Liquor-articles 1851

Calumet Farm has recently captured attention by winning the coveted title of "Best of Show Whiskey" at the 2025 WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) convention held in Denver. This annual gathering, attended by over 3,000 participants, also serves as a platform for the premier distributors in the wine and spirit industry to evaluate and vote on outstanding products in the market.

This year’s top honor went to the Centennial 18 Year Old Decanter 118° Small Batch Bourbon, which has not yet been released to the public. Known for its non-chill filtered, 118-proof character, this bourbon is crafted from a mashbill consisting of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley. Although Calumet Farm does not disclose the source of its whiskey, industry speculation suggests it may originate from Barton 1792 Distillery.

The descriptors for this bourbon are impressive. On the nose, it offers aromas of peppered stone fruit, while the palate showcases familiar bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, elevated to their fullest due to its robust proof. The finish is a delightful mix of crème brûlée and candied apple.

Calumet Farm, a brand that was launched in 2013, has made significant strides in the bourbon realm, especially as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of their Lexington, Kentucky, farm. The Centennial 18-Year-Old is wrapped in an elegant trophy decanter and is set to retail for $499. Its official release date is still pending, but interested buyers can sign up for notifications on Calumet’s website.

For those looking to sample this exceptional bourbon soon, more information can be found on the Calumet Farm website.

Dry January has come to an end, but there’s a growing selection of non-alcoholic beverages that offer enjoyable alternatives throughout the year. Increasingly popular choices include non-alcoholic beers, spirits, zero-proof cocktails (or “mocktails”), and even beverages infused with CBD and THC, catering to the sober-curious and those looking for hydrating options to pair with their alcoholic drinks. For example, opting for a St. Agrestis Phony Negroni or BERO N/A beer is a great way to stay refreshed and hydrated, especially when pacing yourself during social events.

Here are some of the standout non-alcoholic drinks that emerged during Dry January that you may want to keep enjoying:

10. Ritual Zero Proof Rum

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $30
  This drink features great vanillas and caramel tones with the ability to work in cocktails as a 1:1 replacement for rum.

9. WhistlePig Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry

• ABV: 0.5%
• Price: Average Price: $50
  Despite containing a small amount of alcohol, this non-whiskey offers intriguing flavors like citrus and ginger, making it a refreshing cocktail alternative.

8. Seedlip Garden 108

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $32
  Known for its herbal notes from peas and traditional garden herbs, Seedlip is praised for its ability to mimic the texture of alcoholic beverages.

7. BERO Noon Wheat

• ABV: 0.38%
• Price: Average Price: $16 six-pack
  Created by actor Tom Holland, this beer is crisp and flavorful, making it a hit among non-alcoholic options.

6. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $14 six-pack
  Athletic Brewing is a leader in the non-alcoholic segment, and Run Wild IPA expertly balances hoppy bitterness and refreshing citrus flavors.

5. St. Agrestis Phony Negroni

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $63 twelve-pack
  This popular drink captures the essence of a real Negroni with a blend of organic ingredients, providing herbal and citrus notes typically found in the cocktail.

4. WYNK Black Cherry Fizz

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $36 six-pack
  This refreshing seltzer is infused with THC and CBD, offering a balanced beverage that is enjoyable in moderation.

3. Lyre’s G(in) & T(onic)

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $18 four-pack
  This mocktail emulates a classic Gin & Tonic, combining a zero-proof gin with tonic for a delightful and refreshing drink.

2. Nowadays Micro Dose

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $40
  This tropical drink features a slight THC content, making it versatile for drinking solo or mixing into cocktails.

1. The Pathfinder Spirit Hemp and Root

• ABV: 0%
• Price: Average Price: $40
  This unique drink is crafted from fermented hemp and infused with botanicals, resembling a flavorful amaro.

With these options, non-alcoholic drinks prove they’re not just substitutes but enjoyable and versatile choices for any time of the year.

A Minneapolis distillery has created a perfect way for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day. O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. has set up a floral gate in collaboration with Martha’s Gardens Floral Studio, inviting guests to express their affection. Located next to the floral installation is a free love letter station, complete with stationery and pens, encouraging attendees to write and anonymously send their love letters.

The initiative aims to spread messages of love throughout the venue, with selected notes to be shared publicly. This unique setup not only provides a romantic experience but also supports local artistry and engagement. Garden Guy Dale K. recently visited the distillery to enjoy the charming floral display and experience the ambiance firsthand.

NEW ORLEANS – Big Easy Spirits Company (BESCO) has announced the launch of its flagship product, Big Easy Whiskey, in New Orleans. This 5-year-old straight whiskey is uniquely crafted from a Bourbon mash and infused with a variety of botanicals and fruits, enhancing its rich flavors.

Big Easy Whiskey is designed to be an accessible spirit, perfect for sipping neat, on ice, or as the base for cocktails. Its versatility is appealing to whiskey enthusiasts of all levels, adding complexity and depth to traditional cocktail recipes.

