Liquor-articles 755
Introducing Rolling Stones Crossfire Hurricane Rum’s Limited-Edition Hackney Diamonds Bottle
The limited edition gift box from The Rolling Stones Crossfire Hurricane Rum includes both a Hackney Diamonds tour bottle and a regular bottle of their rum.
The Rolling Stones once sang, “You can’t always get what you want,” but if you are a fan of theirs, you can lay your hands on a unique slice of Stone’s memorabilia. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers announced they are releasing a limited edition bottle of their Crossfire Hurricane Rum to commemorate its Hackney Diamonds tour that kicked off April 28 in Houston.
Priced at a MSRP of $125, the limited-edition collection features a deluxe box set including the Hackney Diamonds bottle—a sleek black gloss glass container with a unique gold top—adorned with the iconic Rolling Stones tongue logo, and a flagship bottle of Crossfire Hurricane Rum; all encased in a keepsake box. The brand is also hosting concert post-show parties in select cities and offering a sweepstakes for fans the chance to win two VIP tickets to The Rolling Stones show in Santa Clara, California on July 17, 2024.
Launched in November 2023, the rum is the first product owned by The Rolling Stones in their seven decades. Born from a partnership with Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures, Crossfire Hurricane Rum takes its name from the first line of their hit Jumping Jack Flash. According to the brand, it is a testament to the band’s lifelong love of rum, which began in the 1970s and continues today.
It’s also a smart move into a rum market that is booming these days. According to a recent report from Market Data Forecast the global rum market recently hit $16.5 billion with forecasts showing it hitting $22.54 billion. As the second most popular spirit on the market drinkers are continually looking for interesting new products.
“I’ve visited loads of rum distilleries in the Caribbean – I’ve been to the most rundown and the most ancient ones in Barbados and Jamaica that are remarkably still running on Victorian equipment,” says Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones. “Very interesting to discover how rum is made and how it’s blended.”
The birth of Crossfire Hurricane Rum coincided with another big announcement from The Stones. That they were releasing their first album of new material in almost two decades, Hackney Diamonds. The album took the charts by storm, building a buzz for all things Rolling Stones. That energy flowed towards their rum, leading to record-setting sales in online sales and the brand signing a deal to roll it out in retail across the United States with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
The limited-edition Hackney Diamonds edition from Crossfire Hurricane Rum from The Rolling Stones.
By releasing a limited-edition bottle, Crossfire Hurricane Rum hopes to build on the momentum of the Stones’ sixteen-city summer North American tour. In a crowded marketplace, the brand hopes that having The Rolling Stones’ distinctive tongue and lips logo emblazoned on the label will make the product stand out on the shelf.
“This commemorative box set of Crossfire Hurricane Rum is not just a celebration of our US tour, but a toast to the incredible journey we’ve shared with our fans,” said The Rolling Stones.
The celebratory box set will be available at select retailers across the country and will be introduced in markets to coincide with the bands stops during their tour. Additionally, concertgoers in the United States can purchase the gift set via in-stadium digital billboards and have it delivered directly to their homes vis ReserveBar.
Made from a blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic, it exhibits flavors of pineapple, caramelized bananas, and mellow oak with a slight hint of the funkiness anyone would expect from The Stones. It has been aged for up to five years in charred oak barrels before being blended abroad and bottled in the United States at The Point Distillery. The rum regularly retails for $37 and is available for purchase at CrossfireHurricane.com.
CEO of Next Century Spirits Discusses Nue Vodka’s Untapped Potential and Portfolio Building Strategy
Established in 2018 by Joel Pawlak and Scott Bolin, the US-based company, Next Century Spirits, was initially involved in creating tailored formulations for businesses interested in joining the beverage market. The range covered diverse spirits including vodka, gin, whiskies, Tequila, rum, and Ready-To-Drink cocktails.
A number of its initial brands were developed in collaboration with celebrities, such as Bear Fight whisky with Seth MacFarlane, and vodka-based Ready-To-Drink Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails with golfer Greg Norman.
Over the past few years, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions, with the most recent acquisition being multiple brands from Texas-based Southwest Spirits & Wine. Next Century Spirits, headquartered in North Carolina, secured the majority of Southwest Spirits & Wine’s brands, inclusive of Nue vodka, The Other 49 Bourbon, George Ocean rum, and Calamity gin.
In an engaging discussion with Next Century Spirits CEO, Anthony Moniello, and Chairperson, Matthew Bronfman, Just Drinks explored the company’s approach to expanding their spirits portfolio, and their strategic approach to achieving rapid growth.
