Liquor-articles 1905

Liquid Death has collaborated with Whistle Pig Whiskey to create a unique new product: Whistle Pig Grave Stock Wheat Whiskey. This intriguing whiskey starts its aging process in a traditional oak barrel for several years. However, it takes a distinctive turn by being finished in a custom-made casket for approximately two weeks.

To top it off, the whiskey is blended with Liquid Death’s mountain-sourced water, resulting in an 86 proof spirit packed with complex flavors of honeysuckle, butterscotch, and biscotti. This collaboration brings together the quirky branding of Liquid Death with the craftsmanship of Whistle Pig, promising a refreshing and bold whiskey experience.

For more details, visit:

• Liquid Death
• Whistle Pig Whiskey

During a recent blind tasting, Lasso Motel 18-Year American Straight Whiskey was awarded the title of the best American whiskey at the 2025 Ascot Awards. This honor also included being named Best in Show Ultimate Winner, distinguishing it as the top entry recognized among all participating spirits.

Produced by Dallas-based Dynasty Spirits, Lasso Motel 18-Year whiskey has an online retail price starting at $129.99 for a 750 milliliter bottle. The whiskey is notably high-proof at 121, featuring a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, and is aged in used bourbon barrels at the Midwest Grain Products Distillery in Indiana. The flavor profile is said to begin with rich notes of new oak and transition into buttery toffee and sweet sugar-maple, finishing with hints of dried apricot.

Bourbon and spirits expert Fred Minnick, founder of the Ascot Awards, remarked that the victory exemplifies a recent trend in the whiskey industry, where the best products are no longer confined to traditional bourbon or rye. Innovative blends, including straight whiskeys and unique finishes, have been on the rise, with Lasso Motel serving as a prominent representation of this evolution.

Other notable results from the Ascot Awards included:

• Bourbon of the Year: Old Soul Bourbon Tintype #1
• Rye of the Year: Pinhook Vertical Series Rye, 9 Year
• Scotch of the Year: Ardbeg Eureka!
• Irish Whiskey of the Year: Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
• American Single Malt of the Year: The QuintEssential Special Release, Wine Club
• Agave Spirit of the Year: Santa Almagia Tobala Joven
• Rum of the Year: Rolling Fork 16 Year Trinidad Single Cask
• Gin of the Year: Farmer’s Reserve Strength Gin
• Vodka of the Year: Belvedere 10
• Brandy of the Year: Wayward Cask 25 Year Calvados Pays D’Auge
• Liqueur of the Year: Faretti Biscotti

Approximately 1,000 samples participated in this year’s competition, where they underwent blind tasting assessments based on various criteria such as appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. The top scorers moved on to a championship round, leading to live-streamed selections of the champions.

The ASCOT Awards were first established in 2021 by Minnick, who is an accomplished author with plans to release a new book next year titled Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life.

Is there anything better than enjoying a refreshing vodka soda while also supporting local animals?

For the second year running, Nude Beverages has partnered with the Alberta SPCA to bring back the Nude YeePaw Pack, which is perfect for summer sipping. This mix pack of vodka sodas not only provides delightful flavors but also contributes to the welfare of animals throughout Alberta, as a portion of the proceeds goes directly to the SPCA to help them in their mission of caring for animals across the province.

A Beverage with a Purpose

Every Nude YeePaw Pack sold contributes one dollar to the Alberta SPCA, assisting in their vital programs. The pack comprises four fresh flavors: black cherry, classic lime, raspberry lemon, and a new addition, blackberry lime. With each beverage containing 5% ABV and being sugar-free, sweetener-free, and gluten-free, Nude Beverages emphasizes their commitment to healthier drink options.

Helping Animals in Need

While enjoying these drinks under the sun, you’re also contributing to a range of animal welfare efforts, including sheltering and rescuing pets and livestock across Alberta. Nude Beverages proudly supports Canadian communities and has previously donated over $257,000 to animal rescues nationwide.

Pick up a Nude YeePaw Pack at your local Alberta liquor store and enjoy a refreshing drink that makes a positive impact on the lives of animals in your community.

The Reid Vodka from Cardrona Distillery emerges as an exceptional choice for crafting a perfect martini. Founded by Desiree Reid, the distillery is nestled in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains, aiming to elevate the country’s spirits profile since its establishment in 2015. Driven by frustration with bland vodkas, Reid sought to create a spirit that retained character and flavor, resulting in The Reid Vodka—a single malt expression that is fragrant, delicious, and ideal for a world-class martini.

Unlike many vodkas, The Reid Vodka undergoes a production process that ensures the true essence of its ingredients shines through. This grain-to-glass approach guarantees complete control over every production stage. The vodka is free from chill or charcoal filtration to maintain its rich, botanical notes, enhanced with touches of toffee and lemon.

For those looking to enjoy The Reid Vodka, here are a few martini recipes:

The Reid Martini

• Ingredients:
  • 3 oz The Reid Vodka
  • 1/2 oz French Dry Vermouth
  • 3 Olives
• Instructions: Combine vodka and dry vermouth in a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 olives.

