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Whiskey expert Noah Rothbaum asserts that, amid the booming global whiskey market, many excellent and affordable whiskies remain underrated. He emphasizes that high prices do not necessarily equate to superior quality, stating, "whiskey bargains are in no short supply." In his new book, The Whiskey Bible, Rothbaum highlights several undervalued whiskey options like Rittenhouse Rye, George Dickel 8-Year-Old, and Black Bush, proving there are still quality selections available for enthusiasts looking for great taste without breaking the bank.

Despite the whiskey category’s current popularity, Rothbaum believes many of these underrated offerings are still worth exploring. He suggests that the focus lately has been on premium categories, with super-premium whiskey sales surging by over 2,100% since 2003, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. However, he asserts that price is not a reliable indicator of quality, and many undervalued whiskies outperform their pricier counterparts.

In The Whiskey Bible, A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit, Rothbaum reveals his top seven most underrated whiskeys. Here are his selections along with tasting notes:

1. Rittenhouse Rye – $24

   • A much-loved classic known for its quality in cocktails, especially in Manhattans. This 100-proof rye features menthol and grassy earth aromas.

2. Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond Rye – $24

   • With over 200 years of history, this big, 100-proof whiskey is bold and spicy, making it a staple for any bar cart.

3. George Dickel 8-Year-Old Bourbon – $28

   • A notable Tennessee whiskey that can be classified as bourbon, it showcases toasted pecans and butterscotch flavors in its 90-proof expression.

4. Black Bush Irish Whiskey – $32

   • Known for its sweet and salty complexity, this whiskey benefits from time spent in oloroso sherry casks, perfect for sipping neat or in highballs.

5. Dewar’s 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky – $25

   • Recently revamped, this award-winning blended Scotch is well-rounded, approachable, and offers a delightful finish with peppery dried fruit notes.

6. Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky – $30

   • The top-selling Scotch in Scotland, often enjoyed with a pint of beer, Famous Grouse delivers a taste akin to your favorite Scottish shortbread.

7. Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky – $34

   • Made entirely from rye grain, this Canadian whiskey is rich and flavorful, dispelling the myth that Canadian varieties lack elegance.

Noah Rothbaum’s insights showcase how whiskey enthusiasts can discover an array of high-quality yet affordable options in today’s thriving market.

Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort in Barbados, has undergone a significant renovation, revitalizing its offerings and welcoming guests to an upscale yet relaxed environment. Just a 40-minute journey from Grantley Adams International Airport, visitors are met with an elegant lobby featuring grand white columns and a serene lily pond.

Originally built as a private residence in the 1930s, the property has evolved from its origins, known as "The Clouds," under the ownership of Barbadian magistrate J.R. “Bunny” Edwards. Following a complete renovation by Marriott International, the resort now boasts 96 newly decorated rooms and suites adorned with colonial-inspired décor and modern amenities.

Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations, some of which provide direct access to the lagoon pools or ocean-view balconies. The resort prioritizes comfort with features such as espresso machines and luxurious toiletries. The natural beauty of the region is complemented by the resort’s positioning alongside a stunning white-sand beach, complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food service.

A highlight of the culinary experience comes from the main restaurant, Laguna, where diners are treated to local music and a menu of international dishes crafted with fresh ingredients sourced from the on-site garden. For a more casual dining option, the Sunset Deck Restaurant offers light bites and cocktails with amazing ocean views.

The resort features a dedicated Rum Vault, showcasing an impressive selection of over 150 global rum labels. Guests can experience rum-centric tastings while enjoying delicious dishes like smoked rum-infused pork belly.

Inclusivity in activities is a focus at Colony Club, with complimentary access to both motorized and non-motorized watersports, including wakeboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking. Off-site excursions, like a food tour in Bridgetown, offer guests a taste of Bajan culture.

The rejuvenated spa incorporates local healing techniques, offering treatments tailored to individual elements such as wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. For families, the resort presents a seasonal children’s program with various beach activities.

Accessibility remains a priority, with one ADA-compliant room and all major facilities designed for easy navigation. Sustainability practices are also woven into the resort’s operations, focusing on local sourcing and environmental conservation efforts.

