Liquor-articles 1933

In this article, we are going to discuss the no. 1 rum for beginners in 2024. If you want more options to take your first steps into the alluring world of rum, check out our full list of the 15 Best Rums for Beginners in 2024.

As we mentioned in our article – The Best Rum in 2024 – the global rum market was estimated at $17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Rum is building momentum and getting more popular in the U.S.A. Today, the category is one of the most steadily growing and continues to benefit from several intersecting popularity shifts. In recent years, distillers have experimented with flavored rums, making the category much more versatile in offerings, and so today, flavored and spiced offerings account for over 57% of all rums sold.

The growth of premium rum has also been reflected in the merger and acquisition space recently. It was announced last year that Brown-Forman Corporation had completed the acquisition of the Diplomático Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain), for an estimated $725 million. The spirits giant announced its agreement to purchase the brand in October 2022, giving it an entry into the growing super-premium rum category.

As part of the acquisition, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) expanded its operations by acquiring a Panama-based aging, bottling, and shipping production facility. Destillers United Group S.L. will maintain the production and aging of the uniquely crafted and complex Diplomático Rum at their original distillery located at the base of the Andes mountains.

At the close of Q1 2024, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) witnessed shares being held by 30 hedge funds. Fundsmith LLP emerged as the largest shareholder, possessing approximately 11.46 shares with a market value of $591.5 million.

Another prominent player in the rum market, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEo), also made headlines by completing the acquisition of the Don Papa Rum brand in 2023. The agreement included an initial payment of $276 million with an additional performance-based consideration up to $188.6 million projected through to 2028. Don Papa Small Batch Rum, a high-end dark rum from the Philippines, is currently available in over 30 nations worldwide.

Moreover, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has been in the news for its innovative approach towards sustainable packaging, collaborating with PA Consulting and PulPac. They plan to trial a paper bottle for the Irish Cream Liqueur Baileys, primarily composed of mold dry fiber making up 90% of the material, supplemented with a thin plastic liner and a foil seal. Simultaneously, the company is also experimenting with a unique spiral-wound paper-based bottle for its Don o’Papa rum, currently undergoing feasibility tests and expected to comprise 90% paper-based material.

The stock of DEO was also held by 30 hedge funds at the end of Q1 2024 according to the Insider Monkey database, with a total stake value of approximately $634.21 million. Orbis Investment Management held the largest stake, with about 1.54 million shares worth $229.2 million.

Both Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) and Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) are listed among the Most Valuable Alcohol Companies in the World.

With that in mind, here are the Best Rums to Try for Your First Time.

For this article, we consulted several sources, including RumX, Master of Malt, Tasting Table, Reddit, and others to discover the Best Rums for Beginners. We identified the most frequently recommended rums across these platforms, assigning each a score for every recommendation, then added up the scores to rank the rums. In cases where multiple rums earned the same score, they were further ranked by the price of their 750 ml bottles before tax.</onds, and others to discover theBest Rums for Beginners. We identified the most frequently recommended rums across these platforms, assigning each a score for every recommendation, then added up the scores to rank the rums. In cases where multiple rums earned the same score, they were further ranked by the price of their 750 ml bottles before tax.

Insider Monkey Score: 16

A true expression of Master Blender Joy Spence’s passion, this single estate spirit is made from hand-selected, rare golden rums aged for a minimum of 12 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica. Smooth, robust, and woody – this superb blend reveals aromas of toasted oak, dried fruit, hazelnut, dark cocoa, molasses, orange peel, vanilla, and hints of coffee. Perfect for sipping or mixing into extraordinary cocktails, AE 12 Rare Casks is bottled at 43% ABV.

Appleton Estate, the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica, produces over 10 million liters of rum annually, 80% of which is destined to be exported.

To learn about other entry-level rums, you can refer to our list of the 15 Best Rums for Beginners in 2024.

At Insider Monkey, we explore various subjects from top rums to business insights; but our forte is pinpointing high-performing stocks. Presently, one of the most exciting areas is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For an AI stock that has more potential than NVDA and trades for less than five times its earnings, view our analysis on the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks.

