Liquor-articles 2049

Three ingredients – vodka, sparkling water, and natural flavour – will hit the shelves in British Columbia this September as the new ready-to-drink brand, EXACTLY™ Vodka Soda, launches, with plans for a national rollout to follow. Created by Canadian entrepreneurs Paul and Melissa Meehan, who are also the founders of NÜTRL Vodka, EXACTLY redefines what a vodka soda should be: simplicty itself.

The product will be available in four flavours: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, and Cranberry, presenting a vodka soda with a clear ingredient list and nothing to hide. Each can embodies a minimalist approach and contains only vodka, sparkling water, and natural flavour, resulting in zero carbs, no added sugar, no preservatives, and just 100 calories at 5% ABV. It promises to be a distinct alternative amidst a market saturated with overly sweetened and artificially flavoured drinks.

Paul Meehan expressed his disappointment with existing vodka sodas on the market, noting, "I kept looking for a vodka soda that was just that: vodka, soda and real flavour, nothing else. It didn’t exist. Everything on the shelf had something in it I didn’t want." This frustration fueled the creation of EXACTLY, aimed to appease consumers seeking genuine options without fillers.

The timing of the launch is significant for Canadian consumers, especially as many leading brands in the category are owned by foreign companies. In response, EXACTLY presents itself as a proudly Canadian and locally produced product, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses in today’s economy.

Meehan stated, "British Columbia is where the modern vodka soda category was born in Canada, and it’s home for us. Consumers here know the category incredibly well, so it felt like the natural place to introduce EXACTLY first."

EXACTLY Vodka Soda will debut in British Columbia, available in 6-packs of 355mL cans at private retailers throughout the province, before expanding to other markets.

For more information, visit www.exactlyvodka.com.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is set to embark on a new tour this October, offering free whiskey tastings in four U.S. cities, making it easier for bourbon enthusiasts to experience their renowned spirits without traveling to Kentucky. The distillery will feature its Buffalo Trace On Tour program in Branson, Kansas City, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver.

The tasting sessions will last approximately 75 minutes and will be hosted by an expert who will guide guests through four different whiskeys: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107, and the newly introduced Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. This special rye whiskey, launched in 2025, was created to cater to bartenders’ requests for a higher-proof rye suitable for cocktails.

Erica Bovard, the senior brand director at Buffalo Trace, emphasized the significance of this tour, stating it provides a way to connect with fans and expand their reach beyond Frankfort. The enthusiasm from the previous year’s tour encouraged the distillery to return to familiar markets while also exploring new locations.

The Buffalo Trace On Tour concept started in 2025, initially visiting cities like St. Louis and Tampa. This year, attendees can expect a total of 14 complimentary tasting sessions at each city, over four days. The schedule includes:

• Branson, Missouri: Big Cedar Lodge, Oct. 1-4
• Kansas City, Missouri: The Bauer, Oct. 8-11
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas: The Laurel, Oct. 14-17
• Denver, Colorado: Church Ranch Event Center, Nov. 12-15

Limited-edition city-specific barware will also be available for purchase at each location, although whiskey bottles won’t be sold during the events. Tickets are free, but attendees must be 21 or older, and reservations are necessary. Registration opens on September 2nd at 10 a.m. ET, with a cap of four tickets per person suggested, expected to fill up rapidly due to high demand.

For those looking to experience the essence of Buffalo Trace in these selected cities, the opportunity promises to be enjoyable and informative. More details and reservations can be found on the Buffalo Trace Distillery website.

Eleven Tennessee distilleries recently came together to create a unique blend of whiskey, showcasing a harmonious collaboration within the state’s whiskey industry. This project, named the Tennessee Collective, involves distilleries contributing barrels of their whiskey, reflecting their individual identities while uniting for a common cause.

On September 1, consumers will be able to purchase this special edition for $79.99. The 120-proof, cask-strength American whiskey follows a successful inaugural release that sold out and garnered several awards in 2025. Proceeds from the sales will support the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, promoting both visitation to and awareness of these distilleries.