Colony Club’s location along the prestigious west coast of Barbados makes it an ideal base for exploration, with numerous excursions available on-site. For Marriott Bonvoy members, the resort also offers rewards for stays, making it an attractive destination for luxury travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Nightly rates start from $531.

Whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, with a legacy of 159 years, is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time this year amid a significant financial dispute. Following a receivership motion earlier in August, the brand is now facing a lawsuit from Farm Credit Mid-America for over $108 million in alleged loan and credit defaults. This legal action may force the company into a precarious position, with an assets sale on the horizon as a means to stabilize financially.

Uncle Nearest’s history is deeply rooted in the legacy of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, a former slave who became the first known master distiller for Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Launched in 2017 to honor Green’s contributions, the brand saw rapid growth and was recognized as one of the fastest growing whiskey brands in the U.S.

The financial struggles of Uncle Nearest began to materialize when the company reported declining demand and increased operational costs, resulting in its first Chapter 11 filing in March 2025. Since then, the situation has only worsened, leading to the recent receivership, where Phillip G. Young Jr. was appointed to oversee company assets while the existing operational staff remained in their roles.

As Uncle Nearest considers another Chapter 11 filing, insiders indicate that the sale of certain assets may be necessary, although the core brand’s viability remains intact. The official announcement of this impending bankruptcy has yet to be made public, but developments suggest it is on the horizon.

FAQs

• Why is Uncle Nearest facing bankruptcy?
  The brand is grappling with declining demand, high operational costs, and a significant lawsuit over loan defaults.

• Who filed the lawsuit against Uncle Nearest?
  Farm Credit Mid-America has sued the company regarding alleged defaults on loans and credit.

• What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
  The court has placed Uncle Nearest in receivership, appointing Phillip G. Young Jr. to manage its assets.

• What is the significance of Uncle Nearest?
  It honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, a former slave and mentor to Jack Daniel, and it was created to recognize his pioneering role in whiskey distilling.

Surfside, the popular vodka tea brand, is taking legal action against Anheuser-Busch, accusing the beverage giant of copying its can design for their competing Skimmers line of ready-to-drink cocktails. The lawsuit claims that both brands share striking similarities, particularly regarding the color bands at the bottom of the can and the design features, including a white background and a sun logo at the top.

Surfside alleges that Anheuser-Busch is trying to capitalize on its success and is seeking damages as well as a halt to the use of the contested design. Anheuser-Busch, however, has dismissed the lawsuit as baseless and plans to defend itself vigorously.

This legal dispute reflects a growing trend in the food and beverage industry, where companies frequently resolve disputes over design and branding in court. Previous cases include J.M. Smucker suing Trader Joe’s over their "copycat" versions of Uncrustables and Mondelēz taking legal action against Aldi for similar issues.

Despite a general decline in alcohol consumption, the category of vodka teas and spirit-based ready-to-drink cocktails is thriving. Founded in 2021, Surfside has experienced remarkable growth, with sales reportedly increasing by 563% in its second year. Conversely, Anheuser-Busch introduced the Skimmers brand earlier this year after entering the RTD cocktail market in 2019.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, accuses Anheuser-Busch of trade dress infringement and unfair competition. Surfside is not only pursuing monetary damages but also legal fees and a share of Anheuser-Busch’s profits. However, the lack of a federal trademark registration for its design may complicate Surfside’s efforts, potentially making it more challenging to prove their case.

For more details on this case, you can view the original articles on Food Dive and Surfside’s success with RTD cocktails.

Uncle Nearest, the whiskey brand with a history traced back to the 1850s, is facing significant financial difficulties and has recently been placed under a court-ordered receivership. The brand, which honors Nathan "Nearest" Green—a formerly enslaved man who was instrumental in teaching Jack Daniel how to produce whiskey—has encountered substantial challenges due to mismanagement and poor recordkeeping.