Vesper Martini

• Ingredients:
  • 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc (or any Blanco vermouth)
  • 0.5 oz The Source Gin
  • 2 oz The Reid Vodka
• Instructions: Add ice to a stirring glass, stir until cold and slightly diluted, then strain into a cold coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

French Martini

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz The Reid Vodka
  • 1 oz Pineapple juice
  • 1 oz Raspberry Liquor or raspberry syrup
• Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a coupe glass.

The Reid Martini Highball

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz The Reid Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Dry vermouth
  • Soda or Tonic Water to top up
• Instructions: Build in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a lemon peel.

For anyone who values flavor and character in their cocktails, The Reid Vodka represents a remarkable option, embracing the spirit of quality.

Cody Cannon and Jamey Gleaves, part of the Texas-based band Whiskey Myers, recently electrified the stage at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater in Missoula. Known for their eclectic blend of musical styles, the band defies easy categorization, drawing from genres like country, rock, and Southern rock. In an era where streaming services have blended traditional musical boundaries, Whiskey Myers embraces and celebrates their diverse influences, stating on their website that they take inspiration from both Nirvana and Waylon Jennings.

Since their formation in 2007, Whiskey Myers has carved out a unique niche by staying true to their musical passions rather than conforming to genre expectations. Lead singer Cody Cannon articulated their approach to music, explaining, “Everybody wants you to pick a genre, but we did this our whole career. We like it all, so we’re gonna do it all.” Their sold-out concert in Missoula is a testament to their growing fanbase and the resonating appeal of their music.

The concert showcased Whiskey Myers’s commitment to authenticity and their refusal to be boxed into a single genre, much to the delight of their enthusiastic audience. The electric atmosphere at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater highlighted the band’s ability to connect with fans across different musical tastes, ensuring that their diverse sound continues to thrive in today’s music landscape.

Get ready for a thrilling summer as M3GAN prepares to make her much-anticipated return in the sequel M3GAN 2.0, which hits theaters on June 27, 2025. This time, the killer AI doll is back with even more enhanced abilities, ready to wreak havoc alongside her creator, Gemma (played by Allison Williams), and teenage companion, Cady (Violet McGraw). Facing off against a new synthetic adversary, the military-grade doll known as Amelia, fans can expect more chaos and action.

To celebrate this upcoming film, Captain Morgan has released a limited-edition glow-in-the-dark rum bottle, perfect for horror enthusiasts eager to indulge. The special edition bottle, aptly named Captain M3GAN, invites fans to slay summer in style. For those wanting to elevate their experience at home, an exclusive Cocktail Courier kit themed after M3GAN 2.0 will be available, enabling fans to craft delicious rum and cola cocktails. The kit features a cocktail recipe called "This Is the Part Where You Rum (& Cola)" and can be ordered online.

You can snag the Captain M3GAN bottle for $15.99 at select stores, allowing fans to indulge in the iconic spiced rum with a touch of M3GAN’s fierce energy. This collaboration perfectly blends the essence of the movie with a refreshing drink for summer gatherings, making it a must-have for both collectors and fans alike.

Every Saturday this summer, Olive + Oak in Webster Groves will transform its sidewalk into Revery + Rum, a lively pop-up bar characterized by island-themed vibes. Jeremy White, the bar manager, and his colleague Curtis Holder are set to bring a taste of the tropics with classic and eclectic cocktails from 4–10 p.m.

The cocktail menu will feature a range of island-inspired drinks, including cachaça-based creations along with classics like Mai Tais and Piña Coladas. Each week, patrons can expect a rotating selection of three to five original cocktails alongside a curated list of sipping rums, natural wines, canned beers, and zero-proof options.

Music plays an essential role in the experience, with an upbeat playlist named “Psycho Beach Party,” inspired by the famous film. The pop-up’s name, “Revery,” derives from an Emily Dickinson poem, linking the culinary experience to the idea of escapism and shared joy.

White credits the support of co-owners Mark and Jen Hinkle, who have faith in their vision for creating a unique space for the community to gather. They are dedicated to fostering an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and connect, living out the essence of Dickinson’s poetic line about finding beauty in simple moments.

For more information about Olive + Oak and their latest pop-up offerings, you can visit Olive + Oak.

Betty Booze has recently expanded its beverage lineup with the introduction of two vodka iced teas, perfect for summer sipping. Blake Lively’s brand, previously known for its sparkling tequila and bourbon drinks, is now offering these non-carbonated drinks featuring real tea and fruit juice with clean spirits. The two flavors available are Meyer Lemonade and Passion Fruit, which can be found in stores like Total Wine & More and BevMo or on BettyBooze.com.

Lively describes the Vodka Iced Teas as “summer in a can,” made from recipes crafted in her home. As someone familiar with iced teas from a young age, I was eager to see if these drinks held up to that summer standard.

