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It might have taken a while for the party to hit its peak, but once the ‘big, bad soca’ picked up, Rum For Breakfast dominated the Hope Gardens area on Saturday morning.

Rum For Breakfast, one of the most significant pre-road march events of Bacchanal Jamaica, attracted a large audience.

The event was scheduled to start at 7:00 am, but by midday, the venue was almost full with visitors still pouring in.

Back to its roots, located within the rich garden area, the beloved breakfast party provided soca enthusiasts precisely what they craved.

People were clearly enjoying themselves as they danced with abandon, the perspiration on their bodies attesting to the intensity of their movements as they surrendered to the captivating rhythms of the music.

The responsibility of establishing the ambiance early on fell to disc jockeys such as Matthew Camps, Kyle Nocturnal, and Tyler Fyah, who aptly carried out their duty of getting the attendees in the mood for revelry as the day wore on. Tunes like Machel Mantano’s Happiest Man Alive, Kerwin Du Bois’ Too Real, Destra Garcia’s Just a Little Bit, and Patrice Roberts’ Anxiety held the crowd mesmerized as they flexed their hips in preparation for the main event.

The exhilaration within the confines of Hope Gardens merely intensified as the patrons lost themselves in the selections of the disc jockeys.

The celebration escalated to new levels of enjoyment after DJs Franco and Brush1, collectively known as the Road Marshall, delivered on their promise. The duo kept the crowd entertained with a succession of popular anthems, bringing the party to a culmination.

However, as the energy within Rum For Breakfast intensified, the breakfast buffet consistently performed at its peak. It offered delightful breakfast delights, including traditional Jamaican breakfast dishes like rundown mackerel, ackee and saltfish, callaloo, and others. The organisers ensured the attendees were fully satisfied as they revelled. As noon approached, the menu swiftly transitioned to include lunch specials such as mutton curry and a creamy pasta with jerk chicken.

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A man on Reddit who uninvited a friend from an annual Academy Awards party after the friend broke an expensive bottle of whiskey and refused to pay for a replacement was not wrong to do so — though he may want to adjust his priorities, other Reddit users decided.

An individual with the user name “InternationalList333” asked others about the situation in a March 8 post on the subreddit AITA (“Am I the A–hole”) — drawing some 4,500 reactions with approximately 2,000 comments in a short time.

In the post, the writer asked if he was wrong “for uninviting my friend from my Oscar party over a bottle of [whiskey].” The man, 29, said that every year, he and his wife, “Kate,” age 27, host a party to watch the Academy Awards, something they’ve done for five years.

“We dress up well, place bets on the winners and eat popcorn,” he said. “It’s a fun tradition that many of our friends look forward to every year. One of those people is ‘Rick’ (28M), a friend of mine from college.”

The Reddit poster said his wife “loves” whiskey — and ahead of last year’s party, she received a gift of an expensive bottle from her father. The bottle cost $175, the Redditor said.

However, as “Kate” had recently given birth and was still breastfeeding, she did not yet open the bottle. 

“During last year’s watch party, [the friend] Rick got wasted,” wrote the man in his post. 

“While searching for a different item in our alcoholic storage, he unintentionally shattered the bottle. He extended numerous apologies once his intoxication subsided. I was ticked off, nonetheless, the liquor belonged to Kate, she pardoned him, so I chose to disregard the incident.” 

According to InternationalList333, at that gathering, only his friend Rick was inebriated. 

“To add, we chose the beverages and placed them on the kitchen slab. Rick invaded the cabinet hunting for a bottle of alcohol (without prior permission from me), and was the standalone individual who performed this act,” the gentleman claimed. 

Post a few weeks of the event, InternationalList333 along with his spouse questioned Rick about his plans to compensate for the shattered whiskey bottle.

“He was shocked at our question, and told us he didn’t intend to. Rick’s been having problems with finances for quite some time and often struggles with his rent,” the man shared on Reddit.

