Liquor-articles 1851

J. Rieger Co., based in Kansas City, has made a significant mark by releasing its first-ever home-distilled rye whiskey. This addition to the whiskey landscape comes as a nostalgic nod to the historic rye production in the United States, harkening back to when rye whiskey was more popular than bourbon in states like Pennsylvania and Maryland. As the whiskey scene evolves, J. Rieger Co. seeks to establish itself among the growing craft distilleries producing quality rye.

The distillery, founded in 2014 by Ryan Maybee and Andy Rieger—who is the great-great-great grandson of a liquor pioneer—started its distilling operations in 2019. This new straight rye whiskey is the third product in its whiskey collection, joining Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rieger Kansas City Whiskey.

Contrary to many rye whiskeys, which often use a 95% rye mash bill, J. Rieger Co. has opted for a 96% rye, with 4% malted barley, as a way to differentiate itself from competitors. This recipe, inspired by discussions with the legendary distiller Dave Pickerell, aims to bring a unique flavor profile that stands apart from prevailing norms.

After sampling the Rieger Straight Rye, the flavors emerge with a significant spiced and floral aroma at 90 proof. Tasting notes highlight a delightful fusion of sweetness and spice, featuring cinnamon, honeysuckle, and salted caramel, leading to a long-lasting, oak-forward finish reminiscent of holiday spices. The whiskey also boasts unexpected fruity notes, including stone fruit and cherry, contributing to a pleasant complexity throughout.

Available for a suggested price of $30 to $35 per 750ml bottle, Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey is set to be distributed across Missouri and 24 other states starting February 2025. This craft operation produces around 1,500 barrels a year, showcasing its distinct approach to whiskey-making amidst larger distilleries in the industry.

The U.S. government has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct type of whiskey, a significant change that took 52 years to achieve. This new designation, announced by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) at the end of December, took effect on January 19, marking a pivotal moment for American whiskey producers and enthusiasts alike.

The origins of American Single Malt can be traced back a few years, yet it was not until recently that the category gained official status. Early distillers, influenced by the craft brewing movement and traditional Scottish whisky practices, began producing single malt whiskeys, often labeling them unofficially. In 2016, the American Single Malt Commission was formed to advocate for formal recognition, culminating in the TTB’s proposal of a definition in 2022. After two years and over 1,000 public letters to the TTB, the standards for American Single Malt were finally established.

According to the TTB, the criteria for American Single Malt include:

• Must be made from 100% malted barley, distilled entirely at a single distillery.
• Must be mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States.
• Must be aged in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters.
• Distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume).
• Bottled at 80 proof or higher.

As this category develops, many find it to be a delightful blend of Scotch and bourbon flavors. Here are four standout American Single Malt whiskeys to consider:

1. Little Rest American Single Malt Whiskey ($100)

This whiskey is ideal for fans of floral, non-peaty spirits. Created by Shane Fraser, who has roots in Scotland, Little Rest brings a floral bouquet on every sip. It was recognized as one of the top whiskeys of the year.

2. Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey ($50.99)

A great option for those new to American Single Malts, it was named the World’s Best Whiskey for 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With clean and smooth oak and spice notes, it showcases the best of both Scotch and bourbon styles.

3. Wine Club First Meeting, Cedar Ridge Distillery ($100)

Part of the QuintEssential Special Release series, this whiskey is uniquely aged in a mix of wine casks, providing rich flavors and a floral finish with hints of peated malt.

4. The Macklowe American Single Malt Whiskey Gold Edition ($295)

Targeted as a luxury whiskey, it offers a smooth start with an expressive finish, showcasing oak-forward flavors interspersed with floral notes.

The recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey not only celebrates its growing popularity but also promises to enhance the whiskey landscape in the U.S. with diverse and flavorful expressions for enthusiasts to explore.

Recently, the renowned cocktail destination, Sexy Fish, announced the launch of its own-label vodka, aptly named Sexy Fish Vodka. This new vodka is a collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, located in North Wessex Downs, United Kingdom. The spirit is produced through a meticulous process of double distillation, triple filtration, and is finished with honey, resulting in a smooth and flavorful 84-proof vodka.

