BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is known for its vibrant party scene, prominently featuring iconic cocktails and mixed drinks that are synonymous with local celebrations. Tourists flock to New Orleans to soak in the nightlife of the French Quarter, while residents enjoy festive drinks during tailgating, hurricane parties, and Mardi Gras festivities.

To promote local businesses, Louisiana has introduced the Louisiana Libations Trail pass, a fun initiative allowing people aged 21 and older to explore local distilleries, breweries, and wineries while earning prizes.

Louisiana’s distilleries produce a variety of spirits, utilizing local ingredients like sugarcane, corn, and various botanicals. Here’s a list of notable distilleries producing liquors across the state:

• 1827 Spirits – Located in Vidalia, offering rum and moonshine.
• Atelier Vie – Based in New Orleans, specializing in single malt, rum, brandy, rice whiskey, gin, and vodka.
• Bayou Rum Distillery – Situated in Lacassine, focusing on rum production.
• Distillerie Acadian – Found in New Iberia, known for gin, vodka, and whiskey.
• NOLA Distillery – Based in New Orleans, produces bourbon and vodka.
• Oxbow Rum Distillery – Located in Baton Rouge, offering rum.
• Sugarfield Spirits Co. – Based in Gonzales, known for rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka.

These distilleries exemplify Louisiana’s dedication to crafting unique spirits that showcase local flavors and culture, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the state’s rich distilling heritage.

Louisiana is well-known for its vibrant party culture, especially in New Orleans, where iconic cocktails and mixed drinks are a staple of the nightlife. Tourists flock to the French Quarter to experience this festive atmosphere, while locals enjoy their share of drinks during tailgating events, hurricane parties, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

To enhance visitor experiences, the state offers a Louisiana Libations Trail pass, enabling adults 21 and over to explore local distilleries, breweries, and wineries while earning prizes throughout their journey.

Louisiana is home to a variety of spirits crafted from local ingredients like sugarcane, corn, and unique botanicals. Here’s a list of distilleries in the state producing an array of liquors:

• 1827 Spirits – Based in Vidalia, producing rum and moonshine.
• Atelier Vie – Based in New Orleans, offering single malt, rum, brandy, rice whiskey, gin, and vodka.
• Bayou Rum Distillery – Located in Lacassine, specializing in rum.
• Bayou Terrebonne Distilleries – Based in Houma, producing whiskey, bourbon, and rum.
• Distillerie Acadian – Located in New Iberia, offering gin, vodka, and whiskey.
• Galvez Rum – Based in Jackson, specializing in rum.
• Laissez Versez – Located in Baton Rouge, producing whiskey.
• Lula Restaurant Distillery – Based in New Orleans, specializing in vodka, rum, and gin.
• NOËL Family Distillery – Located in Donaldsonville, offering rum, tequila, and vodka.
• NOLA Distillery – Based in New Orleans, specializing in bourbon and vodka.
• Old Alker Distillery – Located in New Orleans, producing bourbon, vodka, gin, and rum.
• Oxbow Rum Distillery – Based in Baton Rouge, specializing in rum.
• River Basin Distillery – Located in New Orleans, producing rye whiskey.
• Roulaison Distilling Co. – Based in New Orleans, specializing in rum.
• Seven Three Distilling Co. – Based in New Orleans, offering gin, rum, bourbon, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka.
• Sugarfield Spirits Co. – Based in Gonzales, specializing in rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka.
• What If Distillery – Located in Baton Rouge, producing vodka, gin, brandy, and whiskey.
• Wildcat Brothers Distilling – Based in Lafayette, specializing in rum.
• Yellowfin Distillery – Located in Sulphur, producing rum and vodka.

Supporting local businesses not only enhances the experience but also contributes to the state’s economy, enriching Louisiana’s cultural and social fabric through its diverse offerings of spirits.

Whiskey stones have surged in popularity as a means to chill beverages without the dilution characteristic of ice. These reusable cubes are available in various materials, shapes, and sizes, ideal not only for whiskey but also for other drinks.