Disclosure: This content was originally released at Insider Monkey.

Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey in U.S. history, and founder and CEO Fawn Weaver has plans for the future that don’t include selling the valuable brand.

Fawn Weaver, at Uncle Nearest headquarters in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Have you tried Uncle Nearest whiskey? I’m thrilled to share my latest magazine feature, all about this incredibly fast-growing business and its founder and CEO Fawn Weaver. After visiting Uncle Nearest’s distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, I began to fully grasp what Weaver has been building over the past seven years, and wow was I blown away.

Weaver’s entrepreneurial celebration of Nearest Green—the formerly enslaved first master distiller of Jack Daniel’s who Weaver calls “the best whiskey maker the world never knew”— has been a runaway success since it launched in 2017. Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey in U.S. history—its sales have tripled since 2022—and the best-selling Black-founded and -led spirit of all time.

I go deep, explaining how Weaver has refined the playbook for how to build an independent spirits startup. She has shunned venture capital and private equity funding in favor of lots of smaller investments, structuring deals to maintain control of the company and ownership of the land.

“I don’t believe you own the brand unless you own the land. It’s special to us. But it’s also incredibly special to Black people,” Weaver told me. “Historically, we’ve done a lot of renting but not a lot of owning. A lot of being an ambassador and building other people’s stuff, but not a whole lot of building our own.”

Despite Weaver’s ban on institutional capital, investment bankers constantly reach out. Forbes conservatively estimates her business is worth $1.1 billion, and Weaver’s stake is valued at $470 million, which lands her on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women for the first time.

Many spirits brands reach a level of scale and “just kind of peter out,” Goldman Sachs’ Jason Coppersmith, a top food and beverage banker, explained to me: “What Fawn and team have been able to do is bucking the trend,” says Coppersmith. “Uncle Nearest is a brand that’s getting a lot of attention for the exact right reasons.”

But Weaver says she will never sell. Her vision is bigger than that.

“I’ve stood my ground even when people were saying, ‘She has to have a number,’” Weaver explained. “They’ve thrown every number at me and gotten the same response—no. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

I can’t wait for you to dig into this inspiring story.

— Chloe Sorvino, Staff Writer

This is Forbes’ Fresh Take newsletter, delivered every Friday, updating you on revolutionary ideas transforming the future of food. To receive it in your inbox weekly, Sign up here.

Fawn Weaver has perfected the strategy for launching a successful spirits business.

Fawn Weaver established Uncle Nearest to commemorate the previously enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of superb whiskey production. Seven years on, she leads the leading Black-owned liquor company, now valued at $1.1 billion, with bold visions for its expansion.

Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver, artist Katy Perry, and ABC Supply Chairman Diane Hendricks.

Weaver and another alcohol industry pioneer, Merrilee Kick, join this year’s list. Four women from the food sector including The Wonderful Company’s Lynda Resnick, Panda Express’ Peggy Cherng, and Clif Bar’s Kit Crawford have also returned to the rankings.

Bird flu typically spreads among birds, but there have been recent instances among cattle, including a case where a Texas man contracted the virus from infected cows. Many experts are concerned about the potential for a new pandemic.

The frozen food line, dubbed Vital Pursuit, will feature a variety of nutrient-dense meal options priced at $4.99 and under.

Chinese ecommerce sites Shein and Temu ship the equivalent of 88 Boeing 777 freighters of cargo worldwide every day. Cyrus Farivar reports on their “continuous ‘thirst’ for air freight,” environmental cost, and lack of a maritime logistics solution as they supercharge their expansion into the U.S.

Thanks for reading the 112th edition of Forbes Fresh Take! Let me know what you think. Subscribe to Forbes Fresh Take here.

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

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.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.