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail, initiated in 2017, has grown to include over 30 distillery locations across the state. The idea for the Collective was generated internally by members of the Tennessee Distillers Guild, aiming to create a collaborative project that would unite producers and spotlight Tennessee whiskey.

The first edition featured twelve distilleries, while this year, eleven took part, each contributing a barrel of whiskey aged at least four years. The barrel selections varied widely, with each distillery making personalized choices, such as Nelson’s Green Brier, which included a nine-year-old whiskey made using an original pre-Prohibition recipe.

Once all the selected barrels were gathered, the blending occurred at Old Glory Distilling Co., which handled the intricate process of combining distinctly different whiskeys into a singular product. The blend was designed to meld harmoniously while preserving the unique flavors of each individual whiskey.

The resulting whiskey is characterized by a flavorful profile that combines notes of oak, nuttiness, vanilla, and spices. Bottling will feature hand-filled, hand-labeled bottles, adding a personal touch to each purchase.

An important update in state law means that the whiskey can now be sold at any participating distillery’s tasting room, allowing consumers to purchase directly from the producers and deepen their connection to the whiskey’s source. Each bottle will come with a Proof-It tag to provide authenticity and access to stories about the contributing distilleries and their whiskey contributions.

The Tennessee Collective goes beyond a mere whiskey offering; it represents a movement within a community that balances competition with collective support. Each edition will reflect the current landscape of Tennessee distilling, merging the past’s traditions with future aspirations.

RUM Group’s stock surged by 11%, reaching $10.44, after CEO Chris Pavlovski declared that the company is taking on prominent competitors in the AI infrastructure space, specifically targeting CoreWeave and Nebius. This announcement comes on the heels of RUM Group’s aggressive strategy to expand its AI capabilities, significantly benefitting from its recent acquisition of Northern Data, which added around 22,400 NVIDIA GPUs to its inventory.

In contrast, shares of Trump Media & Technology Group fell by 0.6% to $9.23, continuing a year-to-date decline of 30%. Despite the variance in performance, retail investors often associate the two companies due to their linked names, reflecting broader market sentiments.

The global backdrop for these stocks appears to be improving, with significant gains observed in related ETFs such as the Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF and the Global X Social Media ETF. However, RUM Group’s optimism is tempered by a significant financial hurdle revealed in its recent SEC filings. The company has indicated that it currently lacks the financing required to meet the obligations of a $13.7 billion GPU services contract, which has raised concerns about its ability to deliver on its ambitious plans.

Pavlovski has made it clear that RUM Group’s AI division, Quake AI, is aiming to compete fiercely against major players in the market. The company is now focused on securing financing options which may include debt or equity, although this places additional pressure on its future prospects given its existing financing obligations. The contract’s payment structure includes multiple phases, with one phase conditional on the approval of a proposed delivery schedule, further complicating matters.

RUM Group’s ambitions for growth are framed against the backdrop of potential dilution risks, especially with a warrant for 50.81 million Class A shares offered at a nominal price, which can significantly affect shareholders if exercised. Given the current market dynamics, investors are advised to maintain cautious exposure to RUM Group as the company navigates these financial challenges.

Overall, the landscape is set for RUM Group to attempt to assert itself in the competitive AI infrastructure market, but the path forward hinges on addressing its financing needs and demonstrating its capability to fulfill large-scale contracts while mitigating dilution risk.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The latest ranking from Drinks International has once again crowned Michter’s as the World’s Most Admired Whiskey for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade highlights Michter’s distilling prowess, which includes bourbon, rye, and American whiskey crafted in Louisville.

The rankings reflect the evaluations from an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders, and whiskey experts from over 25 countries. They serve as a definitive accolade in the whisky industry, especially significant during these challenging times for international trade.

Michter’s Executive Vice President, Matt Magliocco, expressed the team’s gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized the dedication to producing high-quality whiskey, noting the extra steps involved in ensuring their products deliver a unique flavor profile.

Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation and COO, commented on the complexity of whiskey production yet reaffirmed their straightforward goal: to create exceptional products that people enjoy. The recognition from industry experts reinforces their commitment to improvement.

Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, praised Michter’s for continuously setting high standards in quality. He noted the brand’s popularity at trade shows, showcasing the respect and admiration it garners from whiskey professionals globally.

Michter’s Master Distiller, Dan McKee, reflected on the communal aspect of enjoying whiskey, highlighting how it connects people. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, which he deemed beyond his wildest dreams.

Michter’s operates not only its main distillery in Shively, Louisville, but also has additional sites in Springfield, where it grows its own grain, and a second distillery in downtown Louisville featuring educational tours and tastings.

With a legacy of uncompromising quality, Michter’s offers a selection of highly acclaimed bourbons, ryes, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey, all aged to perfection.

For further details on the Drinks International Most Admired Whiskies List, please visit: Drinks International. More information about Michter’s can be found at michters.com.

Crafting the perfect whiskey sour involves not only the right ingredients but also choosing the ideal base spirit. As National Whiskey Sour Day approaches on August 25th, it’s an excellent time to explore different whiskies that can elevate this classic cocktail.

The whiskey sour is a straightforward mix of whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and often, egg white. The choice of whiskey—be it bourbon, scotch, or rye—greatly influences the cocktail’s character. Christian Shaum, a sommelier at Asador Bastian in Chicago, notes that lighter spirits like a single malt can create a smooth experience, while spicier ryes yield a bolder profile. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of shaking the drink correctly—a nine-second shake followed by double straining can achieve the perfect texture.

Here are ten whiskies recommended by bartenders to elevate your whiskey sour:

Willett Family Estate 4 Year Bourbon

This high-proof bourbon (125 proof) offers caramel undertones, necessitating adjustments to the recipe like reducing simple syrup and increasing bitters for balance.

Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack

This smooth spirit brings a touch of sweetness, enhancing the cocktail’s flavor while ensuring it remains well-balanced with fresh lemon juice.

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12

For a unique twist, this scotch aged in bourbon and sherry casks adds notes of orange and honey, providing a richly flavored sour.

Eagle Rare Bourbon

With dark fruit notes and a 10-year age statement, this bourbon rounds out the cocktail and enriches its complexity.

Johnnie Walker Black Cask

This scotch imparts a smoky sweetness alongside rich, toasty notes, making it a compelling base for a whiskey sour.

Sazerac Rye

Packing a punch with 90-proof strength, this rye gives the drink a spirit-forward presence while benefiting from a richer sugar syrup.

Rabbit Hole Heigold

This high-rye bourbon combines the spice of rye with the sweetness of bourbon, creating a dual character in cocktails.

Four Roses Small Batch

A more premium version of the original, it features ripe berry and dried spice notes, thanks to its six to seven years of aging.

Buffalo Trace

Known for its balance of sweetness and spice, this bourbon offers the depth to shine alongside lemon juice and sugar.

Knob Creek

Its higher proof (100-proof) gives this bourbon a robust character that stands up to the acidity of lemon, enhancing the drink’s overall profile.

Each of these whiskies brings unique attributes to the classic whiskey sour. Whether you prefer the smoothness of a bourbon, the complexity of a scotch, or the bite of a rye, experimenting with different labels can lead you to discover your personal favorite.

RUM Group’s stock experienced a notable uptick of 7%, reaching $9.68, following the announcement of a significant commercial agreement to supply GPUs and GPU services valued at approximately $13.7 billion. This contract stands out considerably in relation to RUM Group’s reported quarterly revenue of only $25.46 million. So far in the year, the shares have climbed 43%.

Conversely, Trump Media & Technology Group saw a minimal increase of 2%, bringing its stock price to $9.26. Despite a historical connection to RUM Group, the two companies have diverged in their operations and market reactions, given that Trump Media’s stock has been down 31% year to date.

The Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR) also faced a 1% decline to $27.99, indicating a downward trend in the broader data center sector, which is largely attributed to the individual contract situation affecting RUM Group.