Next Century Spirits CEO Anthony Moniello: Nue vodka has set a new standard in the industry. We aimed at penetrating the vodka market to augment our overall business and currently, there seems to be two types of brands in this sphere. There are large, well-established companies that are grappling to retain their market share and maintain shelf space, and on the other end, there are unique disruptors who are growing at an impressive rate of 20% to 30%, albeit without a massive footprint when compared to the competitive set.
Nue Vodka is an emerging brand with an exciting potential in the given price range and category which aligns with our ambitions in this sector. Thus, it was a fantastic opportunity for us and one that we have been on the lookout for.
Also emerging is Henderson Whiskey, another notable brand with a solid growth trajectory. Current sales of Nue Vodka stand at about 220,000 cases. Henderson is just below 20,000, but it is gaining momentum in the value space. Considering a trend towards de-premiumisation in spirits that’s been prevalent for more than six months, we don’t foresee a downward shift anytime soon. As we evaluated the entire portfolio, it continuously became more enticing.
This acquisition not only catapults our growth but also presents us with some scale. While our innovative strategies and launched brands have been effective, we realized that we needed more scale. We needed to penetrate larger chains and expand into larger markets. This acquisition enables us to build upon the commercial value chain that comes with scale.
Moniello: Our primary interest lies in focusing on our base vodka and its range. The idea is to hold onto and understand our flavour strategy dynamics. The base continues to hold a large potential, but innovation is an essential component of this industry. Although our focus remains on the base vodka, the doors for innovation are never shut.
Chairperson of Next Century Spirits, Matthew Bronfman: Our future strategy involves the introduction of two new celebrity brands by 2025. This signifies our continued emphasis on celebrity partnership and not a diversion from it. We haven observed significant synergy in following this approach and we will continue to innovate and seek celebrity partnerships that can truly make an impact.
Moniello: Our production facility, located in North Carolina, spans almost 30,000-square-feet and is primarily used for production and bottling activities, along with a bit of barrel storage. In addition, we maintain two storage facilities; one for storing barrels and dry goods, and the other for housing finished goods.
The acquisition of Southwest Spirits & Wine is expected to pose a challenge when it comes to storage. The deal additionally brought about 330 barrels under our ownership, prompting us to seek short-term expansion opportunities in and around our current space.
Moniello: There is a lot that needs our attention domestically. Hence, our 2024 and 2025 strategy will be primarily focused on the US market. With this new deal, we have expanded our reach from a limited 38 states to all 50 states.
We do have plans for penetrating the international markets. In fact, some of the international markets we currently operate in reached out to us. Countries like Australia, Denmark, Canada, and a few others approached us proactively. While international markets are part of our long-term strategy, we realize we can only excel in a finite number of things. Right now, we are focusing on dominating the US, but we are determined to venture into global markets soon.
Bronfman: We envision ourselves to be amongst the top-ten whiskey suppliers globally. The real strength lies in our long-term vision. Our strategy is not to just buy a brand, get some short-term growth in a couple of years and sell out. That’s not what we aim.
Despite having a background in private equity, I do not believe in the traditional short-term, five to seven years, schemas. We have always adopted a different approach.
Moniello: Our primary focus will be to capitalize on the potential that our existing brands possess, especially Nue vodka. We aim to exploit its untapped potential at a national level very aggressively.
Additionally, we initiated the Numbskull Whiskey brand in a handful of trial markets. This is a whiskey with chocolate-mint flavors, and to our surprise, it became our largest brand just four months into this year. Its demand is so high that we can hardly keep it in stock.
Currently, we are seeing huge potential for growth with the acquisition of Nue vodka and the skyrocketing demand for Numbskull, along with significant double and triple-digit growth across the remainder of our product portfolio.
We are currently in a strong position, having concentrated our efforts on our product portfolio. We have moved past the products that were not delivering results and are now focusing on those that are. The next step is to scale these offerings and ensure effective execution.
Moniello: We’re preparing for a capital-raising round. However, I’m not sure about the specifics I’m permitted to disclose. But I can mention that any future funds will support our rapid growth. It’s not about survival; we’re already a robust company, and this acquisition only strengthens that. Any future initiatives will focus on enhancing momentum.
We intend to navigate this strategically, but it’s worth noting that the current funding environment is challenging for many brands. Despite these difficulties, we’ve managed to thrive in a strained economy and a tough market for smaller entities. Hopefully, we are growing out of the “small company” category now.