The bottle stands at a towering height at London Stansted

Get the latest North East What’s On news delivered straight to your inbox – sign up for free email updates

We have more newsletters

Get the latest North East What’s On news delivered straight to your inbox – sign up for free email updates

We have more newsletters

This summer, the largest vodka bottle in the world, which holds an astonishing 259 litres of alcohol, is on display at a London airport, drawing the attention of vacationers. If you’re willing to spend £150,000, this colossal bottle could be yours.

Standing 6ft 8in tall and weighing 300kg, this massive bottle crafted by Au Vodka is situated in the international departure lounge at Stansted Airport, a perfect spot for Brits heading off in search of sunshine.

On Friday [May 24], the Guinness World Records officially recognized this as the largest vodka bottle anywhere, surpassing the previous record-holder which had a capacity of 200 litres.

An image depicts DJ and Au Vodka investor Charlie Sloth alongside a record adjudicator from Guinness World Records, both in front of an immense bottle.

Guinness World Records confirmed that the immense bottle maintained proportionality and used the same materials as a standard 70cl size bottle, declaring it a ‘fantastic achievement.’

The golden bottle resembles the standard products of Au Vodka, yet this massive version contains 350 times the alcohol of their normal 700ml bottle.

Arriving at Stansted Airport on May 24, the enormous bottle will stay there until June 24, when Charlie Sloth announces it will hit the market for an astounding £150,000.

Au Vodka has stated that several well-known personalities have shown interest in acquiring a bottle large enough that one could consume a 25ml shot daily for 28 years and still not empty it.

On May 17th, Au Vodka completed their measurement endeavor and subsequently submitted their results to the Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records official Richard Stenning commented, “The Engineering and effort dedicated to securing this Guinness World Record title is remarkable.”

“Housing 259 liters of vodka is no small feat, and the craftsmanship of the bottle is meticulous.”

“To comply with our guidelines it is all to scale and using the same materials as the standard 70cl size bottle. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this fantastic achievement, please drink responsibly!”

The previous world record was reportedly held by Polish vodka brand Chopin to mark the 200th birthday of the composer the brand was named after.

Tom Smith, Sales Director UK and Ireland of Au Vodka, said: “This installation represents a milestone not just for AU Vodka but for the spirits industry as a whole.

“Given the success of Au Vodka in the UK and notably the vast growth in the travel retail market, we wanted to push boundaries and create an experience that resonates with consumers on a global scale, not only in the UK.”

Charlie Morgan, Managing Director at Au Vodka, remarked, “Our objective was to introduce a distinctive element to the beverage sector, transcending conventional marketing techniques.

“Presenting the World’s Largest Vodka Bottle at Stansted is not merely for show; it symbolizes the expansive vision of our brand and our desire to be distinctive in the international vodka arena.”

Stephen Martin, Retail Director at London Stansted, commented, “This is both an enjoyable and significant gesture from Au Vodka, and we are pleased with their ongoing success here at London Stansted.”

Aisha Dad, category manager at World Duty Free for Liquor, expressed, “We are thrilled to collaborate with AU on this groundbreaking achievement, and are committed to ongoing teamwork with the brand to bring unique and engaging events to our stores, enhancing our customers’ experiences and making their travel remarkable and unforgettable!”

Au Vodka has committed to providing travelers a 10% discount on their bottles purchased at duty free in Stansted.

Search efforts are continuing for missing hillwalker Mary Molloy on the Isle of Rum.

Members of Lochaber MRT, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, Police Scotland Highland & Islands and Search & Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) have been deployed on the island by boat.

Meanwhile, Lochaber MRT, team members were dropped by helicopter into difficult terrain with the assistance of Coastguard Rescue 151 from Inverness.

Ms Molloy was last seen walking in the area between Trollabhal’ and ‘Bealach an Fhuarain’ around 2.30pm on Saturday, May 25. She was then in contact with family around 6.30pm but it is unknown where she was at that time.

READ MORE: Major search ongoing for woman, 68, reported missing on Isle of Rum

It’s thought Mary was trying to make her way back to the Dibidil area and may have become disorientated.

