Liquor-articles 1249
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Set to Unveil Exclusive Limited Batch This Weekend
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is set to unveil its limited batch #27 this weekend, coinciding with the popular Snowflake Village Festival. This celebration attracts whiskey enthusiasts eager to savor the special release, showcasing the craft and uniqueness of Colorado distilling. The festival offers a festive atmosphere, marking an exciting occasion for both local residents and visitors looking to indulge in the rich flavors of Stranahan’s renowned whiskey.
For more information about Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, visit their official site.
Escalating the Havana Club Rum Dispute: Biden’s Ban on Brands Seized by Fidel Castro
Before leaving his post, President Joe Biden enacted a law known as the No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act, a measure that has significantly intensified the ongoing political and commercial tensions between the United States and Cuba. This new legislation specifically prohibits the use of trademarks that were confiscated from thousands of Cuban citizens by Fidel Castro during the early 1960s. It also empowers companies, such as Bacardi—the current U.S. distributor of Havana Club rum—to pursue long-standing legal actions against the Cuban government regarding the Havana Club brand.
The battle over Havana Club rum showcases a historical conflict intertwined with Cold War remnants, featuring two owners who lay claim to the same brand, each with contrasting narratives. On social media, there are accounts that declare one brand as "official," utilizing folkloric imagery and promoting it as authentic Cuban rum, while another claims to be the "real" Havana Club. One version is produced in Cuba, and the other in Puerto Rico, with the former represented by the state-owned Cubaexport and the latter endorsed by Bacardi.
Central to the controversy are the issues of authenticity and rightful ownership: which rum embodies the true spirit of Cuba? In an assertive move, the Biden administration has essentially barred Havana from asserting rights over certain trademarks within the U.S. market. The newly passed Law H.R. 1505 explicitly forbids U.S. courts from recognizing trademark claims unless consent is obtained from the original owner.
The Backstory of the Rum Battle
Between 1959 and 1968, the Cuban government under Fidel Castro nationalized numerous properties, affecting thousands, including prominent families like the Arechabalas, who were behind the creation of Havana Club rum. This rum was originally crafted in 1934 at the La Vizcaya distillery by José Arechabala, a Spanish immigrant. Following the revolution, the Castro regime seized the Arechabala family’s assets, leading José to start anew as a car salesman in the United States.
Despite the upheaval, Havana Club continued production in Cuba. In 1993, Cubaexport forged a partnership with the French firm Pernod Ricard to market the brand internationally, excluding the U.S. where the trade embargo hindered sales.
Conversely, the American market embraced a rum named Havana Club, with Bacardi acquiring the brand and the original recipe in 1994. The saga of two competing rums emerged, coupled with political entanglements and narratives of exile. The Arechabala family has consistently claimed that their recipe was stolen, while Cuban authorities advocate for the rum produced on the island as the authentic version.
Legal clashes over the brand’s rights in the U.S. have spanned decades. In 1976, Cubaexport registered the Havana Club trademark, but facing restrictions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) complicated its renewal. By 2016, however, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reinstated the rights of Cubaexport. Concurrently, Bacardi had initiated legal action against Cubaexport after the PTO declined to cancel its trademark in 2004, leading to a counter-lawsuit for trademark infringement by Cubaexport.
In a significant ruling in 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Bacardi, further strengthening its position in the U.S. market.
Legislative Responses and Reactions
The recently passed law, introduced by Representatives Darrell Issa and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has garnered support from various political figures, including former Senator Bob Menendez and Senator Marco Rubio. They framed the bill as a necessary step to protect individuals whose properties were expropriated during the early years of the Cuban Revolution. Representative Wasserman Schultz articulated the sentiments of Cuban-American voters, emphasizing the law as a restoration of dignity for families stripped of their wealth.
In response to the legislation, Pernod Ricard expressed concern, deeming the political decision as a violation of its longstanding rights to the Havana Club trademark, which they believe has been legitimately held since 1976. Cuban officials reacted strongly as well, characterizing the law as an aggressive move undermining one of their prized exports. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla rallied against the law, asserting it not only violated international law but also aimed to obstruct Cubaexport’s trademark rights ahead of a crucial renewal scheduled for 2026.
