Liquor-articles 1933
Discover the World’s Most Expensive Vodka Brands
In this article, we are going to discuss the most expensive vodka in the world. If you’re also curious about which other vodkas will cost you an arm and a leg, here are the 17 Most Expensive Vodkas in the World.
Vodka is one of the Most Consumed Alcohols in the World. As we stated in our article – 20 Highest Quality Vodkas In The World – the global vodka market was valued at $25.98 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $40.25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.
Vodka-based RTD beverages are witnessing a huge increase in new product development, which is expected to drive the market. However, the all-natural, flavored segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate due to the growing demand for premium flavored vodka, especially among the millennial population.
There has been a significant shift in the spirits market in recent years. Ousted by craft gins and quality whiskeys, the sales of traditional premium vodka brands have declined. The war in Ukraine has also been responsible for the dip in the popularity of the liquor. However, vodka producers are reinvigorating the category by tapping into the health-conscious demand for low-alcohol beverages, and are moving towards lighter serves and low-ABV offerings to attract consumers back from competing spirits.
Major vodka brands have ramped up their innovation efforts in the low-alcohol space to attract new and mindful consumers by offering products made with less sugar and fewer calories. Diageo was among the pioneers in the low-alcohol vodka space, launching its 30% ABV Ketel One Botanicals range in May 2018, said to be the first of its kind at the time. It contains no artificial flavors, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) also capitalized on the trend in 2020, with the release of its sugar-free SVEDKA Pure Infusions range, also 30% ABV.
The recent reincarnation of flavored vodkas has also seen the industry gain some much-needed traction. Gone are the days of the overly sweet artificial flavors and cheap plastic bottles, we are currently going through a flavored vodka renaissance where brands are reimagining the category with high-quality bottles and natural botanicals and extracts that expand the drink’s flavored expressions from subtle to overt. Flavored vodka also typically costs less than its premium counterparts, making it an attractive pocket-friendly option.
Owned by Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), SVEDKA is a popular flavored vodka brand that is a great choice for mixing cocktails. Its smooth and clear taste makes it a versatile base for classic and modern cocktails alike. Plus, its affordable price point makes it a great option for home bartenders on a budget. SVEDKA was acquired by Constellation in 2007 in a deal worth $384 million.
Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) continues to be the Best Alcohol Stock to Buy Now, with 47 hedge fund holders in Q1 2024 boasting an overall stake value of over $2.74 billion. The New York-based company made headlines last summer when its Mexican beer brand, Modelo Especial, became the Top-Selling Beer in America after dethroning Bud Light. As a result, STZ reported a revenue of over $2.12 billion during its last quarter of fiscal year 2024, a significant increase of 22.7% compared to the previous year. Net income also went up by 11.7% to reach $105 million.
The U.S. beer industry faced challenges earlier this year due to unfavorable weather conditions. Nevertheless, STZ’s beer segment, which accounted for 82% of its sales in FY 2024, experienced a growth of 10.9% in the last quarter. The demand continues to rise, and company management’s statement that Q1 2025 is ‘setting us off on a really solid year’ indicates no significant signs of a slowdown. Although STZ’s Wine & Spirits segment saw a 5.6% decline in Q4, its smaller size reduces the downside risk. For fiscal year 2024, Constellation Brands generated $2.8 billion in operating cash flow, reduced its net leverage ratio by nearly half a point, and returned over $900 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. While the forward dividend yield of 1.51% may not seem high, the company has consistently paid and increased its dividends for the past eight years.
Another advantage for STZ is the growing Hispanic population in America, which is increasing almost twice as fast as the general population, leading to sustained demand for brands like Modelo and Corona.
To collect data for this article, we have referred to sources such as Forbes, Lifestyle Asia, and Wine-Searcher, among others, looking for the Most Expensive Vodkas. The following spirits are ranked by their retail price, sourced primarily from Wine-Searcher. As liquor prices can vary greatly across international markets, we cannot guarantee their accuracy.
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Price: $7.25 million
The 2015 iteration of Leon Verres’ Billionaire Vodka is the Most Expensive Vodka Ever. The spirit itself is filtered through pure diamonds and boasts a silky smooth, naturally sweet taste. The vodka comes in a massive 18-liter bottle, which similar to its 2012 counterpart, is covered in faux fur, only this time it’s black and decorated with almost 2,000 diamonds set in gold for the ultimate luxury statement.
If you want to learn more about the vodkas that will put a serious dent in your wallet, here are the 17 Most Expensive Vodkas in the World.
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New to Bourbon Whiskey? Discover These 5 Beginner-Friendly Bottles
New to the world of whiskey and eager to impress? Start here.
The world of whiskey can seem daunting to newcomers. With its reputation for strength and complexity, especially in the case of bourbon, whiskey is often perceived as a drink reserved for seasoned connoisseurs. This misconception can discourage potential enthusiasts from exploring one of the most beloved spirits.
For those who are new to the whiskey game, here are a few bourbon bottles to kickstart your journey and wow your friends and family.