In an effort to stabilize the company, Uncle Nearest Inc. is preparing to sell off non-core assets, such as French vineyards and a Cognac château. This decision comes as part of the strategy to address its financial troubles following a lawsuit from its senior lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, which claims the brand defaulted on over $108 million in loans and credit lines. The lender is seeking remedies for alleged breaches, including inflated collateral valuations and failure to maintain financial covenants.

Receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. has indicated that while the brand has been facing cash flow issues, there’s potential for reorganization rather than liquidation. He noted that the company has significant value and can be continued as an operating entity. Farm Credit Mid-America has agreed to provide $2.5 million in short-term funding to help cover overdue expenses and bills. Additionally, it was mentioned that Uncle Nearest might pursue a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, although it has not taken that step yet.

The issues faced by Uncle Nearest highlight the challenges within the spirits industry, particularly around maintaining financial stability while honoring the legacy of individuals pivotal to its history. The company’s efforts to overcome these difficulties will be closely watched by both industry insiders and consumers who value its historical significance.

For further reading, you can check out the following related articles:

• CBS News on Nathan Green
• Alcohol Professor on Uncle Nearest Whiskey
• Moore Country Observer on asset sales
• Black Enterprise about Uncle Nearest receivership
• TheStreet’s original report

52eighty Distilling, a craft distillery based in Littleton, Colorado, has recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, signaling a troubling trend in the distillery industry. The company, founded by three friends who began as hobbyist distillers, produced a range of spirits that included Cackler’s Whiskey and Palisade Peach Vodka, utilizing organic ingredients and local Rocky Mountain water.

Despite their innovative practices and the popularity of craft whiskey, 52eighty Distilling is experiencing the challenges many craft distillers currently face. The luxury market is contracting as consumers tighten their budgets due to inflation and increasing costs. CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, Chris Swonger, emphasized that consumers are becoming more price-conscious and reducing discretionary spending, a trend reflected widely across the beverage sector. This has led to a slowdown in the entire industry with consumers pulling back from luxury purchases.

The American Craft Spirits Association also noted that competition from larger brands is squeezing out smaller players like 52eighty Distilling. Consolidation across the market has made it increasingly difficult for craft distilleries to secure distribution, with statistics indicating that 72% of craft distillers have sought distribution in various states, but 51% reported being turned down.

52eighty Distilling’s Case Details

• Company: 52eighty Distilling Corporation, Littleton, Colorado
• Filing Type: Chapter 7 (Voluntary)
• Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado
• Case Number: 25-16649
• Filing Date: October 14, 2025
• Assets: $100,001 to $1,000,000
• Liabilities: $1,000,001 to $10,000,000
• Creditor Count: 1–49
• Business Type: Beverage Manufacturing
• Interim Trustee: Joli A. Lofstedt
• Status: Operations ceased; assets to be liquidated

The company’s struggles exemplify broader issues facing craft distillers, who now, more than ever, find themselves up against rising costs and changing consumer behaviors.

Oxbow Rum Distillery has recently made headlines by being named the sixth-best craft rum distillery in the United States according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This family-run distillery in Louisiana operates on a five-generation cane farm and sugar mill, distinguished by its production of single-estate rums utilizing rare ingredients such as fresh-pressed raw cane juice and high-quality Grade A molasses.

The unique sugarcane used for Oxbow Rum is cultivated on the estate itself, benefiting from the rich soil of an old Mississippi River oxbow. This sustainable approach means that the harvested cane is directly transformed into raw cane juice and raw sugar, with blackstrap molasses serving as a byproduct.

The distillation process at Oxbow involves fermenting the sugar to create alcohol, which is first distilled in a copper hybrid pot still and subsequently in a stainless steel still. The spirits produced can either be aged in premium oak barrels for depth or left unaged and gently proofed over time. Notably, their Oxbow Estate Line is crafted without any added sugar, color, or flavor, aiming to deliver the purest rum experience. Furthermore, the labels of their False River flavored rums provide transparency about their ingredients, enhancing consumer trust.

For those interested in exploring the world of rum, Oxbow Rum Distillery exemplifies a commitment to quality and tradition that resonates with enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

A Littleton-based distillery known as 52eighty Distilling, which has been producing vodka, whiskey, and gin since its founding in 2018, has announced its decision to cease operations. The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week, marking the end of its journey as it intends to liquidate its assets.