Details of the GPU Deal

The monumental order is divided into three equal parts over a span of six years, sourced from RUM Group’s facility in Maysville, Georgia, which is currently being developed. It’s worth noting that only the first two tranches will be binding after the customer has finalized and approved the proposed delivery dates, making the third tranche conditional.

On August 23, RUM Group entered into a binding warrant agreement with its customer, allowing the customer to acquire up to 50.81 million Class A shares at an exceedingly low price of $0.01 per share. The vesting schedule includes several conditions based on completion and subsequent expansions tied to delivery volumes.

Financing Challenges

However, RUM Group acknowledged its current lack of funds to fulfill this large-scale contract, prompting the need for capital raising measures through debt or equity. This situation raises concerns, especially as the company has a dilutive warrant impacting share distribution.

The restructuring of RUM Group in June, when it took over the AI cloud company Northern Data, marked a new direction towards AI infrastructure, complementing the recent GPU order which includes over 22,400 NVIDIA GPUs.

Divergence of RUM Group and Trump Media

While Trump Media is often associated with RUM Group, the companies are increasingly viewed as distinct entities, with RUM focusing on data center and GPU infrastructure and Trump Media remaining entrenched in media and financial services sectors. The contrasting stock performances of RUM Group and DTCR underscore that current market movements are more influenced by specific contract developments rather than broader industry trends.

Traders and investors now closely observe how RUM Group will navigate its financing requirements for the contract buildout, as management may soon provide insights into whether they will pursue debt or equity, influencing overall share valuation and performance.

Six rye whiskies stood out in the 2026 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) judging, highlighting the diverse and evolving landscape of American rye whiskey. From a 15-year-old estate oak rye to a six-year cocktail-friendly rye, these selections demonstrate rye’s capacity to blend sweetness, oak, fruit, and spice without losing its signature peppery essence.

The top-ranked whiskey was WhistlePig 15 Year Estate Oak Rye, earning 96 points. This 100% rye whiskey is aged in sustainably harvested Vermont estate oak, leading to rich aromas of caramel, vanilla, and allspice, complemented by a flavor profile that includes butterscotch, tobacco, and a very long finish. Judges highlighted its distinctive notes and the balance it strikes between intensity and flavor complexity.

Following closely was the Boone County 8 Year Founder’s Reserve, receiving 95 points. This Kentucky straight rye, made from a mash bill of 95% rye, presents aromas of caramelized sugar and cinnamon, with robust flavors of brown sugar and toasted grain. Its versatility allows it to perform well in cocktails or neat.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye (Batch B526) also earned 94 points. Bottled uncut, this classic Kentucky rye showcases a complex nose of molasses and stewed fruits. The palate is rich, offering a dense array of flavors, including toffee and nutmeg, with a remarkably long finish that features toasty oak and rye spices.

Sagamore Reserve Series 10 Year received 94 points, showcasing Maryland-style rye through careful blending of different mash bills. Its aromatic profile suggests dessert-like qualities with peach cobbler and toasted almond, while the palate reveals rich flavors and a long, slightly sweet finish.

WhistlePig 10 Year Small Batch, another 94-point rye, is noted for its balance of sweetness and spice, characterized by anise and caramel on the nose and a finish that includes baking spices and citrus zest. Its versatility makes it a valuable selection for both sipping and cocktails.

Finally, WhistlePig PiggyBack 6-Year (also 94 points) is tailored for cocktail mixing, presenting a spicy palate with hints of cocoa and old leather, along with a long finish of baking spices and vanilla.

These six whiskies represent the depth of flavor and style in the rye whiskey category, proving that rye is asserting its place as a standout choice among whiskey enthusiasts.