“He made a point that since we were aware about his situation, we should not expect him to pay for a bottle of whiskey that cost $175.”

Rick was provided an ultimatum by InternationalList333: He would have to replace the whiskey by the time the next year’s party rolled around, or else he wouldn’t be invited anymore.

“He agreed at that time,” he noted. “Randomly throughout the year, I would ask him about the progress, he always reassured me saying that he was nearing his target.”

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This turned out to be untrue, apparently. 

Last week, I asked Rick about it again. He confessed he hadn’t actually saved any money for the bottle, wrote the Reddit poster. So I kept my promise and uninvited him from the party.

This apparently made Rick and his girlfriend very upset — who said

breaking the bottle was a “drunken mistake.”

They also insist that I’m being unsympathetic and entitled by expecting Rick to pay for a new bottle, he said. 

Kate’s on my side, but is worried we’re being too harsh. I really don’t think we are, but as Sunday approaches, I’m starting to feel guilty,” wrote InternationalList333.

Fox News Digital reached out to InternationalList333 for additional comments or updates.

On the AITA subreddit, people can respond to posts and indicate the poster is “NTA” (“Not the A-hole”), “YTA” (“You’re the A-hole”), “NAH” (“No A-holes Here”) or “ESH” (“Everyone Sucks Here”).

Users can “upvote” responses they think are helpful and “downvote” ones that are not.

Despite the vigorous debate in the approximately 2,000 responses to the post, the consensus was that InternationalList333 wasn’t in the wrong for expecting his friend to purchase a replacement bottle for the one he’d broken. However, many felt that it might not be worth jeopardizing the friendship over this matter.

“NTA. Regardless of whether he was drunk or not, he destroyed a

gift from a father to his daughter and then lied about it. That being said, if you’ve known him for a long time, and he’s always been a good friend, I would overlook it,” commented Reddit user “rafaelvandercan”, which was the most upvoted comment.

“The value of friendship exceeds the unintentional loss of a few hundred dollars,” added the same user.

Another highly-rated commentator agreed, stating that since Rick already had a history of breaking things, he “shouldn’t be allowed back in your house until he rights his wrong, either by replacing the broken item or compensating you for its value,” said a user named “7hr0wn.”

“It doesn’t matter that the item was a bottle of liquor. It doesn’t matter that Rick was drunk when he broke it. This is very basic guest etiquette,” said the user.

The same commenter added, “If you break something in someone’s house — accidentally, on purpose, or drunkenly — you make it right.”

Another user had a different take on the situation.

“Obviously unpopular opinion, but ESH [everyone sucks here]. Seems like Rick did a really poor job apologizing and shows little remorse,” said user “here4judgment.”

Hosting a party, said this same user, comes with the risk that something could be broken, especially if alcohol is being served.

“As I understand you, it was an honest drunken mistake, not the result of completely reckless behavior,” said here4judgment.

“Rick is struggling financially and It’s just a bottle of booze, man,” he added.

The friend should “apologize for not apologizing properly in the first place and for promising to replace the bottle when he didn’t intend to, and you should apologize for hounding him over a bottle of booze when you knew he was having a hard time making ends meet,” the commenter concluded.

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Triple Jam Vodka (Photo: Blake’s)

(FOX 2) – Enjoy a new twist on Blake’s popular Triple Jam hard cider.

The Macomb County-based cider maker has teamed up with the up north distillery Gypsy Spirits for a Triple Jam Vodka, a berry vodka described as having flavors of strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and a touch of apple – just like the cider.

“It was crucial that the berry aroma and color remained the same, those elements are such a big part of the brand, and the three-berry blend needed to be captured in the vodka too,” Blake’s founder Andrew Blake said. “Triple Jam has been such a smashing success because of its real fruit profile — you don’t get this off-flavor of cough syrup or candy like with many fruited hard beverages.”

