Liquor-articles 1588

Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General for Children, has raised concerns regarding the consumption of BORGs, or "Blackout Rage Gallons." This trend gained attention recently when Boston police confiscated multiple BORGs during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston.

Typically, a BORG contains a significant amount of alcohol—often vodka—mixed with water, caffeine, and electrolytes. The idea behind this concoction is to allow individuals to drink throughout the day while remaining hydrated and alert, ostensibly to prevent hangovers. However, the reality is that the alcohol content is alarmingly high. Some recipes recommend filling half a gallon jug with vodka, equating to around 30 to 40 shots of alcohol.

Dr. Hadland emphasized that even if consumed over a long period, this amount leads to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can result in mental status changes, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Historically, there have been incidents—in 2021, about two dozen students at UMass were hospitalized after drinking BORGs all day.

Currently, this trend primarily involves college students, who may find the audacious idea of carrying a bright gallon jug appealing. Although most teenagers do not consume alcohol, those who do often try to conceal it, making BORGs less common among high school students. However, trends from college often trickle down to younger age groups, prompting concern regarding the potential spread of this hazardous practice.

For more information about responsible drinking, visit Mass General for Children.

A man playing with his dog on the beach in Margate, New Jersey, made a surprising discovery last month—eleven unopened whiskey bottles believed to be from the Prohibition era. The bottles, found near the Margate Pier by Austin Contegiacomo, piqued his interest when his sheepadoodle, Koda, unearthed a bottle from the sand.

Contegiacomo soon realized that the items were some form of liquor, with each bottle etched with the name "Lincoln Inn" and an image of a man on horseback. Looking for insights about their origins, he shared images of the bottles on the Whiskey and Bottle Digging subreddits. Enthusiastic commenters helped him trace the history of the Lincoln Inn brand, revealing it was produced in Montreal and packaged in bottles from Dominion Glass, one of Canada’s largest glass manufacturers.

The presence of these bottles amidst other beach debris suggested they may have been recently washed ashore, likely due to dredging activities offshore. The unique diamond mark on the bases of the bottles indicates they were produced after 1928, a time when illegal liquor smuggling was rampant along the New Jersey coast during Prohibition. With Margate’s proximity to Atlantic City—a notorious hub for smuggled liquor—the circumstances raised questions about whether the bottles were left behind by smugglers.

As unopened whiskey retains its quality indefinitely when stored properly, Contegiacomo decided to keep one bottle for himself, displaying it prominently in his kitchen. He shared the ten remaining bottles with friends, who, like him, understand the historical significance of the find. According to him, the allure lies in the bottles’ mystery and the story of their journey rather than consuming them.

"I think right now, nobody is willing to open it," he remarked, appreciating the history behind his remarkable discovery. Koda, his canine companion, received special treats for the exciting find, adding to their beach adventures.

Sommelier André Hueston Mack visits Trader Joe’s to evaluate a selection of liquors and spirits, assessing their quality versus their budget-friendly prices.

The review begins with Texas Vodka, priced at $10.99. Mack notes that it resembles Tito’s Vodka, but it’s actually bottled by Dynasty Spirits. He describes it as clean with a hint of cut grass, stating that it lacks a burning sensation.

Next is Trader Joe’s Versatile Spirit Vodka ($10.99), which is made from grapes instead of grain, resulting in a rustic taste. Although Mack finds it rough around the edges, he acknowledges its potential for experimentation.

The Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey ($15.99) boasts the authentic qualities of a bourbon, thanks to its 51% corn content and aging requirements. Mack praises the notes of caramel and richness, appreciating its price point compared to other bourbons.

He then samples Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey at $14.99. While it claims to be produced in Tennessee following strict rules, Mack finds it underwhelming and prefers authentic brands like Jack Daniel’s.

Trader Joe’s Blanco Tequila ($19.99) passes muster as a raw spirit, showcasing good agave character without overwhelming heat. Mack deems it ideal for summer cocktails.

The review continues with Trader Joe’s Anejo Tequila ($22.99), which, despite its promise of oak aging, did not impress Mack with its subdued flavors.

Next, Espada Pequena Mescal ($21.99) offers a distinct smoky profile, although Mack notes an underlying chemical taste that detracts from the experience.

Trader Joe’s Blended Scotch Whiskey at $11.99 is dismissed as watered-down, reminiscent of family trickery with watered liquor. In contrast, the Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Ten Year ($26.99), earns mixed reviews for not fully delivering on flavor commensurate with its age statement.

