Liquor-articles 2020

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During the holiday season, there is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of Black-owned whiskey brands that not only offer distinctive flavors but also embody rich cultural legacies. The market has seen a surge in new releases, providing consumers with thoughtful choices for their celebrations.

SirDavis Whisky

Launched in 2024 by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, SirDavis Whisky is rooted in history, honoring Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, a Prohibition-era moonshiner. The whiskey is produced in Houston and showcases a rich profile with notes of Seville orange, raisins, cinnamon, and clove, boasting an ABV of 44% (88 proof).

Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

Victor G. Harvey Sr. created Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey to honor the first legally recognized free Black settlement in America. This four-year-old bourbon blends corn, rye, and malted barley, creating flavors of cocoa, custard, and cinnamon, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the preserved history of Fort Mosé.

Brough Brothers Bourbon

Established by brothers Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, Brough Brothers Bourbon is the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky since Prohibition. Their small-batch bourbons present a smooth flavor profile featuring hints of ginger, nutmeg, and apple, symbolizing a step towards greater diversity in the whiskey industry.

Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey

The brainchild of Ja Rule and partners, Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey is geared towards novices and aficionados alike. This whiskey, released in 2024, is infused with orange blossom honey and filled with flavors from Lapsang Souchong tea and spices. The brand aims to create connections through initiatives like the “Cocktails + Conversations” tour.

Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company

Founded by Floyd “Beau” Wheeler Jr., Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company produces a variety of spirits including bourbon and rye. Their 1932 Bourbon features flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The company emphasizes quality and innovation, continuing to build a legacy of Black ownership in the spirits industry.

These brands not only fulfill a need for quality whiskey but also represent a larger movement towards entrepreneurship and representation within the spirits industry. As you enjoy these offerings this holiday season, you’re also supporting a vital aspect of Black culture and history.

Related Links:

• Black-owned whiskey brands
• Holiday Gift Guide

In a year marked by a downturn in whiskey sales, Starlight Distillery has emerged as a beacon of craft distillation from an unexpected place: a seventh-generation farm in Indiana. The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Starlight’s Mizunara Reserve Finished Bourbon as the Best Overall Bourbon, solidifying its reputation within the national whiskey discourse.

Starlight Distillery, run by the Huber family since 1843, has nurtured both the land and its distilling craft over generations. In an interview, winemaker and distiller Christian Huber expressed the overwhelming joy of their recent accolades, noting that their approach emphasizes quality over the marketing buzz often associated with the spirits industry.

The family’s history stretches back to 180 years ago when Simon Huber, a winemaker from Germany, settled in Indiana, cultivating vineyards and producing wines. Through Prohibition and economic challenges, the Hubers preserved their wine legacy, transitioning into distilling fruit brandies in the early 2000s. Their commitment to craft led to successful grassroots efforts to legalize artisan distilling in Indiana, which positioned them favorably as they ventured into whiskey production.

What sets Starlight apart is their meticulous philosophy, valuing independence and quality. Without external debt or investors, the family has turned down acquisition offers, prioritizing the craft and legacy over quick profits. Their distillation process, led by master distiller Ted Huber, involves a winemaker’s mindset, highlighting long fermentations and specific yeast selections to enhance the whiskey’s character. This meticulous attention to detail culminated in their award-winning Mizunara Reserve Bourbon, aged in rare Japanese casks for a year, yielding unique floral notes and complexity.

Their second honor at the competition, Best Craft Distiller Whiskey, was awarded to the Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon, crafted by Blake Huber, showcasing the family’s dedication to producing standout, unique offerings.

As the Hubers celebrate their 25th anniversary of distilling in 2026 and prepare for their farm’s 185th anniversary in 2027, they are looking forward to launching a 25-year-old brandy and planning future expansions, including boutique lodging and a farm-to-table restaurant.

The essence of Starlight Distillery lies in their long-term vision, avoiding the pitfalls of the fast-paced whiskey industry. They focus on nurturing their craft to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, embodying a commitment to patience and quality, which is now resonating with a broader audience in the whiskey world.

For whiskey enthusiasts, December is a special month filled with delightful tasting experiences, thanks to advent calendars that feature curated selections of whiskeys from around the world. These calendars offer not just a drink each day but an opportunity to explore various flavors and styles, making them a perfect gift for both seasoned collectors and casual sippers.

