Liquor-articles 1905

For Lukasz Zawadzki, vodka symbolizes a heartfelt tribute to his father. He is launching Big Z’s Honey Lemon Vodka on June 1 at Rubino’s Full Circle in Griswold, with plans for it to be available at various local bars and package stores in New London County shortly thereafter.

The new vodka closely resembles the recipe of his father, Zenon Zawadzki, which Lukasz recreated as a way to honor his legacy. The vodka, sold in 750ml bottles for $25, showcases a likeness of Zenon on the front, with the back narrating the brand’s story and finishing with the Polish toast, “Na Zdrowie.”

What’s Special About the Drink?

Big Z’s has a golden hue and stands out as it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and naturally flavored with lemon, wildflower honey, and buckwheat honey. Lukasz describes it as "real stuff," suitable for sipping chilled or mixing with other ingredients.

Remembering Big Z

Zenon Zawadzki, also known as Big Z, emigrated from Poland in 1991, eventually establishing his home in Norwich. He gained local fame for perfecting a family vodka recipe which became a staple at family events. After Zenon passed away in a car accident in 2023, the demand for his vodka persisted, prompting Lukasz to create Big Z’s in tribute.

Collaboration with Distillers

Lukasz partnered with Central CT Distillers in East Hartford to bring his father’s vodka to life, ensuring the product remained all-natural, despite the challenges associated with using honey. Owner Evan Beasley emphasized the unique qualities of the spirit, aligning with its familial and cultural heritage.

Those who have sampled Big Z’s have noted its authenticity, claiming it successfully mirrors what Zenon originally crafted.

Future Plans

The initial distribution of Big Z’s will be small, aiming at local bars and package stores. Lukasz plans promotional events to introduce the vodka, while Beasley aspires to evolve Big Z’s into a national brand. However, Lukasz intends to grow it organically, remaining true to his father’s memory.

He believes that once people taste it, they’ll love it and hopes it will bring people together.

For more information, visit the official Instagram page of Big Z’s Vodka.

The Frisky Whiskey is a cocktail that every whiskey enthusiast should know. Created by Allen Katz, the drink combines five essential ingredients: Irish whiskey, honey liqueur, orange juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. This unique beverage is a refreshing twist on the classic whiskey sour.

The balance of flavors in the Frisky Whiskey offers a delightful pairing of tart and sweet notes. The bright orange juice complements the warming essence of the Irish whiskey, while the sweetness from the honey liqueur rounds off the sourness. To streamline preparations for gatherings, this cocktail can be batched for easy serving.

How to Make a Frisky Whiskey

To craft this cocktail, you typically use a 1:1:1 ratio of the Irish whiskey, honey liqueur, and orange juice, accompanied by a quarter of that measurement in simple syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Since preferences for sweetness and bitterness can vary, adjusting the amounts to cater to your taste is encouraged.

1. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Make sure to add ice first to prevent overflow of liquids.
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.

Some variations add soda water for a little fizz and dilution, enhancing the drink’s refreshment.

While there isn’t a specific Irish whiskey you must use, Jameson is a popular choice. Alternatives include Tullamore Dew, Powers Gold Label, or Writer’s Tears. For the honey liqueur, options like Bärenjäger or Yukon Jack can be used, but they may alter the final flavor. Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best taste, yet bottled juice suffices in a pinch.

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The sun is shining, and spring is the perfect time for refreshing cocktails. Rum, with its tropical origins, pairs wonderfully with vibrant fruits like passion fruit and pineapple, making it an ideal spirit for sunny days. Whether it’s a classic rum and coke or a sophisticated Mai Tai, rum cocktails are always a hit, embodying distinct flavors that vary based on their origin.

If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation or just need a drink that brings you there, a delicious rum cocktail can be the answer. These cocktails offer a chance for creativity in presentation, so don’t hesitate to experiment with garnishes and serving styles.

Here’s a delightful recipe for a Guava Smash using Sonrisa Rum, perfect for welcoming the warmth of spring into your home.