Fort Hamilton Distillery in Brooklyn, New York has expanded its Single Barrel range with the introduction of a new bourbon made entirely from New York grain sourced from the Hudson Valley. This classic-style bourbon—crafted with a mash bill of 85% corn, 10% rye and 5% malted barley—boasts the highest corn content in the distillery’s whiskey range to date. After 4.5 years of maturation in 53-gallon Char 3 American oak barrels, this unadulterated and non-chill filtered bourbon is bottled at 47.5% ABV, offering a true taste of New York for bourbon enthusiasts.
This limited-edition release—aged at the Booker Noe campus in Boston, Kentucky—highlights the influence of “Kentucky Terroir” on the flavor profile of bourbon. The Boston campus, with its aging conditions of ample sunlight and fresh air, contributes to the fast and rich maturation of the whiskey, resulting in a bold and characterful liquid. Hardin’s Creek Boston joins the previously released Clermont and Frankfort expressions, all aged for 17 years with the same mash bill, showcasing the diverse flavors achievable through varying aging locations. This release is part of the ongoing Hardin’s Creek series, which features some of the distillery’s rarest whiskeys, showcasing the expertise and heritage of The James B. Beam Distilling Company.
Heaven’s Door Whiskey, founded by Bob Dylan, combines traditional techniques with innovative flavors. Heaven’s Door Ascension is a non-chill filtered Kentucky straight bourbon, distilled at the brand’s new distillery and aged for over five years. This 92-proof whiskey is a blend of two straight bourbons, offering a smooth and distinctive flavor profile. With notes of fresh bread, buttered popcorn and dried fruit on the nose, it delivers a rich and complex palate with balanced sweetness, caramel, vanilla and subtle spice.
This debut offering from brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson is a high-rye straight bourbon designed for versatility and enjoyment in any setting. Aged in new, charred American oak barrels, this 93.3% proof bourbon boasts a complex flavor profile with notes of spice cake, cherry, milk chocolate, vanilla and baked apple on the nose, followed by black peppercorn, spearmint, lemon peel and sweet tobacco on the palate, finishing with lingering hints of banana bread, cocoa, cherry and dried pineapple. Drink it neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.
Old Elk Bourbon is a must-try for all, but especially those new to the world of bourbon. With four times more malted barley than traditional recipes, it boasts a sweet and light profile with a smooth, lasting flavor, making it exceptionally approachable for beginners. Their trademarked slow cut proofing process was designed to ensure a mellow and harmonious experience, avoiding the harshness often associated with other bourbons. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails, Old Elk’s versatility allows beginners to explore different styles and discover their preferences. Additionally, Old Elk’s exceptional quality and affordability make it an ideal starting point.
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Unveiling the Distinct Differences Between Brazilian Cachaça and Rum
It’s entirely possible that you may have heard Brazilian cachaça referred to as Brazilian rum, and while that’s not entirely wrong, it’s not exactly correct, either. At a glance, the two are similar: They’re both made from sugarcane, and they’re both available as white, unaged spirits as well as caramel-colored aged liquors, but take a closer look, and their similarities end pretty quickly.
Even though it’s rum that’s arguably more popular in the U.S., cachaça is lesser known and thought to be much older. That dates back to some time in the 17th century, and it has a horrible origin story. The first people to drink it were Brazil’s population of enslaved persons, who were given daily rations of cachaça as a sort of pain medication. Over the years, cachaça became wildly populated, was banned on June 12, 1744, and later became a symbol of national pride. Rum, on the other hand, comes from a completely different area of the world — Barbados — and spread very, very quickly as part of a key component of the slave trade.
Rum and cachaça have entirely different production and distillation processes, which result in spirits that taste different and have different levels of alcohol. While cachaça is required to be 40% ABV, rum can be bottled at anywhere between 40% and 60%. While they can be substituted for each other in most cocktails that call for them, they vary enough that the swap will overhaul the flavors of the entire drink.
Read more: 26 Popular Vodka Brands, Ranked By Their Versatility
The differences between rum and cachaça start right from the beginning. In the production of rum, sugar is turned into molasses, which is then used in the distillation of the spirit, while in cachaça, it’s the sugar juice extracted from the cane that’s used — no molasses-making required. Since cachaça is made with raw sugar cane juice, there’s an interesting thing that happens. Much like the flavors of wine change based on the terroir — defined as the impact the environment has on grapes — cachaça varies based on the location and environment of the sugar cane.
Sugar cane for cachaça is sourced from across Brazil, and it’s worth noting that, unlike rum, cachaça is a legally protected product. Laws dictate that to be cachaça, it must be made in Brazil.
Rum and cachaça are also aged differently. While rum can be bottled immediately or aged — often in American oak barrels that were previously used to age sherry or whiskey — cachaça is often bottled immediately after distillation at 40% ABV or aged in barrels made from hardwoods indigenous to Brazil and other countries in South America. While those indigenous hardwoods are selected for the impact they have on the final flavor, they also tie cachaça to the land: Many of the trees are endangered, and some distilleries are using their processes to illustrate the importance of responsible sourcing and conservation.
