Liquor-articles 1851

If you’re a fan of vodka sauce, you know that the perfect blend can elevate any pasta dish. In search of the best jarred options, I put several brands to the test, seeking that ideal combination of flavor, texture, and the unmistakable pink hue that characterizes a good vodka sauce.

Testing Method

I chose a variety of well-known and lesser-known brands to see how they stacked up. To remove any bias, my husband and I conducted a blind taste test. We prepared warm rigatoni and topped each serving with one of the sauces before mixing to ensure an even distribution. Each sauce was evaluated based on appearance, consistency, flavor, and overall preference.

Rankings of Vodka Sauces

1. Prego

   • Prego’s Creamy Vodka Sauce was the standout winner. Its rich and ultra-creamy texture, along with the perfect pink color and a subtle vodka flavor, made it a great choice for busy weeknights.

2. Di Bruno Bros.

   • This sauce caught my eye with its herb-focused flavor profile while staying true to the classic vodka sauce appearance. Made with fewer ingredients, it offers a refreshing herbaceous twist.

3. Carbone

   • With a sweet tomato flavor, Carbone’s sauce is delicious but leans more toward marinara than vodka sauce. Some assembly is required since the jar suggests adding cream for the full effect.

4. Silver Palate

   • Spicy and creamy, this sauce met expectations with its rich consistency and perfect adherence to pasta. However, its peppery flavor might not suit everyone’s palate.

5. Bertolli

   • While it looked like a vodka sauce, Bertolli’s thin consistency and bland flavor underwhelmed compared to other options, making it a disappointing fifth place.

6. Rao’s

   • Rao’s boasts a bold flavor that unfortunately doesn’t quite fit the vodka sauce category. Its texture is commendable, being thick enough to cling to pasta, but it lacks the essential vodka notes.

7. Trader Joe’s

   • Despite high hopes, Trader Joe’s vodka sauce was a letdown. Its more marinara-like flavor and thin, chunky texture landed it at the bottom of the list.

Conclusion

For a busy weeknight dinner, Prego is the best jarred vodka sauce to keep on hand, offering a delicious and creamy experience that rivals homemade options. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, Di Bruno Bros. and Carbone provide unique flavors worth exploring.

The nightlife in St. Lucia is a vibrant fusion of the island’s laid-back charm and lively atmosphere. Bars range from casual beachfront spots to upscale lounges, creating a diverse scene where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and flavors.

Best for Upscale Cocktails

The Living Room
Located at the Harbor Club, this plush lounge offers a stylish escape with a menu highlighting unique cocktails like Pink Paradise and Velvet Crush. Enjoy live music during Thursday happy hour, making it a popular gathering spot.
Website: theharborclub.com

La Vie Lounge
This trendy venue features sea views and an energetic atmosphere. Signature drinks like the Lucian Sour make it a must-visit, complemented by scrumptious bites.
Website: lavielounge758.com

S.A. of Wines
Offering private wine tastings in a charming setting, Hisley Jean transforms the perception of St Lucian beverages. Reservations are necessary for this exclusive experience.
Contact: 001 758 728 7292

Best for Great Views

Irie Bar
A relaxed destination just steps from the beach, Irie Bar is known for its unpretentious vibe and local beers, offering a true taste of St. Lucia.
Contact: 001 758 726 8921; Instagram

Rum Therapy Bar & Treatment Centre
Popular with cruise passengers, this bar features inventive cocktails and regular entertainment, creating a fun atmosphere that brims with local spirit.
Contact: 001 758 729 2377; Instagram

On the Rocks
With a vibrant ambiance overlooking the bay, this bar serves cocktails alongside a menu of classic pub food, making it a favorite for late-night revelers.
Website: ontherocksslu.com

Best Sports Bars

Café 758
Offering a lively atmosphere with music and sports broadcasts, Café 758 is popular for its delicious burgers and continuous flow of rum punch.
Contact: 001 758 713 6161; Facebook

Valelse Sports Bar & Soup Kitchen
Known for its warm community vibe, this bar features HD screens for sports and hearty local dishes, perfect for a spirited game night.
Contact: 001 758 451 4033; Facebook

Bars with Local Music

Frydays
Set in the heart of Gros Islet’s Friday Night Street Party, Frydays offers a lively spot for dining and entertainment, featuring live music and a festive menu.
Contact: 001 758 715 0102; Instagram

Glamity’s Restaurant & Bar
For an authentic St Lucian nightlife experience filled with local food and music, Glamity’s is the go-to destination, especially during its lively weekend events.
Contact: 001 758 451 4033; Instagram

Conclusion

Each bar in St. Lucia offers something unique, from upscale cocktails and breathtaking views to spirited sports atmospheres and vibrant music scenes. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated night out or a casual beach vibe, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you on this enchanting island.