He finds Trader Joe’s Special Reserve Irish Whiskey ($15.99) to be easier to drink and offers great value but raises questions about its labeling transparency.

Mack evaluates Rum of the Gods White Rum ($8.99) and its darker counterpart, indicating both lack character, though he prefers the dark rum for its slight sweetness.

Finally, he expresses enthusiasm for Art of the Still Organic Gin ($15.99), which features strong botanical notes, further solidifying its place in cocktail creations.

Overall, Mack’s tasting notes reveal a mix of winners and forgettable spirits, reinforcing the notion that budget options don’t always equate to poor quality, especially at Trader Joe’s.

For more information, check out Trader Joe’s Spirits.

One vodka brand received a Platinum medal, while 23 others were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Vodka Judging. The list of winners includes a variety of historic brands, emerging craft producers, and innovative new expressions.

elit Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $39

elit Vodka emerged as the top-rated vodka in the 2025 BevTest evaluation, achieving a score of 97/100 points. Produced in Latvia by the Stoli Group, elit Vodka is known for its remarkable smoothness and purity, credited to a sophisticated distillation and freeze-filtration process. This three-times distilled vodka offers a delicate aroma of grains and a soft, silky mouthfeel with minimal harshness. The BevTest Judging Panel noted that it features aromas of bread, dough, and subtle hints of almond, with flavors of honey-citrus peels and warm milk, making it ideal for sipping or as a high-end cocktail ingredient.

Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $28

The highest-rated flavored vodka, Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, scored 95/100 points. Hailing from Poland, this vodka is infused with bison grass from the Białowieża Forest, which imparts a unique herbal and slightly sweet flavor. In North America, the vodka is artificially flavored to replicate the taste of bison grass due to import restrictions on Coumarin—a natural compound found in the grass. Zubrówka is celebrated for its smooth profile with tropical aromas of honey, tonka bean, and coconut, making it versatile for cocktails or enjoyed neat.

Gold Medal Winners

In addition to these, 19 other vodkas earned Gold Medals in the 2025 BevTest review. Noteworthy mentions include:

• Nykur Limited Edition Super Premium Organic Jaeger Corps Vodka, 42% ABV, 750 ml – $60: With a score of 95/100, it fragrance includes wet sidewalk and golden apple notes, and a clean palate with citrus and berry nuances.

• Yacht Life Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $69: Also scoring 95/100 points, it boasts baked sweet potato and pizza dough aromas and flavors reminiscent of vanilla pound cake.

• Chopin Family Reserve Extra Rare Young Potato Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $149: Characterized by aromas of toasted nut muffin and marmalade, it is known for its velvety texture.

• Hi Post Handmade American Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $15: This notably affordable vodka received acclaim for its clean and delicate profile, exhibiting flavors of lemon chai and white strawberry.

Other distinguished Gold Medalists include Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Rosa Vodka (rose-infused), and Robert’s Organic Vodka, all showcasing unique aromas and flavor profiles.

Jerald O’Kennard, President of the Beverage Testing Institute, highlighted the trend of naturally flavored vodkas, which are gaining popularity due to their unique infusion processes and potential for creative mixology. As the vodka scene evolves, enthusiasts have much to explore, whether sipping straight or crafting innovative cocktails.

For more vodka recommendations, check out the articles on The World’s Best Vodka According to the International Wine & Spirit Competition and The World’s Best Vodka According to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

The Pogues, a genre-defining band in the Irish folk-punk scene, celebrated the 40th anniversary of their iconic album Rum, Sodomy & The Lash in 2025. Formed in London in 1982, The Pogues emerged from the punk movement, fusing traditional Irish music with punk rock energy. Their second album, released in the summer of 1985, showcased lead singer Shane MacGowan’s evolved songwriting while rapidly expanding the band’s popularity.

The band, originally named Pogue Mahone, meaning "kiss my arse" in Irish, was fronted by MacGowan, whose lyrical sophistication drew from various literary and historical sources. The album opener, "The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn," depicts the surreal imagery of a dying warrior, interweaving themes of life, death, and the indomitable spirit to persevere.

Drummer Andrew Ranken suggested the provocative album title, which quoted a supposed comment by Winston Churchill on naval traditions—a humorous nod to the turbulent themes within the album. The artwork, inspired by Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa, reflected the album’s mortuary themes and the emotional weight of songs like "A Pair of Brown Eyes," a sorrowful tale of loss that became a fan favorite.

