Liquor-articles 2020

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Anoka County has initiated a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in an effort to prevent the allocation of $6.2 million in transportation grant funds towards the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Rum River Dam in Anoka. This bridge is part of a larger project that aims to enhance the area with amenities including a boat lock and a whitewater surfing facility, collectively estimated to cost approximately $55 million.

The project has been advocated by DFL House Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson. However, Anoka County Attorney Brad Johnson argues that the funds should not be diverted to what he calls a "pet project" for the city. Johnson contends that the decision to allocate these funds to the City of Anoka will detrimentally affect Anoka County as a whole by depriving it of potential infrastructure improvements.

The lawsuit claims that if the funds are transferred to the City of Anoka, the county will suffer "irreparable harm" as the funds, once distributed, would be lost forever to county projects that provide wider benefits.

This conflict arose after the Minnesota Legislature approved a transportation sales tax of 0.75% in 2023, intended to address various county projects, including vital road repairs and safety enhancements.

A spokesperson for Rep. Stephenson declined to comment on the lawsuit but mentioned that the bridge funding was included in a broader transportation bill that enjoyed bipartisan support. Counterarguments were presented in the legislature, where Republicans from Anoka County voiced strong disapproval of directing the county’s transportation funding towards what they considered an excessive investment, noting that it would be the third pedestrian crossing within a very short distance.

Rep. Harry Niska expressed concerns about the lack of funding for what he described as a major project stemming from limited monetary resources. Meanwhile, Rep. Peggy Scott criticized the measure for being advanced without adequate consultation with Anoka County officials.

In response, Rep. Stephenson defended the project, asserting that it underwent necessary legislative scrutiny and would progress through staged funding, a common practice for large-scale projects. He pointed out that there is an expectation for more funds to be allocated as the project develops over time.

Ultimately, an amendment to remove the funding for the Rum River Dam pedestrian bridge from the transportation bill was proposed by Niska but failed to pass.

For further context, you can read more about Anoka’s ambitions to convert the dam into a surfing location here.

Whiskey aging has a long tradition, primarily using oak barrels that imbue the spirit with color and flavor while softening harsh notes from unaged liquor. Though oak is the prevailing choice, distillers might also explore other wood options, particularly during secondary barreling, which can produce unique and expensive variations.

However, if you’re considering aging whiskey at home, there are significant challenges to achieving the same quality as commercial distilleries. Francesco Lafranconi of Carver Road Hospitality warns that replicating the professional conditions—where factors such as temperature, humidity, barrel size, and wood type play critical roles in whiskey maturation—is nearly impossible in a home setting.

Simply placing whiskey in a bottle won’t age it since glass is inert; true aging requires contact with wood. One common approach is to use a mason jar with wood chips or staves, which can quickly influence the whiskey’s flavor. Yet, this method lacks the essential oxidation provided by larger barrels which enhances complexity.

While small wooden barrels are available for home aging, they pose their own risks, such as creating overly woody or unbalanced flavors. Lafranconi concludes with the advice that, for the best results, it’s better to leave whiskey aging to the professionals.

For more insights into whiskey aging and popular recommendations, visit Chowhound.

Sazerac Company has made a strategic move by acquiring Western Son Vodka and Distillery, a small-batch spirits company known for its array of flavored vodkas, as well as gin production. While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this acquisition expands Sazerac’s vodka portfolio, complementing their previous purchase of Svedka Vodka from Constellation Brands last year.

The CEO of Sazerac, Jake Wenz, commented on the acquisition, highlighting that Western Son has developed a strong brand, which gives Sazerac the opportunity to enhance its product offerings while increasing production capacity within its network.

The flavored spirits market is projected to experience significant growth, estimated at 17.89% from 2025 to 2035, making this acquisition timely and beneficial for Sazerac.

Additionally, Sazerac has established its presence in Texas, previously collaborating with Andrews Distributing on three ready-to-drink brands and acquiring BuzzBallz, a ready-to-drink cocktail maker. The company’s focus on Texas aligns with its recent expansion endeavors.

