Liquor-articles 2049

Just in time for the new year, Watch Hill Whiskey has announced the release of two unique whiskeys. This popular brand, recognized for its rare whiskey releases, is kicking off 2026 with a new bourbon and a rye whiskey created in collaboration with renowned Louisville chef Michael Crouch.

The New Whiskey Releases

The latest offerings include Exceptional Series Batch 03, a limited release bourbon, and Chef Series Batch 01, an annual rye whiskey.

Exceptional Series Batch 03 is crafted from a blend of hand-picked barrels of 18-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons. This rare whiskey boasts a 128-proof with a rich, balanced flavor profile. Tommy Craggs, Co-Founder of Watch Hill Proper, emphasized that this bourbon truly meets the high standards set for their Exceptional Series.

On the other hand, Chef Series Batch 01 is a 130.4-proof rye whiskey made from a blend of 12-year-old rye whiskeys, also carefully selected by Chef Michael Crouch. Crouch shared his connection to rye whiskey, noting its complexity and evolving flavor.

Where to Buy Them

Both whiskey releases are available in extremely limited quantities at Watch Hill Whiskey’s location in Prospect, Kentucky. Chef Series Batch 01 is priced at $249 per bottle, while Exceptional Series Batch 03 will be released beginning January 6, 2026, for $449 per bottle.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka continues to dominate North Carolina’s liquor market, selling around 300,000 bottles monthly across both 750 ml and 1.75 liter sizes. With a gluten-free recipe that has made it a staple in popular cocktails like the Bloody Mary, Tito’s outperforms its nearest competitor, Smirnoff Vodka, which sells approximately 70,000 bottles per month.

Vodka remains the most consumed spirit in North Carolina, with eight out of the top ten liquors being vodka or vodka-based drinks. Interestingly, while Tito’s tops the sales in Orange County, Don Julio Reposado Tequila leads in Durham County.

However, 2025 has marked the first year of declining overall liquor sales in North Carolina, a deviation from previous trends. Despite Tito’s success, it experienced a 3% reduction in sales from 2024, with fifth-sized bottles posting a 9% drop. Tony Dubois, the Orange County ABC General Manager, noted that sales of ready-to-drink seltzers like High Noon and Surfside have surged, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences. These ready-to-drink options have gained significant traction since their introductions—High Noon launched in 2019 and Surfside in 2022.

The NC Alcohol Beverage Commission reported that total liquor sales for fiscal year 2025 decreased by 0.26% compared to the previous year, marking a unique downturn. While retail sales saw a dip of 0.23%, mixed beverage sales in bars and restaurants grew by 0.63%, reflecting a gradual recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite being the top-seller, Tito’s and other liquor sales have faced challenges, as preferences for low-calorie and healthier alternatives like hard seltzers gain ground. In fiscal year 2025, there was a remarkable eightfold increase in sales of Stateside Surfside Cocktails and a twofold rise for High Noon Fiesta Cocktails.

Profits from alcohol sales play a vital role in funding state and local governments as well as alcohol abuse prevention programs, with nearly $15.2 million allocated to law enforcement and $113 million to local municipalities from ABC revenues.

As India’s winter season approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to enhance your home bar with seasonal drinks that can keep you warm. This selection features a range of whiskies, rums, brandies, and more, all curated to help you withstand the winter chill.

Whisky Selections

1. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
   This bourbon delights with a blend of oak and sweet vanilla flavors, complemented by hints of leather, caramel, and dried dark fruits. Priced at Rs 7,500.

2. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
   A comforting cinnamon liqueur featuring toasted wood, roasted nuts, and vanilla beans, with spicy notes of ground cinnamon and clove at Rs 3,800.

Rum Choices

3. Twin Fin Spiced Golden Rum
   Bold vanilla combines with exotic citrus and a light smoky finish, priced at Rs 8,600.

4. Bacardi Mango Chilli
   A fusion of sweet and spicy, featuring raw mango and chilli flavors, priced at Rs 1,800.

Brandy Offerings

5. Roulette Blended Brandy
   This Indian brandy is known for its vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, priced at Rs 1,950.