Each track on Rum, Sodomy & The Lash traversed themes of Irish history and identity, encapsulating both celebration and lament. The Pogues also innovatively included covers that melded their sound with Americana, notably a version of "Jesse James" that captured the overlapping cultures of American and Irish folk.

Produced by Elvis Costello, the album was noted for its raw yet disciplined recording process, a stark contrast to their debut. The Pogues expressed gratitude for Costello’s straightforward approach, which preserved the essence of their sound while elevating the production quality.

Throughout their history, the band’s tumultuous relationship with substance use and chaotic lifestyle often clouded their artistic pursuits. Yet, this was symbiotically reflected in MacGowan’s lyrics, particularly in "The Old Main Drag," a moving tale believed to draw from his own life experiences.

In later years, internal struggles led to shifts in the lineup, with MacGowan being replaced by Spider Stacy on vocals for subsequent albums. Despite this, The Pogues maintained a significant influence on the Celtic punk movement, inspiring a new wave of artists.

Fast forward to the release of their anniversary show, The Pogues emphasize their desire to be remembered for their authenticity and the ability to convey reality without masking it with overly romantic notions of escapism. As they look back on their legacy, they showcase not just a reflection of their tumultuous journey but a celebration of the collective spirit of those who resonated with their music.

A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced Jordon Zachery Roland Cote, a 22-year-old man, to an 18-month conditional discharge after he entered a guilty plea for stealing alcohol and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. This ruling, made on March 12, allows Cote to avoid a criminal record if he meets the terms of his 18-month probation.

Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence, noting that typically, offenders would face a record for such acts. However, she acknowledged the joint plea agreement, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the addition of a counseling requirement aimed at addressing his issues.

The court was informed that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, by concealing it in his pants while leaving a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024. The store manager became aware of the theft through surveillance footage.

In an unrelated incident on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in an altercation where he verbally abused a woman, physically assaulted her by throwing her to the ground, and damaged her cell phone.

In addition to probation, Judge Malfair imposed several conditions on Cote, including completing 50 hours of community service, refraining from contact with specific individuals, avoiding weapons, and staying away from any BC Liquor Store locations.

A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced 22-year-old Jordon Zachery Roland Cote to 18 months of probation for stealing liquor and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On March 12, after pleading guilty to charges of theft under $5,000 and domestic assault, Cote received a conditional discharge, meaning he will not have a criminal record if he successfully completes his sentence.

Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence but noted that her decision took into account the joint nature of the submission, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the inclusion of a counseling term aimed at addressing underlying issues.

The court heard that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, from a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024, concealing it in his pants. The store manager discovered the theft after reviewing surveillance footage. Additionally, on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in another incident where he verbally assaulted a woman, physically attacked her, and damaged her cell phone.

As part of his probation conditions, Cote must complete 50 hours of community service, refrain from contacting specific individuals, avoid possessing weapons, and is prohibited from entering any BC Liquor Store.

Next Century Spirits (NCS) has officially acquired Blue Chair Bay Rum, a premium rum brand that was founded by country music star Kenny Chesney. This strategic move allows NCS to enhance its presence within the growing premium rum market, as Blue Chair Bay Rum has gained notoriety as the largest independently-owned rum brand globally and has sold millions of cases since its creation.

Kenny Chesney will remain heavily involved with the brand, holding a significant stake in NCS and continuing to influence its direction and growth. "Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family," stated Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of NCS. He emphasized the importance of building a "team of fast-moving entrepreneurs" and creating unique brands that resonate with modern spirits consumers.

Chesney expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing Blue Chair Bay Rum as a reflection of his life experiences and a spirit meant to be shared with friends. He believes NCS shares a similar vision, with a spirit of innovation and adventure that mirrors his brand ethos.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Chesney, who is set to make history as the first country artist to headline at Las Vegas’ Sphere starting in May 2025. Rob Mason, Co-CEO of NCS, noted that this partnership marks an exciting step forward as they work to shape the future of spirits.

NCS, headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is committed to redefining what is possible in spirits production through its patented Spiranova™ process. This innovative approach accelerates flavor transformation using only natural ingredients, resulting in a unique portfolio that includes Nue Vodka, Numbskull Whiskey, and now, Blue Chair Bay Rum.

For further details about Next Century Spirits, visit Next Century Spirits’ website.

About Blue Chair Bay Rum
Blue Chair Bay Rum is an authentic Caribbean rum crafted with premium natural ingredients and is offered in various flavors, including Spiced, Coconut, and Vanilla. Chesney collaborated with top master blenders to ensure each blend captures the essence of joyful memories shared with friends.

