Liquor-articles 1566

Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, former roommates at the University of Georgia, ventured into the whiskey business by founding American Spirit Whiskey (A.S.W.) after experimenting with distilling at home. They began their journey in the late 1990s, driven by the idea of creating a rye whiskey that wasn’t widely available. Initially armed with only a makeshift still and a book called The Business of Spirits, their enthusiasm gradually translated into a successful craft distillery. Established formally in 2016, A.S.W. quickly gained recognition, earning numerous awards at the San Francisco World Spirit competition—the largest event in the industry.

Chasteen attributes their success to a convergence of cultural trends that favored whiskey, particularly in the South. Though they faced challenges and learned through trial and error, they decided to pursue distilling full-time, raising nearly two million dollars from friends to launch their distillery. Their expansion was rapid, with plans for a third location at Atlanta’s busy airport. However, this momentum came to a halt with the introduction of Donald Trump’s tariffs in early 2025. Chasteen’s frustration was palpable as he described the impact these tariffs had on their plans to penetrate international markets.

In 2024, American whiskey exports reached approximately $1.3 billion, and A.S.W. was poised to capitalize on this growing market. Chasteen had invested significantly in securing trademarks for their brands, anticipating a successful venture into countries like China, Japan, and the European Union. However, retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and threats from the E.U. stifled their ambitions, complicating the landscape for craft distillers like A.S.W. and casting uncertainty over the industry.

Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, echoed Chasteen’s concerns, highlighting the anxiety within the industry. As small businesses feel the burden of increasing tariffs, Chasteen and his team remain cautiously optimistic; they secured funding just before the tariffs took effect, allowing them to weather the storm while exploring domestic markets. Despite the challenges, they aim to adapt their strategy, focusing on growth within the United States, even humorously considering that increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic could work to their advantage.

A.S.W.’s story reflects the broader struggles and resilience of craft distillers amidst a complex economic environment influenced by shifting trade policies.

A recent geological study reveals that the African continent is gradually splitting apart, a process that has been silently unfolding for millions of years. This geological phenomenon is caused by the East African Rift, where tectonic plates are diverging, leading to the gradual formation of a new ocean. Experts estimate that in about 50 million years, Africa could split into two separate landmasses, with a new body of water filling the gap created by this division.

The research highlights how this slow but steady movement is affecting local geology, ecosystems, and even the communities residing in the region. Major areas like Ethiopia and Kenya are at the forefront of this rifting, experiencing earthquakes and volcanic activity attributed to tectonic shifts. As the process continues, scientists are keenly observing the changes in topography and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect the unique ecosystems under threat due to geological activity.

This information sheds light on the profound and gradual changes taking place under our feet, which, while not immediately apparent, will have significant implications for the future landscape of East Africa and its inhabitants.

Kazakhstan’s Xaoma Gold vodka has been crowned the best vodka at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Judges awarded it an impressive 98 out of 100 points, praising its crisp texture and bright grain notes. Distilled from Kazakh wheat and infused with Central Asian herbs, this 80-proof vodka is inspired by an ancient nomadic elixir traditionally carried by Iranian wanderers, known as "xaoma," believed to provide strength and wisdom to those who drank it.

The production of Xaoma Gold utilizes modern distillation techniques while honoring its nomadic heritage, resulting in a spirit characterized by a smooth and dry mouthfeel with hints of coffee and lemon. It undergoes an 8-stage filtration process that ensures clarity without compromising its unique flavor profile.

Xaoma Gold is not new to accolades; it previously won Double Gold at the Warsaw Spirits Competition and scored 95 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Although it’s widely available in Europe, it can still be found in the U.S. market for about $24, distinguished by its striking green and gold label reflective of its cultural roots.

Vodka is often dismissed as a less exciting category; however, Xaoma Gold’s rich heritage and intriguing notes challenge that perception. It serves as an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their cocktail experience, particularly in a classic martini.

For more information on Xaoma Gold vodka, visit the product page: Xaoma Gold.

