Liquor-articles 1905

Longmont liquor store Wyatt’s Wet Goods hosted its annual Rare Whiskey Auction on Saturday, raising approximately $24,000 for local nonprofits. Guests gathered at the store located at 1250 S. Hover St. to bid on unique whiskey selections, with the funds being distributed among four beneficiaries.

Mat Dinsmore, managing partner at Wyatt’s, expressed his passion for the auction, stating, “I love the fact that money goes to great charities.” This year’s proceeds will benefit several Longmont organizations, including the Veterans Community Project, Skyline Kiwanis Club, and Pearl Promise, as well as contributing to the Loveland Veterans Honor Monument.

The Rare Whiskey Auction has been a tradition for nearly a decade, contributing upwards of $400,000 to local charities since its inception. One highlight of this year’s event was a Weller Millennium whiskey-bourbon blend, valued at $6,000.

Dinsmore emphasized the importance of community engagement for his family-owned business, noting, “We feel a responsibility to be a part of the community.”

Jennifer Seybold, executive director of the Veterans Community Project in Longmont, highlighted that the funds will support transitional housing and operational costs for their tiny home village. “It means more than just financial support; it represents sustained belief in the work and in the veterans we serve,” she shared.

The Skyline Kiwanis Club and Pearl Promise also expressed gratitude for the support, indicating how critical these funds are in assisting their efforts to aid the Longmont community.

Amazon has recently reduced the price of Jameson Original Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey, making a 1L bottle available for less than £30. The new price is £27, undercutting Tesco’s price of £34.50 and ASDA’s £34.29. Jameson is appreciated for its smooth flavor profile, featuring notes of vanilla, spices, nuttiness, and hints of sweet sherry.

This whiskey is a blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys, triple distilled to enhance its smoothness and aged in oak casks for a minimum of four years. It’s often recommended for both novice and seasoned whiskey drinkers.

Jameson suggests enjoying it neat, mixed with ginger ale and lime, or in classic cocktails such as Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned. The whiskey has received rave reviews, boasting a 4.8-star rating from over 2,400 customers. Many praise its affordability and versatility, stating it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed.

While most users report smooth delivery, a few mentioned issues with damaged bottles. Overall, the Jameson Original Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey is now available for purchase on Amazon.

For more details, visit the product page on Amazon.

The Jack Daniel’s Whiskey ranked last in a recent tasting isn’t the best option for cocktail mixing. Among the various offerings, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry stood out for its overly sweet flavor that tends to overshadow the whiskey’s base notes. While it successfully embodies the blackberry profile, its sweetness can detract from classic cocktails, leading to unsatisfactory results, particularly in drinks like the famous Jack and Coke.

On the other hand, the tasting revealed Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye as a superior choice. It is crafted for sipping and brings a nice balance of spice and sweetness, making it more versatile for cocktails. This variety integrates well without transforming drinks into overly fruity concoctions, preserving the whiskey’s character.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, flavored with cinnamon, fared better in the ranking, praised for its complimentary notes that align more appropriately with whiskey. This blend gained popularity for not deviating too far into sugary territory and for being a fitting choice for traditional whiskey cocktails.

Overall, while Jack Daniel’s offers a range of flavors, not all are created equal for cocktail enthusiasts. For those looking to stock their bar cart, focusing on quality options like the Bonded Rye is advisable over sweeter alternatives like the Blackberry. Each whiskey’s characteristics can greatly influence the final taste of mixed drinks.

American Flat Track has announced a new multi-year partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, designating it as the Official Moonshine of the series and its Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey as the Official Whiskey. This collaboration aims to unite the flat track racing community with one of the top names in craft distilling.

The partnership will officially kick off at the beginning of the 2026 season. Sugarlands will be prominently featured in the events surrounding this season’s opener, serving as the entitlement sponsor for the Sugarlands American Flat Track Kick-Off Party, which will take place before the first race. Additionally, they will co-sponsor the Mission Foods Award Party.

Hailing from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Sugarlands is known for its award-winning spirits, including Sugarlands Shine and High Rock Vodka. The new Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey offers a unique taste experience and aims to create an engaging atmosphere during selected race events. They will be active at two rounds during the 2026 season—on March 21 in Atlanta and August 22 in Peoria—providing fans with interactive experiences steeped in the Smoky Mountains’ spirit. Additionally, television personalities Mark and Digger from the show "Moonshiners" will serve as Grand Marshals at these events, offering fans opportunities to meet them.

“The passion, authenticity, and community surrounding American Flat Track aligns perfectly with our brand,” stated Patrick Sullivan, Sugarlands’ Chief Commercial Officer. The collaboration aims to connect with fans by bringing their popular moonshines and the Broken Antler Whiskey to the racetrack in a fun and engaging manner.