STS Capital Partners represented NCS in the acquisition, demonstrating their expertise in navigating complex negotiations to secure the deal.

Fine wine and whiskey have transitioned from mere collector’s items to significant alternative assets, often providing better returns than traditional investments. For instance, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index reveals that rare whisky prices have risen by 280% in the past decade, while fine wine prices increased by 146%.

With the recent advancements in AI technology, investors are now exploring how to leverage AI to better navigate these complex and lucrative markets. Although AI can effectively handle large datasets, it cannot fully substitute human expertise in areas such as brand value, cultural influences, and sensory assessments.

Where AI Excels in Wine and Whiskey Investing

1. Predicting Price Trends
AI’s analytical capabilities allow it to utilize auction results, critic ratings, and market sentiment to forecast prices. For example, platforms like Liv-ex leverage machine learning to track fine wine appreciation, yielding meaningful returns over time. Likewise, Rare Whisky 101 employs AI to identify undervalued distilleries, as evidenced by The Macallan 1926, which recently sold for an astonishing $2.7 million at auction.

2. Risk Management and Diversification
AI-driven investment platforms analyze various factors, such as market fluctuations, climate conditions impacting vintages, and inventory levels, to assess risks. They assist investors in diversifying their portfolios by balancing established assets like Château Lafite Rothschild with emerging contenders like German Pinot Noir.

3. Fraud Detection and Authentication
AI plays a crucial role in combating counterfeiting, a significant concern in high-value transactions. Utilizing image recognition and blockchain technologies, startups like Entrupy can effectively identify counterfeit labels, engravings, and cork patterns.

Limitations of AI in this Domain

1. Understanding Brand Prestige and Collector Sentiment
While AI can handle data, it cannot quantify the intangible aspects of brand prestige or collector psychology. The value of a bottle like Macallan 1926 is influenced not solely by its rarity, but also by historical significance and brand heritage. Similarly, the global rise of Japanese whisky is rooted in cultural narratives that AI cannot fully grasp.

2. Sensory Evaluation and Aging Potential
AI isn’t capable of tasting or smelling. Although it can analyze chemical components, it lacks the nuanced judgment of a master sommelier or distiller regarding how flavors might evolve over years.

3. Navigating Private Sales and Off-Market Transactions
Rarest and most valuable bottles are often traded through private collectors and winery allocations, where personal relationships and negotiation skills are critical. In these situations, human expertise remains indispensable.

The Balanced Approach: AI and Human Expertise

The most successful investment strategies will likely blend AI capabilities with human intuition. While the future may see an increased reliance on AI in this sector, the importance of human insight and expertise will endure, particularly in a market as intricate and specialized as fine wine and whiskey investing.

Ordering a martini can seem straightforward, but a popular TikTok has highlighted the complexities that come with it. In a video with over 471.3K views, bartender @hellqueencocktails cautions that simply saying "dirty martini" might leave bartenders guessing your preferences.

The traditional martini consists of liquor (vodka or gin), olives, and dry vermouth. However, the variations—including dirty, dry, and wet martinis—depend on personal taste. For instance, while gin is the classic choice, vodka has also gained popularity. Without specifying the preferred liquor, customers might receive the bar’s house brand, which is often lower quality.

The type of olives is also critical. Bars typically offer various choices, such as regular olives, Spanish olives with pimentos, or even unique flavors like blue cheese or jalapeño. Furthermore, ordering it "dirty" means adding olive juice, which alters the flavor. The amount of dry vermouth plays a significant role too; requesting a wet martini means you want more vermouth, while a dry martini means less.

It’s also important to consider the drink’s garnish, typically either olives or a lemon twist, and even whether you prefer your drink shaken or stirred—shaking chills the drink, while stirring keeps it stronger.

Many commenters on the TikTok post shared their thoughts about ordering martinis. Some argued that true martini drinkers should specify their preferences, while others suggested creating a “martini card” for customers to complete their orders. Ultimately, knowing how to order a martini not only helps the bartender but also ensures you get exactly what you want.

For anyone new to martinis or looking to refine their ordering skills, here are key questions to ask before placing your order:

• What liquor do you want: vodka or gin?
• Which brand of liquor should be used?
• What type of olives: regular, Spanish, blue cheese, jalapeño, etc.?
• Do you want your martini dirty with olive juice?
• How much vermouth do you desire: dry or wet?
• Would you prefer it shaken or stirred?
• What garnish would you like: olives or a lemon twist?

Being informed can transform the way you enjoy your martini, ensuring it’s perfect every time.