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The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition showcased American blended whiskey as one of the fastest-growing segments in the whiskey market. Five finalists stood out for their exceptional diversity in aroma and flavor profiles, each bringing a unique character and story.

Finalists for Best Blended Whiskey:

1. High Bank Distillery, Whiskey War (44% ABV, 750 ml) – $38.99
This rye-heavy blend is crafted by High Bank Distillery in Columbus, Ohio. With over 100 mash bills selected from nearly 50 distilleries, it aims for availability, affordability, and exceptional flavor. Tasting notes include a nose of orange zest and clove, with a palate featuring apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and tropical fruit. The long finish lingers with vanilla and caramel.

2. High Bank Distillery, Whiskey War Barrel Proof (57.9% ABV, 750 ml) – $54.99
Bottled at approximately 118 proof, this cask strength version has repeatedly won the title for "Best Blended Whiskey in America." Its vibrant nose features stone and tropical fruits, while the palate showcases rye spices, buttery caramel, and a lengthy dry finish.

3. Longleaf Distilling Co., Heirloom American Whiskey (45% ABV, 750 ml) – $48
Produced in Macon, Georgia, this whiskey revives traditional southern whiskey styles using locally sourced heirloom grains. The nose is floral, highlighting honeysuckle and vanilla, with a palate revealing quince and earthy honey. The finish is slightly herbal with walnut notes.

4. Longleaf Distilling Co., Cask Strength Heirloom American Whiskey (61.53% ABV, 750 ml) – $60
This limited edition is finished in Madeira casks, offering a richer profile. The aroma is sweet with dried fruits, while the palate is full-bodied, featuring caramel and hints of wine. The long finish includes notes of dried fruit and seasoned oak.

5. 6666, American Blended Whiskey (46% ABV, 750 ml) – $31
Honoring the Four Sixes Ranch’s heritage in Texas, this whiskey reflects the rugged spirit of the American West. Its nose has aromas of caramel and cold smoke, with a sweet and creamy palate showcasing vanilla and oak. The finish is long and sweet with toasted oak notes.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is highly regarded in the spirits industry, gathering expert judges to conduct blind tastings across various categories. Awards from this competition are often viewed as a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship. The 2025 finalists represent the creativity and range of contemporary American blended whiskey, making them excellent choices for those looking to expand their whiskey palate.

On Tuesday evening, J Wray and Nephew Limited unveiled the Appleton Estate Rum Museum in New Kingston, offering a taste of the renowned Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. This immersive museum, located at 23 Dominica Drive, aims to create a unique educational and entertainment experience, highlighting Jamaica’s rich rum-making heritage.

Dominic Bell, communications manager at J Wray and Nephew, described the museum as a pop-up exhibit where visitors can delve into the brand’s history and the rum creation process that has been refined since 1794. The museum serves as a celebration of Jamaican excellence in rum production and is designed to engage both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

"This museum represents far more than just a timeline of our achievements. It’s a dynamic space where visitors can feel, taste, and understand the soul of Appleton Estate," Bell stated. The museum claims to blend education and fun, providing an overview of rum production from distillation to aging in oak barrels.

The exhibit runs from May to June and encompasses a scaled-down version of the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in St. Elizabeth. It also highlights the mixability of Appleton Estate’s rums, particularly the Signature Blend and 8-Year-Old Reserve.

In addition to showcasing rum-making history, Appleton Estate’s museum aims to deepen consumer engagement and reinforce the authenticity of the brand, enhancing its reputation as a world-class premium rum. The design of the museum incorporates elements of Jamaican flora and celebrates the cultural history surrounding rum in Jamaica.

This initiative aligns with Appleton Estate’s broader goal of boosting brand perception, promoting tourism, and educating audiences globally about the unmatched quality of Jamaican rum.

Beer enthusiasts have come to expect innovative brews from Creature Comforts, an Athens-based brewery known for its seasonal flavors and aromas. Recently, however, the brewery has made a significant shift by introducing its first line of ready-to-drink vodka seltzers. This new venture coincides perfectly with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, featuring two initial flavors: Sun Glow Citrus and Sun Glow Tropical, now available in retailers across Georgia.

CEO Adam Beauchamp emphasized the company’s goal of fostering human connection, suggesting that diversifying from beer to a wider array of beverages will help achieve this purpose. “We feel ultimately expanding from beer, and a beer company into a beverage company, will better serve our purpose of fostering human connection,” Beauchamp stated.