Whiskey Myers is set to perform at the Brandon Amphitheater soon, attracting excitement among fans of the Texas country-rock band. Known for their dynamic live shows and distinctive sound, Whiskey Myers has gained a loyal following since their formation in 2007. The concert promises to showcase tracks from their latest album and classic hits, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. As they gear up for the performance, anticipation is building for what has become a highlight in the region’s music calendar.

For more details on the concert and ticket availability, visit WJTV Jackson.

President Donald Trump’s trade policies have significantly impacted U.S. whiskey makers, prompting major retailers in Canada to remove American liquor from their shelves. Amidst this crisis, investor Brian Rosen offers a different perspective, suggesting that tariffs may unintentionally benefit small, American whiskey brands.

Rosen, founder and general partner at InvestBev, argues that while Canadian tariffs seem detrimental, they could make foreign whiskies—particularly from Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada—appear more expensive compared to American whiskey, enhancing the latter’s appeal to consumers. This could be a silver lining for many smaller whiskey producers, allowing them to maintain their prices while competing against international brands that may see their costs rise.

InvestBev, which holds a diverse portfolio of alcohol brands, strategically increased exports following Trump’s election in 2024 to avoid the brunt of the tariffs. Rosen indicates that this foresight placed InvestBev in a favorable position within the market.

However, it’s important to note that while larger players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard express grave concerns about potential job losses and decreased profitability due to tariffs, smaller distilleries often don’t have the same level of international exposure. According to Rosen, only a small fraction of Kentucky bourbon is exported, suggesting that domestic-focused distillers may not be hit as hard by these international market fluctuations.

Despite these potential benefits outlined by Rosen, a broader economic landscape reveals challenges for small U.S. whiskey producers. The Distilled Spirits Council has reported a record increase in U.S. spirits exports in 2024, but ongoing trade disputes create uncertainty, hindering growth opportunities for many distillers.

Many small distilleries are actively seeking exemptions from tariffs, indicating their concerns about rising costs for imported goods used in production. This reflects a wider reality wherein tariffs are complicating the supply chain for U.S. businesses, affecting both large corporations and small-scale producers.

As the trade environment evolves, the impact of tariffs will continue to be a contentious issue within the whiskey industry, making Rosen’s contrarian view both intriguing and indicative of the complexity of U.S. trade policies.

Detroit City Distillery is set to launch a new limited-edition spirit called Flower Day Vodka, designed to celebrate the iconic Flower Day in Eastern Market. This unique vodka is crafted by distilling Michigan lavender with lemon in 100% corn vodka sourced from Michigan.

The ingredient list is clean, featuring no artificial flavors, colorings, or sweeteners, and the vodka is noted for its refreshing combination of lemon and lavender flavors. Local artist Ivan Montoya has contributed to the design of the bottle, adding a creative touch to the product.

The Flower Day Vodka will be available for purchase starting May 9, ahead of the annual Eastern Market Flower Day taking place on May 18. Visitors on May 9 can also take part in a special event at the tasting room where they can create their own flower bouquets from Flowers for Dreams, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day.

The distillery describes Flower Day as a cherished holiday for Detroit residents, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the joy of blooming flowers just after Mother’s Day. The price for each bottle is set at $35.

Recent data from Belarus’s National Statistics Committee reveals a notable decline in alcohol sales for the first quarter of 2025. Vodka sales dropped from 1.9795 million decaliters in the first three months of 2024 to 1.9277 million decaliters in the same period of 2025, marking a decrease of 2.6%.

In addition to vodka, the sales of grape and fruit wines also saw reductions of 2.9% and 7%, respectively. Sales of liqueurs and liquor products dipped slightly by 0.2%, while beer sales decreased by 1.4%. Nevertheless, beer remains popular, with sales still reaching 8.912 million decaliters, down from 9.0369 million decaliters a year prior.

On a more positive note, some categories experienced growth. Sales of cognac, cognac drinks, and brandy surged by 8.1%, while low-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.7%. Sparkling wines and champagne also saw a rise of 4.5%, with other alcoholic beverages increasing by 4.3%.

These trends indicate shifting preferences among consumers in Belarus, reflecting broader changes in alcohol consumption habits.