Triple Jam Vodka (Photo: Blake’s)

He said the biggest difference between the beloved cider and vodka is the lack of carbonation and a higher alcohol content; the cider is around 6% ABV, while the vodka is 30% ABV.

“It’s all about us staying true to our roots, while offering a more diverse line of beverages, a little something for everyone. We listen, our customers tell us what they want and what we are missing, and then we roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Blake said.

Triple Jam Vodka retails for $24.95 a bottle, and is available at the Blake’s Tasting Room, as well as stores in its distribution area all year long.

Blake’s previously collaborated with Gypsy for a cider-vodka collaboration. Apple Pie Vodka was widely released last year. That vodka sold out in days, something Blake said he didn’t anticipate.

After that success, Blake’s and Gypsy decided Triple Jam would be the next release.

“Blake’s is known for its beverage innovation, and with the massive success of Triple Jam nationally, we knew it had the runway to be the next craft spirit release,” Blake said. “The blend of berries and Gypsy’s Vodka create something so pleasant, that we believe this product will become a staple offering.”

And you can expect more of that beverage innovation later this year, Blake said.

“We want to explore styles outside of vodka, like whiskey and gin,” he said. “We have plans to craft a third collaboration this fall, but you’ll have to stay tuned!”

On April 13, check out the Berry Bash House Party, for a commemorative glass, tunes from a live DJ, house party games and retro video games beginning at 6:30 pm at Blake’s Event Tent and Tasting Room in Armada. Tickets are available now for $10 at blakeshardcider.com.

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A whiskey decanter is a great way to bring class to your home bar or bourbon collection. Rather than simply grabbing bottles straight from the liquor store, a decanter allows you to house your whiskey in a quality crystal vessel designed to highlight the deep amber and golden hues of your preferred drink. However, there are a few additional storage considerations that come with owning a decanter – chiefly maintaining an awareness of how long your whiskey has been stored.

Fortunately, storing whiskey in a decanter isn’t drastically different from storing it in a bottle. It’s important in either situation to consider how much the liquid is exposed to the air. The quantity of whiskey remaining in the bottle is crucial as the less whiskey you have, the more air infiltrates the bottle. Excess air accelerates the rate of oxidation, which is why your whiskey may spoil.

However, there is a significant distinction between a bottle and a decanter, specifically regarding the initial filling process. As you transfer whiskey from the bottle into an empty decanter, it swirls around, increasing the interaction between the whiskey and the air and thus kickstarting the oxidation process. Consequently, whiskey only lasts for approximately three months in a decanter.

To learn more, check out: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

If you’re mindful of filling your decanter, seldom open it, and leave it nearly full, the typical usage duration of three months can extend up to three years. However, do not count on it lasting for an exact three years. If your whiskey is to be stored for an extended period, it would be best to leave it in its original bottle. Decanters are generally more appropriate for a whiskey you drink regularly and are certain to finish within three months. After three months, understand that its flavor will begin to decline, but there’s no necessity to dispose of the whiskey.

An important point to remember is that whiskey decanters are distinct from wine decanters. Though named the same, their similarities end there. Wine decanters are created to aerate the wine swiftly, accelerating the oxidation process to allow the wine to breathe before you drink it. The way we consume whiskey is different from how we drink wine. A wine decanter can conveniently contain about five glasses of wine, which can easily be consumed in one sitting with a group. In contrast, a whiskey decanter accommodates approximately 25 fluid ounces, yielding around 16 servings, considering a traditional serving size of 1.5 ounces. You’ll need to choose the whiskey you want to store in your decanter accordingly.

Take a look at the original article on Tasting Table.

DANCING On Ice queen Holly Willoughby let her hair down for some rinky business at the series wrap party.

She was the life and soul of the official bash, held in a marquee at Bovingdon Studios in Hertfordshire after Ryan Thomas was crowned winner.

But she was without her TV partner Stephen Mulhern, who had to get home early as his mum forgot to leave him a key under the mat.

Holly said in a funny speech: “I can do a two-hour live show and I’m absolutely fine.