Since its establishment in 2014, Creature Comforts has built a solid following around its acclaimed beers. The brewery recently expanded with a new location in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment in its trajectory. Beauchamp believes that entering the ready-to-drink market represents a natural evolution for the brand. The chosen flavors of tropical and citrus are familiar to their loyal customer base.

The Sun Glow name is intended to evoke positive experiences commonly associated with outdoor gatherings, warm weather, and other leisure activities. These vodka seltzers are crafted with American vodka that has undergone seven distillations, real fruit juice, and are devoid of added sugars, resulting in a gluten-free beverage with less than 100 calories per 12-ounce can and 4.5% alcohol by volume.

Beauchamp views this introduction as a local, high-quality alternative for both craft beer aficionados and new consumers. The brewery prides itself on being a True certified zero-waste facility, utilizing 100% renewable energy and sustainable packaging.

As the craft brewing industry continuously evolves, Beauchamp hinted at more new developments on the horizon. Creature Comforts has also recently partnered with Tip Top Proper Cocktails on a project that reinterprets classic cocktails with a brewery’s touch, with a special twist on a classic cocktail expected to launch in October.

For further stories related to food and dining, visit AJC Food & Dining.

Creature Comforts Brewing Company, a popular brewery from Athens, has recently ventured into the realm of spirits by launching its first vodka seltzer, named Sun Glow. This product is now available in two flavors: Citrus and Tropical. Each can contains less than 100 calories and has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5%. Moreover, the seltzer is gluten-free and packaged sustainably, utilizing 100% renewable electricity and produced in a True Zero Waste Certified facility.

As of May 19, Sun Glow can be found not only at the brewery but also at various retail locations across Athens and Atlanta. The new offering marks a significant milestone for Creature Comforts, as they expand beyond craft beer into the ready-to-drink beverage sector.

For more information, visit Creature Comforts’ official website.

Old J Spiced Rum, celebrated for its vibrant flavors, is collaborating with the popular condiment brand Tubby Tom’s to introduce a limited-edition Pineapple Honey Glaze, infused with Old J’s tropical Pineapple Spiced Rum. This partnership represents Old J’s inaugural move into the food market, merging its distinctive flavor characteristics with Tubby Tom’s artisanal sauce-making expertise.

The Pineapple Honey Glaze combines sweet honey with Caribbean spices and a splash of rum, making it ideal for BBQ favorites like wings, ribs, halloumi, or grilled vegetables as summer kicks off. This launch aligns with the increasing consumer interest in spirit-infused sauces, appealing to those looking for unique flavor experiences. Tom Hughes, founder of Tubby Tom’s, describes the glaze as a "true flavor bomb," noting its addictive qualities and the fun experimentation with flavors that both brands embrace.

To bring this innovative product to market, a 12-week on-trade activation is set from June 1 to August 31, featuring the glaze in over 100 pubs and bars across the UK. The activation includes a special offer where customers can enjoy six wings glazed in the Pineapple Honey Sauce along with any double Old J drink, providing a fresh way to engage with the brand.

Nic Ponticakis, Brand Manager for Old J, expresses enthusiasm for this collaboration, saying it perfectly embodies Old J’s spirit of flavor and fun. The Pineapple Honey Glaze will also be available in limited quantities on the Tubby Tom’s website and select online retailers starting June 1, creating opportunities for seasonal promotions and cross-marketing for both brands.

Retailers seeking to capitalize on the growing trend of tropical flavors and alcohol-infused condiments should act quickly, as this limited-edition product is expected to sell out fast.

Homemade Mai Tai Cocktail with Pineapple Cherry and Rum

The Beverage Testing Institute recently crowned the top rums of 2025, showcasing an exciting array of flavors for enthusiasts. The highlight of the event was the Barceló Imperial 40 Aniversario Premium Blend, recognized as the World’s Best Rum, earning a Platinum medal with a score of 96/100. This Dominican rum, known for its commitment to sustainability, features a blend aged 12 years in American and French oak barrels, complemented by a finish in ex-Sauterne wine casks. Its tasting notes reveal an aromatic profile of dried fruits, chocolate, and toasted coconut, culminating in a smooth finish with hints of leather and sweet oak.

Another standout was the Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum, also claiming a Platinum medal with a score of 96/100. Crafted in Barbados, this coconut-flavored rum is distinguished by its all-natural ingredients and lack of added sugars. The rum delivers a delightful blend of fresh coconut and vanilla flavors, presenting a creamy mouthfeel and a long, tropical finish reminiscent of sun-soaked beaches.