Although the flavor profiles of both rum and cachaça vary widely, some generalizations can be made, including that cachaça is bottled at a lower proof than most rums. Cachaça can also be considered less processed and, therefore, closer to the herbaceous nature of raw sugarcane.
Typically, cachaça tends to have a more earthly, grassy flavor. Imagine the smell of mowing the lawn in the summertime, and that’s the sort of freshness that cachaça is renowned for. On the other hand, rum tends toward the spicy and sweet side of things. There’s a wide variety in the flavors of rum, but they’re more likely to be described as having tastes of vanilla, nutmeg, caramel, and even leather.
Because of differences in flavor, the two work differently in cocktails but can be substituted for each other. Thanks to the light, fresh, earthiness of cachaça, though, it really shines in cocktails that can lean into that herbaceous flavor. Think of simple cocktails with soda water, a dash of sugar, and some fruit, the combination that makes cachaça’s signature cocktail so popular. The ultimate summer cocktail, the Caipirinha is just cachaça, lime, and sugar, served over ice, and it’s a must-try that’s been popular in Brazil since at least the mid-1800s. It — and versions like the Caipirinha de uva, which adds grapes — are classic for a reason.
Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
Sweet Grass Vodka’s Owner Announces New CEO Amid Personal Tragedy and Financial Struggles
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Alicia Swanger, wife of Charleston Sweet Grass Vodka owner Jarrod Swanger, holds a bottle of the company’s liquor that is no longer being produced.
Amidst a family tragedy, Jarrod Swanger continued trying to convince investors that he had a plan to save his once-promising, now shuttered spirit brand and company — Charleston’s Sweet Grass Vodka.
Starting June 30, Swanger sent text messages to investors reassuring them. A new CEO would be coming aboard in his “absence,” the message stated.
That “absence” was likely a reference to the passing of his 13-month-old son, who died the day before the texts were sent promising new leadership for Sweet Grass Vodka.
The alleged change of leadership comes as 22 investors and one lender have accused Swanger of failing to return upwards of $7 million they collectively invested or lent for Sweet Grass operations since 2020.
The June 30 text message, shared with The Post and Courier by several investors, said that two men formerly associated with the company are “stepping in while I am out in my time of absence. They are reaching out to everyone this week,” Swanger said.
“Yes they are still going forward with items and the articles are just things we did not respond to because we have no time for it and we are trying to get things restructured and moving forward,” he continued. He was apparently referencing recent reports by The Post and Courier that broke news about the downfall of Sweet Grass Vodka and the sale of Swanger’s Mount Pleasant home.
The two men mentioned in the article asked not to be named as they have served Swanger with cease-and-desist letters in recent months, requesting him to stop using their names in connection with the company they no longer associate with. Another request was sent last week following a text message from Swanger.
Both men informed The Post and Courier that they are neither taking over Sweet Grass Vodka nor Swanger’s debts, and clarified they have not had any discussions with Swanger regarding this matter.
An attorney representing Swanger asked that the media refrain from contacting him.
The Swanger family “is making no comment as they grieve and process the truly greatest loss of their lives,” attorney Mary Grace W. Maybank said in a statement dated July 3. “This beyond tragic loss is extremely private and personal to the Swanger family. The Swangers would appreciate nothing more than continued privacy out of respect for their beloved son.”
On June 29, Swanger’s infant son died from complications after being found unresponsive in the swimming pool at the family’s former house in Mount Pleasant, the Charleston County Coroner’s Office reported.
Mount Pleasant police responded to the Snee Farm home the evening of June 11 following a call that a baby had fallen into the backyard pool.
On June 21, the Swangers sold the house for $1.7 million.
To move Sweet Grass Vodka forward, Swanger would need to make whole more than 20 investors and creditors in the United States and Canada.
The house sale chipped away at some of what is reportedly owed.
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Mark Hodge, an investor from Florence who was one of the first people to stake money in Sweet Grass Vodka, was one of those who received the June 30 text from Swanger.
At this point, “I can’t believe anything that I hear from Jarrod,” he said.
Hodge invested $100,000 in November 2022. He also brought in three others for a combined investment of $425,000.
Brian Mahon, a Lowcountry physician who invested in 2022, said he hasn’t received any communication about an alleged new CEO.
“I’ve never once in the past two years gotten any official update on the company’s health formally via letter or email,” he said.
Other investors who have come forward in the last few weeks include another Florence resident who invested $150,000 and a Mount Pleasant resident who said he handed Swanger $75,000 cash in March.
In October, the Mount Pleasant investor attended a Sweet Grass Vodka bash at Wild Dunes. He said he recalled thinking: If someone as well known as actor Jeremy Renner had become involved with the company, what could go wrong?
Two-time Oscar nominee Renner came on board last summer as a celebrity face of the company. Swanger portrayed Renner as a co-owner. Renner was promised $1 million and equity in the company, a source familiar with the deal previously told The Post and Courier. Renner months ago began distancing himself from the brand and Swanger.
