benefiting different causes, such as the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Foundation, Greenspace, and the Kosair for Kids NICU at Baptist Health Hardin.

Eric Clemens, board chair of Give 270, expressed optimism about the impact of the raffle, stating, “Whiskey Wednesdays has become a staple here at Give 270, and Round 15 promises to be bigger and better than ever. Every ticket purchased makes a difference."

The Whiskey Wednesdays Round 15 raffles will be conducted live on Give 270’s Facebook page and YouTube channel at 8 p.m. each Wednesday from April 9 to June 25. Tickets are priced at $5 each, and there is no limit on the number of tickets one can purchase.

To buy tickets, view the full list of prizes, or keep up with Give 270’s events, visit give270.org.

It’s Metallica week in Syracuse! The legendary metal band is set to perform at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19, with over 46,000 tickets already sold. This concert is being touted as the second-largest event in the history of the venue. For those still searching for tickets, a limited number are available on platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.

But the excitement doesn’t end with the concert. There are several events leading up to the show that fans can participate in. On Friday, April 18, the band will premiere their new documentary, “Metallica Saved My Life,” at Regal Destiny USA. The first screening has sold out, but accessible seats remain for the second showing.

Additionally, fans can visit a Metallica pop-up shop at the Westcott Theater on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop will feature exclusive merchandise, including a special concert poster, event t-shirts, skateboards, and a unique orange-and-blue splatter vinyl of Metallica’s album, “72 Seasons.” Fans will also have a chance to win prizes, including “Snake Pit” passes to the concert, through the “M72 Fan Card” program.

On the same day as the pop-up, master distiller Rob Dietrich will host a meet-and-greet at the TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge in North Syracuse to celebrate the band’s Blackened American Whiskey. The meet-and-greet will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for attendees aged 21 and over.

Moreover, Metallica is partnering with the American Red Cross for blood drives in Liverpool on Thursday and Friday, with donors receiving a complimentary Metallica shirt. Additionally, on Saturday, they will host a community service opportunity through their All Within My Hands foundation at the Food Bank of Central New York.

This performance marks Metallica’s first concert in Syracuse in nearly three decades, making it a historic event for fans and the community alike. It is also their sole stop in New York state for their M72 world tour in 2025.

Metallica remains one of the top-selling music acts globally, with over 125 million albums sold. Their iconic songs include “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.”

I recently had the opportunity to interview PGA Tour golfer Wyndham Clark, who shared insights about his career, his passion for whiskey, and an exciting sweepstakes that offers a lucky winner a chance to hit the golf course with him.

Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon have teamed up for a unique sweepstakes, inviting one winner and three friends to join him for an 18-hole round at a premier golf destination in the U.S. This collaboration celebrates the long-standing tradition of enjoying a drink—often whiskey—after a round of golf, which has roots dating back to the game’s origins in Scotland.

During our conversation, Clark reflected on his career and his relationship with whiskey—a journey that began during a memorable fishing trip with friends in college, where enjoying whiskey became a bonding activity. Over time, he developed a keen appreciation for bourbon, developing a collection that he describes as a bit on the snobbier side.

The sweepstakes is set to run until June 15, 2025, culminating in a summer golf adventure. Clark emphasized the connection between golf and whiskey, highlighting how drinking bourbon post-round has been a part of golfing culture for ages. The winner can expect to learn from Clark, gain valuable swing insights, and hear stories that reveal his personality beyond the professional setting.

Clark reminisced about early lessons in his golfing career, such as a pivotal moment with a coach that taught him the importance of hitting a cut rather than a draw—a technique he’s since mastered. He noted that both golf and bourbon reward patience and precision, qualities he values in both his craft and his choice of drink.

Looking ahead, Clark is eager about the upcoming Major tournaments and is hopeful about making the Ryder Cup team. He also expressed a desire to engage more with fishing, a hobby that has taken a backseat to his busy golf schedule.

For those inspired by Clark’s journey and wanting a chance to connect with him on the golf course, the sweepstakes is a perfect opportunity. The details can be found at bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.

This unique connection between golf and whiskey highlights the camaraderie that the two traditions foster, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Dolph Lundgren, known for his role as Ivan Drago in "Rocky," has ventured into the world of vodka production with his new brand, Hard Cut Vodka. The actor, who studied chemical engineering before his acting career, was spurred into this business after a date night with his fiancée, Emma Krokdal. While trying various vodkas in Santa Barbara, Lundgren found none to his liking, leading Krokdal to challenge him to create his own.

