Liquor-articles 1844

Absolut Vodka and Tabasco have teamed up to introduce a new chili pepper-flavored vodka called Absolut Tabasco. This unique beverage combines the classic smoothness of Absolut vodka with the fiery essence of Tabasco’s aged, fermented red pepper mash.

Hitting the market in February 2026, the vodka has an alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of 38 percent and contains no added sugar, making it gluten-free and appealing to health-conscious consumers. It delivers a bold taste that balances Tabasco’s familiar heat with Absolut’s smooth profile, making it suitable to sip neat or use as a cocktail base.

The launch comes amid a growing popularity for spicy flavors in beverages, with spicy vodka sales projected to increase significantly by 2029. Absolut describes each sip of their new vodka as highlighting the distinct notes of chili peppers and vinegar, along with an underlying sweetness that prompts drinkers to reach for another sip.

Craig van Niekerk, global vice president of marketing for Absolut Vodka, noted the consumer desire for heat in their drinks, celebrating the collaboration between these two iconic brands. The Absolut Tabasco vodka will be available in over 50 global markets, including the US and the UK.

Skrewball Whiskey is experiencing a significant increase in its cruise business, according to Global Business Acceleration Director Juan Manuel Gomez. Known for its unique peanut butter flavor, Skrewball Whiskey serves as an exciting option for creating cocktails and various recipes. Gomez emphasizes the balanced mix of peanut butter, nutty vanilla notes, and the whiskey’s smoothness, making it an enjoyable drink.

The company aims to create a memorable experience for cruise guests, offering its whiskey at ship bars and onboard retailers. This dual selling method allows guests not only to enjoy the product during their cruise but also to take it home as a reminder of their vacation memories. Currently, most sales occur at onboard bars.

Skrewball partners with several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Gomez explains that cruise companies are focused on delivering exceptional experiences and understanding guests’ evolving preferences.

He highlights the need to resonate with future consumers, especially Gen Z, noting that Skrewball meets their desires from both functional and emotional perspectives. Despite facing the challenge of convincing cruise lines and guests to try flavored whiskey, Gomez believes in the product’s versatility and refreshing nature once tasted.

Founded in 2018 in San Diego, Skrewball Whiskey has achieved remarkable success, selling over three million 900 cases in the U.S. and international markets. The brand’s origins trace back to founder Steve Yeng’s childhood experiences, including a memorable encounter with peanut butter, which resonated deeply with him as a symbol of freedom after facing hardships.

New videos have emerged showing Alex Pretti’s confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis, occurring just days before his tragic death. His family’s attorney asserts that nothing in the earlier altercation, captured on video, could rationalize the sequence of events leading to Alex’s killing.

The footage has spurred discussions and concerns over the dangers posed by federal agents in such interactions. Pretti was shot and killed under circumstances that are now being scrutinized, raising questions about the use of force and the justification for such lethal measures. The case brings to light ongoing debates about law enforcement practices and accountability.

These recent developments have ignited broader conversations about the safety and treatment of individuals during encounters with federal law enforcement. As the investigation proceeds, many community members and advocates are calling for transparency and justice regarding Pretti’s death.

For more details, you can follow updates on the developments surrounding this case at Yahoo News.

Absolut has launched a new product that promises to add some heat to your cocktails: Absolut Tabasco Vodka. This collaboration combines the iconic smooth vodka with the rich flavors of Tabasco sauce, marking a bold entry into the flavored vodka market.

The vodka is infused with a natural essence derived from the fermented red pepper mash used to create the beloved hot sauce. The packaging reflects the partnership, featuring Tabasco’s signature colors and diamond label while retaining Absolut’s distinctive bottle shape.

Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing at Absolut, emphasized the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and partnerships, stating, “This year we’re bringing the heat with the launch of Absolut Tabasco. We’re proud to partner with another icon… to add a spicy kick to both classic and trending cocktails.”

The new Absolut Tabasco Vodka has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 38%, is gluten-free, and offers a balanced flavor profile that mimics the vinegary notes of traditional Tabasco without overwhelming the palate. The spiciness builds gradually, making it a versatile option for a variety of beverages, including Bloody Marys and martinis, or even enjoyed straight as a shot.

Kate Neuhaus from the McIlhenny Company, which produces Tabasco, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, citing the shared heritage of both brands and the quality they represent, calling it “the perfect match.”

Absolut Tabasco is now available at retailers nationwide and can also be purchased online, priced around $35 for a 750 mL bottle.