Josie Gibson Shares How Alison Hammond Saved Christmas After Her Vodka-Fueled Cooking Mishap
Josie Gibson recently shared a humorous incident from Christmas 2022, revealing how she nearly derailed the festive dinner after overindulging in vodka. While celebrating with close friend and fellow This Morning presenter Alison Hammond, Josie admitted to getting a bit too carried away with excitement and drinks before the cooking commenced.
Reflecting on the day, Josie recounted how she lost track of her dinner preparations due to her early drinking. "My biggest tip is to not get too excited and have too much of a tipple before you start cooking," she advised. She acknowledged that it was Alison who ultimately saved the dinner, stepping in to put things back on track when things went awry.
Josie humorously detailed that her brother had gifted her a special vodka, which led her to believe a few drinks would be fine. Given that she rarely drinks, especially outside of significant events like Christmas, she found that it hit her harder than expected.
The two share a strong friendship since 2013, often spending holidays together. Josie expressed her fondness for Alison, emphasizing her warm and easy-going nature that makes everyone want to be around her. This friendship has only deepened as both have become prominent figures on This Morning, taking on significant hosting roles in recent years.
The Art of Distillation: How David Coors Crafted the World’s Best Whiskey
In 2024, the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) honored Coors Spirits Co’s Five Trail Barrel Proof 003 Blended American Whiskey with the Worldwide Whiskey trophy, marking it as the World’s Best Whisky. This achievement is particularly notable as it is the first time an American blended whisky has received this prestigious award. I had the opportunity to speak with David Coors, the Executive Chair of Coors Spirits Co., about this milestone and the journey of crafting exceptional whiskey.
Coors Spirits Company is part of Molson Coors Beverage Company, a major player in the brewing industry. The company ventured into the spirits market in 2021 with the launch of its signature Five Trail whiskey brand, a strategic move to expand beyond beer and tap into the premium whiskey sector.
Five Trail showcases a blend of American whiskeys, combining Coors’ brewing heritage with distilling craftsmanship, using Rocky Mountain water in its production. The whiskey includes various types such as bourbons and single malts sourced from different distilleries, reflecting a spirit reminiscent of the American West.
JM: What motivated you, with such a strong background in beer, to start a whiskey company?
DC: I proposed making whiskey to my father two decades ago, but he felt we should stick to beer. However, today’s consumers are more diverse in their drinking choices, which inspired me to establish Coors Spirits Co. and expand our offerings.
JM: How does Coors Spirits fit within the broader Molson Coors Beverage Company?
DC: Coors Spirits Co. was launched as a division for the growth of our spirits segment, featuring brands crafted from the ground up like Barmen 1873 Bourbon and Five Trail, alongside brands acquired like Blue Run Spirits.
JM: Why did you choose to focus on blended whiskey, which is a niche market?
DC: We aimed for a whiskey closely linked to our core business in Golden, Colorado. While I initially wanted to create an American Single Malt, blending became a passion. Five Trail embodies that blend and has received multiple accolades in spirits competitions, culminating in the IWSC award for Barrel Proof Batch 003.
JM: Has the commitment to local ingredients from your beer roots been applied to your whiskeys?
DC: Absolutely. Our ancestors believed in quality ingredients, and we apply that same philosophy to our whiskey. We use malt from our brewery in Golden and proof down with Colorado Rocky Mountain water, emphasizing our dedication to crafting exceptional products.
JM: What can you tell us about your bourbon, Barmen 1873?
DC: Barmen 1873 Bourbon features bold, enticing flavors, with caramel, vanilla, and a unique finish boasting hints of peach and chocolate. We’ve also teamed up with country music star Lainey Wilson for promotional events, which has helped elevate the brand.
JM: Are all the whiskeys made in Golden, or are they sourced?
DC: Initially, we acquired aged inventory to jumpstart our market presence. We then collaborated with distilleries in Kentucky and Colorado for unique mash bills, utilizing our malt in unique expressions.
JM: What new offerings can consumers look forward to from Coors Spirits?
DC: We’re continuously innovating, with Blue Run Spirits launching a limited expression with notes of orange and floral elements expected soon. Additionally, Five Trail has a new expression aged in beer barrels which is set to release.
JM: Can you share tasting notes for the Five Trail expressions?
DC:
- Five Trail Barrel Proof: Aromatic with rich caramel, vanilla, and spice; a full-bodied experience with a long finish.
- Five Trail Small Batch: Floral and fruity with a smooth texture and a sweet, lingering finish.
- Five Trail Flagship Blend: Candied sweetness with well-rounded vanilla and honey flavors.