What to Know Before Buying Whiskey Stones

Materials

When choosing whiskey stones, the material significantly influences their effectiveness and safety:

• Soapstone: This nonporous stone does not absorb flavors or odors and is gentle on glassware.
• Granite: Known for its density, granite provides prolonged cooling but poses a risk of scratching glass due to its hardness.
• Stainless Steel: Typically filled with a nontoxic gel for efficient cooling, stainless steel stones chill drinks quickly but can impart a metallic taste.

Shape

Whiskey stones usually feature rounded shapes to prevent glass damage, but novelty options are also available in different designs, adding a fun element to drinks and making for great gifts.

Usage

For optimal performance, whiskey stones should be frozen for at least four hours before use. After freezing, add the stones to your drink and allow a few minutes for cooling. Remember to clean them after use and return them to the freezer.

Choosing Quality Whiskey Stones

• Storage: Quality stones often come with a container to protect them from freezer burn. Look for pouches made from non-absorbent materials.
• Set Size: Depending on size, whiskey stone sets vary, from smaller stones that allow multiple uses to larger stones meant for single servings.
• Engraving: Many sets offer options for engraving, making them personal gifts for occasions like weddings or birthdays.

Price Range

Expect to pay between $10 and $35 for a set of whiskey stones, depending on material and design.

FAQ

Are whiskey stones dishwasher-safe?

• Granite and stainless steel stones can typically be cleaned in a dishwasher, while soapstone should be washed by hand.

How long do whiskey stones last?

• They can last for years with proper care.

Can whiskey stones be microwaved?

• Soapstone and granite stones are safe for microwave use, unlike stainless steel.

Recommended Whiskey Stones

1. Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones

   • Description: Large stones that can chill an entire drink with one piece.
   • Considerations: Care should be taken to avoid breaking glass if dropped.

2. Kollea Reusable Ice Cube Whiskey Stones

   • Description: Includes eight stainless steel stones and tongs.
   • Highlights: Nontoxic interior enhances chilling; rounded edges protect glassware.

3. Lazer Girlz Personalized Whiskey Stones

   • Description: Small soapstone stones that can be custom engraved.
   • Highlights: Attractive and unique, perfect for gifts; hand-wash only.

These options ensure you find the right whiskey stones that meet your needs for durability, performance, and style.

Verdant Spirits aimed to become Dundee’s first commercial distillery in nearly 200 years, aspiring to create a unique Scottish rum using an unconventional ingredient: panela, an unrefined cane sugar not typically found in UK spirit production. To achieve this ambitious goal, Verdant partnered with Heriot-Watt University’s prestigious International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) through the Standard Innovation Voucher Scheme, supported by the Scottish Funding Council.

Challenge

While Verdant Spirits planned to diversify its offerings, including gin, whisky, and fortified wines, the initial focus was to craft a unique Scottish rum. The goal was to harness panela as a core fermentable, which would provide a distinct taste unlike traditional molasses-based rums. However, developing this concept into a market-ready product necessitated specialized knowledge in fermentation processes, yeast strain selection, and distillation techniques—expertise largely found within academic and research settings.

Solution

Recognizing this need, Verdant turned to Heriot-Watt’s ICBD, Scotland’s only academic institution dedicated to brewing and distilling, which boasted necessary pilot distillation equipment and extensive research capabilities. The collaboration involved Dr. Annie Hill and her research team working closely with Verdant’s founder, Andrew Mackenzie, to refine the vision for the new rum. This partnership focused on research and experimentation concerning fermentation and distillation to streamline production processes and ensure a high-quality end product. Additionally, it helped Verdant enhance its technical skills and connect with talented individuals, particularly through outreach to Heriot-Watt’s MSc brewing and distilling students.

Impact

The collaborative effort resulted in the successful creation of an innovative panela-based rum recipe, marking a first for the Scottish market. This unique rum combined scientific knowledge with creative strategies, facilitating Verdant’s journey to scaled production and the introduction of their signature gin.