Guava Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Sonrisa Platino Puerto Rican Rum
• 2 ounces guava nectar
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 ounces sparkling coconut water

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and pour into your favorite glass.
3. Garnish with lime wheels and coconut flakes for an extra tropical touch.

This cocktail captures the essence of summer and is sure to delight your taste buds.

ALB® Vodka has recently expanded its agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, enhancing its presence in the Caribbean and Latin American markets. This partnership with Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division is noteworthy as they are recognized as a top distributor of premium wine and spirits in the region.

The agreement marks a significant step for ALB Vodka, as it seeks to broaden its reach beyond the United States. The vodka brand, which has rapidly gained popularity as one of America’s fastest-growing spirit brands, is committed to maintaining a high-quality product that is both accessible and authentic.

Brian Grimsley, Sales Director of ALB, emphasized the importance of this expansion, suggesting that as consumers seek premium offerings fueled by tourism, ALB Vodka is well-positioned to cater to this demand. Southern Glazer’s Kamara Snow also expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting ALB’s strong consumer momentum and brand story as key aspects that align well with their distribution strategy.

Previously, ALB Vodka has established itself through various strategic placements including partnerships with airlines like JetBlue and notable cruise lines, enhancing its visibility in domestic and international markets. The new Caribbean expansion through Southern Glazer’s is a pivotal move to enhance its long-term growth and appeal to spirit enthusiasts globally.

About ALB® Vodka
ALB Vodka, a premium gluten-free vodka made from 100% American corn, is crafted in Albany, New York. The brand prides itself on its authentic narrative and commitment to quality and value, embodying the energetic spirit of New York. More information can be found at albvodka.com.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s is the leading distributor of beverage alcohol, recognized for its commitment to building brands that matter. With operations in 47 U.S. markets as well as Canada, it integrates extensive market experience and distributor relationships to enhance its portfolio. More details are available at southernglazers.com.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Orlando Sentinel, Forward/Slash Distillery & Blending House has crafted a unique whiskey called Ol’ Watchdog. This limited-release spirit embodies the newspaper’s rich history while offering whiskey enthusiasts a delightful tasting experience.

Co-owners Michael Buffa and Tim Bradstreet focused on two key elements for this special whiskey: honoring the Sentinel’s storied past and involving its staff. The whiskey features deep fruit notes, resulting from two blends aged in ancient Armagnac casks, representing one of the oldest spirits in the United States. They aimed to create something rustic and fruity that encapsulates a century and a half of storytelling.

Only 344 bottles of this whiskey will be available, with pricing set at $115. There’s also an option for half-ounce pours at $7 and 1-ounce pours at $11, designed to be savored. The casks used for aging date back to 1976, made from trees that were growing in France around the same time the Orlando Sentinel was founded.

Buffa explained that the choice of Armagnac was intentional to introduce flavors reminiscent of stone fruits and figs, contributing to the whiskey’s complexity. Additionally, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks were used to infuse a hint of sweetness and spiciness.

The name Ol’ Watchdog was derived from a suggestion made by photographer Stephen Dowell, fitting perfectly with the Sentinel’s journalistic mission. The "Ol’" was added as a tribute to whiskey tradition. Various staff members participated in the tasting process to help select the final blend, ensuring it met both expert and staff preferences.

Bradstreet described the whiskey as having a unique profile that drinks older than its years, standing out among other creations from the distillery. The bottles will be available for purchase and tastings starting May 7 at their Winter Park tasting room.

For more details, visit Forward/Slash Distillery.

Siderit’s PX Cask Rye, produced by a small craft distillery in Cantabria, Spain, has garnered international acclaim by winning the title of World’s Best Rye at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. This rye whiskey is notable for being distilled entirely from 100% malted rye and aged for nearly nine years in unique 100-liter casks that have been seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry. This smaller cask size is significant because it enhances the whiskey’s interaction with the wood, allowing for a richer flavor and a quicker aging process.

The judges from the awards praised the PX Cask Rye for its exceptional qualities, describing its aroma as reminiscent of chocolate and honeycomb. When tasted, its profile includes smooth textures with notes of white chocolate, honey, nougat, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, leading to a warm and balanced finish.