"Big Easy Whiskey brings the essence of New Orleans to the bottle," stated Kieran Walsh, COO and Master Blender of BESCO. “Our aim was to capture the city’s distinctive flavor, embodying both its laid-back charm and sophisticated edge.”

This whiskey is made from 100 percent American distillates sourced from Kentucky and Indiana. The mash bill comprises 81 percent corn, 15 percent rye, and 4 percent barley. After aging in used bourbon barrels for five years, the whiskey achieves a smoother taste with less of the influence from new wood, resulting in a rich, full-bodied profile infused with over two dozen herbs, spices, and fruits.

Flavor notes for Big Easy Whiskey highlight the classic toasty taste of American whiskey, alongside baking spices including vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, complemented by herbal hints of cedar and lemon balm.

Founded by New Orleans locals and spirits industry veterans, BESCO aims to provide a premium product that avoids the pitfalls of being overly kitschy or pretentious. The company is dedicated to honoring the unique spirit of New Orleans through its offerings.

Looking ahead, BESCO plans to introduce Le Grand Négociant in Spring 2025, a Kentucky bourbon that will finish in French Armagnac, Calvados, and Cognac brandy casks.

The NFL season concluded with the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Looking ahead, Dublin, Ireland will host its first regular-season NFL game, a moment celebrated by Jameson Irish Whiskey.

In 2023, Jameson initiated a campaign called "Touchdown in Dublin" to promote the city as a viable game venue. They enlisted former New England Patriots player Julian Edelman, who famously visited the NFL headquarters in New York City in a bus adorned with team helmets, advocating for the city’s inclusion.

The efforts paid off as it was officially announced that a game would occur in Dublin during the next season, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers. The exact date and opponent will be revealed in May alongside the NFL schedule.

Johan Radojewski, the Vice President of Marketing for Jameson, expressed excitement, emphasizing the global passion for the sport and the anticipation of celebrating this moment with fans.

As Dublin prepares for this significant event, excitement builds for the inaugural NFL game in the city, marking a landmark moment in the league’s international expansion.

If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you may be familiar with Tennessee whiskey, particularly the famous Jack Daniel’s. One of the key elements that distinguish Tennessee whiskey from bourbon is the Lincoln County Process, a unique method that adds a refined smoothness to the final product.

The Lincoln County Process Explained

The Lincoln County Process involves filtering whiskey through charcoal before it ages in barrels. This not only imparts a signature smoothness but also differentiates Tennessee whiskey, which shares a similar mash bill with bourbon, typically made from grains like corn, rye, and barley.

This process is named after the county where Jack Daniel’s established his distillery in the 19th century. Interestingly, although the distillery is now located in Moore County due to historical boundary changes, the process remains integral to the definition of Tennessee whiskey.

How It Works

After the whiskey has been distilled, it’s slowly pumped through vats filled with sugar maple charcoal—a method that can take several days. The charcoal acts as a natural filter, capturing impurities and softening any harsh flavors.

Different distilleries have their own variations of this process. For instance, Jack Daniel’s allows the whiskey to trickle for up to ten days through ten feet of charcoal, while George Dickel chills their whiskey before filtering to enhance the mellowing effect. This attention to detail helps create a velvety texture and sweeter flavor profile, making Tennessee whiskey notably smooth.

Key Differences from Bourbon

While both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon must follow certain production guidelines—such as being produced in the U.S., aged in new charred oak barrels, and containing at least 51% corn—the Lincoln County Process is what sets Tennessee whiskey apart. Critics may argue that this filtering complicates the whiskey’s character, but aficionados will insist that the smoothness and refinement it brings are essential attributes.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The Lincoln County Process is steeped in history and craftsmanship. It is said that the technique could not have existed without the contributions of Nathan “Nearest” Green, an African American distiller who trained Jack Daniel in the art of whiskey making. Today, Green’s legacy is honored through the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand, which also adheres to the Lincoln County Process.

Why It Matters

Understanding the Lincoln County Process is crucial for whiskey drinkers, particularly if you prefer your whiskey neat or in cocktails. It contributes to why you might find Tennessee whiskey smoother and sweeter compared to others. Whether you favor bourbon or venture into Tennessee whiskey, acknowledging this unique process adds depth to your appreciation.

In essence, the Lincoln County Process embodies the traditions and meticulous craftsmanship that define Tennessee whiskey, offering a drink that is both rich in history and flavor.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – For this Valentine’s Day, Brett Butler showcased a delightful cocktail recipe called the "Strawberry Kiss." This drink features Hard Truth’s Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, known for its silky texture and tropical flavor, making it a perfect choice for a romantic occasion.

Hard Truth has crafted a unique toasted coconut rum, infusing it with a creamy twist that adds versatility to cocktails. Butler also highlighted Prairie Vodka, produced by the Prairie Distillery in Princeton, Minnesota. This vodka is celebrated for its smoothness and organic production methods, using 100% USDA-certified organic corn and no additives, resulting in a cleaner taste.