With promises that the Mount Pleasant investor’s money would quadruple within one year, Swanger again approached the man a month later asking for more money. He balked.
At that point, Swanger already faced three lawsuits accusing him of defaulting on payments on loans. His company was delinquent in paying rent and about to be terminated from the lease for Sweetgrass Lounge, his bar and production facility at The Refinery, located at 1640 Meeting Street Road. He owed some employees upwards of five weeks in back pay and was paying them piecemeal via Apple Cash, according to texts between the workers and Swanger, and seen by The Post and Courier.
Swanger lost his liquor license on March 5 for not paying S.C. income taxes for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, records show.
In addition, Swanger was charged twice with driving under the influence in 2022 and his driver’s license was suspended for not paying car insurance, according to Isle of Palms police.
Signs have been posted for weeks around his former Snee Farm community, noting Swanger is still driving and to alert local police if anyone saw him behind the wheel.
With the new texts about an interim CEO apparently unfounded, Hodge said any hope for recovery is dwindling by the day.
“I am not at all optimistic that I will ever see one dime,” he said.
ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco bargain hunters are going to have to pay an additional $5 to $10 annually as the popular warehouse chain prepares to raise its membership fees for the first time in seven years.
Jarrod Swanger, owner of Sweet Grass Vodka, has sent out unfounded messages claiming two men will step in and take over operations as his debt surmounts into the millions. Read moreAfter a family tragedy and millions in debt, Sweet Grass Vodka owner claims new CEO to take over
High home prices and elevated interest rates, combined with low inventory, aren’t giving purchasers the incentives they need. Read moreCharleston homebuyers are maxing out with a $425K median price, high interest rates
Frind-Dorchester LLC, an entity connected to Washington, D.C.-based RSE Capital Partners, purchased the Dorchester Commerce Center, which includes a pair of warehouses. Read moreSC industrial park sells for $64.1M to DC-based real estate investment group
Pernod Ricard Expands American Whiskey Portfolio with Launch of New Global Brand Company
The company strengthens foundations for whiskey growth with ‘North American Distillers’
NEW YORK, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pernod Ricard has reinforced its commitment and ambition to its American Whiskey portfolio by establishing a new Global Brand Company in the USA, North American Distillers (NADL).
The new specialized business will be helmed by Richard Black, a seasoned Pernod Ricard executive with 23 years of leadership in whiskey and cognac, including time at Chivas Brothers and most recently as Global Marketing Director for Martell in Paris. As CEO of North American Distillers, Black will oversee the company’s full American Whiskey portfolio and North American operations sites.
Pernod Ricard initially launched its American Whiskey portfolio as an independent unit incubated within Pernod Ricard USA. NADL marks the next phase of its American Whiskey commitment, and with the recent substantial investments in the thriving category, the company decided to form a global brand company to align with its growth ambitions.
NADL will prioritize operational excellence, creating a best-in-class organization emphasizing safety, quality, and sustainability. This includes overseeing the highly anticipated Jefferson’s distillery, currently under construction in Kentucky and poised to set industry standards.
Black said, in a statement: “American whiskey is a dynamic spirits category, and our portfolio shows immense potential for future growth. Our investments made in Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball and TX, underscore our ambitious commitment. My mission is to harness this potential and drive a singular focus on these brands and our operations, driving us towards our goals and creating a top-tier marketing and sustainable operations team on the back of our peoples’ deep-rooted expertise.”
This move aligns Pernod Ricard’s American Whiskey operations with its global operations structure, mirroring the approach of its successful Irish and Scotch whisky entities, Irish Distillers and Chivas Brothers. The new company will be responsible for global marketing strategy and production of its premium American Whiskey brands, leveraging the company’s global network to stimulate growth. This includes all Pernod Ricard American North America operations sites.
Supporting Black is a seasoned team of operations and American Whiskey specialists at North American Distillers. Leading the operational charge is Pierre Joncourt, current SVP of Operations for Pernod Ricard North America. On the whiskey and marketing front, Bourbon Hall of Famer and Rabbit Hole Whiskey founder Kaveh Zamanian will move to a new role, guiding the liquid strategy for the full North American whiskey portfolio.
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Whiskey Connoisseurs Unveil the Top 11 Underrated Bourbons to Savor Today
We write about whiskey (especially bourbon) fairly often. Like anyone, sometimes we get caught up in the hype and flash of popular or hard-to-find expressions. We feel like we just have to try them. It seems like everyone else is, why shouldn’t we? When this happens, sometimes we have to take a step back and think about some of the brands that don’t get enough praise but definitely deserve it. Sometimes these expressions are much easier to find. We’re talking about the underrated gems either waiting to be discovered or simply given the respect they deserve.
What does underrated mean, exactly?
Well, it’s not that easy to define as it often depends on who you’re asking and whether or not they mean “underappreciated” instead. There are plenty of great, underappreciated whiskeys from massive brands like Beam or Jack Daniel’s — Beam’s Little Book, Jack’s Coy Hill Series, Jack Daniel’s Rye, Jim Beam Rye(!). But when it comes to “rating” those expressions, there are plenty of accolades heading their way. So they’re inherently not “underrated”… just maybe not on enough radars.