- Five Trail Cask Finish: A complex nosing experience with robust palate notes blending dark chocolate and dried fruit.
These expressions each showcase the depth of American whiskey and Coors’ commitment to quality in the spirits industry, making them a must-try for enthusiasts. Cheers!
Stoli Vodka Owners File for Bankruptcy After Devastating Cyberattack
Stoli Group USA, which owns the Stoli vodka brand, along with Kentucky Owl, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a federal court in Dallas. This decision comes in the wake of a cyberattack that severely disrupted their operations earlier this year. The companies are seeking restructuring to manage their substantial debts, estimated at $84 million.
The bankruptcy filing highlights a challenging climate for the vodka brand. Recent trends show that younger consumers, particularly from Gen Z, are moving away from traditional liquor like vodka, opting instead for non-alcoholic options and more contemporary ready-to-drink products.
Historically, Stoli vodka has a complex background. It originated in Russia in the 1930s and was state-owned until privatization following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. The brand was then acquired by SPI Group, a Latvian company, and the Stoli Group is now based in Luxembourg. Tensions between the Russian government and the brand have escalated, with Russia attempting to reclaim rights over Stoli.
This situation worsened in 2023 when the Russian government confiscated the brand’s two remaining distilleries within the country. Additionally, the company faced a ransomware attack in August, which hindered its accounting operations and forced manual entry of data. As a result, the company struggled to provide timely financial reports to its lenders.
In terms of market performance, while vodka remains a popular spirit in America, sales have declined, with a reported drop of 7.7% in volume over the year ending January 2024.
In the context of these developments, Constellation Brands announced its decision to sell its vodka brand Svedka to Sazerac, underscoring the shifting landscape in the spirits industry as companies adapt to changing consumer preferences.
For more details, you can refer to the following links:
Unveiling the Hard Truth: Crafting America’s Finest Whiskey
If you see "Distilled in Indiana" on a whiskey bottle, it often refers to MGP, a prominent distillery known for producing whiskey for various brands. However, another craft distillery shining in Indiana is Hard Truth Distilling Co., located in Nashville, IN. Established in 2015, Hard Truth focuses on sweet mash whiskey, crafting each batch entirely from new ingredients, which contrasts with the sour mash method commonly used in American whiskey.
Master distiller Bryan Smith, who learned the sweet mash method from Wilderness Trail co-founder Pat Heist, highlighted that their distillate is noted for its bright and clean taste with tropical fruit nuances. After aging in barrels, the spirit results in a complex and well-balanced whiskey that stands out in tastings.
To maintain quality, Smith emphasizes the importance of using high-quality equipment, meticulous procedures, and strong relationships with grain farmers, which are crucial for executing sweet mashing consistently.
This fall, Hard Truth has launched four new reserve whiskeys, each maturing in different barrels and employing unique blending techniques. Highlights include:
-
Hard Truth Barrel Finished Reserve 2024 Blend: This blend, predominantly rye whiskey aged in barrels previously used for cognac, sherry, brandy, and sauternes, offers notes of stone fruit, grape, and spice.
-
Hard Truth Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye: Aged for about two and a half years, this whiskey is later matured in new charred oak casks for over three years, bringing flavors of brown sugar, raisin, and vanilla.
-
Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve 2024 Blend: Featuring a mix of chocolate malt, caramel malt, and malted sweet mash rye, this five-year-aged whiskey showcases maple, caramel, and fruit notes.
-
Hard Truth Maple Brûlée Rye: Aged for over three years and finished in unique maple syrup barrels, this whiskey reveals flavors of maple, vanilla, and spice.
These unique expressions from Hard Truth Distilling Co. are now available for purchase at liquor stores and online.
Alex Cooper Eyes Spirits Success: ‘Call Her Daddy’ Star to Launch New Vodka Brand
Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy," has recently filed a trademark application that hints at an exciting new venture: a vodka brand called "Popular Vodka by Unwell." The application was submitted last month through her company, TRNDG IP LLC, and includes plans for a variety of alcoholic beverages, excluding beer. This includes distilled spirits, fruit spirits, liqueurs, and prepared cocktails primarily made from distilled spirits.
Cooper has teased a secret project on her Instagram account, announcing a launch scheduled for Wednesday. However, she has yet to confirm if this project relates to her upcoming liquor brand.
