Liquor-articles 1905

GUYANA’S Cue Sports Association (CSAG) is getting ready to launch its most ambitious event yet, the National 8 Ball Team Championship, backed by El Dorado Rum. This championship promises to showcase talent from across the nation, featuring a total of 168 players competing in 24 teams from various regions, including Bartica, Linden, Berbice, and Georgetown. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, June 8, at the Embassy Sports Bar in Movietowne.

The excitement doesn’t stop there: matches will take place at six venues stretching from Berbice to West Coast Demerara, bringing the competition to local communities. The entire event is scheduled to unfold throughout June, culminating in a grand final on July 7, where a new national champion will be crowned.

Larry Wills, the Brands Manager for Demerara Distillers Limited, the parent company of El Dorado Rum, expressed pride in sponsoring this game-changing event. He noted that the championship embodies the values of talent, unity, and community engagement that are central to both the tournament and the El Dorado Rum brand.

Alfred Mekdeci, President of CSAG, declared the event a significant milestone for cue sports in Guyana, made possible by the crucial partnership with El Dorado Rum. The tournament’s team-based format is expected to spark fierce local rivalries and foster strategic teamwork among players.

CSAG received recognition for its commitment to developing cue sports and elevating competitive standards in the country. A range of partners, including KM Technology, WM Services, and local businesses, are also supporting the championship. Organizers anticipate that this event will raise the profile of 8-ball pool in Guyana and inspire aspiring players to engage with the sport.

For further details and updates, check out the Guyana Chronicle’s official page.

The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive behavior in Jamaica’s rum industry, following a complaint from National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ). This complaint, filed in January, arises after a ruling from the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) that limited the use of the "Jamaica Rum" label to only those rums aged and blended in Jamaica.

NRJ’s complaint contends that competitors, including J Wray & Nephew, Everglades Farms, and Worthy Park Estate, have engaged in practices that harm competition, particularly through the Spirits Pool Association Limited (SPA). The SPA’s new regulations specify that rum must be made using local resources and aged in Jamaica, which NRJ claims restricts its business model that involves exporting rum for overseas aging and branding.

NRJ alleges that the dominant players in the market may be conducting price fixing and other anti-competitive activities to maintain their market share. The ruling by JIPO established stringent criteria to protect the authenticity of Jamaican rum, which the SPA argues is crucial for preserving the industry’s heritage and reputation globally.

However, NRJ argues that these measures unfairly limit competition and could endanger its operations, as it has historically exported rum for aging abroad. The FTC’s examination of this case could significantly influence the future landscape of the rum industry in Jamaica.

As this investigation progresses, both local distillers and rum enthusiasts are closely monitoring developments, especially with a Supreme Court hearing related to NRJ’s appeal of the JIPO ruling scheduled for later this year. The outcome could redefine how Jamaican rum is produced and marketed both locally and internationally.

For further details on this story, you can follow updates from Jamaica Observer.

There are several exciting new releases in bourbon and whiskey this month that enthusiasts should know about.

Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has debuted its highly anticipated second edition. Each year, Heaven Hill collaborates with Beck’s Hybrids to select a unique corn seed varietal, with this year’s release featuring corn seed varietal Beck’s 6225 grown by Peterson Farms in Nelson County, Kentucky. This bourbon has a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% rye, and 13% malt, aged for six years and bottled at 105 proof. The project highlights the legacy of family farmers and aims to create unique grain varieties locally sourced in Kentucky. More information can be found at Heaven Hill.

In time for Father’s Day, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is offering a custom double-staved bourbon. Customers can select a mash bill from hundreds of proprietary double-staved barrels, along with personalized bottle shapes, wax colors, and labels. This unique gift experience allows bourbon lovers to give a truly one-of-a-kind present, retailing for $155 for a 750mL bottle. Find more details at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

Knob Creek has introduced a new option in its Single Barrel Select Program: the Single Barrel Select Cask Strength bourbon. Bottled directly from the barrel without water, this offering ranges in proof from 110-130 for bourbon and 100-120 for rye, adhering to the brand’s tradition of bold flavors. Discover more at Knob Creek.

Milam & Greene released Unabridged Volume 3, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys. This cask-strength bourbon showcases a blend of 49 select barrels, offering notes of caramel, almond, and a smooth mouthfeel. It retails for $94.99 and is a part of their Blender’s Reserve Collection.

The Old Forester Distillery is debuting the highly sought-after President’s Choice bourbon alongside a new rye expression. Previously exclusive to their distillery, these rare offerings will now be available in select retail locations. Each expression is aged between seven to nine years and will retail for $225.