Top Whiskey Advent Calendars for 2025

1. Flaviar 2025 Whiskey Advent Calendar – $270

   • This calendar, named FlaviAIR, takes inspiration from the golden age of travel. It includes 24 bottles of 50ml whiskeys, sourced from seven countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Scotland. With some bottles valued at around $200 when purchased in full size, this is an excellent chance to try high-end spirits. The set also features custom Glencairn glasses, a Tasting Passport with guided content, and a 12-month Flaviar Black Membership. Buy here.

2. World Whiskey Society Best Holiday Wishes – $69.99

   • This is a festive and affordable advent calendar featuring 12 whiskey-filled ornaments. These are not only perfect for sampling but also double as Christmas tree decorations. This playful take makes it one of the most budget-friendly options for whiskey lovers during the holiday season. Purchase here.

3. Seelbach’s Advent Calendar 2025 – $279.99

   • For fans of American craft whiskeys, this calendar showcases 24 different whiskies from 21 brands across nine states. It includes everything from barrel-proof bourbons to cask-finished ryes, focusing on unique and small distillery offerings. Find out more here.

4. Whisky Tour of the World Edition II – £199.95 ($262)

   • This luxurious calendar offers 24 premium whiskey samples packed in a handmade wooden bookcase. Gifted with two whiskey glasses and an informative book featuring distillery details and tasting notes, it’s perfect for collectors and anyone who enjoys a sophisticated presentation. Check it out here.

With these options, whiskey lovers can count down to the holidays with exciting new tastes and experiences, making their December celebration even more special.

If you’ve found yourself at a family or friend’s house for Thanksgiving without any pre-planned adult beverages, don’t panic. There might be a liquor cabinet nearby, which can save the day. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up delicious drinks that will make the family conversations flow more smoothly.

You can rely on an old cocktail-making adage: “one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, and four of weak.” Here’s how to interpret that:

• One: Citrus juice (like lime or lemon)
• Two: Sweetener (like simple syrup)
• Three: The spirit of your choice
• Four: A diluter such as soda water (optional)

For example, a simple drink can be made with:

• ½ ounce lime juice (one)
• 1 ounce simple syrup (two)
• 1½ ounces spirit (three)
• 2 ounces soda water (four)

Feel free to tweak these proportions based on your preference for tartness or sweetness. Here’s a selection of classic cocktails you can prepare quickly:

Daisy

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka, gin, tequila, or light rum
• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed citrus juice
• ½ ounce fruit syrup
• Garnish with a lemon, lime, orange, or cherry

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and serve over ice with garnish.

Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces whiskey, Scotch, aged rum, or gin
• 2 ounces fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• ½ ounce aquafaba or egg white
• Garnish with citrus

Directions: Shake the first four ingredients until foamy, strain over ice, and garnish.

Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey
• 1 ounce fresh juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• Herbs like mint or basil
• Sparkling water

Directions: Shake first three ingredients with ice, add herbs and gently shake again. Serve with soda water and garnish with herbs.

Classic Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces brandy, rum, tequila, whiskey, Scotch, or gin
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters

Directions: Combine in a mixing glass with ice, shake, and strain over ice in a rocks glass.

With these recipes, you can mix up some fantastic drinks even at the last minute! The key is to enjoy the process and adjust according to taste. Cheers to making the most of your Thanksgiving!

American political history is filled with memorable moments involving food and drink. Notably, one incident that stands out is the inauguration of President Andrew Jackson in 1829. Known for his love of whiskey, Jackson’s inauguration took a chaotic turn as approximately 20,000 enthusiastic supporters flooded Washington, D.C. celebrating his victory.

This overwhelming crowd turned the White House into a scene of mayhem. Guests clamored to see Jackson, resulting in furniture damage and spilled refreshments amid the revelry. To mitigate the chaos, White House staff cleverly placed large tubs of whiskey punch and ice cream on the lawn, encouraging guests to move outside and help restore order.

Following this infamous inauguration, Jackson’s association with whiskey became a lasting element of his legacy. He was known to favor bourbon, even distilling it himself in Tennessee before his presidency. As part of the mythos surrounding Jackson, numerous culinary historians have attempted to recreate the fabled orange whiskey punch served at his inauguration—often referred to as "American orange punch" or "inaugural punch."

Though the original recipe has been lost, modern adaptations typically include orange juice, spices, and a base of rye whiskey or bourbon, with variations sometimes calling for Cognac or rum. For those looking to recreate the spirit of that tumultuous day, serving this punch by the barrel could make for quite an entertaining gathering.