Vodka Iced Tea + Meyer Lemonade

• Initial thoughts: The first thing I noticed is that these vodka iced teas are not carbonated. While I usually enjoy bubbly drinks, this one is incredibly refreshing.
• Pros: The taste is reminiscent of homemade Arnold Palmer, and the Meyer Lemonade flavor stands out as vibrant and fresh. The alcohol is hardly detectable, making it easy to drink.
• Cons: The drink isn’t very sweet, which may disappoint those who prefer traditional Southern sweet tea. While the lemonade enriches the flavor, it may not satisfy those looking for a robust sweetness.
• Overall thoughts: This drink is ideal for poolside relaxation with friends.
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Vodka Iced Tea + Passion Fruit

• Initial thoughts: Similar to the Meyer Lemonade, this drink is subtly sweet and brings a delightful passion fruit flavor into play.
• Pros: The passion fruit twist feels unique, likening its taste to Arizona’s green tea and evoking nostalgic summer memories.
• Cons: Still lacking in sweetness, those wanting a pronounced passion fruit flavor might be let down.
• Overall thoughts: This flavor feels innovative, and I’m excited to share it at summer gatherings.
• Rating: 5 out of 5

These new vodka iced teas from Betty Booze not only promise a refreshing summer drink option but also hint at a growing trend in ready-to-drink cocktails that focus on natural ingredients and genuine flavor.

Local rum manufacturers are facing a significant challenge as revenues continue to fall short of projections. For fiscal year 2025, rum revenues were expected to reach $210 million, but actual receipts only totaled $181 million, leaving a $29 million deficit. This situation has prompted lawmakers and finance officials to propose new marketing strategies and product innovations to help revive the industry.

During a recent meeting of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, Nathan Simmons, director of the Public Finance Authority, revealed the disappointing figures associated with the rum cover over receipts. The committee noted the decreasing sales of spirits, particularly rum, in the United States.

To address this issue, Simmons stated that local rum producers, specifically Cruzan Rum and Diageo, have begun to ramp up their marketing efforts. However, he emphasized that they will not increase production without certainty that sales will follow—indicating a cautious approach to expansion.

Current market trends indicate that consumer preferences are shifting. While certain spirits like tequila are gaining popularity, flavored and ready-to-drink cocktails are surging, putting traditional rum sales on the back burner. Senators Milton Potter and Kurt Vialet discussed the importance of aligning long-term production strategies with these changing consumer trends and the necessity for targeted strategies to boost rum sales.

In the broader context, U.S. rum consumption has seen a decline; recent reports showed an approximate 8.9% decrease in rum volumes over the past year. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Projections suggest that the U.S. rum market, valued near $2.91 billion in 2024, could see growth driven by premium and craft rum segments extending through 2030.

Additionally, the current statutory rum cover over rate of $10.50 per proof gallon continues to hinder revenue expectations that were based on an anticipated extended rate of $13.25. Senator Vialet called on the government to engage lobbyists to urge for the rate increase, which he believes the territory is not adequately compensated for. Simmons affirmed that discussions with Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett are underway to aim for legislative changes regarding the cover over rate.

As local producers navigate these challenges, there is a clear consensus on the need for a long-term strategy focused on innovation and marketing to adapt to the evolving spirits market.

A distinguished Caribbean rum from St. Kitts and Nevis has recently been honored as the World’s Best Rum at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. This accolade spotlights the exceptional quality and heritage behind Old Road Rum, a brand deeply rooted in the island’s historical sugar production.

Old Road Rum, crafted in a region historically known as the “Mother Colony of the West Indies,” draws on centuries of rum-making tradition. The area, once flourishing with sugarcane plantations, became renowned for its rum distillation processes after sugar production began to wane. Though the last sugar production on St. Kitts ceased in 2005, the spirit of rum lives on through Old Road Rum, which reflects both the past and a modern renaissance in rum craft.

The rum is produced under the Old Road Rum Company, established by Jack Widdowson, and is distilled in Barbados before being matured and bottled in St. Kitts. The limited edition release, launched in 2022, has quickly gained accolades for its well-rounded flavor profile, marked by its rich complexity and elegant finish. It is aged for approximately 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, which influences its distinct character.

The tasting notes of Old Road Rum, Limited Edition, reveal a deep amber-gold hue with a complex aroma featuring hints of molasses, caramel, tropical fruits, and baking spices. The palate is described as creamy and robust, showcasing flavors like burnt sugar, vanilla, and dried fruits, complemented by an array of spices. The finish is noted for its sweetness and layered depth, leaving a lasting impression of wood and fruit.

This recognition at the International Bartender Spirits Awards, where spirits are judged on quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, emphasizes the growing reputation of artisanal rums from the Caribbean. For enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, Old Road Rum offers a sophisticated tasting experience, whether enjoyed neat or paired with various foods.

For more details, you can visit the official Old Road Rum website.