Additionally, Rebel Bourbon and Childress Vineyards collaborated to produce Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish, a unique bourbon aged in Cabernet Franc barrels, highlighting sweet berries and honey notes, offered at $39.99.

Lastly, Woodford Reserve has released the new Tawny Port Finish bourbon. This limited-edition whiskey blends rye and bourbon, finished in Tawny Port barrels for a complex taste profile, available for $64.99.

These releases present a delightful array of options for whiskey aficionados, making this month an exciting time for bourbon lovers.

Liz Truss recently promoted a new Irish whiskey from Dougie Joyce, a former bare-knuckle fighter with a controversial past. Joyce, aged 36, was jailed for 19 months in 2023 after assaulting a 78-year-old man during a pub altercation. The incident involved excessive violence, with police describing him as an "aggressive and violent man" targeting a vulnerable elderly individual. After his release, Joyce has pivoted to business, launching his whiskey brand.

Truss attended the whiskey launch event at Scunthorpe United’s stadium, where she was photographed alongside Joyce. In a promotional video shared on social media, Joyce presented Truss with a bottle, to which she responded, “Liz Truss loves you.” Despite speculation, sources close to Truss indicated that she did not receive payment for her attendance.

Joyce took to Instagram following the event, expressing gratitude for Truss’s support and discussing the plans for his brand. Critics have pointed out the implications of her association with someone with Joyce’s violent history. A close source commented that Truss “either doesn’t understand the implications or doesn’t care,” highlighting concerns over her public judgment.

This isn’t the first time Truss has faced backlash for her public engagements; she previously drew criticism for interacting with controversial figures at political events in the United States.

Make Father’s Day memorable this year with a selection of unique gifts crafted right in Connecticut. Here are some standout options across various budgets:

Unique Walking Sticks

For dads who enjoy hiking, consider a hand-crafted walking stick made from local wood by artisan Carl Wolf. Priced between $20-$30, these sticks are beautiful and functional.

Hand-Rolled Cigars

If your dad cherishes a good cigar, surprise him with hand-rolled cigars from the Connecticut Cigar Company. Their original blend, featuring a combination of 10-year-old fillers from Nicaragua, is priced at $10 and available in various formats. More details can be found at ctcigarco.com.

Custom Sketchbooks

Shuttle Bindery offers handcrafted hardcover journals in upcycled leather, perfect for doodling or journaling. Prices range from $54 to $78, and custom orders can be made at shuttlepressbindery.com.

Cruise on the Mystic River

Why not take Dad on a scenic cruise aboard the Sabino, a historic vessel at Mystic Seaport? A 30-minute tour is available for $8 in addition to admission fees, with tickets sold at the museum or online. Visit mysticseaport.org for more information.

Handcrafted Lamps

For the reading dad, consider a beautifully crafted floor lamp from James Gardner Woodworks of Deep River, priced at $1,400 plus a delivery fee. You can reach out via email at Jggwoodworks@Outlook.com for inquiries.

Exceptional Whiskey

Connecticut Distilling’s crafted whiskey, named Charred, blends flavors from malt-forward craft beers for a smooth experience. It retails for $39.95 to $44.95 and is available at their tasting lounge in Waterbury as well as local outlets. For further details, see ctdistillingco.com.

Cycling Gear

For the cycling enthusiast, a set of luxury carbon wheels by Princeton CarbonWorks can elevate his ride. Priced between $3,150 and $4,500, they are available through local bike stores and online at princetoncarbon.com.

Each of these gifts celebrates the unique interests and passions of fathers, ensuring you will find something special for him this Father’s Day.

Sheetz has introduced two new seasonal vodka sodas, Shpiked® Peach Ringz and Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz, set to hit Sheetz stores in Pennsylvania on June 3. The latter, featuring a higher alcohol content, will also be launched at PNC Park during Pirates home games for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Ryan Sheetz, EVP of marketing and supply chain, expressed enthusiasm for the new products, describing them as embodying the essence of summer with their fruity and bubbly profiles. The drinks, developed in collaboration with Slushed Brands LLC, are made with peach gummy rings and premium distilled vodka, offering a lightly carbonated experience. Shpiked® Peach Ringz has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%, while Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz boasts an 8% ABV.

Customers will find both beverages available in single 16-ounce cans and six-pack 12-ounce cans at Sheetz stores, along with single 19-ounce cans of Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz specifically at PNC Park.

Some of the most unforgettable travel moments happen around a dining table, where food and culture intertwine. Imagine yourself savoring the aroma of grilled seafood or sipping a unique local rum, all part of a broader experience that reflects the essence of the Caribbean.