Xavier Landais, Director of Beverage at Caprice Holdings, shared insights on the significance of this launch. He emphasized the importance of both the quality of the liquid and the overall dining experience, stating, “Vodka is our best-performing spirit, but unfortunately, in this category, it’s often about branding rather than the liquid itself.” By creating their own vodka, Sexy Fish aims to enhance its offerings, ensuring that guests enjoy a high-quality spirit that pairs beautifully with their signature sushi and sashimi dishes, including the creation of the Sexy Fish Martini.

For fans looking to purchase this exclusive vodka, it is currently only available at Sexy Fish locations in London, Manchester, and Miami, priced at $16 for a 2-ounce pour and $550 for a 750ml bottle.

Rosa Blanca, a new Cuban café and rum bar, is set to open in the first quarter of 2025 at The Nines apartment building located at 950 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown. The establishment is part of a culinary expansion by renowned chef José Garces, a James Beard Award winner, known for his expertise in Spanish and Latin-American cuisine.

Before opening, Rosa Blanca will host two hiring events to build its team. These will take place at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel ballroom on February 11 from 12 PM to 3 PM and on February 17 from 3 PM to 6 PM. The events are expected to fill various hourly positions including bartenders, servers, baristas, support staff, line cooks, prep hands, and dish hands. Those interested may apply on-site or bring a resume, and a Spanish-speaking team member will assist.

The restaurant is projected to open in March and will operate as a café during the day, offering Cuban coffee and pastries, while transforming into a tropical rum bar in the evening. The menu promises hearty Cuban dishes alongside comfort food staples, featuring a variety of soups, salads, empanadas, and sandwiches.

Garces has expressed excitement about his decision to open Rosa Blanca in Allentown, citing the city’s ongoing revitalization and the vision of City Center Group, a developer involved in downtown projects. His investments aim to enhance the city’s culinary scene and provide vibrant gathering spots for residents and visitors alike.

Rosa Blanca’s decor will reflect an Art Deco style, aiming to evoke the glamour of Cuba’s Golden Age. The 1,500-square-foot space will accommodate approximately 40 diners, with an additional 30 seats available outside and a walk-up service window. Garces’s restaurant will join other new establishments in Allentown’s Downtown West area, which has seen significant growth in recent years with the opening of residential communities and entertainment venues.

This endeavor not only showcases Garces’s culinary prowess but also serves as a testament to Allentown’s transformation into a thriving environment for food and culture.

The U.S. government has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a new category. This announcement by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) took effect on January 19, marking the first addition of a whiskey type in 52 years.

American single malt whiskeys have been emerging over the past few years, although initially the designation was unofficial. Distilleries inspired by craft brewing and traditional Scottish whisky began creating these spirits. In 2016, the American Single Malt Commission was formed to push for recognition, ultimately culminating in a definition proposal in 2022 and a two-year wait for its finalization.

According to the TTB, for a whiskey to be classified as American Single Malt, it must meet specific criteria, including being made from 100% malted barley, distilled entirely at one distillery in the U.S., matured in oak casks, and bottled at no less than 80 proof.

The new category has gained popularity, blending characteristics of Scotch and bourbon. Here are four notable American Single Malt whiskeys to explore:

Little Rest American Single Malt Whiskey ($100)

A floral delight crafted by Shane Fraser, originally from Scotland. This whiskey offers a bouquet of floral notes and is an excellent choice for those who enjoy soft flavors.

Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey ($50.99)

This award-winning spirit, recognized as the World’s Best Whiskey for 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, combines elements of Scotch and bourbon with a clean oak and spice finish.

Wine Club First Meeting, Cedar Ridge Distillery ($100)

This unique offering is part of a special release series and aged in wine casks, yielding a rich spirit with floral hints and occasional peated malt characteristics.

The Macklowe American Single Malt Whiskey Gold Edition ($295)

Promoted as a luxury whiskey, this smooth spirit develops complexity with oak-forward flavors and floral notes, justifying its premium price.