Moniello: Our observations show people continue to engage with affordable luxuries like spirits. Even though there’s a noticeable trend towards de-premiumisation, this doesn’t indicate that they’re just settling for anything cheap. There’s still a demand for superior propositions—lifestyle brands that resonate with them, their peers, and the moments they want to celebrate. We must always keep this in mind.
Everyone’s raising prices and reacting to supply chain and we’re attempting to stay disciplined and accept thinning margins. This decision might make our CFO uncomfortable, but we’re aware that consumers are keen on identifying brands they connect with and cherish memorable experiences with them, regardless of whether they’re spirit brands or not.
Consumer confidence, particularly closer to elections, is always tricky to anticipate. However, we do know that consumers still remain engaged with brands. They’re slightly more aware of costs but they’re not rushing to the cheapest options. They continue to seek a brand that resonates with them. We should stay completely alert to such insights, react swiftly, and maintain constant communication with our consumers.
Moniello: It’s paramount to keep our focus on sustaining our growth when the moment arrives. One must be extremely disciplined to recognize this brand or this possibility requires our attention and we should capitalize on it.
We chose to design a portfolio company, driven by possessing a few highly successful brands to develop around. We’ve just procured one and we are steadily defining the next two. The emphasis is always on our final ambition – becoming a widely trusted multinational spirit supplier.
““Nue vodka is a powerhouse brand with untapped potential” – Next Century Spirits CEO talks portfolio building” was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.
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Keegan Swenson and Alexis Skarda Conquer Whiskey Off-Road Race
On April 28th, the Whiskey Off-Road Classic drew some of the fastest marathon cross-country racers in the country to Prescott Arizona.
Santa Cruz teammates Alexis Skarda and Keegan Swenson took the wins in their respective pro categories.
The women’s finish was electric, an all-out sprint between Skarda and Hannah Otto.
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In the men’s race, Keegan Swenson, a mere week after dominating the field at the Sea Otter Fuego XL, turned heads as he inched past Cole Paton.
A post shared by Keegan Swenson (@keegels99)
Review the results at this Epic Rides.
1 | Alexis Skarda | 03:44:21 | Grand Junction, CO
Hannah Otto | 03:44:23 | Millcreek, UT
Erin Osborne | 03:47:58 | Prescott, AZ
Deanna Mayles | 03:48:39 | Colorado Springs, CO
Michaela Thompson | 03:55:15 | Durango, CO
6 | Katerina Nash | 03:56:12 | Truckee, CA
7 | Samara Sheppard | 03:58:02 | Wollongong, NSW
8 | Ellen Campbell | 03:58:38 | Durango, CO
9 | Amy Chandos | 03:58:42 | Flagstaff, AZ
10 | Ellie Krafft | 04:02:10 | Prescott Valley, AZ
1 | Keegan Swenson | 03:06:45 | Midway, UT
2 | Cole Paton | 03:07:29 | Cashmere, WA
3 | Alex Wild | 03:08:46 | San Jose, CA
4 | Cameron Jones | 03:09:25 | Nelson, TAS
5 | Sean Fincham | 03:11:28 | Squamish, BC
6 | Taylor Lideen | 03:11:29 | Bella Vista, AR
7 | Finn Gullickson | 03:11:57 | Colorado Springs, CO
Brian Matter | 03:17:24 | Prescott, AZ
Caleb Swartz | 03:17:24 | Missoula, MT
Jerry Dufour | 03:17:24 | Boulder, CO
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Why It’s Time to Swap Your Bourbon for Critically-Acclaimed Rum
Foursquare Rum/2011 expression
Collectible rum deserves consideration among bourbon and whisky lovers. Rum is beginning to make waves the way small batch tequila did many moons ago—and the hottest rums in the market now are arguably the expressions from Altamar Brand’s Foursquare Distilling. Brandon Cummins, Altamar’s director of education, has witnessed the product’s skyrocketing popularity. “The first three releases we had, 2015 and 2016, took nearly three years to sell through and now we are selling an entire release before the container touches customs. It’s all pre-sold before it lands.”
The critical acclaim is there too. Foursquare’s wins include the 2021 IWSC Outstanding Spirits Producer, and ISC Rum Producer of the Year six years running. Yet, admits Cummins, consumers need to be aware of what they are buying with regard to rum; “Collectible rum has had challenges taking off in the US market because there is so much obfuscation in the category.”