The trend of celebrities launching their own alcohol brands is becoming increasingly popular, with notable examples including Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila and Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation American Gin.
In addition to her podcasting success, Cooper has expanded her reach with the Unwell Network, which produces multiple influencer-driven podcasts. Notably, she signed a significant three-year deal with SiriusXM in August, valued at up to $125 million.
For further details on her brand and potential launch, you can follow her journey here: US Patent and Trademark Office.
Stoli Vodka Files for Bankruptcy Amid Cyberattack Fallout and Legal Disputes with Russia
The Stoli Group USA, creator of the iconic Stolichnaya vodka, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Dallas due to severe financial distress caused by a malicious cyberattack in September and ongoing legal conflicts with Russia over brand ownership. The company’s CEO, Chris Caldwell, explained that the cyber incident has necessitated a manual operation of their global business while systems are being rebuilt.
The vodka brand rebranded to "Stoli" in 2022 in a bid to distance itself from its Russian roots. This decision was driven by a worldwide backlash against Russian products following the invasion of Ukraine, with many consumers publicly rejecting Russian vodka.
Yuri Shefler, the Russian-born billionaire and owner of Stoli Group, has faced continuous challenges, including labeling from the Russian government that classifies him and his company as “extremist groups.” Shefler has been in exile since 2002 for his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. In response to Russia’s actions and the conflict in Ukraine, he has aimed for Stoli to embody peace and solidarity with Ukraine.
Despite being internationally marketed as Russian vodka, Stoli is produced in Latvia. The Stoli Group and its parent company, SPI Group, are currently addressing financial difficulties, reporting liabilities between $50 and $100 million. This bankruptcy is occurring during a downturn in alcohol sales in the U.S., as consumers adjust their purchasing habits for health or financial reasons.
The legal tussles surrounding the vodka brand have spotlighted contesting claims of ownership between Shefler’s Stoli Group and Sojuzplodoimport, a company that represents Russian state interests. As alcohol consumption decreases, particularly among younger demographics, the industry faces further complications, including the emergence of non-alcoholic alternatives and the broader social changes driven by marijuana legalization in various states.
Elevate Your Holiday Spirits: Try the Festive Rum Rum Rudolph Cocktail!
Swap Out Your Boring Rum & Coke for a Rum Rum Rudolph
This festive drink brings a delightful twist to the classic Rum and Coke, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
- 4 oz. Coca-Cola
- 2 oz. white or dark rum
- 1 1/2 oz. tart cherry juice
Directions
- Cut the rosemary sprig into two 2-inch pieces and strip the leaves from the bottom half of each piece.
- Poke two holes in the maraschino cherry using a toothpick. Insert the rosemary sprigs into each hole and then poke the toothpick through the cherry, slightly off-center to avoid the pit.
- Fill a Collins glass with ice, then add the Coca-Cola, rum, and tart cherry juice. Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with the prepared cherry.
This refreshing drink is not only visually appealing but also brings a burst of festive flavors that will impress your guests. Enjoy this creative cocktail as a perfect holiday treat!
Unveiling the World’s Best Whiskey: Insights from the Authors of Bourbon Lore
Mason Walker and Clay Risen, authors of the book Bourbon Lore, have a profound understanding of whiskey and share their insights on legendary spirits. Their recently published book highlights the rich history of American whiskey through a selection of 100 significant bottles.
They were asked to name their all-time favorite whiskeys, and both responded without hesitation. Clay Risen expressed his admiration for Rathskeller Rye, describing it as a personal favorite due to its extraordinary quality. This whiskey, distilled in 1983, has become a rarity; only 211 bottles were ever released, primarily allocated to the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville. Those lucky enough to try it describe an exquisite blend of spices, maple syrup, and port wine, leading to a complex finish of cinnamon and clove. Its rarity has made it highly sought after, with one bottle fetching an incredible $37,500 at auction.
Mason Walker also holds Rathskeller Rye in high regard but shares his affection for Michter’s 25 Year Rye, another highly coveted release. Both authors recognize that these exceptional whiskies are nearly unobtainable for most enthusiasts. In response, Bourbon Lore has introduced a rarity scale to classify different whiskies, from everyday pours to the truly legendary ones.
For those seeking high-quality yet accessible options, Walker recommends exploring the Russell’s Reserve portfolio of American whiskies. He suggests that trying a combination of their expressions offers an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.
For more on legendary whiskies, check out Bourbon Lore here.