Notably, Western Son was previously considered by Splash Beverage for acquisition in 2023, but those discussions did not conclude with a deal, solidifying Sazerac’s position in this latest acquisition.

Officers in North Olmsted responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident involving a Ford car and a Nissan SUV at the intersection of Porter Road and Mill Road on September 16. Upon arrival, both drivers claimed they had the green light, with the SUV traveling northbound and the car attempting to turn east onto Mill Road.

The driver of the car exhibited signs of alcohol consumption, such as the smell of liquor, slow and slurred speech, and glossy eyes. He seemed to be attempting to mask the scent of alcohol by smoking cigarettes. Despite his denials of drinking, he agreed to perform field sobriety tests but struggled, losing his balance and saying he was "scared." He ultimately admitted to consuming a $4.99 bottle of vodka. A breath alcohol test later revealed a level of 0.218, leading to charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and other violations.

In a separate incident on September 15, officers were called to Dillard’s department store regarding a shoplifting complaint. Security personnel apprehended two women after they were recorded stealing items, including sunglasses, a necklace, and a tester bottle of perfume. The total value of the stolen goods was approximately $288, resulting in both women being charged with misdemeanor theft.

Award-winning author Joel Harrison’s latest book, The World Whisky Tour, serves as a valuable guide through 52 distilleries around the globe. He showcases not only the exceptional whiskies produced at each location but also immerses readers in the unique visitor experiences each distillery offers, from the heart of Kentucky to Japan.

Harrison’s top recommendation is the Hakushu distillery in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, which he describes as an enchanting destination resembling a blend of Tolkien’s Middle-earth and the Eyrie from Game of Thrones. This distillery is notable for its stunning scenery and the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a single estate highball, with water, ice, and whiskey all sourced from the same location.

For whisky enthusiasts, Harrison highlights the Hakushu 12 Year Old as the best "everyday" dram, balancing notes of smoky flavor, honeyed orchard fruit, and earthy undertones. He identifies it as a perfect addition to any whisky collection, available for around $190 in U.S. liquor stores. Alongside Hakushu, Harrison recommends a lineup of other whiskies, including Bowmore 15 Scotch, Bushmills 16 Irish Whiskey, and Eagle Rare 10 Bourbon, suggesting a comprehensive starter cabinet for those keen on exploring diverse flavors.

The profiles of each distillery in Harrison’s book come with specific bottling recommendations, aimed at making these whiskies accessible not just in distilleries but also at local bars and retailers. By emphasizing availability, he encourages readers to broaden their tasting horizons throughout the year.

Though Harrison lives nearby the famed Port Ellen, which recently reopened, his preference lies with the Maker’s Mark distillery in Kentucky. Celebrated for its serene and artsy atmosphere, Maker’s Mark stands out as a pioneer in offering visitor programs since 1968. Harrison believes this approachable distillery, with its smooth offerings, deserves recognition alongside the greats of Scotch whisky.

His book promises to be a delightful read for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers, making it a thoughtful gift for any whisky lover during the holiday season.

For more insights on these recommendations and an exploration of the whisky world, you can check the book The World Whisky Tour.

When considering Tennessee whiskey, the first name that often comes to mind is Jack Daniel’s, renowned for its wide popularity. Close on its heels is George Dickel, another well-known brand with roots going back to the same era. However, there’s another small but historic contender that deserves attention: Nelson’s Green Brier.

Founded in 2009 by brothers Andy and Charles Nelson, the brand revitalizes a legacy that traces back to the 1800s. Their great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Nelson, established a distillery in Green Brier, Tennessee, called Old No. 5 Distillery. At its peak in 1885, it was the largest Tennessee whiskey producer, boasting sales of 2 million bottles. Unfortunately, the company closed in 1909 due to Prohibition, and it wasn’t until a century later that the Nelson family would rekindle the brand.

The Nelson siblings launched their new distillery in Nashville in 2014, eager to recreate their ancestor’s whiskey using a traditional family recipe. Their product is made utilizing the Lincoln County Process, a crucial step that distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from Kentucky bourbon. At an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.5%, Nelson’s Green Brier is notably stronger than George Dickel’s Signature Recipe No. 12 and exceeds Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7.