By obfuscation he means muddled information about additives and sugar content, among other things. “I am astonished by how many rums still have sugar, added flavor or coloring—many brands that have a perceived really high value have added sugar and color.” Foursquare makes a point of calling out that their rums have nothing added –no sugar, additives or coloring—but, notes Cummins, “It’s a challenge for us when consumer standards have been set by expressions we would recognize as liqueur. If I add 30g of sugar to a product it will be delicious,” and very different tasting to a rum with nothing added. Right now, says Cummins, “Rum liqueur is effectively being sold right next to high-end craft rum. Yet, they are two very different things.”
Foursquare’s offerings, aged and blended in Barbados, stand tangentially from whiskies and bourbons, making them a favoured alternative for fans of the latter. “We notice numerous whiskey collectors exploring our rum palette,” explains Cummons, adding his father-in-law as an example who was convinced from being a single malt aficionado into pairing cigars with Foursquare rum. Today, he has transformed into a fervent advocate for their rums.
The trademark flavor profile of Foursquare rums displays layers of toasted coconut, bountiful fruits such as dark cherries and plums, with a burnt citrus or orange peel hint. “With varying degrees of funk and notes of caramelized banana,” outlines Cummins.
The newly launched Foursquare Mark XXIV “2011” is a wonderful addition.
Single Blended Rum, aged for 12 years, this masterpiece combines first, second and third fill Ex-Bourbon barrels, bottled at 60% ABV. It is pure with no added color, sugars or additives, and is unfiltered. The entire process, right from distillation to packaging, happens on an island in Barbados. It retails at $119.
Man with 12th OWI Arrest: Open Vodka Bottle in Car, Admits to Being ‘Pretty Drunk’
Jon Miner (Photo courtesy: Wisconsin Department of Corrections)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Jon Miner conceded that he was “considerably intoxicated” and took a concluding gulp of vodka in the presence of a police officer before he was apprehended for his 12th offence of drunk driving.
Based on a roadside sobriety test, his blood alcohol content was found to be .267, as per the details in a criminal complaint lodged on Monday.
Miner, a 58-year-old resident of Tomah, attended his preliminary court hearing on Monday afternoon. The charges against him include 10 or more counts of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), operating despite license revocation, and failure to install an ignition interlock device. His bond has been set at a cash payment of $13,000. The date for the preliminary hearing has not been fixed as of now.
As per the filed complaint, an enforcement officer stopped Miner for speeding at 85 mph in a 70 mph zone on the Interstate 41 on a Saturday night. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed an opened vodka bottle and detected a strong smell of alcohol from within the car, despite both driver and passenger windows being rolled down.
Miner mentioned that he was returning from Tomah. Upon querying further, his response was, “It doesn’t matter, I am drunk”. When the officer probed about the level of his intoxication, Miner responded, “Pretty drunk”. On pointing out the vodka bottle, Miner confessed to drinking while driving and admitted that he was consuming vodka as he drove past the officer on Interstate 41. The officer instructed Miner to get out of his car, to which he complied. But before leaving the car, Miner quickly grabbed the vodka bottle and took another gulp, as mentioned in the complaint.
A preliminary breath test revealed a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .267, over three times the standard legal limit. However, given his previous convictions, Miner’s permissible BAC level was .02.
Three traffic citations were also issued against Miner: inhaling nitrous oxide, operating a vehicle without insurance, and speeding (11-15mph above the limit). June 5 court dates are set for those.
State records show his last OWI conviction was for a November 2019 traffic stop in Jackson County. He was released in January after serving a five-year prison sentence. According to court records, Miner’s driver’s license was revoked for two years, as well.
He has 11 prior convictions for operating while intoxicated offenses, for incidents on March 1, 1997; Feb. 7, 1998; Aug. 27, 1999; Sept. 25, 1999; Oct. 1, 1999; Feb. 5, 2001; Aug. 1, 2002; Nov. 27, 2004; Aug. 5, 2011; May 5, 2013; and Nov. 5, 2019.
Unveiling the Sailor’s Award-Winning Rum Crafted in Massachusetts
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At Rumson’s Rum headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, another round of spirits is being prepared for everyone’s delight.
Introducing BSB Whiskey: Jamie Foxx’s Flavorful and Fun New Blend
Notable actor and musician Jamie Foxx is capturing attention in the spirits market with his new venture, BSB Whiskey. This exceptionally smooth mix, enriched with the enticing aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar, promises a distinctively unmatched taste experience.