“But then I stand in front of you all now and it’s utterly petrifying.

“Stephen had to go, basically.

“He’s actually staying at his mum’s house tonight and she hadn’t left the key out, which is kind of hilarious.”

The gang drank cocktails with fun names including Dancing on Rum and Skating on Ice.

They then munched on grub from Greggs. Spicy veg, Mexican chicken and classic steak slices, plus pizza was laid on.

I always knew Holly was a girl after my own heart.

KATHERINE KELLY and Eve Myles will go head to head in new psychological thriller The Crow Girl for Paramount+.

Ex-Corrie actress Katherine plays psychotherapist Sophia Craven, while Hijack star Eve portrays DCI Jeanette Kirkland in the dramatisation of the novel trilogy that also features Dougray Scott as DI Lou Stanley.

The duo commits to pursuing a serial murderer, despite the antagonism they face from their commanding officers within the police department.

Immersed deep into the series of ill-events revealing police misdoings and negligence, they find themselves in the midst of a growing number of fatalities, and unexpectedly, in a passionate liaison. The shooting for the show began in Bristol just some weeks ago.

In the words of Katherine: “The original book is nerve-racking and the adaptation scripts have superceded it. I am keen on deconstructing Sophia as the storyline progressively unveils.”

The crime drama Shetland by BBC One has been confirmed for an additional two seasons.

The ninth and tenth episodes of the crime thriller series, as inspired by the books written by Ann Cleeves and featuring Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell as police detectives Ruth and Tosh, are scheduled to start production soon.

Certain participants in the new series of Loaded In Paradise who enjoy a good party, found themselves worse off financially after competing in the reality challenge.

Teams vie for the Gold Card which provides them with unlimited spending power.

Participants who do not secure the Gold Card are obliged to adhere to a budgeted lifestyle.

The series returns to ITV2 this month.

Chelise, who stars with best friend Faith, said: “I left thinking I still had the Gold Card in my purse, so I am spending more money now than I did before the show.”

Lewis, who competes with brother Gio, added: “I flew out to Dubai after the show and it’s been quite detrimental to my bank account. I’m in debt.”

EMILY In Paris fans can breath a sigh of relief – Lucien Laviscount will be in the new series.

The actor, who portrays the character Alfie in the Netflix series, was last noticed bidding farewell to Emily (Lily Collins) at the conclusion of the third season in 2022.

At the previous year’s Oscars, Lucien expressed uncertainty about his future in the series.

However, at the 2024 awards ceremony on Sunday, he announced his return with joy. He mentioned, “I’m back, and I’m thrilled. We are about halfway done filming the fourth season, and it’s going to be fantastic.

“Now that audiences have become more familiar with the characters, we have the opportunity to delve deeper into their personas.

“There’s a lot more truthfulness to it, it’s definitely a little more romantic, daring and out there than the other seasons, so it’s going to be a fun season.”

Emily In Paris returns to Netflix later this year.

TREVOR EVE, Daniel Rigby and Zoe Tapper are part of the cast for Alibi’s new dark comedy drama I, Jack Wright.

Also joining John Simm, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Gemma Jones are Sex Education star Rakhee Thakrar and The Vicar Of Dibley’s James Fleet.

11-Mar-2024 – Last updated on

11-Mar-2024 at 10:22 GMT

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Kylie Jenner has launched Sprinter, a vodka soda made with premium vodka, sparkling water and real fruit juice. This light and refreshing beverage was created in collaboration with Chandra Richter, a female beverage development expert with over 20 years of experience and a PhD in molecular biology. Richter served as the Head of Product Development and Supply Chain. After over a year of taste testing, they ultimately achieved the perfect balance of flavours, resulting in Sprinter. This canned vodka soda contains just 100 calories per serving, has a 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) content, and is made with real fruit juice without added sugar.

Sprinter is available in four variations: black cherry, peach, grapefruit and lime.