Founded by brothers Erick and Drew Demgen alongside their friend Lou Pacenta, 52eighty Distilling has encountered declining sales over the past few years. By mid-October 2025, the distillery reported a meager revenue of $72,629, a significant drop from the $97,900 generated in all of 2024 and from $158,040 in 2023.

The distillery sold its products through its website, various retailers, and its tasting room located at 10488 W. Centennial Road in Littleton, which has now closed its doors. The bankruptcy filings indicate that the last rent payment of nearly $20,000 was made in July 2025, with the lease extending until February 2028.

In the filings, 52eighty listed its assets at approximately $288,000, which includes $175,000 in equipment. Additionally, the company has about $10,000 worth of alcohol ready for processing and $6,000 worth of raw materials. However, the distillery’s liabilities total around $1.1 million, with substantial debts owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and Ready Cap Lending.

Each of the founding trio holds an 18% stake in the company according to the bankruptcy documents, which do not specify the ownership of the remaining shares. Attorney Robertson B. Cohen of Cohen & Cohen is overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings for 52eighty.

This old-fashioned whiskey Bundt cake is not only easy to prepare but is also designed to impress your guests with its elegant appearance and delightful flavor. The cake boasts a rich, sweet, and slightly boozy profile, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions.

To create this charming dessert, you will need basic baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, whiskey. The combination of these elements results in a moist cake with a tender crumb.

The whiskey adds a distinct character, providing depth to the flavor without overwhelming the sweetness. Once baked and cooled, this beautiful Bundt cake can be glazed or dusted with powdered sugar for added allure.

Perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is a crowd-pleaser and will surely be a memorable addition to your dessert table. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it at home, it celebrates the comforting flavors of whiskey in a delightful way.

Five rye whiskeys achieved top honors at the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards (LVGSA), with two Platinum and three Gold medals awarded. The standout was WhistlePig Small Batch Rye, aged 10 years, which earned the title of World’s Best Rye with an impressive score of 99.4 out of 100.

The LVGSA is a respected U.S.-based competition featuring blind tastings judged by a panel of industry veterans. The awards are divided into categories where spirits are evaluated based on appearance, aroma, palate, balance, and finish. In 2025, the judges highlighted the nominees for their bold character and quality craftsmanship, which exemplifies the best of rye whiskey.

Award-Winning Whiskies

1. WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years, 50% ABV, 750 ml (99.4/100 points)

   • Originating from Vermont, this rye whiskey is known for its 97-100% rye mash bill. Judges noted its aromas of allspice and dried orange zest, complemented by flavors of caramel, vanilla, and rye spices. The finish is long and rich.

2. WhistlePig Old World Rye Aged 12 Years, 43% ABV, 750 ml (99.3/100 points)

   • This whiskey matures for 12 years and undergoes a unique finishing process in Madeira, Sauternes, and Port casks. Its tasting notes include caramel, dried fruits, and a smooth texture.

3. American Icon, Big Red Rye, 45% ABV, 750 ml (92.7/100 points)

   • Produced by American Icon Spirits, this rye exhibits aromas of citrus and baking spices, and on the palate, flavors of caramel and cooked grains are prominent. It finishes with hints of wood spices.

4. TINCUP Rye Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml (91.5/100 points)

   • Sourced from MGP Ingredients, this rye features notes of orange zest and vanilla, with a palate showcasing caramel and spicy rye.

5. Old Potrero, California Cellar Series #04 Almanac Beer Finish, 57.5% ABV, 750 ml (90.7/100 points)

   • A cask-strength offering that mixes malt tones from beer barrels with the signature spice of rye. It boasts flavors of caramel, roasted malt, and stone fruit.

These awardees illustrate the depth and versatility of American rye whiskey, showcasing its expressive nature and potential for refined flavors. Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails like a Manhattan, these whiskies highlight the craft and legacy of rye whiskey in America.

For more information about the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, visit LVGSA.