Liquor-articles 1851

Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival Returns

The vibrant community of Treasure Beach, located in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, is set to unfold its rich culinary scene, local rums, and the infectious beats of reggae music as the Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival makes its much-anticipated return from November 7-9, 2025. This festival serves as an ode to the cultural heritage and harvests of Jamaica’s south coast, aiming to create a platform for celebrating the uniqueness of the region.

After a triumphant debut in 2023, the festival’s organizers, including newly appointed co-director Gregory Wright, are enthusiastic about its evolution. Wright expressed personal ties to Treasure Beach, noting the importance of authenticity and community engagement in promoting Jamaican culture. His collaboration with fellow director Jason Henzell is designed to establish the festival as a must-attend event on the tourism calendar.

The festival promises a rich tapestry of experiences, featuring an impressive array of local food vendors, rum tastings, and performances by renowned reggae artists, capitalizing on the success of its inaugural year that showcased stars like Jesse Royal, Luciano, and Richie Spice.

The Jamaica Tourist Board is also supporting the festival, emphasizing its role in enhancing the appeal of Jamaica as a destination for cultural tourism. Donovan White, the director of tourism, highlighted how the festival contributes to community pride and offers visitors an unforgettable experience rooted in local culture.

Event-goers can expect not only to enjoy the festivities at the festival grounds but also to experience iconic attractions such as guided tours to Lover’s Leap, Pelican Bar, and Middle Quarters. The experience is designed to be immersive, allowing visitors to connect with the culture and stories that give St. Elizabeth its charm.

With the stage set for an even grander return, the Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival is gearing up to create memories and forge connections, celebrating the heart and soul of Jamaica from November 7-9, 2025.

For more information, visit the official site of Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival.

The recent Kunia brush fire, which is now the largest of a series of fires in the area, destroyed 15 acres of sugar cane, impacting the Kō Hana Rum distillery located at Kunia Camp. The fire started on Tuesday and swiftly spread across 600 acres, primarily affecting the slopes of the Waiʻanae mountains. Air support was crucial, with helicopters conducting water drops throughout the day, helping to manage the fire’s threat to neighboring farms, which had been greater the previous day.

As the flames approached heavily trafficked Kunia Road, there were moments when they jumped across it. Firefighters were able to contain the flames and prevent further damage, prompting an evacuation earlier in the week. The losses are significant for the distillery, as Robert Dawson, co-founder of Kō Hana Rum, described the destroyed sugar cane as a "museum collection" of 36 heirloom varieties, integral to their production methods. This particular crop, annually harvested for rum, will take a year to recover fully.

Despite the destruction, Dawson noted that Kō Hana Rum has ample farmland available and assured that operational impacts would be minimal. The fire also came dangerously close to the Kunia Camp, where facilities include an aquaponics operation, a farmers market, and homes for agricultural workers.

The series of fires in Kunia has raised concerns, and while local officials believe everyone is following proper protocols, Dawson mentioned the need for vigilance against possible arson, as the Honolulu Police Department has opened an investigation into at least one related arson case.

As of Wednesday night, firefighters had contained approximately 70% of the blaze, with no reported injuries or structural damage. City, state, and federal teams remained on-site addressing hot spots and investigating the fire’s cause and the damage done.

For more information on safety and ongoing updates, you can refer to:

• Honolulu Fire Department
• Local News

Malibu Rum is set to launch a new collaboration with Dole, aiming to create a popular ready-to-drink line that pairs their white rum-based coconut spirit with Dole’s classic pineapple juice, sparkling water, and natural flavors. This partnership, which capitalizes on the longstanding relationship between the two brands, looks to make it easier for consumers to enjoy Malibu in a convenient format.

The upcoming line will feature four fruity flavors: Pineapple, Pineapple Dragon Fruit, Pineapple Mango, and Pineapple Strawberry. These drinks will come in 12-ounce cans, free from artificial sweeteners or colors, and contain only 130 calories each. Executives from both Malibu and Dole expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, believing it will enhance the consumer experience by merging two iconic brands in a highly desirable and accessible way.

Fans can expect to see these new canned cocktails at major retailers across the country, but they won’t be available until early 2026. The collaboration promises to bring a refreshing option for those looking for a fun and easy drink option year-round.