It will be launched across the US on the 21st of March, and will be obtainable in 8-can variety packs for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

The first ever unflavored water from Gatorade, referred to as Gatorade Water, has been introduced in the US.

Gatorade Water is an alkaline drink with a pH level of 7.5 or above, is infused with electrolytes which gives a refreshing and sharp taste, and the bottles are constructed from 100% recycleable plastic.

Gatorade has introduced premium water aimed at active individuals seeking continuous hydration, according to Anuj Bhasin, the chief brand officer at Gatorade.

He explained that current athletes are more focused on wellness than ever and look forward to Gatorade meeting their hydration requirements round the clock, regardless of who they are or their physical activities. As per his discussion, Gatorade Water provides this all-day hydration.

Gatorade Water is now accessible across the nation in different retail stores. It can be purchased in 1L bottles for continuous hydration with a suggested retail price ranging from $2.39 to $2.99. It also comes in a 700ml size featuring a sport cap with a suggested retail price between $1.99 and $2.69.

In other news, Catalyst Spirits from Florida is venturing into the increasing RTD market, presenting Howler Head, a premium banana-flavored bourbon whiskey mixed with cola.

Howler Head & Cola has recently been launched in Australia, with plans to expand to other markets.

The drink is portrayed as a delightful, bubbly beverage with notes of roasted caramel and coffee, enriched by a creamy, full-bodied, natural banana flavour. It concludes with an oak and banana aroma that leaves a smooth, satisfying aftertaste.

For the suggested price of AU$29, you can find Howler Head & Cola at varieties of retailers all over Australia, available in 4-pack sets of 330ml cans. A 10-pack option is set to be introduced later in the year. The alcohol content of each can is 6%.

The brand has also secured a partnership with UFC Australia, becoming the official flavoured whiskey ready-to-drink (RTD) of the organisation. To coincide with this launch, former Australian UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has been announced as the newest ambassador for the brand.

With the successful inception of RumChata Coconut Cream in the Spring of 2023, the esteemed brand is excitedly paving the way for a new entrant, RumChata Pineapple Cream.

This dual hit of tropical freshness carries an ABV of 13.75% and is a delight to savor both stand-alone or in a Piña Colada inspired cocktail christened the RumChata Colada, which is a perfect blend of RumChata Pineapple Cream and Coconut Rum.

Moving to another refreshment avenue, California-based Guayakí Yerba Mate brings forth its newest flavor blend – Berry Lemonade. This tasty fusion is ready to join the ranks of the brand’s popular High Energy Cans, which are set to hit shelves across the United States within the month.

The intriguing Guayakí Yerba Mate is brewed from naturally caffeinated leaves of the holly tree species, uniquely known as Ilex paraguariensis. This tree species can be found flourishing in the heart of the Atlantic Forest of South America.

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Each can of Berry Lemonade contains 150mg of caffeine. The

summer beverage is a balanced blend of tart lemon and sweet strawberry flavors, derived from

real fruit juice, creating a low calorie drink with 20 calories and 2g of sugar.

Janal Cruz, Guayakí’s VP of Operations at Guayakí, said,

“Berry Lemonade reflects Guayakí’s commitment to positive energy and exceptional flavors,

using certified organic and fair-trade ingredients. This new offering

represents our dedication to taste, health, and responsible sourcing.”

Topo Chico has launched a new collection of elevated non-alcoholic mixers

in the US: Ginger Beer,

Tonic Water and

Club Soda.

The drinks are described as ‘an elevated non-alcoholic mixer with

premium ingredients, a light essence of flavors, crisp bubbles, filtered water and added minerals for taste’.

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Topo Chico Mixers are now available nationwide in numerous retailers, liquor shops, and pharmacies. The product, available in 7.1oz glass bottles, is sold in single flavor packs of four with a suggested retail price of $6.79. You can find them in the mixer section.

KAHOL, a London-based non-alcoholic spirits brand, is introducing its complete range of 0% spirits. This move comes after a year of test marketing some of the range’s select expressions with key target groups.

