Liquor-articles 1905

Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar in Owensboro, Kentucky, is making a name for itself with an impressive whiskey selection, boasting over 100 brands. Owned by Alan and Lisa Lawrence, the venue features premium options like Old Rip Van Winkle at $45 per shot and a unique partnership with Green River Distilling, showcasing several of their whiskies.

The Lawrences entered the restaurant industry after Alan’s retirement from an IT firm bound by a non-compete clause. They sought a franchise opportunity that would resonate in their community, leading them to Big Whiskey’s, which opened on August 15, 2025, in a former Bar Louie location. Although business has been solid, winter has slowed foot traffic. However, the restaurant benefits from its proximity to local hotels and conventions.

Unlike a typical large open space, Big Whiskey’s layout is thoughtfully arranged into sections for a more intimate dining experience. The restaurant includes a private dining room for 50 and showcases local artwork, contributing to its community-focused atmosphere. The addition of nearby developments, such as the Bluegrass Fieldhouse sports complex and new apartments, is anticipated to bring more patrons.

With around 80 employees during the winter and 90 during the busier summer months, Big Whiskey’s puts forth a commitment to community engagement. They’re initiating programs like "Give Back" nights where local nonprofits receive a portion of sales. The restaurant’s winter hours run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and extend until midnight on weekends, serving a full menu late into the night, with customer favorites including chicken tenders, burgers, and steaks.

Big Whiskey’s, which began in downtown Springfield, Missouri, in 2006, now has a growing franchise presence, promising to become a staple in Owensboro’s dining scene.

The world of spirits is vast, but few contenders can match the sheer strength of Spirytus Rektyfikowany, a Polish vodka that holds the title of the strongest alcohol worldwide. With a staggering 192-proof (96% alcohol by volume), it towers over popular liquors like Everclear, which is only 95% alcohol.

Vodka has deep historical roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, which has been producing high-proof spirits since the 1400s. Over the centuries, Polish distilleries, such as Polmos, refined their production methods, leading to the development of Spirytus. This spirit should not be enjoyed casually; it’s known primarily for its intense potency rather than its flavor. While it may be used in Poland for infusions with fruit, herbs, or spices, its most notable recent use was in the manufacture of hand sanitizer during the pandemic.

The exceptional strength of Spirytus comes from its unique production process called rectification. Unlike standard vodkas that undergo a couple of distillation cycles, Spirytus is distilled multiple times. This process effectively removes impurities and concentrates the alcohol content, yielding a nearly pure ethanol product. The base ingredients vary, often including grains like maize or rye, which undergo fermentation before the distillation begins.

Despite its reputation, Spirytus carries health warnings. It’s highly flammable and can be toxic if misused—hence it’s important not to consume it in large amounts or straight. If you’re interested in experiencing Spirytus for yourself, it can typically be purchased for $20 to $50, depending on the bottle size.

For a taste of history and an exploration of the limits of alcoholic beverages, Spirytus Rektyfikowany stands out as both a remarkable and cautionary spirit.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently showcased the stylish new #40 car designed for the Daytona 500, driven by Justin Allgaier. This year, the car features a throwback design with burgundy stripes and vintage stickers, reflecting a classic ’70s vibe. Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports team has partnered with country star Chris Stapleton’s Traveller whiskey, which also sponsors the car, for another attempt at the Daytona 500.

In a video shared by JR Motorsports, Earnhardt, Allgaier, and Stapleton admired the revamped look of the car, agreeing that it surpasses last year’s version. Allgaier, a seasoned driver with JR Motorsports since 2016 and the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, will again need to qualify for the Daytona 500 since the car competes as an open entry, lacking a guaranteed starting spot.

Last year was particularly emotional for Earnhardt as their car qualified for the race despite not being guaranteed a place, resulting in a commendable 9th place finish after starting from 19th. Over the years, JR Motorsports has established itself as a leading team in the Xfinity Series, raising speculation about future expansion into the Cup Series. Though Earnhardt has expressed interest, financial challenges around charter costs make this a complex goal.

For now, the partnership between JR Motorsports and Stapleton aims to make a strong impression at the Great American Race, as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Daytona 500.

Dancers in grass skirts and a vibrant ambiance define the experience at The MAI-KAI, Fort Lauderdale’s renowned Polynesian restaurant, where rum flows freely. Recently, they have taken their offerings a step further by introducing their own branded rum, dubbed Mai-Kai Rum No. 1—something far more robust than the typical Bacardi. This new spirit promises to awaken your taste buds with its bold flavors.

The MAI-KAI has built a reputation for its cocktails, attracting guests from all over the world for its food, drinks, and spectacular performances. Kern Mattei, one of the team members, shared their motivation for creating a proprietary rum. “For many years, we’ve searched for the best rum to feature in our drinks. During the Reconstruction, we thought, ‘Why don’t we create our own rum to replicate those we used in the past?’”

Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 was born out of that vision. This is not a light rum; it boasts 100 proof and a rich, distinct flavor. Robert Burr, another key player in this initiative, stated, “We haven’t seen this style of rum for 50 years… this is rich, bold, rustic rums that defined the flavor of a cocktail.”

The new rum will feature prominently in The MAI-KAI’s signature cocktails, including the impressive Sidewinder’s Fang cocktail, which guests have been raving about. One guest remarked, “It’s actually really good, not gonna lie!”

For those wishing to recreate the experience at home, the Mai-Tai No. 1 cocktail offers a taste of the tropical paradise. Made with a blend of secret spices, juices, and, of course, Mai-Kai Rum No. 1, it’s embellished with fresh mint and pineapple garnishes for that true tiki touch.

However, you won’t find this new rum on the shelves of local liquor stores; it’s currently available exclusively at The MAI-KAI gift shop for $70 per liter. Kern Mattei invites everyone to visit, stating, “When you come to The MAI-KAI to get the full experience, join us in the Molokai Bar for a few cocktails and consider making reservations for dinner and a show—it’s nearly a mini vacation right here in Fort Lauderdale.”

For those looking to indulge, further details can be found at MAI-KAI Restaurant and Polynesian Show.

New Riff Distilling, established in 2014, has rapidly gained prominence in the Kentucky whiskey scene by blending innovative techniques with traditional methods. Their 6-year-old bottled-in-bond malted rye whiskey, launched in 2021, has become particularly popular.

Exciting news for enthusiasts: New Riff has launched a program allowing fans to purchase an entire barrel of this malted rye whiskey, which usually yields around 180 bottles, depending on the specific cask. A key distinction of the single barrel offering is that it is bottled at cask strength, differing from the standard version that is bottled at 100 proof.

The purpose of this single barrel initiative is to highlight the unique qualities of individual barrels that contain the same whiskey. Unlike typical bottled products which blend liquids from multiple barrels, a single barrel showcases the distinct flavors imparted by the oak barrels and the microclimates in which they are stored. According to Master Distiller Brian Sprance, the Single Barrel Malted Rye presents the whiskey in its purest form, emphasizing the bold fruit essence balanced with soft caramel notes.

The Single Barrel Malted Rye will be available for full barrel purchase starting January 2026 at their Newport, KY distillery. In addition to the malted rye, the single barrel program will also feature selections of their 6-year-old bourbon, 4-year-old bourbon, and 6-year-old rye, with the latter two offered in smaller amounts starting at 90 bottles.

Interested buyers can find further details and make inquiries through the distillery’s website.

Planteray’s Xaymaca Special Dry has been crowned Best Aged Rum of 2025 at the highly regarded San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This distinction highlights the complexity and depth of aged rums, which are often misunderstood as mere mixers with sweet flavor profiles.

Far from being just a sweet concoction, Xaymaca Special Dry exemplifies the sophisticated character that rum can offer. This Jamaican rum, with an ABV of 86 proof, is crafted from 100% pot still rums produced at the Clarendon and Long Pond distilleries, with histories dating back to 1753 and 77 years, respectively. The name "Xaymaca" itself is derived from an indigenous term meaning "land of wood and water," reflecting the rum’s flavor profile developed through aging in ex-bourbon and cognac barrels.

Upon tasting, Xaymaca reveals aromas of over-ripened tropical fruits such as grilled pineapple and bananas, contrasted by an unexpected dryness characterized by spices, oak, and a hint of coconut. The flavor journey continues with a touch of smokiness and citrus zest, making it a versatile option for sipping neat or as a unique twist in cocktails—such as a rum-fueled Old Fashioned.

Planteray’s achievement does not end there. Last year, they also gained recognition as the “World’s Best Rum Brand” for 2024 and their coconut-infused Cut & Dry was awarded “Best New Spirit” at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

Looking ahead, Planteray is set to release Hogo Monsta in 2026, promising to be the highest-ester rum available commercially, further establishing their commitment to the artistry of rum. With Xaymaca readily available on U.S. shelves at around $30 a bottle, rum enthusiasts have abundant opportunities to explore this intricate category.

For more details on the outstanding rums and their awards:

• Planteray’s Xaymaca Special Dry
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Amazon has recently unveiled its Top 100+ Self Care items for 2026, featuring a variety of products aimed at enhancing your daily wellness routine. Here are ten standout favorites, starting at just $8:

1. Self-Care Staples: Discover top-rated products from popular brands such as Biodance, Hatch, Shark, and Laneige, designed to help you prioritize self-care.

2. Windshield Protection: Stop using hot water on your windshield to thaw it in winter. A simple $14 windshield cover can prevent snow and ice accumulation, sparing your glass from damage.

3. Sleep Aid: For those struggling with insomnia, a $9 sleep mask featuring memory foam and 3D contoured cups can effectively block out light, facilitating better sleep.

4. Moving Essentials: Preparing for a move? Find the best places and products to buy moving boxes, whether you prefer to shop in person or online.