At Sandals Resorts, food is seen as a bridge to the Caribbean culture they proudly embody. Over the past 40 years, Sandals has continuously enhanced its dining concepts, focusing on authentic flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Luke Mathot, the vice president of food and beverage product innovation, emphasizes that they aim to offer an experience that captures the vibrant culinary landscape of the region.

Upon arrival at a Sandals resort, food becomes your gateway to a deeper appreciation of the Caribbean. Imagine waking up to the rich scent of fresh Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, or enjoying jerk chicken that bursts with flavor, thanks to local spices. The emphasis on fresh produce reflects Sandals’ commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers through the Sandals Foundation.

Sandals’ innovative Island Inclusive Dining program invites guests to dine at local, independent restaurants outside the resort, further enriching their culinary journey. For instance, guests staying in Butler Suites for seven nights or more receive a credit to explore local eateries that celebrate the island’s culinary talents.

In Nassau, at the Sandals Royal Bahamian, guests can relish conch prepared by top Bahamian chefs or unwind at local hotspots where cocktails are paired with innovative bites. In Curaçao, the dining experience at Mosa/Caña highlights the fusion of Latin American and Caribbean influences, ensuring every meal tells a story.

For those craving the authentic Jamaican experience, the Jerk Shack at select Sandals properties offers smoky meats grilled over open flames, staying true to the traditional cooking methods rooted in Jamaica’s history.

Another unique option is Buccan at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where family-style dining fosters a sense of community and shared experience, serving a variety of fresh, locally inspired dishes.

At Sandals Dunn’s River, the Rum Club celebrates Jamaica’s rich rum culture, offering carefully crafted cocktails and guided tastings, highlighting the island’s legacy in rum production.

Every meal at Sandals is not just about food but is deeply intertwined with the culture of the Caribbean. From beachfront jerk chicken to explorative dining experiences in local restaurants, Sandals ensures that every bite connects you to the rich stories of the destination.

For more information on Sandals Resorts, visit Sandals.

WILMINGTON, NC — An exciting event unfolded at the ABC Store on Wrightsville Avenue where renowned marine artist Wyland made a special appearance to unveil a vibrant shark mural and launch Blue Shark Vodka, a new lemon and vanilla flavored spirit.

The gathering attracted many fans eager to sample the vodka and secure autographs from Wyland on their purchased bottles. As the artist engaged with the community, he painted a stunning mural of sharks, reflecting his dedication to marine art. Wyland had previously left his mark in Wilmington during a mural tour spanning from Maine to Florida and expressed joy in returning to the area.

"It’s really great to be back in Wilmington, and as an artist, I truly appreciate both the quality of the vodka and the artistry found on the bottle," Wyland remarked during the event.

Additionally, the artist revisited a prior mural he had created and hinted at the possibility of returning for touch-ups, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the vibrancy of his work. The new mural can be found at the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn located on Nutt Street in Wilmington.

Eight exceptional rums have made it to the finals of the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a renowned event in the spirits industry. These finalists include five rums aged for five years or more and three overproof selections. Here’s a detailed look at their origins and tasting notes.

Aged 5 Years & Older Rum Finalists

Cartavio XO Rum

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $60
• Description: Originating from Peru, Cartavio XO is a blend of rums aged up to 18 years, matured in a solera system with various oak barrels. It presents a less sweet profile typical of South American rums, influenced by the dry Andean terroir. Tasting notes include dried fig, orange zest, vanilla, and roasted nuts, finishing with caramel and dark chocolate.

Zacapa No. 23 Rum

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $45
• Description: This Guatemalan rum is aged for up to 23 years and crafted from virgin sugarcane syrup. Known for its velvety character, Zacapa No. 23 features aromas of caramelized banana and vanilla, with a palate rich in molasses, dried fruit, and cinnamon, ending on a long, semi-sweet note of vanilla and toasted oak.

Ten To One, Five Origin Select Rum

• ABV: 46%
• Price: $60
• Description: This rum blends varieties from Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad, aged up to 15 years. It’s complex with notes of molasses and tropical fruits, leading to a robust palate of allspice and burnt caramel, finishing with spices and seasoned wood.

Planteray Rum, XO 20th Anniversary

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $70
• Description: A blend aged in Barbados and finished in French cognac casks, this rum showcases rich flavors of ripe banana and vanilla. Its smooth palate is complemented by notes of dried fruit and crème brûlée, concluding with tropical fruit and soft spices.