The collection consists of both clear and dark spirits, along with a limited edition aperitivo. All of these are designed to directly substitute their alcoholic equivalents in everything but ABV.

The production process of KAHOL integrates traditional alcohol production techniques with unique technology. It starts with full-strength spirits, the alcohol content is enzymatically modified, followed by extensive barrel aging and botanical infusion to structure the flavors and mouthfeel.

The distilled spirits can be used in mixers, cocktails, or simply drunk neat.

The initial range features Malt Abbey, an alternative to whisky that mirrors Speyside scotch, accompanied by Maggie Bailey, a non-alcoholic bourbon variant of the Kentucky straight genre. The line also extends to a non-alcoholic version of Plata tequila, dark spiced rum, and London dry gin.

The latest addition to London’s Rude Health array of dairy-free beverages is the Organic Oat Barista.

The Organic Oat Barista was perfected over four years and is marketed as the ideal complement for coffee lovers, whether their choice is pods, espresso, or filter coffee. The drink blends four ingredients, namely Spring Water and Organic Oats.

Organic Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil and Sea Salt, along with a high oat content of 14%, contribute to an ideal creamy foam and a natural sweetness that complements the coffee’s taste.

According to Camilla Barnard, the co-founder of Rude Health, there is still a lot of room for expansion in the Barista category even with its foundations already laid. She believes that Barista, Oat and Organic are all key growth factors. The shelves are currently filled with products containing long ingredients lists that include emulsifiers, stabilisers, and acidity regulators. Consumers, however, are increasingly seeking out products that not only deliver exceptional functionality and superb taste, but also contain organic, clean-deck ingredients. Using their years of dairy-free drink expertise, Rude Health crafted what they believe is the ultimate trade-up.

The Organic Oat Barista can be obtained through wholesalers such as Suma, Essential, Infinity, CLF, Greencity, Queenswood, and Auguste Noel. It’s also available on Ocado and Amazon with a suggested retail price of £2.40 for a 1-liter package.

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It seems that there’s an ever-growing vocabulary you need to know to properly understand whiskey, and its many different variations, if for no other reason than to know just what exactly you’re getting in that particular bottle. Even more frustrating are those terms that sound confusingly similar, such as single malt whiskey and single barrel whiskey, along with single grain whiskey. Well, add another “single” whiskey descriptor to that list, and it’s one that has been appearing more and more frequently in recent years: single estate whiskey. So, what exactly does single estate whiskey mean?

The answer to that question is not very straightforward. Since there is no clear legal definition for what “single estate” actually means when it comes to whiskey (or any other spirit for that matter), whiskey distilleries and marketers are free to use the term however they want. At a minimum, single estate whiskey means that the grain (such as barley, corn, or rye) for that whiskey was grown in one location, and ideally, on that estate. At the other extreme, it means that the entire whiskey production process took place in one location, on the estate, and under the control of the distillery.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Single estate whiskey seems like it should be a fairly straightforward term — whiskey that comes from a single estate. However, the confusion stems from what that actually entails. Is it enough that the grain is grown at or around that estate? Does the yeast also need to come from that estate? What about the water, since we already know that the water source does make a difference in the taste of bourbon? And what about the rest of the whiskey production process, including the malting, distillation, and maturation? Does the distillery have to actually own the estate and do they have to control each step of the whiskey production process themselves?

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, “single-estate” is “used to refer to food or drink where the majority of the ingredients or the main ingredient comes from one area of land.” However, some people in the whiskey industry argue that unless the distillery controls the entire process, it can’t really call itself a single estate distillery nor can they call the whiskey they make single estate whiskey.

In particular, they take issue with the fact that many of the so-called single estate distilleries out there currently do not malt their own grain. Of the three main single estate distilleries producing single estate Scotch whisky in Scotland — Ballindalloch Distillery, Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, and Lochlea Distillery — none of them malt their own barley on-site, though, truth be told, only a handful of Scotch distilleries in total do actually malt their own barley due to space constraints.