Mary is described as around 5ft 8in tall, of average build with long grey hair. When she was last seen she was wearing a turquoise waterproof jacket, red trousers, brown walking boots, blue hat and red gloves. She was also carrying a grey rucksack.

Inspector Graham Brown said: “Mary is a keen hillwalker but from what we’ve been told she may have become disorientated and failed to follow her planned route.

“We have specialist resources, including mountain rescue teams, helicopter and search dogs, in the area but we also need the public’s help with information.

“I’d appeal to anyone who was on Rum yesterday and thinks they may have seen someone matching her description to come forward. Also, anyone who may have known Mary’s intended route or areas she was keen to visit it urged to get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3149 of 25 May.

The aim was to create a safe platform for informed discussion, a place where readers could engage in heated debates revolving around the most significant stories of the day. Unfortunately, quite a few websites have seen their comment sections become the battleground for off-topic discussions and abuse.

heraldscotland.com is addressing this issue by allowing only its subscribed readers to comment.

In an effort to enhance the experience for our devoted readers, this initiative intends to decrease the influence of trolls and troublemakers – those who exploit our platform to abuse our journalists and readers. We hope that this move will facilitate the comment section to live up to its potential as a vital part of Scotland’s internal dialogue.

We consider ourselves fortunate at The Herald. We are favoured by a sophisticated and knowledgeable readership who contribute their wisdom and insights to our stories.

That is invaluable.

We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don’t want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.

In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com

Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.

Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.

by: Kyara Brown

Posted: May 29, 2024 / 09:43 PM CDT

Updated: May 29, 2024 / 09:43 PM CDT

SAWYER, ND (KXNET) — A local bar is getting its liquor license back after it was suspended for having 17 minors inside.

The Whiskey Bandits Bar’s new license received approval from the Sawyer City Council members during a special meeting on Wednesday, however, it came with certain conditions.

The bar’s previous owner, Cynthia Ellis, admitted her guilt recently in allowing underage individuals into her liquor establishment. The Sheriff’s Department stated that the violation took place in March and involved a total of 17 minors present at the bar, with 15 of them consuming alcohol.

Subsequent to the incident, the bar’s liquor license was suspended and the establishment has remained closed until now.

The liquor license and LLC have now been transferred into the names of Ellis’ daughter and her husband, who were given the go-ahead for a new license on Wednesday. In accordance with city ordinance, Ellis is no longer permitted to have a liquor license in her name, however, she maintains ownership of the bar building itself.

Ellis confesses that she depended on a newly recruited bar worker to inspect ID’s that evening, which the employee neglected to do, leading to minors obtaining access with fake ID’s.

Looking ahead, their strategy will be to implement the use of an ID card scanner and to carry out a rigorous check on every individual at the entrance. Ellis holds the view that under-age drinking is a rampant problem that urgently warrants attention.

In spite of this occurrence, she expresses relief that no one was injured then and is eager to proceed onwards.

“I am aware of several measures we are going to enforce to ensure such an event never replays,” stated Ellis. “I am relieved that my bar is commencing operations again. My husband and daughter have stepped in, they are being considered on the liquor license. I am still present at the building and ready to generate fun times again. I am buoyant about the future, eager to resume operations.”

According to Ellis, the Whiskey Bandits bar is expected to reopen sometime in June.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The purpose of Father’s Day is to cherish the father figures in your life. This compilation proposes simple but practical gift alternatives that they will cherish.

Regardless if you’re aspiring to add a bit of scent to your daily endeavors or wish to use for special moments, a delightful bottle of cologne can meet the requirement.

If you possess excess items but wouldn’t want your children to be burdened with it post your demise, Swedish death cleaning could be the solution! Here’s all you need.

by: Sarah Jindra, Ji Suk Yi

Posted: May 29, 2024 / 03:51 PM CDT

Updated: May 29, 2024 / 03:51 PM CDT

Whiskey inspired by friendship and family roots. One Chicago man is establishing his legacy by making strides in Chicago’s black-owned whiskey industry. Alexander James Whiskey treasures the tradition of storytelling while honoring generations to come.

alexanderjameswhiskey.com

Spotlight Chicago airs weekdays on WGN from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The purpose of Father’s Day is to honor the father figures in your life. This list has simple yet practical gift ideas they will love.