For more information on these top whiskies, visit:

• WhistlePig Estate Oak Rye
• Boone County 8-Year Founder’s Reserve
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye
• Sagamore Reserve Series 10-Year
• WhistlePig 10 Year Small Batch Rye
• WhistlePig PiggyBack 6-Year Rye

On Friday, two alternative-media companies linked to former President Trump experienced distinct stock movements illustrating different strategic directions. RUM Group (NASDAQ:RUM) shares rose 7% to $9.04 due to a significant pivot towards AI infrastructure, while Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJT) gained 6%, reaching $9.03, a rare positive day amidst a challenging year.

The Global X Data Center and Digital Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ:DTCR) was down 0.5%, indicating that RUM Group’s rise is more about its specific AI strategies rather than a general sector trend. Both firms started 2026 as small-revenue platforms but have since restructured their financial strategies, leading to stark contrast in market performance.

RUM Group’s positive momentum is powered by its $767 million acquisition of Northern Data AG, completed in June. This deal transitioned RUM from a video-sharing platform to a comprehensive AI compute provider under the banner of Quake AI, which now boasts a substantial fleet of NVIDIA GPUs. Following the acquisition, RUM’s revenues surged by 61%, reaching over $40 million in the second quarter, with projections for Q3 between $87 million and $93 million. Management considers the potential revenue opportunity from increased AI services to exceed $3 billion annually if they fully monetize their energy capacities.

In contrast, Trump Media has faced major setbacks, specifically losing about $190 million due to a failed Bitcoin strategy, which it has since abandoned. The company’s foray into cryptocurrency resulted in a $238 million net loss in Q2 2026, even as its revenue from Truth Social reached only $1.7 million. As part of its recovery effort, Trump Media is pivoting towards expanding its Truth API offerings and acquiring TAE Technologies, a nuclear fusion firm, to strengthen its financial footing.

Despite both RUM Group and Trump Media’s attempts to shift towards capital-intensive hard assets, the market’s response has been vastly different. The share prices of the two companies have converged, not just indicating their differing results year-to-date, but showcasing how strategic choices in their capital allocation have defined their trajectories.

Investors will now be watching RUM Group to see if it can sustain its revenue guidance amid its AI pivot, while Trump Media needs to verify the viability of its new strategies following the merger with TAE Technologies.

Keeping your vodka in the freezer can enhance its smoothness, making it less harsh on the palate. However, there are important considerations depending on the type of vodka you have.

What Happens When You Store Vodka in the Freezer?

Vodka, typically bottled at around 40% ABV (80 proof), has a freezing point much lower than that of water, meaning it won’t freeze solid in a standard freezer. Instead, it becomes thick and velvety at cold temperatures, which can help mask any harshness in flavor, particularly in less expensive bottles.

Best Types of Vodka for Freezer Storage

Classic, unflavored vodkas are the best candidates for freezer storage. These spirits are often designed to be smooth and versatile, and chilling them can enhance their drinkability, making them more refreshing and enjoyable.

When to Avoid Freezer Storage

For premium vodka, you might want to forgo long-term freezer storage. Serving high-quality vodka slightly chilled allows you to better appreciate its aroma and complex flavor profile. To determine your preference, consider trying the vodka at room temperature first, then chilled in the fridge, and finally from the freezer.

Craft or infused vodkas should also avoid the freezer due to their delicate flavors, which can be muted by extreme cold. A refrigerator storage can be a good compromise, providing chill without significant flavor loss.

Longevity of Vodka in the Freezer

An unopened bottle of vodka can be stored in the freezer indefinitely due to its high alcohol content, which provides excellent shelf stability. After opening, a tightly sealed bottle can still last for years. To maintain its quality:

• Keep the cap tightly sealed to avoid oxidation and odor absorption.
• Store the bottle upright to prevent damage to the cap or cork.
• Minimize temperature fluctuations to help preserve its flavor.

Vodka Cocktails to Enjoy

Whether you prefer your vodka ice-cold or just slightly chilled, here are some refreshing cocktail ideas to try:

• Vodka Cherry Limeade
• Cranberry Mules
• French 76
• The Chilton Cocktail
• Kentucky Oaks Lily Drink
• Mississippi Martini
• Potlikker Bloody Marys