Founded in 2013, Siderit operates on a small scale, producing limited quantities which has perhaps contributed to its lesser-known status on a global scale despite a history of success in whisky competitions. This year, Siderit also showcased another expression, the Green Malt Rye, which earned a silver medal.

Fast facts about Siderit PX Cask Rye:

• ABV: 46.8%
• Maturation: Aged for eight years and five months in 100-liter Spanish white oak barrels seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry
• Availability: Only 174 bottles available worldwide
• SRP: $240

The 2026 World Whiskies Awards featured more than 9,000 whiskies from 52 countries, where each whiskey was evaluated through blind tastings by a panel of experts. In addition to Siderit’s achievements, notable winners from other countries included Elijah Craig’s Toasted Barrel Rye from the U.S. and Alberta Premium’s Cask Strength from Canada.

For more information, view the original article on Food & Wine.

Bob Gunter has concluded a significant chapter in both his life and the history of Kōloa Rum Co. by stepping down as the company’s president and chief executive officer on May 1, 2026, after nearly 18 years. His leadership led to remarkable growth, taking the Kōloa Rum brand from its origins to 38 states and internationally to regions including Canada, Japan, and Europe.

In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Gunter expressed his mixed emotions about the decision and reflected on the team’s accomplishments during his tenure, which included championing sustainable practices, showcasing Hawaiian rum globally, and utilizing locally-sourced ingredients. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving their shared goals, echoing the saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Several colleagues and former executives praised Gunter for his leadership style, highlighting his integrity and mentorship. Gunter started at Kōloa Rum Co. as chief operating officer in 2008 before being elevated to CEO just two years later. His extensive experience in the agricultural and spirits industries, combined with a deep commitment to the Kaua‘i community, bolstered the company’s reputation.

Gunter’s successor, Robert Ramer, previously served as chief commercial officer. Ramer joined Kōloa Rum in 2011 and has a history of driving growth for the brand. In his new role as chief operating officer, Ramer will now oversee daily operations and is enthusiastic about continuing the company’s journey.

Kōloa Rum Co. was founded in 2009, marking the return of distilling on Kaua‘i after Prohibition, and is noted for its quality, sustainability, and deep connection to Hawaiian culture. The company produces a variety of handcrafted rums using local materials, embodying a spirit of aloha and pride in its heritage.

As Kōloa Rum transitions under Ramer’s leadership, it is poised to embrace new opportunities while maintaining its commitment to quality and the values instilled by Gunter. More details on the distillery and its offerings can be found on the Kōloa Rum Co. website.

Martha Stewart has reintroduced a delightful party hack just in time for the summer entertaining season. Known for her stylish approach to hosting, Stewart’s "iced vodka" presentation involves encasing a bottle of vodka in a block of ice adorned with flowers, making it both an attractive centerpiece and an effective way to keep the vodka chilled for hours.

In a recently resurfaced clip, Stewart demonstrates the process by placing a 750-milliliter vodka bottle into a half-gallon milk carton with the top removed. She surrounds the bottle with fresh flowers, fills the carton with cold water, and then freezes the entire setup. Once solidified, the carton is peeled away to reveal an elegant, flower-studded ice block that perfectly showcases the vodka bottle.

The appeal of this trick goes beyond aesthetics; keeping the vodka extremely cold enhances its flavor and reduces the burn typically associated with hard liquor, according to beverage experts. Stewart mentions that freezing the vodka alters its texture and taste, presenting a smoother experience for drinkers.

Fans of the technique have shared their appreciation online, with many expressing excitement to replicate the distinctive presentation for their own gatherings. While some nostalgia surrounds Stewart’s demonstration from her long-running daytime show “Martha Stewart Living,” others have raised practical concerns about the mess it could create as the ice melts. Nevertheless, adjustments such as using a tray to catch melting ice and adding seasonal accents, like citrus slices or herbs, can enhance the presentation while minimizing mess.

Overall, Stewart’s iced vodka trick is reaffirming its place in summer festivities as a splendid way to serve drinks stylishly and refreshingly.