We asked eleven whiskey experts, distillers, and alcohol professionals to tell us the most underrated bourbons to drink right now. We’re talking about bourbons that are undervalued and underappreciated. You’ll be surprised by their picks. You’ll recognize some names, but others are lesser known and deserve much more acclaim than they currently receive.
Dr. Kenneth Maverick, founder of Maverick Whiskey in San Antonio, Texas
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $99.99
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon. Aged in oak barrels before being transferred to oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and cognac casks, it’s unique, flavorful, and deserves more recognition.
It’s sweet, rich, and bold chocolate and approachable mellow oak. It might not be on your radar yet, but it absolutely should be.
Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas
ABV: 58.5%
Average Price: $65.99
Why This Bourbon?
Old Ezra 101 7 Year is a truly underrated bourbon. Another favorite that I rarely see talked about but always delivers. Rich copper and wood sugar, biscuity with a soft peppery finish.
Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas
ABV: 47%
Average Price: $109.99
Why This Bourbon?
I think people need to revisit Garrison and Balcones craft distilleries. There is a myth that these Texas whiskeys don’t taste as good, but I don’t believe that one bit. They’ve been perfecting their craft for 10 years now. I tasted a Garrison Single Barrel that was rich and chewy recently, and with lovely deep caramels.
Jeremy Kasler, CEO of CaskX, a bourbon cask investment firm, in Los Angeles
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $36.99
Why This Bourbon?
Hands down, the most underrated bourbon is Russell’s Reserve 10 Year. I hate to even put this in print for fear it’ll become harder to find, but I’ve been stocking up for some time, so we’re good. With a price point of around $35, this 10-year-old Wild Turkey-made bourbon is damn near perfect, with hints of baked cherry pie drizzled in caramel and dark chocolate.
Brad Jennings, whiskey expert at North of Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $23.99
Why This Bourbon?
I’d say one of the most underrated bourbons is Old Grand-Dad Bottled and Bond. It has a nice cinnamon and baking spice flavor, it’s great. It’s surprisingly cheap, well-balanced, and a favorite of bartenders, drinkers, and pretty much every whiskey fan out there. Yet, it’s still underrated.
Colin Keegan, founder of Santa Fe Spirits in Santa Fe, New Mexico
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $29.99
Why This Bourbon?
Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon at 92 proof. This unassuming label and bottle and price point are deceiving, as this is a nicely balanced bourbon, kettle corn and graham crackers on the nose, leather, sweetcorn, candied nuts, and caramel on the taste, and a soft finish with a light lingering spice.
Bobby Finan, co-founder of Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, New York
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $69.99
Why This Bourbon?
Kings County Straight Bourbon. These guys make a grain-to-glass bourbon in Brooklyn and have been at it for 12 years or so. As a distiller, I really like that they use Forsyth stills from Scotland; you don’t see too many of them in the American craft distilling world. I visited King’s County right after they opened over a decade ago and it’s what made me want to start a distillery. Flavors that make it great: It has a lot of brown sugar and chocolate notes beyond the traditional bourbon flavor suspects.
Mark McLaughlin, co-founder of Old Line Spirits in Baltimore
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $59.99
Why This Bourbon?
I’d strongly suggest that everyone try at least one bourbon from Wilderness Trail. They make great whiskey. In particular, every wheated bourbon I’ve had from Wilderness Trail has been very interesting and a great pour. I suggest Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bottled in Bond Bourbon for its bold, caramel, vanilla, and rich oak flavors.
Phil Morgan, distiller at Arcane American Whiskey in Brooklyn, New York
ABV: 42%
Average Price: $59.99
Why This Bourbon?
Almost any craft bourbon. Shopping and Supporting Local is important to me. Van Brunt Stillhouse Bourbon is definitely underrated. It’s my Local Favorite that I don’t make. What flavors make it great? The wheat in the four-grain mash bill makes for a really soft, long finish bourbon with a lovely oak and vanilla nose.
Alex Munch, founder of Stauning Danish Whisky in Denmark
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $44.99
Why This Bourbon?
Formerly Hudson Baby Bourbon, now called Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is an underrated expression. Spicy, sweet, simple, and easy to drink. It is young and vibrant and offers something different than other bourbons. Wood, vanilla, and yet still fairly ‘green’.
Rebecca Running, CEO of Darco Spirits in Philadelphia
ABV: 57%
Average Price: $35
Why This Bourbon?
Old Grandad 114. This is a little hidden gem. At $32 per bottle, it is a steal. I love the dark fruit and spice, along with oaky notes that give it a depth and character that truly overdeliver for the price. It should be much more popular than it is.
An Evening to Remember: Sipping Origen Vodka with Woody Harrelson
Actor Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson first became a household name playing a bartender on ‘Cheers’ and now has officially entered the drinks business as co-founder of Holistic Spirits Company — which features Origen Vodka and Harmony Gin infused with some of the star’s favorite ‘superfoods’ such as artichoke leaves and elderberries. I spoke with the Emmy Award-winner and three-time Oscar-nominee about his favorite drink, his love of Biodynamic wine and why Paul McCartney is a fun dinner date.