For more details, visit tochka.by.

The manager of a Scottish vodka company, Nicola Morrissey, 49, who has connections to the infamous Kinahan crime cartel, has been seen publicly in Marbella, Spain, for the first time since her arrest. Accompanied by her husband, Johnny ‘Cash’ Morrissey, 65, the couple was spotted dining at an Indian restaurant near their luxurious residence.

The Morrisseys were arrested as part of a global investigation led by the U.S., where Johnny is accused of laundering over £170 million for the Kinahan crime gang. This group is linked to a turf war currently affecting Glasgow and Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Nicola’s vodka company, Nero Drinks, continues to operate from a discreet office in Glasgow. A source revealed that Nicola’s family is concerned about escalating gang-related violence in Scotland and is relieved she is in Spain.

Previously, Nicola had registered her business at a family property but later shifted it to a more anonymous location. Since her arrest, she has not returned to Scotland and seems to be aware of the violent disputes driven by the Kinahan network.

Nicola, originally from Stepps, Lanarkshire, founded her drinks company seven years ago, with ties to high-profile events and sponsorships such as the Hamilton Academical football club and the Marbella International Film Festival. The company has been associated with luxury and celebrity circles, but authorities have now deemed it a front for the cartel’s operations in the U.S.

After her and Johnny’s arrests in April 2022, Nicola was released without charges, while Johnny was granted bail amid ongoing investigations. Their lavish lifestyle includes a £4.5 million mansion and another villa in Costa del Sol. The couple’s connection to the Kinahan cartel has put them in the limelight, leading to concerns over their safety amidst increasing violence in Scotland.

Hawaiians are celebrated for their innovative utilization of the islands’ rich agricultural resources, creating local beverages that honor and reflect the “aina” (land) of Hawaii. The landscape offers a plethora of ingredients for brewing beer, making wine, and distilling spirits, resulting in unique creations like coconut-infused porter, honey mead, and wines crafted from pineapples and volcanic grapes.

For those eager to explore Hawaiian alcoholic delights, there exists a variety of family-run establishments that offer educational and engaging tasting experiences. Here’s a curated guide to Hawaii’s vibrant craft beer, organic wine, and artisan spirits scene.

Kauai

• Kauai Beer Company: Located in Lihue, this brewery brews IPAs, German-style lagers, and an array of seasonal beers alongside a taproom menu with diverse food pairings. Visit at kauaibeer.com.
• Kaua’i Island Brewery & Grill: Nestled near Port Allen, this brewery is known for fresh seafood dishes and over a dozen beers on tap. More info at kauaiislandbrewing.com.
• Kōloa Rum Company: Made from pure sugar cane and rainwater, this rum is perfect for cocktails, with a tasting room at the historic Kilohana plantation. Details at koloarum.com.
• Nani Moon Meadery: Offers exotic honey wines in Kapa’a, featuring unique flavors like coffee-infused mead. Explore more at nanimoonmead.com.
• Hanalei Spirits Distillery: This distillery emphasizes local ingredients to craft rum, gin, and vodka, with tasting tours available. Check out hanaleispirits.com.

Maui

• Maui Brewing Company: As the largest craft brewer in Hawaii, its lineup includes the popular Bikini Blonde Lager and Coconut Hiwa Porter. Visit at mauibrewingco.com.
• Maui Aleworks: Known for rustic, farmhouse ales, this brewery offers an array of unique brews and is a recent addition to Maui’s beer scene. More at mahaloaleworks.com.
• Kohola Brewery: This brewery, in collaboration with Kona Brewing, features a range of ales and an on-site café serving local cuisine. Learn more at koholabrewery.com.
• Hali’imaile Distilling: Uses local pineapple to create premium spirits such as Pau Maui vodka and Paniolo Whiskey. Details at haliimailedistilling.com.
• MauiWine: Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, this winery is known for its pineapple wines and offers free tasting tours. Explore at mauiwine.com.
• Ocean Organic Farm and Distillery: Produces vodka using deep-ocean water and organic sugar cane, also providing tours of their sugar cane farm. Visit at oceanvodka.com.