Then there is the question of whether it makes any difference if a whiskey is single estate, particularly if you are simply referring to the grains all coming from one estate. There is one belief that the single estate designation has virtually no effect on the actual flavor of the whiskey since the production process potentially removes any significant difference that may arise from the grain being grown in a particular area — it’s an extension of belief that terroir doesn’t have any real impact when it comes to whiskey, unlike wine.  However, two recent studies seem to indicate otherwise.

In a 2021 study published in Foods, researchers compared two different types of barley both grown in two different locations in Ireland, while a 2019 study published in PLOS ONE compared three different varieties of corn all grown at different farm locations in Texas. In both studies, researchers found that the location and environment where the grain grew did make a difference in flavor of the spirit, even more so than the variety of the grain itself. If that’s the case, then the single estate whiskey designation may actually mean something more than just a marketing ploy — it may actually make a difference in the taste of the whiskey. And that’s something consumers may want to look out for in the near future.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

A drunk BMW driver struck and killed a 77-year-old man after consuming nearly 10 litres of rum during a four-day spree.

Tom Ferguson was a guest at the Premier Inn hotel in Stockport, Manchester, where personnel requested him to depart due to his intoxicated state.

Nine empty Captain Morgan’s rum bottles were located by hotel employees in his room, and a half-empty bottle was found on him at the time of his arrest.

CCTV footage shows 29-year-old Ferguson struggle to get into his white BMW 1 Series before driving off.

Just moments later, while Robert Palmer and his spouse were headed back to their vehicle after an appointment at the hospital, an incident occurred. Ferguson, who suddenly mounted the pavement, impacted the dear husband.

Ferguson, who does not possess a permanent address, received a prison sentence for 12 years at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, which was the 8th of March.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

The Black Manhattan is like a Manhattan, but more. It amplifies the vigor of a standard Manhattan cocktail—not exactly a timid creation—and supercharges it. If a regular Manhattan is a melody played on a piano, then a Black Manhattan is that melody but on a pipe organ—required for its ample, resonating chords of flavor that cover every available space.

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Most Manhattan variations follow a simple template: You take the standard recipe for the Manhattan (2 oz. whiskey, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 2 dashes bitters), and reduce the vermouth by half and accent it with a small pour of some other liqueur. There are lots of these: Use Cynar and it’s a Little Italy; Maraschino and it’s a Red Hook; Benedictine for a Fort Point; you can go on and on. The Black Manhattan does not follow this rule, because when Todd Smith thought up the cocktail in 2005, the rule hadn’t been invented yet.

Well, 2005 wasn’t that long ago, but in mixology terms, it’s practically a lifetime. All the templates and cocktail families and best practices that everyone now knows and takes for granted were, at the beginning of George W. Bush’s second term, still being formed. What this means for the Black Manhattan is not only that it is a Manhattan in which the sweet vermouth is not reduced but fully supplanted with an ounce of the Italian bittersweet liqueur, Averna (the aforementioned rule-breaking) but also, it means that the online recipes are kinda all over the place, because the conception of a Manhattan in 2005 was different to what it is today.

Todd Smith is celebrated in the cocktail world for his creation, the Black Manhattan. Smith’s invention came while he was employed at a San Francisco restaurant, Cortez. The cocktail began gaining substantial attention when Smith paved his way in the hospitality business and launched the well-known Bourbon & Branch. During the time of its inception, rye whiskey was not a typical ingredient used, as Smith quipped, indicating the sheer popularity of bourbon over rye.

The appeal of the Black Manhattan recipe comes from the unique mix, which featured homemade bitters, an often overlooked part of cocktail making. The signature drink was a blend of bourbon, Averna, and a touch of cherry coffee bitters made in-house. As tastes evolved, and rye whiskey saw a resurgence in popularity, the Black Manhattan recipe adapted too. The constant between these versions is the inclusion of Averna, but online recipes vary from the original. Some include bourbon or rye, and variations of bitters such as Angostura, orange, or sometimes both.