So I heard the first drink you ever had was some wine with your brother?
(Laughs) Oh yeah, that was not good. It was like Boone’s farm. Blackberry? I don’t know. It was horrifying. I didn’t have another drink for five years.
Was the next one something better at least?
I joined this fraternity and they used to do these jello shots. I don’t even know what you call that kind of alcohol. (Laughs) Very cheap, very high volatility.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey attend the launch party of new bar The Parrot at The Waldorf Hilton hosted by Idris Elba on November 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
When did your drinks become more sophisticated?
When I was first on Cheers I was always drinking 7 and 7. Eventually I got into the mindset that I wanted a cleaner drink. I rationalized that if I could get some fresh juice, like a Greyhound or a Screwdriver, that’s a little better.
Is that the path that led you to teaming up with Holistic Spirits?
When Amy Holmwood got in touch I was like well I think it’s high time that this happened. It seemed inevitable that eventually somebody is gonna put something in the alcohol that helps counteract the worst attributes of it. Something that helps the liver and the kidney. It just makes sense. My wife and I drank the Origen Vodka and first of all I loved the taste. And the next morning I felt nothing — I was like whoa, interest peaked.
What made you go from enjoying the vodka to wanting to be involved in the business?
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(Laughs) It was probably too many drinks that made me decide that. There’s so many celebrities doing it and who are doing it well. I’m not the type of person to push a product. I don’t like to be a salesman. As an actor you go out and try to sell your movie — but that’s always been very foreign and odd to me. And it feels odd to say I think you should drink this. You’re better off not drinking at all. But I do feel glad that this has some properties in it that maybe make it a little less harmful.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 27: Woody Harrelson attends the premiere of “Champions” at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on February 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
What is your favorite way to enjoy Origen Vodka in a cocktail?
I have a bar in Los Angeles called Holy Water and I had always wanted to have watermelon juice there. Because actual watermelon juice is just some magic. It’s the best hydrator possible. So Cam, who is the bartender and runs the whole ship, made a drink the last time I was there. It had watermelon juice in it and a little bit of pineapple juice. I drank it and I’m like this is phenomenal. You should have this here on the menu and call it ‘The Whatever.’ If you’re there, you can try it.
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I heard you’re also a fan of Biodynamic wine?
There was a place in New York called Candle 79. One of the best vegan restaurants I’ve ever attended. My friends owned it. We were hanging and having the most incredible conversation over this great Biodynamic wine. Somehow it made our conversation even better. And from that day I’ve always been a fan of biodynamic wine.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: Woody Harrelson on the ‘Cheers’ film stage in photo taken March 17, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
Tell me about a time you got to have a drink with one of your idols?
There have been many times with different idols. I’ve been very blessed that way to get to meet these people I so admire. Recently, it was Sir Paul McCartney. I joined him and a bunch of his family and friends for dinner. And we had some Holistic Spirits drinks. Ronnie Wood was there and just a lot of really cool people.
At the end of the night, everybody ended up leaving, and as we were headed out, he played me a new song he had just recorded for his new album. We’re literally right in the middle of the restaurant — waiters, people walking past us, some people going to the bathroom. And he plays his new song. I remember thinking my God, how lucky to be able to just have this experience. If you had told me when I was a kid that this would have happened, you know? I still feel that way in spite of having known him a long time.
Do you have any new projects coming out to watch for?
I’m going to do another show with Matthew McConaughey. It’s an Apple show. We’ll be playing fictionalized versions of ourselves, and it takes place in Austin. (Laughs) We already did the True Detective thing. It’ll be very different. I don’t think we can go back to that.
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Mike Love’s Kokomo-Inspired Rum: A Tropical Escape in Every Sip
Mike Love’s Club Kokomo Spirits line has been winning awards with its RTDs and rum that try and capture the feel of the iconic “Kokomo” song.
“Kokomo” is more than a song, it’s a feeling, according to legendary rocker Mike Love and his son Brian Love.
“Our music has always been—I call it a sonic oasis. We’ve always accentuated the positive,” said Mike Love, The Beach Boys music legend and “Kokomo” co-writer, during a recent Zoom call with me and his son, Brian Love.
Few songs have caught on in the collective cultural consciousness as being as inexorably linked to good times, beach vibes and summertime drinking as this ultra-catchy ode to an imaginary beach Paradise.
This is the feeling that Club Kokomo Spirits hopes to capture with its line of rums and ready-to-drink rum cocktails.
“We have a great vision—this great story of taking inspiration from the song and drawing from different aspects of rest and relaxation,” said Brian Love, who co-founded Club Kokomo Spirits with his dad. “Kokomo is no place. It’s more of a feeling. It’s where you go to self-consent to relax and get there fast and take it slow. So that ideology has really shaped the entire product line.”
Mike and Brian Love enjoy ready-to-drink cocktails from their Club Kokomo Spirits line, which was inspired by the classic Beach Boys song.