A new barbershop in downtown State College, named The Whiskey Barber Salon, seeks to redefine the traditional barbershop experience. Located at 135 S. Pugh St. beneath the Scholar State College hotel, it offers a variety of hair and beard grooming services tailored for customers of all ages. The barbershop’s unique western theming and whiskey-infused treatments aim to create a memorable atmosphere for clients seeking more than just a haircut.

Owner Tanya Campbell emphasizes a personalized approach to each client. “We’re not a rushed, in-and-out shop,” she says, focusing on delivering precision and consistency to create styles that complement each individual’s lifestyle. The shop offers a complete grooming experience for $35, which includes a precise haircut, neck shave, shampoo, eyebrow trim, and a hot steam towel. Children’s haircuts start at $30.

Whiskey plays a significant role in the barbershop’s branding, featuring whiskey-infused hot towels among other products from brands like Duke Cannon that incorporate Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey. Customers can relax with a complimentary drink such as Vitamin Water, Bai water, or a small glass of whiskey during their visit.

“We’re doing our best to source products that go with our brand and style,” Campbell explains, pairing the ambiance of dark woods with the high-class barbering experience she aims to provide. The shop officially opened in early April and plans to celebrate its launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The atmosphere at the salon aims to forge personal connections between the staff and clients, fostering a community feeling. Salon professional Cassie Poorman notes that getting to know customers leads to better service and stronger relationships, encouraging them to return for both quality cuts and positive experiences.

To support its launch, Campbell’s team received assistance through the Retail Launch Assistance Program, which provides funding for first-time brick-and-mortar businesses. This support not only alleviated financial burdens but also integrated them into the State College business community.

Kendra Kielbasa, the improvement district’s retail advocate, hopes the program will continue to benefit new businesses, noting the satisfaction of guiding owners through the startup process. For Campbell, the program has been invaluable in establishing connections within the local community—a crucial aspect of her business philosophy.

The Whiskey Barber Salon is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clients can easily schedule appointments through their website.

Many whiskey enthusiasts know Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a Kentucky-based distillery known since the early 2000s. However, in 2024, they introduced a new blend called Traveller Whiskey, aimed at appealing to novice whiskey drinkers. With rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, this whiskey boasts 45% alcohol by volume yet remains approachable. It garnered significant acclaim, winning 15 awards, including a Gold at the 2024 American Whiskey Masters Awards.

The origins of Buffalo Trace can be traced back to the early 1800s, surviving Prohibition and producing over a million barrels since then. The relationship between the distillery and Chris Stapleton, a renowned Kentucky-born musician, led to the creation of Traveller Whiskey. Stapleton, who famously sang about Tennessee whiskey, collaborated with Buffalo Trace to develop this new spirit, tasting up to 50 blends before concluding on the final product.

In terms of flavor, the whiskey offers a mellow experience without the harsh burn typical of other stronger spirits. Neat, it reveals its smoothness through flavors of caramel and spices, while on the rocks, it presents different notes of aged fruit and a lighter profile. While sampling, drinkers may find it best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full complexity.

The composition of Traveller Whiskey is less transparent than that of their bourbons. Though the exact grain mix remains a trade secret, it includes more than two varieties from the distillery’s portfolio. It also lacks an age statement, which means the maturation period isn’t publicized. The whiskey carries the philosophy that good whiskey, like a good song, speaks for itself on the first sip.

This whiskey can be enjoyed in various ways—neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. One standout cocktail is the Lucky Penny, made with honey syrup and lemon juice, enhancing the whiskey’s maple undertones.

Interestingly, Stapleton himself is not a heavy drinker, having reflected on his relationship with alcohol. While he enjoyed drinking in his younger years, he now approaches it with balance and moderation, maintaining an impressive bourbon collection at home.

A unique feature of the Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey bottle includes a hidden map of Lexington, Kentucky, viewable through the whiskey itself, symbolizing the origins of both Stapleton and the distillery. Additionally, in 2025, it was designated as the first official whiskey of Major League Baseball, further embedding its presence in culture by connecting with fans in a unique multi-year partnership.

For more information on Buffalo Trace products, you can visit the official site Buffalo Trace.