Vodka is renowned for its clarity and simplicity, yet behind this straightforward image lies an intricate realm of production choices that mold its texture, character, and finish. The diversity in vodka comes from various factors including grain and water sources, distillation methods, and filtration techniques. Each of these influences the vodka’s performance—be it neat, chilled, or mixed in cocktails. The nominees for the best vodka include both traditional and innovative brands, showcasing an array of approaches that emphasize balance, purity, and versatility, while highlighting the spirit’s evolution.

Voting for the best vodka is open until February 25, 2026, with winners announced on March 4, 2026. Voters can participate daily.

The Nominees:

• Absolut: Crafted in Sweden from winter wheat and natural spring water, known for its clean profile and wide range of flavors makes it a popular base for cocktails.

• Belvedere: A Polish vodka made from 100% rye, recognized for its smooth texture and balanced flavor.

• Chopin: Offers single-ingredient vodkas made from potato, rye, and wheat, showcasing different textures and influences based on base ingredients.

• Grey Goose: Produced in France, celebrated for its smoothness and subtle sweetness, a preferred choice for high-end cocktails.

• Heritage Distilling Vodka: Emphasizes quality ingredients and careful distillation, aiming for versatility in cocktails.

• Prairie Organic Vodka: Made from non-GMO corn, focusing on transparency and sustainability, this vodka is clean and versatile.

• Prichard’s Tennessee Springs Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka: A flavored vodka combining citrus brightness with a smooth base.

• Sipsmith Sipping Vodka: Distilled in London, known for balance and mouthfeel, suitable for sipping and mixing.

• Smirnoff: Globally recognized for its versatility and classic profile, available in various flavors.

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka: A Texas-based vodka known for its gluten-free corn base and accessible style, widely used in mixed drinks.

• Valentine Vodka: Michigan-crafted with a focus on balance and texture, great for sipping or cocktails.

• Watershed Distillery Vodka: An Ohio-produced vodka that balances a soft mouthfeel with cleanliness, ideal for various drinks.

• Western Son Vodka: Texas-distilled, known for its fruit-driven flavors and versatility in cocktails.

• Wheatley Vodka: Produced at Buffalo Trace, known for its balance and clarity, designed for use in cocktails.

• Wild Roots Vodka: Crafted in Oregon, famous for its naturally infused fruit flavors, utilizing real ingredients for an authentic taste.

The award is decided by reader votes, reflecting preferences across various styles and brands within the vodka landscape. For any inquiries regarding the voting process, readers can consult the official Newsweek Readers’ Choice rules.

Absolut and Tabasco have joined forces to introduce a new chili pepper-flavored vodka, titled Absolut Tabasco, aiming to capture the growing trend for spicy flavors in the beverage market. This innovative product is rolling out across the U.S. and more than 50 international markets, catering to consumers’ increasing desire for bold taste experiences, particularly in cocktails like Bloody Marys and spicy lemonades.

Stéphanie Durroux, chairwoman and CEO of The Absolut Company, notes that the rising popularity of spicy flavors in cocktails prompted this shift away from the brand’s traditional fruit-based offerings. Priced at $25 per bottle, Absolut Tabasco combines the signature vodka with Tabasco’s aged red pepper mash, offering a savory alternative to Absolut’s usual sweet and fruity profiles. Although Absolut previously ventured into spicy flavors with its 1986 release of Absolut Peppar, this launch represents a significant enhancement to their flavor lineup.

The growing demand for spicy beverages aligns with emerging consumer trends, particularly among younger drinkers who frequent brunch settings where drinks like Bloody Marys thrive. Competitive entries, such as jalapeño-flavored vodka from Stoli and hot pepper versions from other brands, further illustrate the expanding category. Market data indicates that "hot pepper" flavored spirits generated approximately $135.4 million annually, with a notable 15% increase from the previous year.

Tabasco’s partnership with Absolut not only reflects a commitment to flavor innovation but also emphasizes a broader trend of brand collaboration across various consumer segments. As consumers seek exciting and adventurous flavor experiences, this collaboration stands to redefine how brands connect with their audiences by leveraging familiar products in new, innovative ways.

Two rums produced by the renowned Filipino brand Tanduay have recently earned prestigious gold medals at the 2025 World Spirits Competition, organized by lifestyle publication Cigar & Spirits. The awarded varieties, Tanduay’s Reserve Rum 10 Years and Double Rum, stood out among a wide array of spirits through a rigorous blind-tasting evaluation conducted by industry experts.