The seed for Club Kokomo was planted years ago when Mike Love was out with his wife enjoying his favorite cocktail, the mojito, when he started humming the words and hit upon the pun: Kokomojito. That led eventually to the idea of creating a ready-to-drink cocktail line, which launched in 2022. This spring Club Kokomo Spirits expanded to offering rum that fans can make their own cocktails with or sip on the rocks or neat.
But some over-hyped and priced celebrity vanity line (hi, George Clooney) Club Kokomo is not. To get the flavors right, the father-and-son duo have partnered with distiller Geoff Longenecker and Club Kokomo spirits are made at Seven Caves Spirits, an artisan distillery in San Diego. Each product undergoes intensive taste-testing with the Loves involved to ensure it gets the right balance of booze, sweetness, etc. Mike Love said the process was similar to creating sweet-sounding music.
“There’s harmony in sound, but there’s harmony in flavors as well, and we’re obsessed with getting the flavors right,” Mike Love said.
Brian Love agreed with his dad. “Just as The Beach Boys was a family band 60 years ago, this is a family brand,” he said. “We’re using the same approach to harmony in flavor as they did with the band.”
You can say the spirit line has hit the right notes: both its Artisanal White and Barrel Finished rums won double gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The white rum earned the even more prestigious “Best-in-class” distinction, making it one of five finalists for the competition’s Best in Show Top Shelf awards this October. I try a lot of spirits and Club Kokomo’s products really stand out. Particularly impressive are the rums themselves, they provide an excellent foundation for many classic rum drinks and are good sippers.
As for the song that inspired this spirits brand, it has booze in its sonic DNA. “Kokomo” was written for the 1988 Tom Cruise film “Cocktail.” Mike Love said writing the song was a true collaboration. “John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas did the melody of the verse, and I came up with ‘Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama…’ I came up with the chorus,” he said. He added that Terry Melcher, a successful producer, rounded out the lyrics. “He came up with, ‘I wanna take you down to Kokomo. We’ll get there fast so we can take it slow. That’s where you wanna go.’”
Mike Love had no idea the song would be a hit, which is always the case. “You always hope, as an artist that your song is going to go to number one, but it doesn’t always happen,” he says. “But we’ve been very fortunate as The Beach Boys. We have more top 40 songs than just about anybody, I think, other than perhaps those guys from across the pond.”
Love is not surprised “Kokomo” has been connected to good times for so many. Music in general, and Beach Boys music in particular, has that power, he said. He points to research from British psychologist Dr. Michael Bonshor showing that another iconic Beach Boys hit, “Good Vibrations” is the song that made people happiest.
This isn’t particularly surprising to any of us Beach Boys fans out there: after all, much like a great cocktail or spirit, a great song is a feeling and a vibe all on its own. And, it’s not scientific, but I swear Club Kokomo rums taste better when you sip them while listening to one particular classic rock band.
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In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.
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User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:
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JoJo Siwa Opens Up About Swigging Vodka Onstage at L.A. Pride: Here’s Why
Let’s be real: When it comes to the many Pride events that took place across the U.S. last month, JoJo Siwa was the talk of the town.
JoJo ended up performing at several events in locations like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City — and she didn’t always receive a warm reception.
During her NYC appearance as part of Trixie Mattel’s event, she ended up cursing out the crowd after getting booed. Rough stuff!
If you were paying attention to the general shenanigans across the month, you also probably saw pics of JoJo swigging from a bottle of Tito’s vodka during her Los Angeles Pride performance as well.
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During a recent episode of her podcast, JoJo revealed why she incorporated that into her set — and, more fascinatingly, who encouraged her to do so.
“This idea of doing this stemmed from, I was in rehearsals and we were starting a new routine [for] ‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow’s Today,’ and my 21st birthday had just passed,” she explained.
“I was like, ‘I wanna fucking take a shot before this.’ And my grandma was like, ‘Alright, JoJo. You should do it.’ And I was like, alright. Let’s do it!”
JoJo also explained that, as her swigging ritual became a “big thing” after the show, some questioned whether it was really booze she was drinking out of the bottle — and, according to her, it really was.
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“I bought out a jug of Tito’s, and people were like, ‘Woah. What are you doing? Is it real? Is it fake?’” she recalled.
“And I was like, ‘Bitch, it is what it fucking is. It’s a bottle of Tito’s.’”
OK then! You can listen to the entire episode .
Whiskey Experts Share Insights: 11 Underrated Bourbons You Need to Try Today
We write about whiskey (especially bourbon) fairly often. Like anyone, sometimes we get caught up in the hype and flash of popular or hard-to-find expressions. We feel like we just have to try them. It seems like everyone else is, why shouldn’t we? When this happens, sometimes we have to take a step back and think about some of the brands that don’t get enough praise but definitely deserve it. Sometimes these expressions are much easier to find. We’re talking about the underrated gems either waiting to be discovered or simply given the respect they deserve.
What does underrated mean, exactly?