More information regarding the events and fan engagements at the Kick-Off Party will be revealed soon. This party will also showcase specialty cocktails made with Sugarlands Shine and Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey, celebrating the start of the AMA Pro Racing season.

For more details about Sugarlands Distilling Company and its products, you can visit Sugarlands.com.

Rum is synonymous with tropical vibes, making it a perfect pairing with various juices. Experts from the beverage and hospitality industries have shared their insights on which juices complement rum best, ensuring your cocktails are delightful.

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is heralded as “the ultimate tropical mixer.” Its sweet and tangy profile balances the occasional intense sweetness of rum and is the base for classic cocktails like piña colada and rum punch. Although some experts prefer its pairing with silver and dark rums, others found it suitable for aged varieties as well.

Lime Juice

A staple in rum cocktails, lime juice provides essential acidity that balances sweetness and enhances the rum’s natural flavors. Essential for drinks like the mojito and daiquiri, lime juice cuts through richness, making it indispensable.

Orange Juice

Often associated with breakfast, orange juice also makes a fantastic rum mixer. Its soft sweetness pairs well with the vanilla and oak notes in rum, notably with golden rums to enhance fruity and spicy flavors.

Passion Fruit Juice

Less common but highly praised, passion fruit juice complements rum with its bright acidity and intense aroma. It’s best paired with lighter rums to maintain balance while adding vibrancy to the cocktail.

Guava Juice

Guava juice brings floral sweetness that enhances rum’s tropical notes without overwhelming it. This pairing is particularly delightful with silver rums, although some experts recommend it with aged rums to enrich depth.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a versatile mixer that adds tartness and a refreshing contrast to rum’s sweetness. Recommended for aged and spiced varieties, it elevates cocktails with a crisp, clean finish.

Mango Juice

Mango juice is celebrated for its lush sweetness and smooth texture, complementing tropical rums beautifully. It works best with silver rums but can also enhance the richness of darker, spiced rums.

Coconut Water

Although technically not a juice, coconut water offers a light, hydrating mix that highlights the coastal notes in white rum. Its subtle sweetness pairs perfectly without being overpowering.

White Grape Juice

This underrated pairing is noted for highlighting oak, caramel, and vanilla notes in aged rum. Its delicate balance is ideal for enhancing the complexities of the rum.

Grapefruit Juice

Bittersweet grapefruit juice adds refreshing contrast to rum, balancing out its sweetness without overwhelming it. It’s recommended for simple, two-ingredient highballs for an effortless cocktail option.

These expert recommendations ensure that your rum cocktails not only taste great but also capture the essence of tropical breezes and sunny days. Whether you opt for classic combinations or explore lesser-known juices, these pairings are sure to elevate your rum-drinking experience.

Svedka Vodka introduced a new advertisement during Super Bowl LX, featuring AI-generated visuals that sparked controversy and criticism across social media. The ad showcased two robots, Fembot and Bro-bot, dancing to Rick James’ "Super Freak" at a nightclub, embodying a bizarre attempt to market the vodka brand.

The ad’s 30-second run-time saw the robots humorously struggling to drink the cocktail, which led to comments deriding the overall quality and execution. Many viewers took to platforms like X (previously Twitter), labeling it as one of the worst ads in Super Bowl history, with remarks such as "fire that marketing team" and "this looks like it was made by Grok," suggesting the AI-generated nature was painfully evident.

Sara Saunders, the Chief Marketing Officer for Sazerac (Svedka’s parent company), attempted to promote the ad as a blend of "human creativity and dance moves with modern technology," but audience reception has starkly contradicted this message. Many viewers conveyed feelings of discomfort, noting the robots’ awkwardness and the ad’s perceived low artistic value, igniting a broader critique of the trend toward AI in advertising.

This ad follows a series of missteps from Silverside AI, the production studio behind it, which was also involved in a previous unpopular marketing campaign for Coca-Cola in late 2024. The negative reaction to Svedka’s Super Bowl AI ad reflects growing concerns about the use of AI in creative industries and the potential loss of human touch in advertising.

For more details on the ad and viewer reactions, visit Mandatory.

A new dining experience is launching at Liberty Center, titled Whiskey Yard, located at 7524 Bales St., Liberty Township. Scheduled to open on Sunday, February 8, this bistro-style restaurant will offer a global menu crafted by chefs with Michelin-star experience, promising a unique culinary adventure complemented by an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon.

Whiskey Yard will feature between 200 and 250 options of whiskies, including bourbons, scotches, and other spirits, which are perfectly paired with dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, including South and Central America, Asia, and Europe. According to Lincoln Workman, the director of operations for Epic Brands, the menu design focuses on crafting meals that enhance the whiskey drinking experience while also introducing various international flavors.