For more on the history of food and drink in politics, consider exploring the recipe and variations of Jacksonian punch.

Advent calendars have evolved from traditional candy-filled versions to delight whiskey enthusiasts around the globe. This festive season, whiskey advent calendars create a unique opportunity for daily tastings leading up to Christmas, making the countdown to the holiday both exciting and educational.

Spirit-based advent calendars became a trend around a decade ago, initially taking off in Great Britain and gradually reaching the United States. These calendars replace sugary treats with daily one-ounce pours of various spirits, particularly whiskey, operating under the concept of adding a bit of festive cheer each day of Advent—a period starting four Sundays before Christmas.

Originally meant to engage children during Advent, the calendars date back to mid-20th-century Germany. In the late 1950s, the concept gained international popularity, particularly with chocolate-filled designs. The innovative twist for adults emerged in 2012, led by Master of Malt, a UK retailer. Their Scotch whiskey advent calendar featured miniature bottles revealing different single malts each day, paving the way for similar products worldwide.

Now, the landscape of whiskey advent calendars provides an array of options including selections from various spirits, brands, and countries. For instance, the 2025 Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar, themed “Flaviar Airlines,” promises a tour of whiskey from major global regions through 24 curated samples. This set includes an array of unique whiskey varieties such as Sir Davis American Rye and Kujira Okinawa Japanese Whisky, complemented by two Glencairn glasses and a tasting journal.

Gravity Drinks also offers a noteworthy “Whisky Tour of the World Edition II” that showcases whiskies from different countries, presented in a beautiful wooden format with informative materials included. This calendar spans diverse distilleries, from Iceland to Australia.

Additionally, retailers like Whisky With Us provide calendars featuring both Scottish and worldwide whiskey offerings, complete with online tasting sessions that enhance the experience, facilitating a virtual tasting course while savoring selections from renowned producers.

This shift from candy to whiskey marks a unique advent celebration, inviting connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to explore new tastes and brands. The advent calendars now serve not only as festive products but as educational tools, enriching the experience of enjoying whiskey throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Explore these innovative options to elevate your holiday spirit with a curated whiskey tasting journey through December.

Unreined Whiskey Becomes Official Whiskey of Texas A&M Athletics

Unreined Whiskey, established in 2025, has proudly announced its role as the official whiskey of Texas A&M Athletics. Fans and alumni of Texas A&M can now enjoy this unique whiskey at events where alcoholic beverages are offered, with availability at retailers like Spec’s and Total Wine throughout Texas.

The Chief Marketing Officer, Nelson Ingram, stated, “Our vision is to provide the world-class bourbon experience typical of the bourbon trail right here in Texas. We aim to create a brand that resonates with consumers and inspires a lifestyle.”

Breaking away from traditional bourbon methods, Unreined Whiskey ages and blends its whiskey in Texas, where the climate enhances the flavors of oak, vanilla, and coconut. The brand prides itself on purposeful blending and transparency throughout the production process.

Rob Arnold, PhD, Co-Founder of Unreined Whiskey, added, “The team’s innovative approach to whiskey combines quality and experience to create a product Texans will be proud to share.”

In the spring, Unreined Whiskey will open a visitor center in College Station featuring tastings, tours, and events, where guests can learn about the whiskey-making process and the distinct characteristics of their blends.

Unreined Whiskey was founded by a team of Texas A&M graduates, including Ingram and Arnold, along with other industry veterans from both Kentucky and Texas, dedicated to creating approachable and complex whiskey flavors.

For more details, visit Unreined Whiskey.

Bardstown Bourbon Company has released its latest offering, the Distillery Reserve Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish, showcasing the distillery’s innovative approach to whiskey-making. Launched as part of their Distillery Reserve series, this release follows the sold-out Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak bottlings and is set to be a highlight in the whiskey market.

Master Blender Dan Callaway crafted this bourbon using two base whiskeys sourced from Indiana. Specifically, the blend consists of 76% thirteen-year bourbon and 24% twelve-year bourbon, both made from the same mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. After blending, the whiskey spent 28 months in seasoned Calvados casks from Christian Drouin’s estate in France. It was then aged an additional four months in new American oak barrels before being bottled at 104.2 proof.

The resulting bourbon carries a distinct Calvados influence, enveloped in aromas of vanilla frosting, toasted marshmallow, and baking spice. Those scents transition to fruity notes like plums, cherries, and baked apples, complemented by a punch of the rye spice.