For further details, check out the following links:

• 5 Must-Try Whiskeys From 2024
• Best American Single Malt Whiskey According to Top Shelf
• World’s Best Bourbon According to the San Francisco Spirits Festival

At the end of 2024, the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica, launched an exclusive rum to celebrate its 50th anniversary in partnership with Worthy Park Estate. This new offering, known as Rockhouse Rum, is a single estate, 18-year-old double-aged rum produced from just 187 bottles created from a single barrel aged in ex-bourbon American oak and XO Cognac barrels.

Bar manager Gossett Brown emphasized the importance of aligning with a local Jamaican brand, highlighting that Worthy Park Estate is known for its authentic Jamaican product, a philosophy shared by the Rockhouse Hotel. Rockhouse Rum embodies the heritage of the island, with complex aromas of tropical fruits, banana bread, and baking spices, complemented by flavors of stone fruit, brown sugar, and a hint of smokiness from the cognac barrel.

Distilled in 2006, the rum was chosen after an early morning tasting session where the team quickly recognized its quality. Brown explained that the rum’s rich aging process and unique flavor profile made it an obvious choice for their anniversary celebration. Guests can taste Rockhouse Rum at the hotel’s Pushcart bar, where it is offered as a one-ounce sample for $12 or a two-ounce pour for $20.

Brown shared that the partnership with Worthy Park stems from their long-standing relationship, with the distillery being featured prominently on the hotel’s cocktail list. Worthy Park’s commitment to using its own sugarcane aligns with Rockhouse’s values of sustainable farming and offering guests a distinctive experience tied to their environment.

Over the years, the bar offerings at Rockhouse Hotel have evolved significantly, moving towards a more mixology-focused approach. This includes incorporating local ingredients and crafting signature cocktails that reflect Jamaican culture, including a complimentary Rum 101 class hosted weekly for guests interested in learning about rum.

By introducing Rockhouse Rum, the hotel not only provides an exclusive product but also gives guests a physical connection to their experiences in Jamaica, allowing them to take a piece of their visit home with them.

CONCORD, N.H. — After nearly three years, New Hampshire has lifted its ban on Russian-made vodka, originally imposed by Governor Christopher T. Sununu in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This significant policy change came right before Sununu exited office, as he rescinded 145 executive orders on December 20, 2024, paving the way for his successor, Kelly A. Ayotte.

In an interview with The Boston Globe, Sununu explained his initial decision to remove Russian-made products from the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet shelves was aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing conflict. He noted, “The point was made. … We got a national story out of it,” affirming that the ban succeeded in drawing attention to the war’s significance.

Initially, the ban included notable brands like Stolichnaya vodka, which rebranded as Stoli, and later returned to the shelves after demonstrating a shift away from Russian ownership. Other brands affected by the ban included Hammer & Sickle, Russian Standard, and Kutskova, which are currently not available in the state’s liquor outlets.

With Sununu’s departure, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is reassessing its remaining stock of Russian products and will determine how to proceed. Sununu, comparing his role to that of a CEO, considered it unnecessary to leave the ban in place for his successor to navigate, stating, “We got the ball rolling in the right way, and we’ll let the folks that are running that business make that decision going forward.”

The repeal of the Russian vodka ban aligns with Sununu’s broader strategy of rescinding various executive orders, some of which have raised questions regarding Ayotte’s stance on issues like diversity and police accountability.

Absolut Vodka is expanding its lineup by introducing new ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve cocktails, enhancing their reputation for offering quality vodka selections. The brand is rolling out flavors that cater to the growing demand for convenience and quality in home cocktail experiences.

Among the exciting additions is the Espresso Martini, crafted with authentic espresso and Kahlúa, which is already recognized as a leading brand in coffee liqueurs. Alongside it, the Classic Cosmopolitan is making its debut as well, a cocktail that has become a staple since the 1980s, when Absolut first entered the cultural zeitgeist.