The official debut of BSB Whiskey took place this month at the General Admission sports bar. The event coincided with the thrilling first round of the NBA playoffs. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of specialty cocktails, food, games, and one-of-a-kind merchandise, making it a memorable experience for whiskey aficionados and party-goers alike.
The distinctive flavors of BSB Whiskey set it apart. The aromatic spice of cinnamon merges beautifully with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar, forming a unique blend that teases the taste buds with each sip. However, with a potent 70-proof content, this whiskey commands respect.
During the launch event, guests had the chance to taste BSB Whiskey in a variety of cocktail recipes impeccably prepared by mixologists. From traditional whiskey cocktails like the BSB Espresso Martini with a twist to unique mixtures like the BSB cinnamon roll, which incorporated Bailey’s Irish cream displaying the versatility of BSB, there was something to delight every taste preference.
In addition to the delectable drinks, guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere with engaging games and entertainment. The General Admission sports bar provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the union of sports, music, and fine spirits, mirroring Jamie Foxx’s multifaceted career.
Moreover, the event was not just about indulging in exceptional whiskey but also a chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the BSB brand experience. Exclusive merchandise, including branded apparel and accessories, allowed fans to take home a piece of the BSB lifestyle.
BSB is poised to become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. Cheers to Jamie Foxx and the irresistible allure of BSB Whiskey!
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jamie Foxx Acquires BSB Whiskey
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Uptown Dining: Exploring the Unique French Toast and More at Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar in Uptown’s Sunday Brunch
Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar, which is situated at 4554 North Magnolia Avenue in Uptown, is appropriately launching its brunch on Mother’s Day.
Could there be a more meaningful day, considering who the restaurant is named after?
The restaurant’s namesake is the mother of Eric Roldan, who is both the chef and the owner of Marina’s.
Roldan attributes his culinary skills to his mother. “She taught me how to cook when I was young,” Roldan says. “I chose to pay tribute to her by using her name for the restaurant.”
Weekend Break: Kuipers Tulip Fest
Marina’s features authentic Puerto Rican food, an area of expertise for Roldan, who went to culinary school in Puerto Rico before coming back to Chicagoland and starting his business.
Roldan first operated as a “ghost kitchen.” Marina’s has been open for about eight months now.
“It’s been going great,” Roldan said. “Right now, we’ve been getting very busy. The response from people has been really great.”
Marina’s is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and, right now, Friday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
‘Startender’ Series: A signature margarita from Nobody’s Darling
As mentioned, though, the restaurant will debut its brunch on Sunday, May 12, for Mother’s Day.
To make a reservation or for more information, visit marinasbistrochicago.com or call 773-739-9161.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Jamie Foxx Launches BSB Whiskey: The Perfect Union of Flavor and Fun
Acclaimed actor and musician Jamie Foxx is making a splash in the spirits sector with his newest undertaking BSB Whiskey. This super-smooth mix, laced with the tempting tastes of cinnamon and brown sugar, offers a tasting experience unrivalled.
The formal launch event for BSB Whiskey happened this month at the General Admission sports bar, occurring concurrently with the thrilling first round of NBA playoffs. Patrons enjoyed an afternoon packed with special drink blends, food, games and exclusive promotional items, making it a memorable day for both whiskey aficionados and party lovers.
BSB Whiskey is notable for its unusual blend of flavors. The invigorating spice of cinnamon merges perfectly with the soothing sweetness of brown sugar, producing a balanced mix that delightfully engages the taste buds with every single sip. Yet, bearing a potent 70-proof content, this whiskey commands respect.
During the unveiling event, visitors got the chance to taste BSB Whiskey in various cocktail mixes skillfully prepared by bartenders. Ranging from conventional whiskey cocktails like the reimagined BSB Espresso martini to innovative mixes like the BSB cinnamon roll, incorporating Bailey’s Irish cream and demonstrating BSB’s adaptability, there was something to satiate every taste.
In addition to the delectable drinks, guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere with engaging games and entertainment. The General Admission sports bar provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the union of sports, music, and fine spirits, mirroring Jamie Foxx’s multifaceted career.
Moreover, the event was not just about indulging in exceptional whiskey but also a chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the BSB brand experience. Exclusive merchandise, including branded apparel and accessories, allowed fans to take home a piece of the BSB lifestyle.
BSB is poised to become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. Cheers to Jamie Foxx and the irresistible allure of BSB Whiskey!
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jamie Foxx Acquires BSB Whiskey
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!