On the palate, the whiskey bursts with apple brandy flavors, followed by hints of cinnamon bread and rum raisin, maintaining a balanced sweetness. Traditional bourbon notes of vanilla, cloves, and honey syrup emerge prominently, finishing with a bright maraschino cherry essence.

This limited release is anticipated to be a contender for one of the year’s best new bourbons. It will be available for purchase starting on Black Friday at Bardstown Bourbon’s distillery gift shop and Louisville Tasting Room, retailing for $99.99 for a 375mL bottle, though availability is expected to be limited.

For more information on Bardstown Bourbon, visit Bardstown Bourbon Company.

It’s not every day that students get to learn about the hospitality industry firsthand inside a distillery, surrounded by the aromas of freshly fermented molasses and rows of aging barrels. Recently, students from the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management experienced just that during an educational trip to Puerto Rico, facilitated by the Bacardi Center of Excellence.

On this journey, the students discovered that rum is much more than just a beverage; it embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Witnessing the entire process from fermentation to bottling revealed how tradition and modern technology converge to produce high-quality products. The global spirits industry is currently valued at $650 billion and is projected to grow to $780 billion by 2030, marking the significance of this field in terms of career opportunities.

The students’ first stop included San Juan Distillers in Puerto Rico’s capital. For many, this was their introduction to a smaller production facility. The owner, José R. Álvarez Reyes, alongside his son, provided an intimate look into their distilling process while sharing stories of their passion for craftsmanship and dedication to their heritage. Despite being a smaller operation with around 20 employees, the level of care in each bottle was evident and inspiring.

Next, the students visited Casa Bacardi, the largest rum distillery in the world, located in Cataño. As a well-known brand synonymous with rum, Bacardi offers a wealth of resources and support to FIU students through its partnerships aimed at enhancing education and promoting sustainability. During their time at Casa Bacardi, students toured the facility, exploring the labs where unique yeast strains are developed for their signature products, deepening their knowledge of rum production.

To cap off the trip, the group visited La Factoria, a renowned cocktail bar in Puerto Rico recognized on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. The vibrant atmosphere highlighted the fusion of creativity and culture, showcasing the bar’s ability to transform from a coffee shop in the morning to an energetic nightclub at night. The varied ambiance across its different rooms appeals to a diverse clientele, emphasizing thoughtful design and unique experiences.

This enriching experience highlights the significance of hands-on learning and cultural exploration within the hospitality program. The students did not merely study rum; they engaged with its history, its makers, and its essence. This journey into Puerto Rico reinforced valuable lessons about hospitality, focusing on storytelling, connection, and tradition that they will carry forward in their careers.

• FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Bacardi Center of Excellence
• Spirits Market Report

With a focus on Guatemalan heritage and innovation, Master Blender Lorena Vásquez plays a pivotal role in crafting Zacapa Rum, which is distinctively aged "Above The Clouds." The aging process occurs in high-altitude casks at 2,300 meters, deriving complexity from the volcanic soils of southern Guatemala where the sugar cane is grown.

Vásquez employs a solera system for aging, transferring the rum through various cask types—like American and European oak—that previously held whiskey, cognac, and sherry. This meticulous method allows for a blend of rums aged between 6 to 23 years, culminating in the flagship Zacapa No. 23, along with premium options like Zacapa XO, which utilizes additional aging techniques.

Beyond the rum itself, Vásquez emphasizes the importance of community engagement. The bottles are adorned with petate weaving, a skill that provides employment for over 700 women in local villages, helping to preserve traditional crafts while fostering economic independence.

Vásquez’s journey into the distilling world began unexpectedly. She studied chemistry and pharmacy, contrary to her father’s wishes for her to pursue medicine. Initially, she worked in quality control at a beer company before transitioning to Zacapa in 1984, where her passion for creating unique rum flourished.

Vásquez recalls her early experiences, noting the superior complexity of the rum distillate compared to other spirits, which spurred her drive for innovation. Through extensive research and travel, she advocated for longer aging processes and the acquisition of varied casks, changing the landscape of rum production in Guatemala.

The elevation plays a crucial role in flavor development. At high altitudes, reduced temperatures and lower oxygen levels slow the aging process, enriching the rum with nuanced colors and aromas. She describes this environment as a blend of "magic and chemistry," producing a more refined product.

When it comes to personal preferences, Vásquez enjoys Zacapa No. 23 in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Zacapa Espresso, whereas she savors the Zacapa XO straight, showcasing the rich flavor profiles unique to her creations.