Absolut’s new canned cocktails include collaboration with Ocean Spray, featuring Vodka Cran•Peach and Vodka Cran•Mango, pairing perfectly with the flagship vodka from Sweden. This move aligns with their mission to make hosting easier while ensuring that social gatherings feel festive and fun.

Reshma Dhati, the Senior Brand Director of Marketing at Absolut, expressed excitement about these new offerings, which are positioned as high-quality alternatives for consumers looking to enjoy cocktails without the hassle of traditional preparation. These ready-to-drink cocktails are aimed at providing a convenient solution that allows people to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.

The new products are set to retail at approximately $16.99 for a 750ml bottle of the ready-to-serve options, while the canned cocktails will be available at around $22.99 for a twelve-pack. These products can be found at select retail locations nationwide.

For those interested in elevating their cocktail game, Absolut’s latest offerings could be a fantastic addition to any gathering.

Jennifer Lucy Allan returns with her latest trip to the world of Rum Music as she navigates through January’s releases while keeping the winter blues at bay. Despite the pressures of financial responsibilities, she reflects on her music choices and experiences, diving into poignant albums that energized her month.

Among her finds is Tori Kudo’s Studio Village Hototoguiss 2007-2022, a collection showcasing Kudo’s sentimental songs, which Allan found particularly captivating. The album’s final track, a charming cover of Beethoven’s seventh movement, epitomizes its warmth.

Next, she praises Liam Grant’s Prodigal Son, which features raw blues sounds and fluid guitar work, demonstrating the young artist’s prowess and love for the DIY culture found in authentic American roots music. Grant’s expressive tracks vary from gentle lyricism to lively, old-time rock.

Nina Garcia’s Bye Bye Bird is highlighted for its experimental approach, merging her guitar work with innovative techniques. The anticipation around this debut record under her own name bodes well as it receives positive attention from notable figures in the industry.

Oksana Linde’s album Travesías appeals to Allan’s nostalgia for the early synthesizer sounds and private press obscurities. She praises its ability to build imaginative soundscapes reminiscent of science fiction, while Judith Hamann’s Aune presents subtle, intricate layers, drawing connections between sound and sensory experiences.

Amidst these recommendations, Allan points listeners to Terry Reed’s On Way To Alpha, a mini LP offering a mix of potent tunes highlighted by powerful vocals, evoking a sense of discovering hidden musical treasures.

Allan concludes with a mention of Ignatz & Marcia Bassett’s collaboration, Dream Of Autumn Electrified Blues I & II, a welcomed revival of past underground sounds.

For a deep dive into January’s music scene and recommendations from the Rum genre, visit Rum Music.

Hot buttered rum is a timeless winter cocktail that combines rum, butter, and spices into a warming drink with deep historical roots. Its origins date back to the 17th century when rum was pivotal to Colonial America’s burgeoning trade. As rum distillation flourished, hot buttered rum emerged as a favored drink among settlers who enjoyed experimenting with warm beverages, particularly in the cold months. This rich concoction quickly became popular at home gatherings and taverns, offering both warmth and indulgence.

While variations existed as far back as the 1500s, the specific blend of rum, butter, and spices that defines hot buttered rum became established in the 1600s. With rum becoming a mainstay of daily life and a component in various popular drinks like toddies, it was only natural for colonial settlers to mix their beloved spirit with butter and spices. This innovative approach added comfort and a way to unwind, ensuring hot buttered rum’s place in the cultural canon of drinks that symbolize colonial hospitality.

Today, modern takes on hot buttered rum are turning heads with unique twists. Bars and restaurants now offer variations that appeal to contemporary tastes, such as adding caramel for sweetness, a splash of citrus for brightness, or even swapping rum for bourbon. Some establishments have even introduced non-alcoholic versions, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavor without the alcohol kick.

Despite the evolution of this cocktail, traditional hot buttered rum retains its status as a comforting classic, providing warmth and a taste of history during the winter months. For enthusiasts looking to explore this delightful drink further, experimenting with its various interpretations can lead to interesting flavors while honoring its storied past.