Oahu

• Aloha Beer Company: Based in Honolulu, it offers a variety of beers with tropical flavors in its vibrant taproom. Check out alohabeer.com.
• KoHana Rum: Specializes in rums made from its own hand-harvested sugar cane, offering daily tasting tours. More on kohanarum.com.
• Koʻolau Distillery: This distillery crafts innovative spirits using local ingredients; tours available for tasting. More info at koolaudistillery.com.
• Hawaiian Shochu Company: The only shochu producer in Hawaii, crafting unique spirits from locally-sourced ingredients. Learn more at hishochu.com.
• Hawaii Honey & Mead: Oahu’s only craft meadery offers a flavorful mead using Hawaiian honey. Visit manoahoney.com.

Hawaii Island

• Kona Brewing Company: A veteran of the Hawaiian brewing scene, known for its vast variety of beers. Tours are available at konabrewinghawaii.com.
• Big Island Brewhaus: Offers a selection of award-winning craft beers and a menu with local dishes. Visit at bigislandbrewhaus.com.
• Wailuku Brew Works: Features craft beer and mead in a social hub for locals and visitors alike. More at wailukubrewworks.com.
• 12th Hawaii Distillery: Specializes in honey-based spirits, offering maceration processes unique to each bottle. Explore at 12thhawaiidistiller.com.
• Kuleana Rum Works: Uses heirloom sugarcane for its unique rums, open for tasting tours. More on kuleana.com.
• Ola Brew Company: This brewery produces small batches of uniquely flavored beverages reflective of island culture. More at olabrewco.com.
• Volcano Winery: The winery grows grapes infused with tropical fruits, offering tours for a taste of local innovation. Visit at volcanowinery.com.

Embark on your journey through Hawaii’s craft beverage scene and immerse yourself in the flavors that celebrate the unique connection between the land and its people.

New York City has long served as a muse for countless cocktails, with some of the most iconic drinks originating from its vibrant bars. Foremost among these is the Manhattan, a classic blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. First mixed in the 1880s, the Manhattan’s simple yet delightful composition has earned it a place in cocktail lore and inspired countless variations over the years.

Close on its heels is the Brooklyn, a cocktail likely conceived shortly after the Manhattan gained fame. Made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, its revival began alongside the modern craft cocktail movement of the early 2000s. This resurgence prompted bartenders to put their spins on the drink, yielding variations named after Brooklyn neighborhoods such as the Red Hook and Bushwick.

In addition to these celebrated classics, the city also inspires unique cocktails like the Algonquin, which mixes rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice, and the Adonis, an alluring mix of sherry and sweet vermouth. Below are some of the most notable cocktails inspired by the city that never sleeps:

1. Manhattan

The quintessential New York City cocktail, the Manhattan combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most beloved whiskey drinks.

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2. Brooklyn

This pre-Prohibition classic blends spicy rye whiskey with dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and the bittersweet French liqueur Amer Picon.

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3. Red Hook

Created in 2003, this modern cocktail unites rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and Punt e Mes. It’s regarded as one of the early modern classics arising from the original Brooklyn recipe.

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4. Newark

Though named for a New Jersey neighborhood, this cocktail is inspired by the Brooklyn. It substitutes rye whiskey for overproof apple brandy and uses sweet vermouth alongside Fernet-Branca instead of Amer Picon.

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5. Adonis

This cocktail, a tribute to a Broadway show, harmonizes sherry and sweet vermouth, resulting in a surprisingly complex drink garnished with orange peel.

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6. Bushwick

Created in 2009, this cocktail stays true to the original Brooklyn blend while focusing on rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon.

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7. Algonquin

Originating from the post-Prohibition era, this drink combines rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice, creating a crisp, delightful sipper.

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8. Greenpoint

Another Brooklyn graduate, created in 2006, it’s a modern classical concoction of rye whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

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From classic to contemporary, these cocktails epitomize the spirit of New York City, celebrating its rich bar culture and cocktail heritage. Whether at home or in a bustling bar, these drinks are sure to bring a taste of the Big Apple to your glass.