Why Heriot-Watt?

The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling is a singular resource in Scotland and one of the few across the UK, providing the technical infrastructure and academic mentorship necessary for developing innovative spirits. From small-scale fermentation to pilot distillation and sensory evaluation, the ICBD bridges the gap between concept and market-ready products.

Want to work with us?

This project highlights the opportunity for businesses to engage with Heriot-Watt’s research expertise. Whether you’re an emerging distillery or an established brand seeking innovation, our team is ready to help bring your ideas to fruition. Learn more about collaborating with us: www.hw.ac.uk/research-enterprise

Apple-Rum Compote

Harness the flavors of autumn with a spiced apple compote infused with rum. This recipe provides a delightful twist on traditional apple preserves, offering complex flavors that can be enjoyed alone or as a versatile component in various dishes.

The combination of tart and sweet apples yields a well-balanced flavor, while the addition of gold rum enriches the compote with a warm undertone. This makes it ideal as a spread for scones or a topping for waffles. It can also serve as a unique filling in desserts like layer cakes.

Flambé Technique

To achieve a caramelized flavor without the harshness of raw rum, a flambé technique is utilized. After cooking the apples with brown sugar and spices, the rum is added and ignited. This burns off some of the alcohol while enhancing the flavors, resulting in a fruity compote with depth.

Ingredients

• 1 medium McIntosh, Braeburn, or Fuji apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 5 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) gold rum
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large skillet, combine the apples, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Let the mixture rest at room temperature, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve.
2. Cook the apple mixture over medium-high heat, stirring often, until tender (about 5 minutes).
3. Measure the rum into a heatproof cup. Remove the skillet from heat, pour in the rum, and carefully ignite it with a long match. Shake the skillet gently until the flames extinguish (approximately 1 minute).
4. Return the skillet to medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the liquid almost completely evaporates (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. Use a potato masher or fork to break up the apple mixture until mostly smooth. Add lemon juice and vanilla, stirring to combine. Allow to cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes).

Make Ahead

This compote can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it standalone or incorporate it into your favorite fall desserts.

For additional delicious recipes, check out:

• Apple-Rum Spice Cake Recipe
• Fig Jam Recipe
• Pear Jam with Green Cardamom Recipe

Rumble, the video-sharing platform, has reported its Q2 2025 results, showing an 11.6% year-on-year revenue increase to $25.08 million but falling short of analysts’ expectations, which had predicted $26.78 million. The platform recorded a GAAP loss of $0.12 per share, significantly underperforming against a consensus forecast of $0.07 loss per share.

Despite these disappointments, Rumble’s management expressed optimism regarding the company’s ability to grow through strategic initiatives and partnerships. CEO Chris Pavlovski noted the platform’s ability to sustain over 51 million monthly active users, even without its largest creator, emphasizing resilience and engagement.

Key highlights from Rumble’s performance include:

• Revenue of $25.08 million, a 11.6% increase but a 6.3% miss compared to expectations.
• A GAAP EPS loss of -$0.12, falling 80% below forecasts.
• Adjusted EBITDA loss of $20.46 million, which is worse than expectations of $11.85 million.
• Operating margin improved to -117% from -173% year-over-year.
• The company’s market capitalization stands at $2.75 billion.

Looking forward, Rumble is prioritizing aggressive growth through various initiatives, including the upcoming launch of Rumble Wallet, which aims to boost user engagement and creator incentives on the platform. Collaboration with Tether for crypto-based transactions is also expected to drive international user adoption.

Management also highlighted the potential growth from AI and cloud services, stating ongoing efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond video sharing. The upcoming quarters will see a focus on monitoring metrics related to the Rumble Wallet, new partnerships, and the pace of Rumble’s international expansion.

Despite the stock’s slight increase to $8.16 following the earnings report, the analysts remain keen to see if Rumble can capitalize on its momentum in the face of mixed financial results and aggressive market expectations.