The beauty of the Black Manhattan is each version could stake a claim for the best due to the cocktail’s naturally robust flavor. After taste-testing every recipe available, it was challenging to settle on a preferred choice. Similar to the Revolver cocktail, also credited to Bourbon & Branch, the Black Manhattan is flexible and can withstand variations. Its success and longevity can be attributed to the seamless blending of Averna, tasting richer and fuller than the sweet vermouth typically used in a Manhattan, yet still working harmoniously within the recipe. The Black Manhattan retains the beloved original flavors, but with an increased coffee, cocoa, and cola hint.

An example of a prominent recipe includes 2 oz. of rye whiskey.

1 oz. sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir for 10 to 15 seconds (on small ice) or 20 to 30 seconds (on big ice). Strain up into a coupe or cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry.

NOTES ON INGREDIENTS

Whiskey: This is a remarkable choice regardless of the kind. It works superbly with both Kentucky-style ryes and Canadian-style ryes. Moreover, it pairs exceptionally well with bourbon. My recent experience with Bulleit Whiskey’s new American Single Malt was splendid, featuring vibrant fruit undertones and enticing spice. However, I am still partial to a good rye. When it comes to choosing the style, I am at a deadlock. A higher proof Kentucky rye like Rittenhouse or Wild Turkey 101 results in a robust cocktail that can balance the depth of the Averna. If you opt for an all or mostly rye bottle like Dickel Rye or Redemption, the resulting herbaceousness and spice from the grains are charming. There is no right or wrong choice; just follow your preference.

Averna: This is a type of “amaro”, an Italian liqueur that is both bitter and sweet in taste. It is typically consumed either as an aperitivo, to stimulate the appetite, or a digestivo, for aiding in digestion, based on the alcohol volume. Among the many hundreds of amari brands, Averna remains a top-tier choice. This digestif, which has an alcohol volume of 29 percent, has been produced in Sicily since 1868 and is a requisite for a Black Manhattan.

Allow me to clarify: While some Black Manhattan recipes may suggest using other amari, this would alter the true nature of the cocktail. It’s feasible to partly replace the vermouth with a different amaro, but only Averna has proven successful as a complete substitute for vermouth in my experience.

The amount of Averna utilised depends on your choice of whiskey. For a potent rye whiskey, stick with the indicated full ounce. However, if you opt for a bourbon (which tends to have a sweeter profile than rye) or a rye with a proof of 90 or lower, you may want to reduce the Averna to 0.75 oz., or even down to a 0.5 oz. based on your taste preference.

Bitters: It’s a mystery to me how orange bitters found their place in this beverage. Not that its bad, but it doesn’t enhance the drink either. I believe a few dashes of Angostura is all you need.

In contrast, when Smith departed from Bourbon & Branch, the team substituted his unique cherry coffee bitters with Fee Brothers Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Bitters as soon as their stock depleted. This change accentuated the flavors of baking spice in the drink. I, personally, haven’t had the chance to verify this yet. However, an old Bourbon & Branch bartender swears by this method and claims it’s the ideal way to make this drink. Therefore, consider his opinion for its worth.

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TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Whiskey Co. is hosting their family-friendly Winter Warm Up event on Saturday afternoon.

It’s free to attend, with outdoor yard games and live music. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase, and even an exclusive opportunity to taste some of their award-winning whiskeys.

“It’s so important to us, especially in the off season, to create an environment to bring people together. That’s why whiskey is such a magical spirit. And we’re also excited tomorrow to debut some fun spirits that have been hiding in our Rick House, which is our barrel warehouse, for years. We’re going to be debuting them as a bit of a teaser to anybody who comes,” said Chris Fredrickson, owner and co-founder.

The event is from 1 to 5 p.m., and an ID is required for tastings.