Whether you’re looking to add some fragrance to your daily routine or wear on special occasions, a nice-smelling bottle of cologne can do the trick.

Walmart is steadfast in its plans to sell Pride merch to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Check out its range of Pride Month products!

Vodka Cruiser has declared its latest line of liqueurs, Vodka Cruiser Flavours, available in three tastes namely Wicked Watermelon, Bangin’ Boysenberry and Punchy Passionfruit.

Monique Di Gregorio, the Marketing Manager of Vodka Cruiser, intimated that the new line is a strategy for the brand to widen its scope.

She stated, “Our pre-mixed range is what has made us renowned, but it is time for our fans to add their personal touch to how they fancy Vodka Cruiser Flavours. We’ve invaded the spirits aisle, providing more alternatives for patrons looking for a flavourful mixed drink or to enhance their cocktail productions.”

The vodka-rooted liqueurs can be enjoyed over ice, paired with a mixer, or used as a spritz base according to the suggested servings.

“There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something to pair with a pantry staple like soda water or lemonade, or jazzing up a punch to make a crowd pleaser. Our customers have told us they want to see innovation like this and we are delivering,” Di Gregorio added.

Vodka Cruiser Flavours have an RRP of $35 for a 700mL bottle, with an ABV of 20 per cent.

Your dad deserves the best. He’s the one who taught you how to tie your shoe, how to whistle, how to drive, and how to cherish a quiet moment at the end of the day while appreciating a drink of something genuinely special. This Father’s Day, consider expressing your gratitude with a bottle of Zacapa ultra-premium aged rum—and maybe something extra that convinces him to share.

These opulent aged rums are an ideal gift for any enthusiast of dark spirits. Regardless if your dad fancies a meticulously crafted old-fashioned or savors the simplicity of a neat pour, aged rum brings a nuanced touch, blending beautifully in cocktails typically made with whiskey. Aficionados of aged tequilas will find aged rums intriguing as well, enjoyed on the rocks or solo.

Initiated in 1976, Zacapa aged rums hail from Guatemala and are crafted by Lorena Vásquez, one of the few female master blenders globally. Vásquez’s process is methodical: firstly, virgin sugarcane is harvested in southern Guatemala and pressed into a syrup used for distillation, introducing the rum’s base flavor notes. Subsequently, the rums are diligently blended before aging them ‘above the clouds’ at 7,545 feet in Zacapa’s “House Above the Clouds”. Here, they develop intricate aromas and flavors from the array of casks they are conditioned in. Vásquez has devised an innovative barrel-aging system known as the “Sistema Solera”, letting the rums circulate through a diverse range of hand-selected casks, formerly used to age whiskey, cognac, sherry, and Pedro Ximénez wines.

The final touch that embellishes every bottle of Zacapa aged rum is a band of petate, artisanal matting woven from dried palm leaves, dating back to the Mayan civilization. Starting from 1999, Zacapa Rum has been providing jobs for Guatemalan communities impacted by challenging times to weave the distinctive petate band. This craft passed down through generations generates income for these families. Presently, Zacapa Rum employs over 700 women to weave the petate bands, which have become synonymous with the aged rum; the brand truly values its association with the community.

Show your appreciation towards your dad for the influential role he played in your life by introducing him to an indulgent aged rum, Zacapa Rum. Zacapa Rum is available for delivery at ReserveBar, or locate a store near you through the Zacapa Rum website. You never know, Dad might reciprocate your gesture with a bottle of your own. Gather inspiration from the subsequent gift pairing ideas with Zacapa No. 23, Zacapa Edición Negra, and Zacapa XO Rum—including a limited-edition decanter by Zacapa Rum and Luar.