For further details about Rumble and its stock performance, you can refer to their financial analysis here.

Rumble Inc. has experienced a significant increase in its stock value following the company’s release of its second-quarter results and its announcement of an interest in acquiring Northern Data AG in an all-stock exchange offer. Despite posting a loss of $30.2 million (12 cents per share), which was worse than analysts’ expectations, Rumble’s revenue showed a 12% increase year-over-year, totaling $25.08 million.

The company indicated a decline in monthly active users, dropping to 51 million from 59 million, largely due to a decrease in political content engagement outside of an election cycle. Nevertheless, there was a notable increase in average revenue per user by 24%, reaching 42 cents, driven by higher earnings from subscriptions and licensing.

Revenue from audience monetization rose by $1.7 million, compensating for a $3.7 million decrease in advertising revenue. Rumble attributed a 26% decline in service costs to reduced programming expenses, although general administrative costs rose by 12%, and marketing expenses increased by 26%. Rumble concluded the quarter with significant liquidity, amounting to $306.4 million.

As for the potential acquisition of Northern Data, the proposed transaction plans to offer Northern Data shareholders 2.319 shares of Rumble Class A for each Northern Data share. This move could lead to Northern Data shareholders holding around 33.3% of the combined entity if all shares are exchanged. The acquisition aims to integrate Northern Data’s data centers and GPU services into Rumble’s operations.

Rumble’s CEO, Chris Pavlovski, emphasized their entry into a "new phase of aggressive growth" with Tether backing and highlighted the upcoming launch of Rumble Wallet.

Currently, Rumble’s shares have seen a boost of 9.29%, trading at $8.612.

Rum’s versatility makes it a staple in countless classic and modern cocktails. With its rich history and wide range of flavors, it caters to both seasoned connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts, providing a unique drinking experience. Distilled from sugarcane byproducts, its flavor varies based on the production method, aging process, and region of origin. From the light, crisp notes of white rum to the deep, complex flavors of dark and aged rums, there is a rum for every palate.

This year, in celebration of National Rum Day, here are 30 cocktail recipes designed to showcase the versatility of rum.

‘Lilt’ Rum Punch (serves 4)

• Ingredients:

  • 100ml Goslings Black Seal Rum
  • 150ml Pineapple Juice
  • 150ml Grapefruit Juice
  • 450ml Sparkling Lemon & Lime drink
  • 2 Limes
  • Grapefruit Wedge

• Method: Cut limes into segments and add them to a pitcher. Muddle them thoroughly, then fill the pitcher with ice. Add rum, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, and sparkling drink. Mix well. Prepare glasses with a grapefruit segment and pour.

Tropical Tempest

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
  • 10ml Lime Juice
  • 30ml Pineapple & Chilli Syrup
  • Soda (to top)

• Method: Build in a highball glass over ice, then float Goslings on top and garnish with a lime wedge.

Storm in Queen’s Park

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
  • 20ml Lime Juice
  • 10ml Simple Syrup
  • Fresh Mint Leaves
  • Ginger Ale (to top)
  • The Bitter Truth Old Time Aromatic Bitters (for finish)

• Method: Mix all ingredients (except bitters and ginger ale) in a highball glass. Add ice, top with ginger ale, and finish with bitters.

Seal of Approval

• Ingredients:

  • 30ml Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
  • 25ml Passionfruit Liqueur
  • 25ml Cooled Filter Coffee
  • 5ml Demerara Syrup

• Method: Stir ingredients and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.

Banana Rum Punch

• Ingredients:

  • 45ml Goslings Black Seal Rum
  • 15ml Banana Liqueur
  • 50ml Apple Juice
  • 50ml Pineapple Juice
  • 10ml Lime Juice
  • 2 Dashes The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters

• Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, serve in a glass with ice, and garnish.

Bermuda Mule

• Ingredients:

  • 45ml Goslings Gold Seal Rum
  • Ginger Beer (to top)
  • Orange Slice (to garnish)

• Method: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in rum, top with ginger beer, and garnish.