5. Multivitamins: Hedge your nutritional needs with the best multivitamin of 2026, well-reviewed by registered dietitians for its efficacy.

6. Frozen Pipe Solution: Combat the cold with a $21 kit designed to prevent frozen pipes, allowing your water to flow freely even in chillier temperatures.

7. Purple Pillow Review: In-depth evaluations of the popular Purple Harmony and Purple GridCloud pillows reveal their comfort levels and performance under pressure.

8. Smart Legos: The recently announced Lego Smart Bricks, which include interactive features and themed sets like ‘Star Wars,’ are now on sale.

9. Red Carpet Beauty: Kristen Bell and Elle Fanning turned heads at the 2026 Golden Globes with $13 mascara that set trends on the red carpet.

10. PersonalShopper Picks: Dive into a selection of great products from Amazon’s self-care collection, helping you enhance your well-being without overspending.

Take a moment to explore these popular self-care items and improve your daily routine, all on a budget.

If you’re a fan of rye whiskey, Lock Stock & Barrel has just released something special that you won’t want to miss. The brand introduced its new, ultra-limited 25-year-old straight rye whiskey, making it the oldest rye whiskey currently available on the market.

This exceptional whiskey, with only 250 bottles produced, is a blend of select barrels distilled back in 1999 at Alberta Distillers. It boasts a rich flavor profile with notes of baking spices, toffee pudding, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and dried cherry, rounded out with a long, warm finish of oak, smoke, and rye spice.

Chad Solomon, the Director of Innovation at Cooper Spirits, emphasizes that the 25-Year-Old is the culmination of their ultra-aged rye whiskey collection. Its unique development after 25 years of gentle aging in Canada’s cold climate results in an extraordinary complexity that highlights the quality of the distillate.

You can find Lock Stock & Barrel 25-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey in limited quantities at select retailers worldwide, with a suggested retail price of $999.99. If you’re looking to add a piece of whiskey history to your collection, this limited release is certainly worth considering.

The Espresso Martini has become a modern classic, synonymous with vibrant nightlife and the pursuit of the perfect cocktail. Originally crafted in 1983 by British bartender Dick Bradsell at Soho Brasserie in London, this cocktail emerged from a unique request by an American supermodel who sought a drink that would "wake me up, and then fuck me up." This quirky inspiration led to the creation of a high-octane drink that has surged in popularity, becoming one of the most ordered cocktails in the past decade.

The cocktail combines vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup. Initially named Vodka Espresso and served on the rocks, its iconic form emerged in the late 1990s when Bradsell reimagined it at London’s Match Bar during the height of the martini craze. This reworking led to the drink being served in a V-shaped martini glass, solidifying its identity as the Espresso Martini.

What sets the Espresso Martini apart, beyond its compelling backstory, is its harmonious combination of flavors. The drink balances the bitter intensity of coffee with the sweetness of coffee liqueur, while vodka lends a clean, dry base. A touch of simple syrup softens the edges, and the drink is shaken vigorously to achieve a silky texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 3 coffee beans for garnish

Directions:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with coffee beans.

The Espresso Martini is invigorating yet indulgent, perfectly suited to start a meal or accompany an evening out. Its sustained popularity attests to its status as a cocktail that consistently delivers both energy and enjoyment.

Planteray Rum has recently launched a new product called Hogo Monsta, which aims to revive the 18th-century tradition of high-ester "heavy rums." Distilled in Barbados at the Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, this rum boasts an impressive 2,029 grams of aromatic compounds per hectoliter, making it the highest-ester rum currently available on the market.

Hogo Monsta is a unique spirit intended for serious rum enthusiasts. It’s characterized by its powerful flavors of overripe banana, pineapple, and mango, spiced with notes of varnish, brine, and tropical funk. Owing to its intensity, it’s recommended to use this rum sparingly as an ingredient in cocktails rather than consuming it neat.

Historically, high-ester rums were primarily produced for blending purposes, particularly for the German market, where they could be combined with neutral spirits to avoid high import taxes. They were known as rum verschnitt, and while Jamaican rums are well-known for this style, Hogo Monsta taps into the largely hidden tradition from Barbados.

Alexandre Gabriel, the founder and master blender of Planteray, has mentioned that while Hogo Monsta is a new commercial release, similar rums have been produced regularly at the distillery. His goal is to share unique expressions rooted in the rum heritage of Barbados.

The production of Hogo Monsta involves specific fermentation techniques that create concentrated esters, which are responsible for the rum’s pronounced flavor profile. Unlike traditional rums, which might see extensive aging periods, Hogo Monsta is only aged for a few months in ex-bourbon barrels and cognac casks.

With a limited release of just 5,000 bottles, this intriguing rum is priced at approximately $55 for a 200-milliliter bottle and is primarily aimed at a niche market of rum aficionados. As Gabriel states, “Don’t buy this unless you know what it is!”

For those who want to explore the unique essence of Hogo Monsta, it can be found across select markets including the U.S., UK, France, and several others in Europe.