Zacapa No. 23 Rum

Gift: Deluxe Guatemalan Chocolate

Delve into the complex flavors of the Zacapa aged rum, encompassing hints of coffee, vanilla, and dried fruits by pairing it with high-quality gourmet chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. The harmonious blend of corresponding profiles, as well as their contrasting nuances, will help accentuate the optimal flavors in both.

Zacapa Edición Negra Rum

Gift: Cut-glass tumblers

An aged rum like Zacapa Edición Negra tastes amazing no matter how you pour it. Serve it in style with some fine, heavy-bottomed cut-glass tumblers—all will bring out the bold, smokey, woody finish that is the result of aging in double-charred oak casks.

Zacapa XO Rum

Gift: Decanter

The intricate subtleties of Zacapa XO Rum, matured in French cognac casks, are amplified when served from a decanter. Zacapa Rum collaborates with Luar in presenting this limited-edition decanter. It is encased in a bespoke sleeve, combining Luar’s opulent custom leather with the distinguished petate weave associated with Zacapa Rum.

Zacapa No. 23 Rum

Gift: Luxurious cocktail shaker

If your dad is a fan of mixed drinks, he’ll definitely appreciate a high-end cocktail shaker as a gift. There are various choices available: from antique brass to glass or even a hand-tooled leather-wrapped shaker. (Putting his initials on it would certainly add an extra touch!) No matter what, Zacapa No. 23 Rum is an excellent choice for a sour, daiquiri, or Zacapa espresso.

Zacapa XO Rum

Present suggestion: Brass spherical ice press

Zacapa XO Rum is best savored neat or with ice. Large ice cubes are a perfect accompaniment as they cool the aged rum without making it dilute too quickly. You can find beautiful brass spherical ice presses which can mold a large ice block into a perfect sphere, the optimal shape to pair with this exclusive aged rum.

The East End in Providence has a lot of the elements you’d expect to find in a whiskey bar: moody lighting, leather chairs, dark wood, and sets of deep blue velvet curtains tied off by golden ropes. The bar has lots of little cubbies, and every inch of the shelves is full of bottles of dark-hued liquor.

The bartenders need to climb onto a ladder or onto the bar itself to reach parts of the restaurant’s collection of more than 400 types of whiskey. The East End was opened seven years ago by Gil MacLean (who also owns Bottles, the popular East Side liquor store), and is getting another wave of investment, including doubling down on their late-night and spirit programs, which boasts far more whiskey varieties than many other watering holes around the city. They underwent a three-week renovation in late 2023, and hired Josh Davis as the tavern’s new executive chef. Davis, who previously worked in kitchens in Boston and Portland, Maine, and most notably served as the chef de cuisine for Portland’s Duckfat, is focused on keeping the bar’s approachable menu in tune with customer demands.

The East End will soon be launching a newsletter for new whiskey drops, and will restart product launch events and whiskey tastings that were more prevalent prior to the pandemic, said Hannah Weaver, a long-time bartender who was promoted to East End’s general manager.

“We’ll hold onto some limited editions for a while, and then release them at the restaurant. It’ll feel like you’re getting a final taste,” said Weaver, who said they have a collection of bottles from the early 2010s that haven’t yet been touched.

As old-as-time cocktails — like the Sazerac, Highball, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour — surged in popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, whiskey bars also made a resurgence.

For a time, it felt like nearly every other bar was part of the craft cocktail renaissance, and “mixologists” were attempting to create their own versions of Prohibition Era offerings. Owners advertised their establishments as “speakeasies,” handlebar mustaches became “in” again, and suspenders became a standard part of the uniform. But many of these places had one thing in common: Much of their identity was built on the 21st century whiskey wave. Those on the outskirts of the mainstream who were working with mezcal or rum were still trying to recreate that whiskey taste — smoky and defined.

Changing tastes, market pressures, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed whiskey into a downward spiral by 2020, but the decline in sales did not last long. Sales for bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye whiskey rose by nearly 7 percent in 2021 to $4.6 billion that year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

“Whiskey never goes out of style,” said Weaver.