Mai Tai

• Ingredients:

  • 45ml Bacardí Añejo 4 Rum
  • 15ml Fresh Lime Juice
  • 7.5ml Orgeat
  • 15ml Orange Curaçao
  • 7.5ml Simple Syrup
  • 2 dashes of Orange Bitters

• Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass filled with crushed ice, and garnish.

These recipes highlight rum’s adaptability, making it a favorite in many cocktails, allowing individuals to explore various flavors, from fruity to robust, thus enhancing their drinking experience.

In the heart of South Louisiana, innovative ideas are emerging from longstanding traditions as the Fruge brothers, Mike and Mark Fruge, pivot their family’s century-old rice farm into a multifaceted agribusiness. The duo has founded Fruge Aquafarms and the JT Meleck Distillery, which produces notable spirits recognized on a national level.

“I am just trying to make a living,” Mike said, recalling the early days when their wives held hourly jobs to support the family. Their journey began with crawfish farming, which led to the establishment of Fruge Seafood, a wholesale distribution company in Dallas. An unexpected question from a friend—“Why don’t you do anything with the rice?”—prompted them to create a product that would change their business’s trajectory.

Thus, JT Meleck was born, showcasing their rice-based spirits, which quickly garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Best in Show award for their vodka. Mike describes their whiskey as akin to a bourbon, yet “sweeter and softer.” By applying American-style brewing and distillation to locally sourced rice, they pioneered a successful category of rice-based spirits that had not previously existed.

While Mike focuses on business development, Mark continues to manage the agricultural side, overseeing rice planting in spring and harvesting by late summer. After the harvest, the fields are converted into crawfish ponds, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both farming and spirits production.

“Our goal is to eventually convert our entire crop into alcohol,” Mark stated, noting that they currently convert 10 to 15% of their production. For Mark, who started with a small crawfish business alongside Mike just for fun during college, the venture has always been about legacy. “We’re a grassroots company, built from the ground up.”

As the Fruge brothers refine and expand their product line, their ambition is clear: to establish JT Meleck as a nationwide brand while maintaining the family bonds that have fueled their success.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has unveiled the second release in its high ester rum series named Port Mourant (PM) / Diamond High Ester (DHE). Following the successful launch of La Bonne Intention (LBI) / Diamond High Ester in 2024, this new blend aims to cater to the growing global interest in distinctive rum profiles.

High ester rums are renowned for their rich, complex flavors derived from a high concentration of esters—aromatic compounds that define their unique character. The Port Mourant / Diamond High Ester blend, distilled in 2014 and aged for ten years in previously used bourbon barrels, showcases the diverse craftsmanship of Demerara rum-making and is bottled at cask strength.

The Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still, which operates at the Diamond Distillery in Guyana, was originally placed at the Port Mourant Estate in 1732. This historic still has a legacy of producing robust rums that were favored by the Royal Navy. The Diamond High Ester marque is processed using a unique John Dore Double Retort Pot Still from 1950, capable of producing rums with elevated levels of ethyl acetate through a slow boiling and high reflux distillation method.

The new rum bursts with aromas of green apple, flambéed banana, and hints of clove, cigar, and peat. Its tasting profile is fruit-forward, full of ripe tropical notes, with an infused tobacco finish that creates a memorable experience.

About Demerara Distillers Limited
Based in Guyana, Demerara Distillers Limited boasts over 300 years of distilling heritage, producing a range of renowned spirits including El Dorado Rums. Committed to the craft of rum making, DDL also produces non-alcoholic beverages including water and juices, and functions as the bottler for Pepsico in the region.

El Dorado Rums highlight the expertise of Caribbean rum crafting, utilizing time-honored production methods to create their diverse lineup, which has garnered numerous accolades for quality.

For more information about Demerara Distillers Limited, visit demeraradistillers.com. Details on El Dorado Rums can be found at theeldoradorums.com.