Ron del Barrilito Rum, 3 Stars

• ABV: 43%
• Price: $40
• Description: As Puerto Rico’s oldest rum brand, this rum is aged 6 to 10 years and crafted using a solera method. It exhibits a drier structure with aromas of toasted walnut and dried apricot, leading to a complex palate with candied orange and cocoa powder, finishing with caramelized citrus and nutmeg.

Overproof Rum Finalists

Worthy Park, Overproof Rum

• ABV: 63%
• Price: $28
• Description: This Jamaican pot-still rum combines molasses and cane juice, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It’s bold with notes of green banana and overripe pineapple, delivering robust flavors of traditional Jamaican rum funk and a long fruity finish.

Cap & Cane Spirits, Overproof Rum

• ABV: 63%
• Price: $32
• Description: Produced in North Carolina, this rum is crafted for cocktail use, combining high-ester molasses rum with lighter distillates. It presents fresh notes of sugarcane and lemon peel, providing a smooth palate balanced with toasted coconut.

Planteray Rum, OFTD (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark)

• ABV: 69%
• Price: $28
• Description: This Royal Navy-style rum is a blend sourced from various regions, capturing the essence of navy-strength rums. It features robust aromas and flavors of molasses and burnt orange, with a syrupy texture and a finish rich in dark fruits and baking spices.

These rums are not only exceptional for sipping but also versatile enough to craft potent cocktails, offering a wide spectrum of tastes and aromas that rum enthusiasts will appreciate.

These five finalists for Best American Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition exemplify the pinnacle of U.S. whiskeys. Here’s a closer look at each contender, as one will ultimately claim the top honor.

Triple Eight Distillery, The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whiskey 15 Years Old

• ABV: 48%
• Price: $500

Triple Eight Distillery, part of the Cisco Brewers family from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is known for its commitment to artisanal spirits. Their Notch series utilizes 100% Maris Otter malted barley, employing traditional Scottish methods. This 15-year expression is aged solely on Nantucket, resulting in a unique maritime character influenced by the coastal climate.

Tasting notes include rich aromas of sherry cask, stewed fruits, chocolate, and toasted nuts. The flavor profile features dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, and wood spices, culminating in a long, sweet finish with hints of dried fruits and toasted almonds.

Balcones Distilling, Mirador Single Malt Whiskey

• ABV: 55%
• Price: $100

Hailing from Waco, Texas, Balcones Distilling has been a pioneer in the American craft whiskey movement. The Mirador expression is distinguished by its aging process in ex-bourbon barrels, allowing the malted barley’s subtle flavors to resonate.

The nose features floral and fruity notes, with hints of stone fruits and potpourri. On the palate, it is creamy, with flavors of lemon cream, chocolate, and stewed berries, leading to a sweet, lingering finish with floral and herbal undertones.

World Whiskey Society, Wyatt Earp Small Batch American Single Malt Whiskey

• ABV: 48%
• Price: $79.99

This whiskey from the World Whiskey Society pays tribute to Wyatt Earp, an iconic figure in American frontier history, and is crafted in Oklahoma. With a label showcasing a U.S. Marshal badge, the personality of its namesake is reflected in the whiskey.

It presents an aromatic nose of dark chocolate, candied citrus, and caramel. The palate reveals notes of dark chocolate, fig, and a creamy mouthfeel, concluding with a long finish that carries persistent, sweet dried fruit notes.

Stranahan’s, Mountain Angel 12 Year

• ABV: 47%
• Price: $100

Established in Denver, Colorado, Stranahan’s has contributed significantly to the American single malt scene. The Mountain Angel 12 Year is their oldest release, aged in new American oak barrels at high altitudes, resulting in a pronounced "angel’s share" evaporation.

With stewed and roasted stone fruit notes on the nose, it delivers a rich, creamy taste highlighted by blueberry jam, caramel, and wood spices. The finish is long and silky, with flavors of wood and a hint of smoke.

Stranahan’s, Snowflake

• ABV: 47%
• Price: $120

This limited-edition release from Stranahan’s is highly coveted, with enthusiasts often camping out for a chance to purchase it. Each Snowflake expression is unique, resulting from a blend of various cask-finished single malts.

It offers an aromatic nose of orange zest and dried fruits. The palate is smooth and creamy, showcasing flavors of prune, peach, and cinnamon, ending with a sweet, lingering finish of dried fruit and seasoned oak.

These finalists showcase the incredible variety of American single malt whiskeys, which, while rooted in traditional Scotch and Irish practices, also leverage diverse maturation environments in the U.S. to create a wide array of flavors and expressions. The golden age of American single malt whiskey is on the horizon, and these selections are a perfect introduction to its richness.