American rye whiskey is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, capturing the attention of both enthusiasts and judges with its bold spice and rich complexity. At the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute’s judging event, a notable 12 rye whiskeys earned gold medals, reflecting the depth and diversity within the category. Leading this impressive lineup was Heaven Hill’s “Grain To Glass” Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, which secured the title of Best American Rye Whiskey, setting a benchmark in this resurgent whiskey style.

Heaven Hill ‘Grain To Glass’ Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 52.6% ABV, 750 ml.
95 Points, Gold Medal. $99
Heaven Hill, the largest family-owned distillery in the U.S., showcases its heritage dating back to 1935 with this whiskey. The “Grain to Glass” series emphasizes traceability, utilizing estate-grown grains for its unique 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley mash bill. It presents aromas of freshly baked rye bread, honeycomb, dill, and dried cherry, with a palate that features cracked black pepper, toffee, green apple, and roasted walnut. The medium-long finish offers herbal notes combined with mint, oak spice, and cocoa powder.

Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml.
94 Points, Gold Medal. $33
Another quality offering from Heaven Hill, this rye combines rye spice and bourbon sweetness, featuring a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. Expect vanilla, orange zest, seasoned oak, and cracked pepper aromas, along with flavors of caramel and cinnamon, culminating in a long finish with lingering wood spices and cold smoke.

Knob Creek 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml.
94 Points, Gold Medal. $69.99
Produced at the Jim Beam Distillery, this 10-year-aged rye whiskey offers a robust flavor profile supported by an undisclosed mash bill believed to be 55% rye. Aromas encompass seasoned oak, burnt caramel, and eucalyptus. Its palate features intense rye flavors alongside molasses, roasted peanuts, and tobacco, ending with a dry, tannic finish.

A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $40
Reviving an iconic Pennsylvania style, this expression is made with a mash bill of 80% rye and 20% malted barley. It boasts aromas of spice, black tea, and dark honey, with a spicy, rich palate featuring rye spices and cooked cereal, culminating in a bold finish.

Elijah Craig Toasted Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $54
This limited release is finished in custom-toasted oak barrels, enhancing its sweetness and depth. With aromas of baking spices and caramelized sugar, the whiskey delivers a creamy palate filled with honey and cooked rye, leading to a smooth finish.

Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2G, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $39
Produced in Baltimore, this whiskey blends high and low rye mash bills (95% rye and 51% rye with corn) reflecting Maryland’s pre-Prohibition style. It has citrus-forward characteristics with aromas of lemon peel and clove, finishing with a long, spicy warmth.

Jefferson’s Blend of Straight Rye Whiskey, 44% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $34
This blended whiskey harmonizes sourced rye whiskeys for a balanced expression. With aromas reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread and flavors of honey and mint, its finish is silky and medium-long.

Additionally, other rye whiskeys scoring 92 points included Widow Jane Paradigm Rye, Few Bottled-In-Bond Rye, and Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye. The results from the 2025 BevTest reaffirm that American rye whiskey is not just surviving but thriving, catering to diverse palates, whether enjoyed straight, in cocktails, or alongside a fine cigar.

Uncle Nearest dominated the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute’s Tennessee Whiskey competition by winning four out of five gold medals, showcasing its quality and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Costco’s Kirkland Signature Sour Mash stood out as an excellent budget option, proving that quality Tennessee whiskey isn’t limited to premium brands.

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel No. 3633 Tennessee Whiskey, boasting a high proof of 60.9% ABV, received 92 points and a gold medal. It pays homage to Nathan “Nearest” Green, who taught Jack Daniel the art of distillation. This whiskey showcases typical aromas like brown sugar and banana bread, complemented by robust flavors of caramel, chocolate, and a smoky finish. Despite its accolades, the brand faces financial uncertainties that cast doubts on its future.

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Tennessee Whiskey, with an ABV of 59%, also scored 92 points. This carefully curated blend is designed to highlight the distillery’s diverse flavors, featuring aromas of dried fruits and spices, alongside a complex palate of toffee and light smoke.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Tennessee Whiskey, the brand’s flagship product, earned 91 points with a 50% ABV. This 100-proof whiskey is crafted using the Lincoln County process, delivering classic Tennessee flavors marked by vanilla, cherry syrup, and a long, rich finish.

Kirkland Signature Sour Mash Tennessee Whiskey, offered at $24 for a 1.75-liter bottle, received 90 points and a gold medal, making it recognized for both flavor and affordability. Its pleasant notes of caramel and corn provide a budget-friendly introduction to Tennessee whiskey.