In 2023, Michter’s, the Kentucky-based whiskey brand, made history by becoming the first American name to take the top spot on the Drinks International list of The World’s Most Admired Whiskies. This achievement highlighted a significant moment for American whiskey, traditionally dominated by Scotch and Japanese brands.

Fast forward to 2025, and Michter’s secured this accolade for the third consecutive year, further cementing its status. The selection process involved a panel of 100 independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders, and whiskey experts from over 20 countries. They ranked brands based on the quality and consistency of whiskeys, price-to-quality ratio, and the strength of branding and marketing.

In the 2025 list, Michter’s was accompanied by Maker’s Mark as the only American brands in the top 10. Here’s the complete list of the top 10 whiskies:

1. Michter’s
2. The Yamazaki
3. Hibiki
4. Ardbeg
5. Compass Box
6. Maker’s Mark
7. Bruichladdich
8. The Macallan
9. Hakushu
10. Laphroaig

Michter’s roots can be traced back to the 18th century in Pennsylvania, originally known as Shenk’s Distillery before being rebranded in the 1950s. Although the original distillery ceased operations in 1989, Joe Magliocco revived the brand in the late 1990s by acquiring the trademark and establishing new production in Kentucky.

Initially sourcing whiskey from other distilleries, Michter’s began its own distillation in 2015 at a new facility in Shively, Kentucky. The brand’s offerings include a range of bourbons and ryes, along with limited editions like the Michter’s Legacy Series, which features exclusive releases such as Bomberger’s Bourbon and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash.

Michter’s also produces a line of age-stated whiskeys that are only offered when deemed exceptional, with releases of 10-year bourbons, coveted 20-year bourbons, and the limited Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash.

Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Executive Vice President, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s literally a dream to have Michter’s recognized as the World’s Most Admired Whiskey… it’s extremely humbling to be acknowledged by our peers across the industry.”

In addition to the Shively distillery, Michter’s operates the Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville and a 205-acre property in Springfield, Kentucky, which is developing estate-grown grain.

In the late 1990s, the bourbon industry faced significant struggles, compounded by falling popularity due to the rising prominence of vodka and tequila. The tipping point came on November 7, 1996, when a catastrophic storm hit Bardstown, Kentucky, leading to a devastating fire at the Heaven Hill distillery that destroyed their facility and several warehouses, taking out approximately 15% of their whiskey stocks and costing around $30 million.

Years later, Heaven Hill has returned to the forefront of the bourbon scene with the launch of their new state-of-the-art Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, which now produces 1,500 barrels daily, with potential to triple that output. This resurrection comes during another challenging phase for the bourbon industry, marked by economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors, especially among younger generations.

In commemoration of this new chapter, Heaven Hill introduced a special whiskey, the Master Distillers Unity. This limited-edition bottle honors the legacy of the distillery, showcasing what is believed to be the last surviving barrel from the old Bardstown distillery, laid down in 1991 by Parker Beam, a notable figure in Heaven Hill’s history.

The Master Distillers Unity blend consists of four unique bourbons, including a 14-year old from Beam, and an 8-year and 6-year old bourbon from his successors. Bottled at 107 proof, it features the hallmark Heaven Hill mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

A mere 4,000 bottles were produced, blending history and expertise into a complex flavor profile that includes rich butterscotch notes complemented by walnuts and milk chocolate, with a smooth, balanced finish. Priced at $225 and exclusively available at the new distillery, collectors may hesitate to open a bottle, but its delectable taste truly deserves to be savored. Visitors can enjoy the distillery’s visitor center and bar while picking up a bottle for their collection.

Eugene’s Yardy Rum Bar has gained nationwide recognition, being named one of the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the U.S. The restaurant, which features West Indian and Caribbean cuisine, started as a pop-up in 2020 and later operated as a food cart before settling in its current location at 837 Lincoln St. in downtown Eugene in January 2024.

Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez has expressed pride in his restaurant’s mission to educate patrons about Caribbean culture through food. He views culinary experiences as a way to bridge cultural gaps.

This accolade is not the first time Yardy Rum Bar has garnered attention; earlier in the year, Martinez was recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. The rush of customers following the Beard nomination prepared his staff for the recent uptick in business that comes with this latest honor.

Martinez noted that they experienced a significant surge in customer traffic post-nomination, describing the bustling atmosphere as "everyday was a Saturday for a couple of months." As the restaurant heads into a slower season, this recognition will help attract more customers and maintain the quality service that regular patrons expect.

For more information, visit Yardy Rum Bar and view the New York Times restaurant list.

When Justin D’Olier relocated from Hawaii to California in 2013, he never anticipated becoming an integral part of Kō Hana Distillers, a renowned rum producer based in his native O’ahu. Initially armed with a newly acquired executive MBA from the University of Hawaii, he hoped to pursue a career in banking. However, uncertainty led him to a role at Bourbon & Branch, a prestigious cocktail bar in San Francisco.

By 2020, as the pandemic shuttered many hospitality venues, D’Olier shifted to a California position with Kō Hana Distillers, a move that positioned him to connect with both sugarcane farmers and grape growers in Sonoma County. He discovered a kinship among these agricultural communities, appreciating their shared commitment to farming.

Kō Hana Distillers cultivates 34 heirloom varieties of sugarcane on its expansive plantation in Hawaii, making it a primary conservator of native Hawaiian sugarcane. Each variety of cane is harvested separately, emphasizing the unique flavors and properties akin to winemaking. Unlike the majority of rum that uses molasses, Kō Hana processes freshly pressed sugarcane juice, resulting in a distinctive type of agricole rum commonly found in the French West Indies.

To show solidarity with Sonoma County farmworkers during the harvesting season, Kō Hana Distillers has launched a generous initiative: from September 1 to October 31, bars and restaurants across Sonoma will offer complimentary Kō Hana rum daiquiris to those involved in agriculture. This campaign, dubbed “Daiquiri Crush,” serves to celebrate the profound connection between agriculture workers across regions.

D’Olier and his team aim to deliver goodie bags containing tokens for the complimentary daiquiris, promoting a spirit of community support. Participating locations are encouraged to craft their own unique daiquiri recipes, while ready-to-drink Kō Hana products will be available at various retail outlets. This campaign reflects a desire to foster goodwill and appreciation among all who labor in agriculture, reinforcing the bond within the farming community.

For further details on Kō Hana Distillers and their initiatives, visit kohanarum.com.

Kristin Cabot’s estranged husband, Andrew Cabot, has made a statement following her recent filing for divorce, which occurred shortly after her alleged affair with her boss, Andy Byron, surfaced during a Coldplay concert.

According to Andrew’s spokeswoman, the couple had already been "privately and amicably separated" before the concert incident where Kristin and Andy were caught on the jumbotron getting cozy. The spokeswoman emphasized that their decision to divorce was underway prior to that moment and expressed hope that the public filing would provide closure to speculation surrounding their relationship.

Kristin filed for divorce on August 13 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as documented in court records. The couple shares no children, while Andrew has two children from a previous marriage. Their next hearing is scheduled for November 26 in New Hampshire’s family court system.

Just a week prior to the divorce filing, Kristin resigned from her position as Chief People Officer at Astronomer, the tech company where she and Byron both worked. The company confirmed her resignation, stating that she was no longer with them. Byron also resigned shortly after the concert incident, with Astronomer citing his failure to meet company standards.

The event that triggered these developments occurred on July 15 during a Coldplay performance at Gillette Stadium. Frontman Chris Martin jokingly pointed out a couple on the jumbotron who appeared to react awkwardly to being filmed. His quip about the pair either being "really shy" or “having an affair” quickly went viral, leading to public speculation connecting the faces seen on the screen to the executives at Astronomer.

As a result of this controversy, both Kristin and Andy deleted their LinkedIn accounts, and Andy’s wife took down her social media accounts. The board of directors of Astronomer launched a formal investigation into the situation after the incident received intense media scrutiny.

In light of the scandal, Chris Martin later added humor to the situation during concerts, cautioning fans to be camera ready, highlighting the unexpected consequences of their viral moment.