Among the Gold Medal winners, Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof Rum stood out as the top overproof option. Scoring 95/100, this rum maintains the rich character of Haitian Agricole style, boasting bold flavors of black pepper, licorice, and earthy cane juice. Its complexity is praised for balancing overproof heat with sweetness, making it a versatile ingredient for cocktails.

The prestigious event also showcased Ron Zacapa Solera Gran Reserva No. 23, recognized in the Aged Fresh Cane Juice category, scoring 94/100. This Guatemalan rum, known for its high-altitude aging process, offers a rich array of flavors, including caramel, vanilla, and dried fruits, making it excellent for sipping or pairing with cigars.

Likewise, Zhumir High Altitude Sugarcane Spirit and Kuleana Rum Works Hōkūlei Aged Rum each received Gold Medals, further emphasizing the diverse offerings from high-quality rum producers around the world.

The rums awarded both Platinum and Gold medals exemplify a broad spectrum of aromas and taste profiles, ensuring there is much for rum lovers to explore. Whether enjoyed straight or in cocktails, these selections promise to enhance any drinking experience.

Stranahan’s Distillery has made a significant mark at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, securing an impressive seven Gold and Double Gold medals. Notably, their Snowflake Redcloud Peak was honored as a Best of Class finalist in the American Single Malt category. The distillery, based in Denver, is renowned for creating award-winning American single malts, and their limited-release Snowflake has gained a cult following, with fans eagerly camping out to secure a bottle each winter.

Head Blender Justin Aden, who joined Stranahan’s in May 2022, led the crafting of this year’s Snowflake release. His approach focused on fruit-forward flavors without the influence of peat or smoke, incorporating a blend of fortified wines, including Sherry, Port, and Sauternes, into the barrels. This meticulous process involved tasting hundreds of barrels to finalize the components that would create the luscious palette of Redcloud Peak.

The aging process in the Colorado climate, with its dry conditions, leads to a unique flavor profile. As the rickhouses evaporate more water than alcohol, the spirit’s concentration increases over time, resulting in whiskeys that retain bright fruit characteristics.

Aden emphasized the importance of Stranahan’s legacy in craft distilling, highlighting the distillery’s refusal to source whiskey and its commitment to innovation over the years. The loyalty from customers, some of whom have attended every Snowflake release for a decade, is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to quality and excellence.

In addition to the Snowflake, Stranahan’s lineup performed remarkably well, with their Mountain Angel 10-Year and Mountain Angel 12-Year also achieving Double Gold medals. It’s clear that Stranahan’s is not just about its limited releases; the entire product range showcases their commitment to high-quality, craft whiskey.

A data engineer, Alexsandras Bogdanovic (37), faced a Dublin court for a violent incident where he verbally abused a shop employee and vandalized the store. The abuse, which included racist insults against the worker’s Asian heritage, occurred during an initial altercation. In a subsequent incident days later, Bogdanovic returned to the shop, where he used vodka bottles to smash the front door, causing over €2,000 in damage. Store staff had to close the door for safety, protecting themselves and customers from his aggression.

For more information, visit the related topics: Dublin Courts and Andrew Phelan.

A woman from Lawrence was arrested on Sunday afternoon after allegedly providing vodka to the dogs of another resident. The situation unfolded near the intersection of 24th Street and Ousdahl Road, where a dispute arose over the woman refusing to leave someone else’s porch, according to Lawrence Police spokeswoman Laura McCabe.

Upon the arrival of the police, officers attempted to persuade the woman to leave, but she resisted, seemingly under the influence and making remarks about the resident’s dogs. Even after multiple requests to vacate the premises, she remained unresponsive to law enforcement.

Investigating further, the officers asked the resident to present the dogs. The resident complied, showing two young bully mixes that appeared healthy and sociable. However, as the police delved deeper into the incident, they discovered evidence suggesting that the woman had poured vodka into her hands and encouraged the dogs to drink it. This led to her arrest on suspicion of animal cruelty and trespassing.

Read more about the incident.

Green River Distilling Co., the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky, is set to launch a limited edition bourbon in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The whiskey, seasoned with 77 percent corn, 14 percent rye, and 9 percent malted barley, will have an Army Strong 111.1 Proof and will be priced at $49.99. Its release date is slated for June 14th, with availability extending throughout the year in select stores, military bases, and online.

Col. (ret.) Mark Erwin, the CEO of Lofted Spirits, Green River’s parent company, remarked, "This whiskey is a salute to 250 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice," emphasizing the pride of celebrating the Army and all who have served.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this bourbon will benefit various charitable organizations, including The Special Operations Warrior Foundation and USA Cares, aimed at supporting soldiers and their families. More details can be found at army250.greenriverwhiskey.com.