Well, it’s not that easy to define as it often depends on who you’re asking and whether or not they mean “underappreciated” instead. There are plenty of great, underappreciated whiskeys from massive brands like Beam or Jack Daniel’s — Beam’s Little Book, Jack’s Coy Hill Series, Jack Daniel’s Rye, Jim Beam Rye(!). But when it comes to “rating” those expressions, there are plenty of accolades heading their way. So they’re inherently not “underrated”… just maybe not on enough radars.
We asked eleven whiskey experts, distillers, and alcohol professionals to tell us the most underrated bourbons to drink right now. We’re talking about bourbons that are undervalued and underappreciated. You’ll be surprised by their picks. You’ll recognize some names, but others are lesser-known and deserve much more acclaim than they currently receive.
Dr. Kenneth Maverick, founder of Maverick Whiskey in San Antonio, Texas
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $99.99
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon. Aged in oak barrels before being transferred to oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and cognac casks, it’s unique, flavorful, and deserves more recognition.
It’s sweet, rich, and bold chocolate and approachable mellow oak. It might not be on your radar yet, but it absolutely should be.
Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas
ABV: 58.5%
Average Price: $65.99
Why This Bourbon?
Old Ezra 101 7 Year is a truly underrated bourbon. Another favorite that I rarely see talked about but always delivers. Rich copper and wood sugar, biscuity with a soft peppery finish.
Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas
ABV: 47%
Average Price: $109.99
Why This Bourbon?
I think people need to revisit Garrison and Balcones craft distilleries. There is a myth that these Texas whiskeys don’t taste as good, but I don’t believe that one bit. They’ve been perfecting their craft for 10 years now. I tasted a Garrison Single Barrel that was rich and chewy recently, and with lovely deep caramels.
Jeremy Kasler, CEO of CaskX, a bourbon cask investment firm, in Los Angeles
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $36.99
Why This Bourbon?
Hands down, the most underrated bourbon is Russell’s Reserve 10 Year. I hate to even put this in print for fear it’ll become harder to find, but I’ve been stocking up for some time, so we’re good. With a price point of around $35, this 10-year-old Wild Turkey-made bourbon is damn near perfect, with hints of baked cherry pie drizzled in caramel and dark chocolate.
Brad Jennings, whiskey expert at North of Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $23.99
Why This Bourbon?
I’d say one of the most underrated bourbons is Old Grand-Dad Bottled and Bond. It has a nice cinnamon and baking spice flavor, it’s great. It’s surprisingly cheap, well-balanced, and a favorite of bartenders, drinkers, and pretty much every whiskey fan out there. Yet, it’s still underrated.
Colin Keegan, founder of Santa Fe Spirits in Santa Fe, New Mexico
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $29.99
Why This Bourbon?
Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon at 92 proof. This unassuming label, bottle, and price point are deceiving, as this is a nicely balanced bourbon. Kettle corn and graham crackers on the nose, leather, sweetcorn, candied nuts, and caramel on the taste, with a soft finish and light lingering spice.
Bobby Finan, co-founder of Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, New York
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $69.99
Why This Bourbon?
Kings County Straight Bourbon. These guys make a grain-to-glass bourbon in Brooklyn and have been at it for 12 years or so. As a distiller, I really like that they use Forsyth stills from Scotland; you don’t see too many of them in the American craft distilling world. I visited King’s County right after they opened over a decade ago and it’s what made me want to start a distillery. Flavors that make it great: It has a lot of brown sugar and chocolate notes beyond the traditional bourbon flavor suspects.
Mark McLaughlin, co-founder of Old Line Spirits in Baltimore
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $59.99
Why This Bourbon?
I’d strongly suggest that everyone try at least one bourbon from Wilderness Trail. They make great whiskey. In particular, every wheated bourbon I’ve had from Wilderness Trail has been very interesting and a great pour. I suggest Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bottled in Bond Bourbon for its bold, caramel, vanilla, and rich oak flavors.
Phil Morgan, distiller at Arcane American Whiskey in Brooklyn, New York
ABV: 42%
Average Price: $59.99
Why This Bourbon?
Almost any craft bourbon. Shopping and Supporting Local is important to me. Van Brunt Stillhouse Bourbon is definitely underrated. It’s my Local Favorite that I don’t make. What flavors make it great? The wheat in the four-grain mash bill makes for a really soft, long finish bourbon with a lovely oak and vanilla nose.
Alex Munch, founder of Stauning Danish Whisky in Denmark
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $44.99
Why This Bourbon?
Formerly Hudson Baby Bourbon, now called Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is an underrated expression. Spicy, sweet, simple, and easy to drink. It is young and vibrant and offers something different than other bourbons. Wood, vanilla, and yet still fairly ‘green’.
Rebecca Running, CEO of Darco Spirits in Philadelphia
ABV: 57%
Average Price: $35
Why This Bourbon?
Old Grandad 114. This is a little hidden gem. At $32 per bottle, it is a steal. I love the dark fruit and spice, along with oaky notes that give it a depth and character that truly overdeliver for the price. It should be much more popular than it is.