Lundgren took this to heart, deciding that the vodka market seemed less exciting compared to other spirits like tequila and whiskey. He and Krokdal focused on sourcing ingredients from Idaho, using local russet potatoes and water from the Rocky Mountains to achieve a distinct taste. Their efforts paid off, as Hard Cut Vodka won a Double Gold award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, recognized for its smooth flavor complemented by bright notes of green apple and butterscotch.

Lundgren also emphasized the importance of American production, especially amidst ongoing trade challenges. He became an American citizen in 2024, sharing this journey with Krokdal, who is originally from Norway. He expressed pride in his new citizenship, noting that America has played a significant role in his life and career.

Reflecting on his career, Lundgren recalled the transformative moment of attending the premiere of "Rocky IV," where he felt an immediate rush of fame. While he navigated the complexities of celebrity life, he established lasting friendships, particularly with Sylvester Stallone, whom he has worked with for over 40 years.

Overall, Lundgren’s journey from a Swedish immigrant to an American citizen and entrepreneur exemplifies his deep connection to the United States, where he has built a successful career and now aims to contribute to its vibrancy through his vodka brand.

Whiskey and golf have a historical connection that dates back to the sport’s origins, with both often celebrated together at the "19th hole." This tradition has been embraced in a new way through a partnership between PGA Tour player Wyndham Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon, which features a sweepstakes granting one winner and three friends the opportunity to play a round of golf with Clark at a premier U.S. golf location.

In a recent conversation, Clark shared insights about his career, his growing appreciation for whiskey, and the details of the sweepstakes. He recounted how his love for bourbon began during a fishing trip with friends, blending these experiences into a deep connection with whiskey.

The collaboration with Blade and Bow is particularly special for Clark, as he recognizes the long-standing relationship between whiskey and golf. The sweepstakes not only offers the chance to play golf with a professional but also enjoy great bourbon and hear authentic stories from the course. Clark emphasized the unique experiences that come from spending time with a Tour Pro outside of the competitive and media-driven golf environment.

Reflecting on his journey, Clark highlighted the significance of patience and precision in both golf and whiskey. He considers the time and dedication he invests in his golfing craft deserving of a drink that reflects the same level of quality. His favorite drink on the course, the “Kentucky Caddie” cocktail, showcases his fondness for Blade and Bow’s elevated bourbon.

Looking ahead, Clark is excited about the upcoming golf season and hopes to participate in the Ryder Cup in New York, aiming for success in major tournaments. He also expressed a desire to return to fishing, an activity he genuinely enjoys but has had little time for recently.

As Clark continues to grow as a golfer and individual, he hopes to impart valuable lessons to aspiring players—chiefly, that success is possible regardless of your environment and that having a greater impact can extend beyond just excelling in sports.

The sweepstakes runs until June 15, 2025, and to enter, participants must be at least 25 years old. More details can be found through the official sweepstakes site: bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.

The creator of the popular whiskey social media brand Brewzle, TJ Gamble, is embarking on a new venture by opening a distillery named Oak Bowery in Opelika. The Opelika City Council has approved tax abatements and exemptions for this project, allowing construction to commence.

Gamble, who has grown the Brewzle brand to over 1.5 million followers across various platforms, expressed his passion for Opelika, where he has lived for over a decade. He highlighted the town’s delightful mix of small-town charm and modern infrastructure as key reasons for choosing it as the location for his distillery.

The distillery will be situated at 1200 1st Ave., offering 4,500 square feet of production space and room for expansion, including a tasting room and barrel storage. The total investment for the Oak Bowery project exceeds $1.14 million, and it is expected to create around 20 jobs in its first four years.

Gamble’s vision for Oak Bowery aligns with Opelika’s vibrant culture and economic growth. Mayor Gary Fuller welcomed the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance local tourism and create jobs. City’s Economic Development Director John Sweatman noted that supporting this initiative through tax incentives was a straightforward decision, reflecting the kind of sustainable development they encourage in Opelika.

The distillery is scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2027. Gamble, originally from Tallapoosa County and an alumnus of Auburn University, previously founded an e-commerce agency focused on marketing for businesses. The Brewzle brand took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming from a personal TikTok account with 50,000 followers to a diverse community of whiskey aficionados across multiple platforms.

Gamble envisions Oak Bowery not just as a distillery but also as a central hub where the Brewzle community can gather and share their love for whiskey responsibly.