Liquor-articles 1588

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.

Move over, perfume bottles! Jo Malone CBE, known for crafting some of the world’s most luxurious fragrances, has ventured into the spirit world with her new line, Jo Vodka. This collection is not merely a fragrant representation; it consists of real vodkas crafted to "ignite the senses."

Malone’s innovative approach combines her unique synesthesia—where one sense evokes another—into the realm of taste. She expressed her curiosity about whether her olfactory prowess could be translated into the flavor profile of spirits. This playful exploration resulted in a vodka line that invites both fragrance and spirit lovers to experience flavor in a new light.

The range, developed over a year with Master Distiller Joanne Moore, includes three distinct expressions:

1. 101, The Purist – This vodka is described as the sensible choice, embodying purity and simplicity.

2. 102, The Bohemian – Infused with flavors like bergamot, pomelo, bay leaf, and yuzu, this variety caters to adventurous spirits, perfect for those who embrace a free-spirited lifestyle.

3. 103, The Artist – Featuring notes of rose, neroli, pink peppercorn, and sencha, this variant appeals to the creative souls who enjoy experimenting with flavors.

Joanne Moore, one of the first female gin Master Distillers, praised the collaboration’s successful fusion of their respective expertise in scent and taste. The playful interpretations of these vodkas further enhance their charm; for instance, The Purist resonates with the texture of "soft leather," while The Bohemian embodies the feel of "silk."

Jo Vodka is priced at £49.99 per bottle and has already launched in 100 World Duty-Free outlets worldwide. This launch signifies travelers’ enthusiasm for the new experience, with hopes that tasting "The Purist" might elevate their travel experience.

For more details, visit Jo Vodka.

A father has been arrested in New York in connection with the death of his 9-year-old daughter, who was found dead in a wooded pond after he had reported that she had been abducted while they were on vacation. The tragic incident has raised concerns and sparked investigations into the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.

This case highlights the importance of child safety and protective measures, and the community is in shock as details continue to unfold.

For more details regarding this case, refer to the full article.

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Bobby George, a former darts champion, has made quite a name for himself, not only for his time in the sport but also for his larger-than-life personality and unique lifestyle choices. Living in a sprawling 18-bedroom mansion just outside Colchester, built with the wealth he earned from darts, George has created a distinct haven that reflects his eccentric character—complete with fishing lakes and even a bar that features his own amputated toe preserved in vodka.

George’s journey into professional darts began after years of hard work, including digging tunnels for the Victoria line. He became well-known in the darts community, finishing as a runner-up in two BDO World Championships, but his fame often came from his vibrant personality rather than sheer competition. Throughout the years, he became a reality TV fixture, featuring on shows like Celebrity Fit Club and The Real Marigold Hotel.

His toe preservation story is both humorous and serious. After a serious injury during the 1994 BDO World Championship led to multiple surgeries and ultimately the loss of one toe, he decided to keep it in vodka, thus creating what he jokingly refers to as Essex’s oddest souvenir. Following this initial loss, he had to part with three more toes, emphasizing the wear and tear his body has endured from a lifetime of dart-playing and performance.

Despite living in such an extravagant house, George expresses a down-to-earth demeanor. He maintains his home, spending much of his time on upkeep, especially after hosting charity events like fishing matches for Macmillan Cancer Support. His wife, Marie, supports him through the daily management of their property, allowing bouts of humor during his routines, which include rolling cigarettes and accessorizing with a range of jewelry.

George recalls his evolution in the sport of darts, where he lamented about the current environment that seems devoid of the fun and theatricality he once brought, feeling the sport has become monotonous. He carefully crafted an entertainment-focused approach to darts, becoming known for his flamboyant style, which incorporated props and costumes—something he believes has now changed the game forever.

Although he acknowledges that today’s players have exceptional skills, he seems to miss the entertainment factor and camaraderie he cherished during his career. Amid all the reflections on darts and life, George shows a humorous side, engaging in banter about subjects like contemporary players, politics, and generational changes.

As he approaches his 80s, Bobby George remains philosophical about the passage of time. While life has presented numerous challenges, he acknowledges the beauty around him and the joy brought by his family. With grandchildren who have just begun to understand humor and the world, George relishes the moments shared, cementing his belief in the importance of laughter and humility.

As Bobby George continues to embrace his legacy and entertain, he concludes conversations with a light touch: “Be lucky,” a mantra that reflects both his outlook on life and the chance we all have to embrace our fates.

Still Here is out now via Pitch Publishing.

Old Fitzgerald, a brand with roots dating back to the late 1800s, has recently introduced a permanent expression called the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. Known for its previous limited editions and vintage bottles, which sell for high prices in the secondary market, this new bourbon offers fans of the brand more accessible options without compromising on quality.

Acquired by Heaven Hill from Diageo in 1999, Old Fitzgerald has undergone a resurgence with the introduction of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series in 2018. This series, which features stunning decanter-style bottles, is released semi-annually and has become a collector’s favorite. However, the prices for these limited releases often reach into the hundreds.

The Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old differs in that it is designed to be a more affordable alternative, retailing at about $60. While it may not possess the elaborate packaging of the Decanter Series, its rich profile makes it a strong contender for both new and veteran bourbon enthusiasts. The bourbon features a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, akin to that of Larceny, another Heaven Hill product. Tasting notes include buttery caramel, baking spices, and a hint of dried fruits, transitioning into a warm, oak finish.

The release of this more economical bourbon comes amid a slowdown in whiskey sales, allowing distilleries to hold onto their products longer and potentially leading to better quality and pricing for consumers. With the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old now a staple in Heaven Hill’s offerings, consumers can enjoy a well-crafted bourbon without the rush or inflated prices often associated with limited editions.

Kristin Cabot, the HR chief at Astronomer, is legally married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum, amidst a scandal triggered by a viral kiss cam video from a Coldplay concert. The couple, confirmed through property records to share a Rye, New Hampshire address, co-owns a coastal home valued at $2.2 million, purchased in February 2025.

Kristin’s involvement with Privateer Rum dates back to September 2020, when she served as an advisory board member, a position she is no longer listed in following the deletion of her LinkedIn profile. The official site of Privateer Rum currently does not acknowledge her in any leadership roles.

Further complicating matters is Kristin’s past marriage to Kenneth Thornby, from whom she separated in 2018, finalizing their divorce in 2022. The fallout from the kiss cam incident, which featured both Kristin and Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, has led to public speculation and internal scrutiny, resulting in both executives being placed on administrative leave.

As the incident continues to generate buzz online, it raises significant questions about professional boundaries and Kristin Cabot’s connections in the business world.

M.S. Rau is hosting a special event called "Rum & Rarities: A Cocktail Journey" that will showcase locally made beverages while exploring the history of rum. Scheduled for Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at their location on 622 Royal St., the event aims to highlight the significance of sugar-based rum and its impact on global trade, American innovation, and the vibrant culture of the Roaring Twenties.

Guests will be treated to a unique experience divided into three historical themes, each featuring a cocktail crafted from Wildcat Brothers Rum. This distillery, based in Lafayette, produces small-batch rum using locally sourced sugar.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. For more information and to sign up, visit Eventbrite.

Eoin Ó Catháin, the director of the Irish Whiskey Association, shared insights on the rapid growth of Irish whiskey sales in Japan, a market he describes as one of the most dynamic and exciting in the world. He expressed his encouragement at seeing the hard work of Irish whiskey producers pay off in this unique landscape.

The conversation with Ó Catháin highlighted the significance of Japanese consumers’ appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, which has led to an increasing demand for Irish whiskey. He pointed out the cultural connections and the fascination the Japanese have with Irish heritage as pivotal factors driving this trend.

This rise is not just about sales volumes; it reflects an evolving global interest in premium spirits, where Irish whiskey is carving out a substantial niche. Ó Catháin emphasized the importance of storytelling and brand authenticity, suggesting that these elements resonate deeply with Japanese consumers.

As Irish whiskey continues to establish itself in Japan, Ó Catháin remains optimistic about the future, showcasing a promising outlook for both the producers and the broader industry. The ongoing efforts to foster these connections are set to bolster Irish whiskey’s reputation and popularity in the Japanese market.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has proudly joined the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as the Official Whiskey for its 50th edition. This partnership celebrates both the heritage of Irish whiskey and the art of storytelling in cinema.

As the Official Whiskey of TIFF, Redbreast will be actively involved in various exclusive events designed to showcase its unique offerings. Highlights include ‘Unhidden Gems,’ a curated collection of films aimed at highlighting overlooked cinematic masterpieces. Additionally, the Redbreast Red Carpet Suite will offer guests tastings, cocktails, and film-inspired storytelling experiences throughout the festival, providing an elegant ambiance for creators and industry leaders to connect and celebrate.

With more than a century of tradition in the production of single pot still Irish whiskey, Redbreast has become a defining example of this whiskey style. The brand is known for producing rich, full-bodied flavors with a distinctive sherry influence, and it continues to gain traction in key markets such as the US and UK.

George Skarpathiotakis, Senior Brand Director at Corby Spirit and Wine, remarked on the synergy between whiskey and film, emphasizing that both mediums share a human quality that resonates long after the initial experience. The intricate process behind both exceptional whiskey and memorable films reflects a dedication to storytelling, whether through a glass or on screen.

Redbreast’s involvement in TIFF will promote its global campaign ‘Quite the Find’, which aims to highlight the beautifully crafted character inherent in both whiskey and storytelling. This collaboration follows a successful partnership with the SXSW Film & TV Festival and iconic ambassador Andrew Scott.

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival will run from September 4th to September 14th, with additional details regarding Redbreast’s involvement and activations set to be announced soon.