For further updates, please refer to the relevant court records and news reports pertaining to the situation.

Foursquare Distillery’s Equidem 14-Year-Old rum has achieved remarkable recognition by winning the 2025 IWSC Rum Spirit Trophy, distinguishing it as the best rum in the world. This impressive accolade was awarded by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), which is known for its rigorous evaluation process where numerous spirits from around the globe are subjected to blind tasting by expert panels.

Founded in 1969, the IWSC rigorously judges thousands of entries, ultimately recognizing only the most innovative and technically outstanding spirits. This year, Foursquare Rum Distillery, based in Barbados, showcased its reputation for excellence and craftsmanship with the Equidem 14-Year-Old, which achieved an impressive 98 points.

The Equidem 14-Year-Old is part of Foursquare’s Exceptional Cask Selection series, boasting a unique maturation process that includes five years in ex-bourbon casks followed by another nine in rare ex-Black Muscat wine casks. As a result, the rum exhibits extraordinary complexity and richness.

Foursquare Rum Distillery, established in 1996 by the Seale family, has grown to be a leader in rum production, reflecting the family’s commitment to quality and transparency. The current leader, Richard Seale, emphasizes innovation through various cask experiments, pushing the boundaries of rum expression with each release from their Exceptional Cask Selections.

The tasting notes of the Equidem 14-Year-Old reveal pronounced aromas of dried fruits, such as raisins and prunes, complemented by hints of citrus, marzipan, and seasoned oak. The flavor profile is described as rich and layered, with notes of brown butter, honey, salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a complex finish that showcases a blend of tropical fruit, wood, and spice.

The IWSC judging panel highlighted the rum’s vibrant aromas and smooth palate, noting its long, sweet finish. Recognized not only for its flavor but for its remarkable craftsmanship, Equidem 14-Year-Old exemplifies the potential of meticulously aged rum and is a standout choice for both connoisseurs and collectors looking for an exceptional spirit.

Foursquare, Equidem 14-Year-Old Rum, 61% ABV, 750 ml. – 98 Points, Price: $159.

Investors in the Irish whiskey industry are experiencing significant anxiety as a worldwide downturn in alcohol sales adversely impacts the market. Recently, some of the most promising distilleries have ceased operations, leading many backers to worry about the viability of their investments. Despite the current distress, distillery owners maintain an optimistic outlook, believing that the sector will rebound, especially if it can negotiate a zero-for-zero tariff deal with the United States.

In recent years, this growing sector has attracted millions in investment from both domestic and foreign funds, fueled by the belief that Irish whiskey was a secure asset, largely due to increasing demand in the U.S. Traditionally viewed as "liquid gold," many investors now fear they may have overextended themselves as the bubble seems to be bursting.

However, the optimism among distillers suggests potential opportunities for recovery and growth in the industry, provided they can navigate the challenges posed by the slowing global demand.

For more details, visit:
Food, Drink and Hospitality

Michter’s Distillery is set to release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey this September. This whiskey adds to the distillery’s acclaimed line of toasted barrel finishes, a series known for pushing the boundaries of American whiskey.

The idea of toasted barrel finishes began in 2014 with the Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon, a product that did not char the second barrel used. Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco recalls that they did not realize they were pioneering a new category at that time. The 2025 release of the Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey is deemed particularly special by the distillery.

The new Sour Mash whiskey, like its predecessors, undergoes an extra aging process in a toasted but uncharred barrel. Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, noted that this technique enhances the core flavors while introducing new elements. “The second toasted-only barrel really complements the flavors,” she said, adding that it brings out notes of honey, burnt sugar, and citrus spice, paired with a smoky vanilla reminiscent of a campfire.

Notably, the original Michter’s US*1 Sour Mash garnered significant acclaim, being named Whisky of the Year in 2019 by The Whisky Exchange—making it the first American whiskey to achieve this recognition. Master Distiller Dan McKee described the whiskey as having qualities of excellent bourbon while finishing in the manner of rye, stating it’s well-suited for the toasted barrel treatment.

The Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey will be available nationwide starting September 2025. Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), its suggested retail price is $110 for a 750ml bottle. Given Michter’s reputation for limited releases, the new whiskey is expected to attract considerable interest from collectors and connoisseurs.

For more details, visit Michter’s official website.