Beyond the culinary offerings, Whiskey Yard will provide nightly live music performed by a vocalist and pianist, adding a sophisticated ambiance to the dining experience. This environment is further emphasized by its décor, which features elements intended to create a moody, luxurious vibe.

Executive Chef Roberto Castañeda, alongside Chef de Cuisine Jonathan Sauer, leads the kitchen at Whiskey Yard. Both chefs bring over 30 years of culinary expertise, much of which was gained in prestigious Michelin-star establishments.

Whiskey Yard replaces the Rusty Bucket, which closed its doors in October. It will complement other Epic Brands establishments in Liberty Center, such as Agave & Rye and S.O.B. Steakhouse, while aiming to provide an upscale dining experience that stands apart from the existing restaurants in the area.

With a seating capacity of 190, Whiskey Yard aims to deliver not just dining but an immersive experience, celebrating flavors, music, and the rich tradition of whiskey.

In a surprising shift within the American alcohol market, ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) have overtaken vodka as the top-selling spirit by volume. Data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. reveals that Americans purchased 85.6 million 9-liter cases of RTDs in 2025, a jump of 17.1% compared to the previous year. In contrast, vodka sales fell to 72.5 million cases, down 2.2%.

RTDs, often found in cans and made from a blend of spirits, wines, or malt, have risen in popularity; they account for a diverse market share that includes malt-based beverages such as White Claw and Smirnoff Ice, which dominate sales. Notably, wine-based RTDs have also secured 4% of the total market, while spirits-based options now comprise 19%.

The surge in RTD consumption can be attributed to various factors, including convenience and cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by Chris Swonger, the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council. He remarked that despite a slight decline in overall U.S. spirits sales—down 2.2% in 2025—consumer interest persists, particularly with innovative RTD products leading the way.

Financially, vodka remains the top revenue earner, generating $7 billion in sales in 2025, followed closely by tequila/mezcal at $6.4 billion and American whiskey at $5.1 billion. Although sales for many categories saw downturns, the success of RTDs helped mitigate an even steeper decline.

The growing market for RTDs has caught the attention of premium brands as well, with new entrants including bourbon makers exploring this expanding category. Noteworthy brands such as Surfside and others have doubled their market shares since 2021, showing the increasing inclination of consumers towards these convenient ready-to-drink options.

As consumer preferences evolve, the dynamics of the alcoholic beverage market reflect changing lifestyles, making the ready-to-drink cocktail category a significant trend to watch going forward.

Absolut has introduced a new twist to its flavored vodka lineup with the launch of Absolut Tabasco, a collaboration that infuses their premium vodka with the essence made from the fermented red pepper mash used in Tabasco sauce. This unique blend results in a vodka that is both spicy and refined, making it an exciting addition to cocktail recipes.

The new product was highlighted during an invite-only event at Absolut’s distillery in Åhus, Sweden, where journalists and industry professionals sampled it neat, as well as in cocktails like Bloody Marys and spicy lemonades. Distilled to bring forth its natural flavor, Absolut Vodka maintains its characteristic smoothness while providing a warm kick from the Tabasco infusion.

The partnership between Absolut and Tabasco began with discussions last summer and quickly materialized into this collaborative release. Bottles have started reaching retail stores and are also available online, with the product quickly gaining popularity, soaring to the top of sales charts.

The packaging of Absolut Tabasco creatively combines elements from both brands, featuring Absolut’s iconic shape along with Tabasco’s recognizable label. The vodka aims to enhance social gatherings, providing a unique flavor experience that delivers heat without overpowering the palate.

Kate Neuhaus, Director of Global Marketing Communications at Tabasco, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the commitment to quality shared by both brands. As Absolut continues to appeal to a demographic seeking variety in their drinks, this new flavor is positioned to become a favorite, drawing fans of both Absolut and Tabasco alike.

Absolut Vodka has teamed up with the renowned hot sauce brand Tabasco to launch a new spicy vodka called Absolut Tabasco. This distinct spirit is crafted using Absolut’s winter wheat vodka combined with the fermented, aged red pepper mash that goes into Tabasco sauce, resulting in a flavorful drink with a spicy kick.

According to the U.S. Vice President of Marketing for Absolut, Caroline Begley, this partnership highlights the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and exciting mixes. The Absolut Tabasco vodka is intended to enhance classic cocktails, making it a great addition to drinks like Bloody Marys.

Kate Neuhaus, the Director of Global Marketing Communications at McIlhenny Company, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, indicating that it captures a shared dedication to quality and adventurous flavor experiences.

Absolut Tabasco is now available across the United States at a suggested retail price of $25 for a 750ml bottle, making it an accessible option for those looking to spice up their cocktails.