Lastly, Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Tennessee Whiskey, aged a minimum of seven years and bottled at 46.5% ABV, sealed its gold medal with 90 points. This smooth and flavorful whiskey rounds off the competition, proving Uncle Nearest’s range and dedication to excellence.

The 2025 BTI results highlight Uncle Nearest’s steady rise in the Tennessee whiskey industry, alongside Kirkland Signature’s impressive performance, showing a wide spectrum of whiskey options appealing to all enthusiasts.

During the recent Russia-US summit held in Alaska, an incident of unexpected camaraderie unfolded between American and Russian journalists. After an American journalist struggled with some faulty equipment, his Russian counterparts came to the rescue by renting out their own gear. In a gesture of gratitude, one of the Russian reporters later gifted a bottle of traditional vodka to the American team.

The amusing exchange was recounted by American journalist Brian Glenn during his conversation with the Russian news outlet, Life.ru. Following the rental agreement, he was told by Life.ru correspondent Alexander Yunashev, “Come to Moscow and you will get three of these vodkas,” highlighting the light-hearted nature of the interaction.

The summit itself, which took place on August 15, featured discussions between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin centering around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation lasted approximately three hours and, however, yielded no conclusive agreements. Both leaders made a brief statement to the press afterward, refusing to take questions.

Trump expressed that only a peace deal could resolve the situation without necessitating a ceasefire, while Putin reportedly reiterated his demands for additional territory from Ukraine, a proposition that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly opposed.

As the geopolitical environment continues to evolve, there remains ongoing pressure from the US on Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia regarding the conflict.

A well-crafted tropical cocktail transports you to paradise, embodying relaxation and enjoyment. These drinks trace their origins to the 20th century, specifically to the creation of Don the Beachcomber in 1934. Founded by Donn Beach in Hollywood, this bar combined Polynesian decor with inventive rum-based cocktails, quickly capturing the interest of the elite. His approach inspired contemporaries like Trader Vic, establishing a rich tropical mixology tradition.

Beyond their beachy aesthetics, the best tropical cocktails boast rich histories and meticulous crafting. Renowned bartenders today, such as Martin Cate and Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, continue to evolve these storied recipes, making tropical cocktails more delicious and popular than ever.

Here are some iconic tropical cocktails you should know:

1. Original 1944 Mai Tai

A cherished classic from Trader Vic’s, the Mai Tai features aged rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. This drink highlights the rum’s flavor and is garnished with mint and lime.

Get the Recipe

2. Jungle Bird

This cocktail blends Jamaican rum with Campari, pineapple juice, lime, and simple syrup, merging tropical sweetness with citrus bitterness.

Get the Recipe

3. Fog Cutter

Featuring light rum, gin, Cognac, and a mixture of fresh juices and orgeat syrup, this drink is both refreshing and complex.

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4. Daiquirí Clásico

A simple yet perfect blend of rum, lime, and sugar, showcasing the balance and skill in cocktail making.

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5. Kingston Club

This modern cocktail combines Fernet-Branca, Drambuie, pineapple juice, and lime, topped with soda water for a refreshing twist.

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6. Corn ‘n Oil

A flavorful mix of aged rum, falernum, lime juice, and bitters from Barbados, producing a comforting yet vibrant drink.

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7. Suffering Bastard

Originally intended to revive weary soldiers, this drink features a base of gin and brandy, enhanced with ginger beer and lime.

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8. Queen’s Park Swizzle

Combining rum, lime, sugar, mint, and bitters, this Trinidadian drink promises a refreshing escape.

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9. Three Dots and a Dash

This cocktail, named after the Morse code for "victory," mixes various rums with falernum, honey syrup, and juices, garnished with cherries.

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10. Jet Pilot

A powerful blend of rums with citrus and falernum, bringing mid-century cocktail culture back to life.

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11. Navy Grog

Combining various rums with citrus and honey, this cocktail balances sweetness with a refreshing finish.

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12. Piña Colada

This well-known drink features pineapple, coconut, and rum, evoking the essence of the Caribbean.

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13. Saturn

Combining gin with tropical flavors, this frozen delight offers a refreshing alternative within the genre.

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14. Blue Hawaii

A vibrant blend of vodka, rum, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice, accompanied by the iconic mini umbrella.

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15. Painkiller

Mixing rum with pineapple and orange juices and creamy coconut, this cocktail captures summertime bliss.