Affordable, priced around $30 a bottle, the whiskey offers good value from a relatively young distillery. In addition to their Tennessee whiskey, the Nelsons produce straight rye whiskey and bourbon under the Nelson Bros. label. The distillery also welcomes visitors for tours and is recognized as one of the best distilleries with a restaurant experience in the United States.

For those interested in exploring beyond the usual suspects in Tennessee whiskey, Nelson’s Green Brier is a compelling choice that combines history and quality.

Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) shares experienced a notable increase during Thursday’s after-hours trading, following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Perplexity, an AI-driven answer engine. This collaboration aims to assist users in navigating the crowded media landscape.

The partnership encompasses multiple initiatives, including the integration of Perplexity’s AI tools and the launch of a new subscription bundle. Furthermore, Perplexity’s new Comet product will be promoted throughout the Rumble ecosystem. Rumble’s founder and CEO, Chris Pavlovski, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Perplexity as we dive deeper into the AI space across our customer base.”

Rumble plans to gradually roll out the integration of Perplexity’s search technology on its platform. The subscription bundle and promotion of Comet are expected to launch alongside enhanced search functionalities.

In terms of market performance, Rumble’s shares rose by approximately 13.94%, trading at $8.42 at the time of publication, as reported by Benzinga Pro.

For those interested in investing in Rumble, purchasing shares typically requires a brokerage account, with many platforms allowing the purchase of fractional shares. Short selling requires an options trading platform or a broker willing to lend shares for sale. More information on this can be found through various trading resources.

Matka Vodka presents itself as a premium spirit that captures both subtle sweetness and sophistication. Crafted in small batches using heirloom spelt grains, this vodka boasts a clean and ultra-smooth finish. The brand expertly merges traditional Polish heritage with contemporary distilling practices, enhancing its appeal in the booming spirits market.

A standard 700-milliliter bottle of Matka Vodka is priced between $35 and $42, which makes it an enticing choice for those seeking quality without excessive expense. For more information, visit Matka Vodka.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Sushi enthusiasts can rejoice as a new dining spot has opened in Allentown. Okatshe, located in the 900 block of Hamilton Street, held its grand opening today, featuring a unique twist: an 8-foot sushi roll was used to cut the ribbon.

This Japanese sushi house and whiskey bar is the second venture in the city by renowned Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winner, Jose Garces. In addition to Okatshe, Garces had opened a Cuban café named Rosa Blanca earlier this year.

Chef Garces describes Okatshe as an homage to Japanese cuisine and culture. He emphasizes the authenticity of the small plate sushi, which is sourced from the renowned Yama Seafood, while also offering non-seafood options on his menu. "So we have real, authentic Japanese cuisine as well. Along with my collaboration, which is just a little spin on it," Garces said, hinting at the creative flair he brings to the traditional dishes.

Woodford Reserve has unveiled its latest creation, the Barrel Strength Rye, which is the distillery’s highest-proof rye whiskey to date. This limited-edition release boasts a formidable proof of 125.1 (62.55% ABV), contrasting sharply with their standard rye, which sits at 45.2% ABV.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall crafted this new expression using a pre-Prohibition mash bill that consists of 53% rye, similar to Woodford Reserve Rye. The distinctive feature of this whiskey is that it’s bottled at the natural strength of the batch, providing an intensified flavor profile. According to McCall, “Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness.”

The tasting notes for Barrel Strength Rye include:

• Color: Orange marmalade
• Aroma: Pepper, clove, nutmeg, rich toasted oak, and vanilla bean with hints of orange oils.
• Taste: Juicy orange complemented by bold baking spices such as clove and nutmeg, with undertones of leather and tobacco.
• Finish: Long, featuring citrus and unsweetened tea.

Priced at $129.99 for a 700ml bottle, the Barrel Strength Rye is available at retail locations nationwide and directly from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Additionally, it can be ordered through the brand’s online store at shop.woodfordreserve.com.