6. La Botija Pisco Quebranta
   A traditional Peruvian spirit with fruity and earthy notes, perfect for sipping neat, priced at Rs 3,999.

Tequila Options

7. Patron XO Cafe
   A premium coffee-flavored tequila from Jalisco, matured for smoothness, priced at Rs 6,500.

8. Dos Flamos Oro Tequila
   A unique blend of blanco and reposado tequilas with a mix of caramel and smoky flavors, priced at Rs 3,990.

Wine Selections

9. Yellow Tail Merlot
   A soft and velvety wine from Australia with flavors of dark plum and vanilla, priced at Rs 2,295.

10. Fratelli Classic Merlot
    A medium-bodied wine with notes of plum and dark chocolate, available for Rs 775.

With these choices in hand, your winter evenings will certainly be more enjoyable. For more detailed whisky stories and recommendations, consider exploring additional resources.

Australian writers and comics have shared their memorable and often regrettable experiences with various drinks from their youth. These reflections recall a mix of humor and folly associated with their early drinking adventures.

Kathy Lette reminisces about her first encounter with Spumante, noting how it sent her spiraling into drunkenness at the age of 13. This initial experience made her avoid alcohol until she turned 18, by which time the flamboyant fireball sambuca had taken the scene. This drink, served in a shot glass with the traditional three coffee beans, became infamous for its ignited state and the risk it posed of causing singed eyebrows and other mishaps. Lette hilariously narrates her unfortunate accidents linked to this drink, detailing the night she experienced unexpected consequences—including waking up with singed lips and in a strange country.

Trent Dalton recalls his journey through various teenage drinks, starting with Passion Pop, which always led to tears. He fondly recalls sipping Stones ginger wine with his brothers, claiming they embraced their Irish heritage by singing along to The Pogues. Yet, like many others, he ultimately matured into enjoying the Coopers Pale Ale, a drink that evokes for him the nostalgia of the turn of the century.

Rhys Nicholson shares that he was the "good kid" growing up until one fateful New Year’s Eve led him to concoct the dangerously sweet drink known as the vodka spider, mixing cheap vodka with cream soda and vanilla ice-cream. While these adventures led him to the modern cocktail world—sipping vodka and Redbull at clubs—he now advises moderation, knowing that drinks which mask the taste of alcohol can lead to trouble.

Harry Jun recalls joining a Korean society and being introduced to Somaek, a mix of soju and beer. This drink is at the heart of a ritual party game called "Titanic," where participants must drink from a glass submerged in beer, causing chaos and heavy inebriation.

Lastly, Elouise Eftos takes a trip down memory lane to her high school days, associating her drinking with glamorous imagery inspired by Moulin Rouge. Sipping on Midori and lemonade felt fitting for her youthful aspirations, yet today, she holds nostalgic affections for tropical-flavored beverages, particularly enjoying a frozen piña colada.

These stories emphasize not only the fun and adventurous spirit of youth but also the lessons learned from mixing drinks that often led to messy outcomes. Despite their disasters, these writers reflect fondly on their past, gladly sharing the quirks of their early drinking experiences.

ABD Maestro Private Limited has launched AODH Irish Whiskey in India, priced at ₹3,950 for a 750ml bottle. This marks their entry into the rapidly growing Indian whiskey market, which has seen a 57% increase in exports according to the Drinks Ireland ‘Spirits 2024 Annual Report’. India is now the world’s fifth-largest market for Irish whiskey.

The name AODH, meaning ‘flame’ in Irish, signifies the quality of the whiskey which is produced through triple distillation and matured in ex-bourbon casks. It features tasting notes of vanilla cream, honey, and toffee. Co-founded by actor Ranveer Singh, who also serves as a creative partner, ABD Maestro aims to provide an authentic Irish experience to discerning consumers. Managing Director Bikram Basu highlighted that the super-premium positioning of AODH distinguishes it from competitors in the market.

Currently launched in Haryana, the whiskey will soon expand to Maharashtra, followed by Goa, West Bengal, Karnataka, and other North Indian regions. ABD Maestro’s portfolio includes other well-known brands such as Arthaus Scotch and Zoya Gin, focusing on crafting premium spirits for both domestic and international markets.