Weaver — who previously worked in bars and restaurants in Seattle, New York, and Detroit — thinks of The East End’s massive whiskey collection the same way the kitchen thinks about its food. “We want everything to be approachable,” said Weaver. “But with our whiskey, we want it to be educational for the pros, and for those who have never really tasted whiskey before.”

Collectors’ editions of whiskey can run into the thousands of dollars. But Weaver said the bar will build a whiskey tasting flight for any budget — starting at $20. “Understanding and appreciating whiskey doesn’t have to be unaffordable,” she told me.

Advertisement

“At the end of the day, we’re a neighborhood bar,” Weaver added.

This story first appeared in The Food Club, a free weekly email newsletter about Rhode Island food and dining. Already a member of the club? Check your inbox for more news, recipes, and features in the latest newsletter. Not a member yet? If you’d like to receive it via e-mail each Thursday, you can sign up here. Have an idea for a dining guide in Rhode Island? Email RhodeIslandFoodClub@globe.com.

Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.

Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce, abbreviated as DDEC, rewarded the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, popularly referred to as RUM, with a sum of $1 million. This substantial sum serves as an incentive that seeks to invigorate creative tasks, fundamental and applied studies via the Center for Agro-industrial Innovation and Technology, otherwise known as CITAI. This funding is specifically dedicated to catering to the needs of the local and international agricultural biomes and the value-added food production chain.

This financial incentive promotes collaborations designed to enhance training, bolster technical support provision, foster the development of innovative products, and incubate burgeoning enterprises. Furthermore, it aims to revolutionize CITAI’s governance framework, ensuring its future self-sustainability.

Additionally, part of the grant will be dedicated to procuring modern apparatus and machines, expanding current facilities, and formulating robust contingency plans, as per the institution’s officials.

In a statement, DDEC Secretary Manuel Cidre affirmed the island government’s dedication to continuously formulating and implementing innovative initiatives in the research and development sector. This initiative aims to cement Puerto Rico’s reputation as the Caribbean hub for the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.

“This is part of its diversified economic development plan that includes the modernization of agriculture and achieving food sustainability,” he noted.

Cidre emphasized that research and development, knowledge creation, commercialization and intellectual property protection are crucial to supporting and maintaining a healthy innovation ecosystem.

“This agreement with CITAI is consistent with our interest in achieving the transfer of discoveries from the laboratory to the market, a key element on the path to innovation and economic vitality. We share the mission of promoting a world-class agribusiness through associations and research that lead to commercialization and contribute to the growth and socioeconomic well-being of Puerto Rico,” Cidre added.

RUM Rector Agustín Rullán-Toro noted that CITAI provides the food and beverage industry in Puerto Rico with the “necessary knowledge, resources and technology to strengthen its position and be more competitive within Puerto Rico, but also to prepare it for exporting, which is one of the activities that seeks to promote an economy that develops the agro-industrial workforce and promotes economic development on the island.”

“This relationship between the RUM and the DDEC can be likened to a seed and fertilizer needed for growth. It is paramount that there’s mutual cooperation among government bodies, academic institutions and industries. This is key to advancing the welfare of all, while also promoting top-tier research in fields that matter to the growth, sustainance and overall development of CITAI,” mentioned Rullán-Toro.

“This collaboration would provide the necessary support for scientists, engineers, and tech professionals to bring their innovative projects to life, which would in turn bolster our economy and society through knowledge exchange, learning and effective implementation,” he further elaborated. “Recent disaster situations have underlined the necessity of local production of food items and the creation of superior infrastructure that can respond quickly to any challenges that pop up, including those of an emergency nature.”

The agreement also highlights the importance of transforming agricultural resources into products with added value, thereby generating more income and job opportunities, along with propelling science, quality standards, and technology.

The focus areas of implementation would include corporate structure, governance and management, facility and equipment provision, marketing and business growth, and programs that boost economic development.

The work plan includes establishing the roles and responsibilities of the talent to be hired, identifying projects and investment, and evaluating initiatives to modernize and optimize infrastructure, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the agro-industrial sector.