The Reserve Rum 10 Years is distinguished by its decade-long aging process in ex-bourbon barrels, which imparts rich aromas of dried fruits, toasted oak, vanilla, and butterscotch. Its tasting notes reveal layers of caramel and dried fruits, culminating in a finish that evokes raisins, dark chocolate, and a hint of wood.

In contrast, the Double Rum, which is a carefully blended mixture of rums aged from five to sixteen years, is further matured for an additional two years. Its aromatic profile carries a delightful blend of sweet, fruity, floral, and citrusy notes, with hints of caramelized pineapple, toasted nuts, and cherry. The taste is predominantly sweet and fruity.

These gold medals contribute to Tanduay’s impressive collection of accolades, which also includes recent awards from the Monde Selection, World Branding Awards, and the New York International Spirits Competition, among many others.

Don Papa Rum has launched its newest product, Don Papa Alon, a rum inspired by the beautiful coastlines of the Philippines and the spirit of bayanihan, which embodies community and cooperation. This new variant shifts focus from the traditional sugarcane-rich areas of Negros to the vibrant shores, aiming to capture the essence of island life.

Don Papa Alon is characterized by a flavor profile that pays homage to Filipino culinary traditions. It includes notes of coconut, jackfruit, and spices, drawing inspiration from the local dish Ginataang Langka, a creamy jackfruit stew. Marketing Manager Angeline Manahan explained that the goal was to embody the pride and warmth of Filipino communities, creating a rum that evokes the atmosphere of relaxed gatherings by the sea during golden hour.

To ensure a true taste of local culture, the recommended way to enjoy Don Papa Alon is with a refreshing drink called Alon & Coco. This concoction combines 50ml of Don Papa Alon, 100ml of fresh coconut water, and a squeeze of calamansi, served over ice. Brand Ambassador Audrey Gustilo emphasized that using simple, fresh local ingredients allows the Filipino narrative to shine through more authentically.

Currently, Don Papa Alon is available at Landmark stores, as well as online through Booze.ph and Boozy.ph, with plans for expanded availability in retail outlets. This launch not only enhances Don Papa’s reputation for quality rum but also reinforces the celebration of Filipino culture and craft.

Absolut Vodka has partnered with Tabasco Brand to introduce Absolut Tabasco, a new chile-flavored vodka designed to enhance cocktails with a touch of spice without overbearing heat. This collaboration marks the first joint venture between the two iconic brands, focusing on balanced flavors rather than extreme spiciness.

Available in the U.S. and over 50 international markets, Absolut Tabasco starts with real Tabasco pepper mash, aged for up to three years in reclaimed oak barrels. This process reveals the essence of Tabasco pepper sauce—its unique heat, aroma, and a mouthfeel reminiscent of the iconic sauce itself. With a gluten-free certification and no added sugars, the vodka is versatile for mixed drinks, making it a suitable option for cocktails like Bloody Marys or even spicy lemonades.

This product comes at a time when there is an increasing demand for spicy vodka, predicted to grow significantly in popularity over the coming years. Absolut Tabasco aims to appeal to consumers looking for unique drink experiences without overwhelming heat.

For further details on Absolut Tabasco, you can visit the official pages for Absolut Vodka and Tabasco Brand.

On January 24, 2026, a bottle of Kentucky bourbon shattered records at an auction in New York City, fetching a staggering $162,500. This remarkable sale at Sotheby’s included the hammer price of $130,000, along with applicable buyer’s premiums and fees.

The bourbon in question is a rare 1982 bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel "Sam’s." Distilled at the prestigious Stitzel-Weller distillery on December 7, 1982, and bottled on May 25, 2003, only 60 bottles of this exceptional whiskey were ever made, making it one of the rarest American whiskies in history.

With a robust 133.4 proof, this bourbon represents the highest alcohol by volume (ABV) in Old Rip Van Winkle’s bottling history, contributing to its desirability among collectors. The auction featured "The Great American Whiskey Collection," Sotheby’s inaugural live auction solely for American whiskey, showcasing 360 bottles amassed over many years. Notably, this collection contained some of the most sought-after and rare bottles ever created, with production dates reaching back to 1900.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, expressed the significance of the collection, stating that it exemplifies an unprecedented level of rarity and curation in American whiskey. In addition to the prized Old Rip Van Winkle, the auction also featured rare selections from Buffalo Trace, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, and other esteemed brands.