There’s a unique way to elevate your mac and cheese by incorporating a delicious Italian twist: vodka sauce. While it may sound unconventional to add alcohol and tomatoes to pasta, this blending of flavors serves a culinary purpose. Vodka enhances the flavors found in tomatoes, allowing for a balanced sauce that brings subtle depth to the traditionally creamy dish.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has endorsed this approach, demonstrating an easy method using jarred vodka sauce alongside boxed mac and cheese in a TikTok video. The process involves preparing the cheese sauce as directed on the box, followed by mixing in vodka sauce and shredded mozzarella. This method proves effective by leveraging the contrast between the acidity of tomatoes and the creamy elements of the dish.

When crafting vodka sauce from scratch, patience is key. A well-made sauce involves reducing the mixture to eliminate harsh alcohol notes while preserving its flavor-enhancing properties. Integrating a fat-and-flour roux will provide a rich base for the vodka and tomato paste, balancing the sauce as you add dairy. This technique results in a richer mac and cheese filled with layers of flavor rather than just relying on cheese alone.

The addition of vodka sauce not only enhances richness but also brings depth to the classic comfort food. The umami from the tomatoes complements the creaminess from the cheese, creating a dish that stands out while remaining comforting. Whether you prefer your mac and cheese baked with a crispy top or simply creamy, incorporating vodka sauce can truly elevate the dish.

For more culinary insights, consider subscribing to our food newsletter for tips and tricks to enhance your cooking skills.

For many years, GOLF.com’s Clubhouse Eats column has highlighted exceptional cuisine and beverages associated with the world of golf. Throughout this year, chefs from golf courses and resorts have shared recipes ranging from perfect cookies and brisket to breakfast burritos. However, nothing captured reader interest quite like the exclusive Masters Champions Dinner, particularly its renowned menu.

This year, GOLF executive editor Alan Bastable’s article about a rare whiskey served at the event drew significant attention: Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. Despite the private nature of the dinner, glimpses of the gathering have emerged on social media, showcasing the whiskey displayed prominently at the table.

Retailing for approximately $120 a bottle, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye is renowned for its scarcity, with current market prices often starting around $1,000 and soaring to as much as $1,400. At the Champions Dinner, this esteemed whiskey accompanied defending champion Scottie Scheffler’s menu, which featured cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, wood-fired cowboy ribeye, and a warm chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

Whiskey aficionado Tom Fischer, who founded Bourbon Blog, described the Van Winkle rye as complex and well-balanced, with flavors of leather, clove, and sweet tobacco. Despite the initial disbelief in seeing such a rare whiskey at the Champions Dinner, Fischer acknowledged it as a fitting choice for an exclusive event among golfing legends.

For those not inclined to pay exorbitant prices for rare spirits, Fischer recommended alternative rye options that are more accessible, such as WhistlePig 15 Rye Whiskey or Hard Truth Rye Whiskey.

The article about this exceptional whiskey proved to be the year’s most-read in the Clubhouse Eats column, highlighting how a single drink can capture the passion and lore surrounding the game of golf.

Read the original article here.

The whiskey industry is bracing for continuing challenges as more businesses face bankruptcy. This rough year ended with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing by Wilder Whiskey, known for its ready-to-drink seltzers. Founded in March 2022, Wilder Whiskey cites rising production costs and shifting consumer preferences as contributing factors to their financial troubles. Despite targeting a young adult demographic (ages 21-35), with four flavors of seltzers that blend whiskey with adventurous ingredients, the brand wasn’t able to maintain its footing.

In 2025, several distilling enterprises have already filed for bankruptcy, including Boston Harbor Distillery, Westward Whiskey, and Devil’s River Distillery. These filings highlight the economic pressures faced by producers, including soaring labor costs and changes in consumer attitudes toward spirits.

As per NielsenIQ, the U.S. spirits market experienced a 2.8% drop in sales and a 3.2% decrease in volume during the first half of the year, attributing these declines to economic conditions and consumer trends. With an increase in bankruptcies, experts forecast that the despair could carry into the next year as well.