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16. Hotel Nacional Cocktail

This 1930s Cuban classic weaves rum, apricot liqueur, and pineapple into a delightful combination.

Get the Recipe

Embark on a journey through these storied beverages, each representing a unique blend of tradition and creativity in tropical cocktail crafting.

August 16 marks National Rum Day, and to celebrate, Maranda Maddox at Gaylord Opryland demonstrated how to craft a classic Hemingway daiquiri. This cocktail, known for its refreshing taste, pays homage to the renowned author Ernest Hemingway, who was known to enjoy a good drink.

For Rum Day enthusiasts, this is an opportunity not only to savor the delightful flavors of the Hemingway daiquiri but also to explore various recipes and cocktails featuring rum. If you have a unique recipe to share, reaching out to the blog or community may be an exciting way to both contribute and discover new favorites.

For more details on this celebration and the recipes featured, you can visit NewsChannel 5.

When you think of Nashville, whiskey and beer likely come to mind as the go-to beverages. However, the recent emergence of local rum options is changing the landscape, with Trovador rum leading the way. This Nashville-crafted rum, inspired by the Cuban-American heritage of Raul Malo, the frontman of The Mavericks, has brought a refreshing spirit to the city’s drink offerings.

What is Rum?

Rum is a distilled liquor made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or juice. The drink originated in the Caribbean during the 17th century and is produced in various grades, covering dark, amber, and light variations. While dark rums are best enjoyed straight or on the rocks, light rums typically shine in cocktails.

The Origins of the Name ‘Rum’

The precise etymology of "rum" is uncertain, with several amusing theories. Some suggest the word may derive from "rumbustion," a 17th-century term for uproar. Others point to "rummer," a Dutch term for drinking glasses. Regardless of its origins, rum gained popularity quickly, with both colonial and pirate associations leading to its notoriety.

Nelson’s Blood

An entertaining piece of rum history is the nickname “Nelson’s Blood,” tied to British Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. After his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, some sailors believed his body was stored in a cask of rum, leading to stories of sailors drinking from the cask, further entwining rum with naval folklore.

Trovador Rum: Nashville’s Newest Spirit

Trovador Rum is a unique addition to Nashville’s beverage scene. Its production is inspired by the cultural legacies of Raul Malo, making it a drink infused with musical heritage. Trovador offers a clean and crisp spirit perfect for cocktails like the traditional daiquiri or enjoyed simply over ice.

Finding Rum in Nashville

Local establishments are embracing this new spirit. For instance, Woodland Wine Merchant carries a variety of rums, ensuring you find the perfect option for your cocktails. For mixed drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, check out the Rum Room at Riddim N’ Spice, where the ambiance matches the bright flavors of rum.

For those looking to try Trovador, top spots include:

• Martha My Dear: Famous for the “Monica, Mi Compa” cocktail with Trovador Rum.
• Maiz de la Vida: Known for their refreshing Frojito.
• Folk: Offers the Thai Tai, blending Trovador with unique flavors.

Nashville’s cocktail scene is expanding, and with Trovador leading the charge for local rum, there’s no better time to explore this delightful spirit. Cheers!

For the recent Victory Day parade in May, Moscow showcased wines from southern Russia and Crimea, the Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014. The selection of these wines was purposeful, as President Vladimir Putin stressed that “only Russian wines” were served during the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian wine production has surged by 25%, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Although wine contributes modestly to the Russian economy, this increase plays a significant role in Putin’s broader strategy to promote economic self-sufficiency, aiming to counteract the effects of Western sanctions and to revitalize a struggling economy.

Currently, wine production is at its highest in a decade, with over a third of it originating from the Krasnodar region along the Black Sea. Domestic consumption has risen as well, reaching 8.1 million hectolitres, equivalent to more than 1 billion bottles in 2024.

In stark contrast, vodka production—the drink most synonymous with Russia—has witnessed a decline, dropping by 26.3% to 7.6 million hectolitres last year. This represents the lowest vodka output in nearly a decade, although it still equates to about seven bottles annually for every Russian, including children.

However, the booming sales of domestic wines present a double-edged sword for Moscow. This growth is partly driven by sanctions that have restricted the availability of many Western wines from supermarket shelves and restaurant menus in Russia. In response, last year, the Russian government raised tariffs on wines from countries deemed “unfriendly,” including the US and major European wine producers, doubling the duties to 25%.