Strawberry Kiss Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream
• 1 1/2 oz Prairie Vodka
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 2 Medium Strawberries
• 1 Dash Cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a bar shaker, add Prairie Vodka and 1 strawberry. Muddle the strawberry thoroughly.
2. Add the Hard Truth Coconut Rum Cream.
3. Cover and shake to chill the mixture.
4. Single strain the cocktail into a glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a dash of cinnamon before serving.

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, raising a glass to love and flavor!

Susan Holmes McKagan shared insights about her life with her husband, Duff McKagan, the bassist of Guns N’ Roses, and discussed her literary work in a recent interview. In her conversation, she reflected on Duff’s struggles with alcoholism, describing his battle as extreme—he once consumed a gallon-and-a-half of vodka daily. While Susan didn’t know him during his active addiction, she has been a significant support throughout their 25-year marriage.

She noted that Duff had only relapsed once in the early 2000s during his time with Velvet Revolver. That relapse was a critical moment when Duff recognized he needed help and began the journey back to sobriety. Susan expressed her fear during that time but also her confidence in Duff’s ability to overcome his challenges. She revealed that many people have reached out to Duff since he published his memoir, sharing how his story inspired them.

Transitioning to her own achievements, Susan’s novel, "The Velvet Rose," published in 2019, is said to carry autobiographical elements, rooted in her experiences navigating a challenging, male-dominated music industry in the ’90s. Instead of opting for non-fiction, she chose fiction for its creative freedom, allowing her to explore themes beyond strict autobiographical boundaries. The protagonist, Scarlett, mirrors aspects of Susan’s life, with aspirations for the novel to be adapted into a film or series.

In addition to discussing her literary journey, Susan elaborated on her writing process, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and having a structured routine. She noted that writing can be an arduous path filled with rejection and subjective critique from editors. Her dedication to storytelling, perseverance, and embracing a hopeful outlook were central to her narrative as both a supportive partner and a budding writer.

For more insights from Susan Holmes McKagan, you can explore related articles on her experiences with Duff McKagan and her writing journey.

Captain Morgan hosted a vibrant pre-Super Bowl party on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on February 8, transforming the iconic area into "Rum Street." This event attracted various celebrities, including Victor Cruz and Winnie Harlow. The highlight of the night was an electrifying performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist T-Pain, who energized the crowd with his hit songs in anticipation of the big game.

T-Pain expressed enthusiasm for the night, stating, "Captain Morgan is taking Bourbon Street to another level," emphasizing the unique party experience. Anne Nosko, VP of Captain Morgan, noted that the event was the culmination of their efforts to create memorable adventures for fans throughout the NFL season, celebrating the biggest weekend in sports.

With such a festive atmosphere, the party served as a lively kickoff to the Super Bowl celebrations, ensuring attendees experienced a night to remember on one of America’s most famous streets.

On the early morning of November 2, 1919, a raid in Casper, Wyoming, on a stash of over 200 whiskey cases turned into chaos and tragedy. The Natrona County sheriff, Pat Royce, led a team of law enforcement officers into a garage suspected of harboring illegal liquor, but the operation quickly spiraled out of control.

At approximately 4 a.m., as Sheriff Royce and his deputy entered the premises, a confrontation ensued when the homeowner and his accomplice emerged with shotguns drawn. In the ensuing chaos, a deputy was shot and killed, and the homeowner was wounded. Shockingly, the sheriff had failed to present a warrant for the raid, and those who were charged stated they did not know the officers were attempting to execute a law enforcement operation.

The events of the raid garnered significant public attention and outrage. All individuals involved in the shooting, including those charged with murder, would later be acquitted at trial, a verdict met with a rare editorial in the Casper Daily Tribune calling for the sheriff and his deputies to resign.

Legal commentator Daniel Fetsco noted that the public’s sympathy for the defendants reflected a broader national backlash against Prohibition enforcement. The case occurred during an era when policing was evolving, and the tactics used by law enforcement were not well-defined. As such, the raid and its aftermath not only highlighted the challenges in enforcing Prohibition laws but also set off a series of legal and moral disputes regarding police practices of the time.

In the wake of the raid, Sheriff Royce and Deputy William E. Kilgore were arrested for assaulting one of the suspects, Hugh Armstrong, during the operation. Public discontent led local officials to appoint special counsel to oversee the case. Armstrong’s defense centered on the claim that he was unaware that those confronting him were law officers, and this narrative resonated with the jury, leading to a swift not-guilty verdict.

Armstrong, after his acquittal, faced additional charges relating to possession of the whiskey but was again cleared. He eventually returned to a peaceful life, becoming a respected community member in Missouri, while Sheriff Royce continued his law enforcement career until retiring, and Deputy Kilgore transitioned to work as a railroad special agent. The chaotic events of that day would linger in the community’s memory, emblematic of the tumultuous and often violent nature of Prohibition in America.

For further reading on the historical context of the whiskey raid, see the Casper Daily Tribune.