Wilder Whiskey’s Chapter 7 liquidation petition was filed on December 23 in Tennessee, revealing they are left with up to $100,000 in both assets and liabilities. The company’s offerings included seltzers like Grapefruit, Orange Vanilla, Peach, and Lemon Lime, each made with 100% American whiskey and marketed as gluten-free and low-calorie.

The firm emphasized convenience, hoping to cater to whiskey lovers without the hassle of bulky bottles. However, the market reception was not as anticipated, leading to their unfortunate closure. Wilder Whiskey’s recent struggles highlight a broader trend that may impact other similar brands in the industry as they navigate a tough market landscape.

For more information on other bankruptcies in the sector, check out articles about 64-year-old furniture store franchisee and golf legend’s iconic brand filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Have you ever ordered a seemingly straightforward cocktail, only to be surprised by the distinct taste of gin instead of vodka? This common mix-up highlights the subtle yet important differences between these two classic spirits. Both gin and vodka are colorless distilled spirits found on drink menus worldwide, yet they offer vastly different flavors, production methods, and purposes.

Key Differences Between Gin and Vodka

The most significant distinction between gin and vodka is flavor. Vodka is crafted for neutrality; it is largely tasteless and odorless, serving as a blank canvas that allows other ingredients in cocktails to shine. In contrast, gin is characterized by its vibrant flavor, primarily derived from juniper berries, which are legally mandated in its production. Additionally, gin often contains a blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and citrus peels, resulting in a complex taste profile that can range from piney and herbal to floral and citrusy.

Production Methods

Though both spirits originate from fermented grains or sugars, their production diverges after this initial stage.

Vodka Production

Vodka’s creation focuses on achieving purity and neutrality. It undergoes multiple distillations, often incorporating rigorous charcoal filtration to eliminate flavor compounds and impurities. The final product is a clean spirit that is mainly ethanol and water, with minimal distinguishing characteristics among brands.

Gin Production

Gin begins with a similar neutral base but distinguishes itself through the infusion of botanicals. The addition of juniper berries, along with a variety of other herbs and spices, allows distillers to create unique flavors. This process not only defines gin but also contributes to its aromatic complexity.

Health Considerations: Vodka vs. Gin

In terms of calories, vodka tends to be the lighter option. A 30 ml serving of vodka contains roughly 65 calories, making it an appealing choice for low-calorie cocktails, such as the "Skinny Bitch," which mixes vodka with lime juice and soda water. Meanwhile, a similar serving of gin contains about 74 calories; a classic gin and tonic typically totals around 96 calories.

Strength Comparison

When discussing alcohol content, the standard alcohol by volume (ABV) for most gins ranges from 37.5% to 47%, with some varieties exceeding 57%. Vodka typically has an ABV between 37% and 50%, with most brands bottled at 40%. When comparing the same ABV levels, neither spirit is inherently stronger than the other in terms of ethanol content per serving.

In summary, while gin and vodka may appear similar in a glass, their flavor profiles, production methods, and health aspects are markedly different. Understanding these distinctions can enhance your cocktail choices and improve your overall drinking experience.

After five years of meticulous research, Planteray Rum is set to launch its latest product, the Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2. This new navy-style rum, reminiscent of the spirit once rationed to the British Royal Navy until 1970, exemplifies tradition with a modern twist.

This rum is crafted using a blend of rums sourced from renowned regions such as Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, Mauritius, and Jamaica. Following distillation, it undergoes aging in ex-bourbon barrels on its Caribbean island of origin. In a unique nod to maritime history, it’s then transported across the Atlantic for further maturation at sea—echoing the era when rum rations would roar with the waves while on board ships. Upon arriving in France, the rum is finished in seasoned oak barrels.

With an impressive alcohol content of 55.7% ABV, Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2 offers a rich profile that features notes of molasses candy, dark chocolate, toasted vanilla, dried fruits, and a blend of island spices.

This limited-edition rum will be available at select retailers starting this month, priced at approximately $37.99 for a 700ml bottle.