Liquor-articles 1905

One vodka brand received a Platinum medal, while 23 others were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Vodka Judging. The list of winners includes a variety of historic brands, emerging craft producers, and innovative new expressions.

elit Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $39

elit Vodka emerged as the top-rated vodka in the 2025 BevTest evaluation, achieving a score of 97/100 points. Produced in Latvia by the Stoli Group, elit Vodka is known for its remarkable smoothness and purity, credited to a sophisticated distillation and freeze-filtration process. This three-times distilled vodka offers a delicate aroma of grains and a soft, silky mouthfeel with minimal harshness. The BevTest Judging Panel noted that it features aromas of bread, dough, and subtle hints of almond, with flavors of honey-citrus peels and warm milk, making it ideal for sipping or as a high-end cocktail ingredient.

Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml. – $28

The highest-rated flavored vodka, Zubrówka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, scored 95/100 points. Hailing from Poland, this vodka is infused with bison grass from the Białowieża Forest, which imparts a unique herbal and slightly sweet flavor. In North America, the vodka is artificially flavored to replicate the taste of bison grass due to import restrictions on Coumarin—a natural compound found in the grass. Zubrówka is celebrated for its smooth profile with tropical aromas of honey, tonka bean, and coconut, making it versatile for cocktails or enjoyed neat.

Gold Medal Winners

In addition to these, 19 other vodkas earned Gold Medals in the 2025 BevTest review. Noteworthy mentions include:

• Nykur Limited Edition Super Premium Organic Jaeger Corps Vodka, 42% ABV, 750 ml – $60: With a score of 95/100, it fragrance includes wet sidewalk and golden apple notes, and a clean palate with citrus and berry nuances.

• Yacht Life Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $69: Also scoring 95/100 points, it boasts baked sweet potato and pizza dough aromas and flavors reminiscent of vanilla pound cake.

• Chopin Family Reserve Extra Rare Young Potato Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $149: Characterized by aromas of toasted nut muffin and marmalade, it is known for its velvety texture.

• Hi Post Handmade American Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $15: This notably affordable vodka received acclaim for its clean and delicate profile, exhibiting flavors of lemon chai and white strawberry.

Other distinguished Gold Medalists include Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Rosa Vodka (rose-infused), and Robert’s Organic Vodka, all showcasing unique aromas and flavor profiles.

Jerald O’Kennard, President of the Beverage Testing Institute, highlighted the trend of naturally flavored vodkas, which are gaining popularity due to their unique infusion processes and potential for creative mixology. As the vodka scene evolves, enthusiasts have much to explore, whether sipping straight or crafting innovative cocktails.

For more vodka recommendations, check out the articles on The World’s Best Vodka According to the International Wine & Spirit Competition and The World’s Best Vodka According to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

The Pogues, a genre-defining band in the Irish folk-punk scene, celebrated the 40th anniversary of their iconic album Rum, Sodomy & The Lash in 2025. Formed in London in 1982, The Pogues emerged from the punk movement, fusing traditional Irish music with punk rock energy. Their second album, released in the summer of 1985, showcased lead singer Shane MacGowan’s evolved songwriting while rapidly expanding the band’s popularity.

The band, originally named Pogue Mahone, meaning "kiss my arse" in Irish, was fronted by MacGowan, whose lyrical sophistication drew from various literary and historical sources. The album opener, "The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn," depicts the surreal imagery of a dying warrior, interweaving themes of life, death, and the indomitable spirit to persevere.

Drummer Andrew Ranken suggested the provocative album title, which quoted a supposed comment by Winston Churchill on naval traditions—a humorous nod to the turbulent themes within the album. The artwork, inspired by Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa, reflected the album’s mortuary themes and the emotional weight of songs like "A Pair of Brown Eyes," a sorrowful tale of loss that became a fan favorite.

Each track on Rum, Sodomy & The Lash traversed themes of Irish history and identity, encapsulating both celebration and lament. The Pogues also innovatively included covers that melded their sound with Americana, notably a version of "Jesse James" that captured the overlapping cultures of American and Irish folk.

Produced by Elvis Costello, the album was noted for its raw yet disciplined recording process, a stark contrast to their debut. The Pogues expressed gratitude for Costello’s straightforward approach, which preserved the essence of their sound while elevating the production quality.

Throughout their history, the band’s tumultuous relationship with substance use and chaotic lifestyle often clouded their artistic pursuits. Yet, this was symbiotically reflected in MacGowan’s lyrics, particularly in "The Old Main Drag," a moving tale believed to draw from his own life experiences.

In later years, internal struggles led to shifts in the lineup, with MacGowan being replaced by Spider Stacy on vocals for subsequent albums. Despite this, The Pogues maintained a significant influence on the Celtic punk movement, inspiring a new wave of artists.

Fast forward to the release of their anniversary show, The Pogues emphasize their desire to be remembered for their authenticity and the ability to convey reality without masking it with overly romantic notions of escapism. As they look back on their legacy, they showcase not just a reflection of their tumultuous journey but a celebration of the collective spirit of those who resonated with their music.

A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced Jordon Zachery Roland Cote, a 22-year-old man, to an 18-month conditional discharge after he entered a guilty plea for stealing alcohol and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. This ruling, made on March 12, allows Cote to avoid a criminal record if he meets the terms of his 18-month probation.

Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence, noting that typically, offenders would face a record for such acts. However, she acknowledged the joint plea agreement, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the addition of a counseling requirement aimed at addressing his issues.

The court was informed that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, by concealing it in his pants while leaving a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024. The store manager became aware of the theft through surveillance footage.

In an unrelated incident on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in an altercation where he verbally abused a woman, physically assaulted her by throwing her to the ground, and damaged her cell phone.

In addition to probation, Judge Malfair imposed several conditions on Cote, including completing 50 hours of community service, refraining from contact with specific individuals, avoiding weapons, and staying away from any BC Liquor Store locations.

A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced 22-year-old Jordon Zachery Roland Cote to 18 months of probation for stealing liquor and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On March 12, after pleading guilty to charges of theft under $5,000 and domestic assault, Cote received a conditional discharge, meaning he will not have a criminal record if he successfully completes his sentence.

Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence but noted that her decision took into account the joint nature of the submission, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the inclusion of a counseling term aimed at addressing underlying issues.

The court heard that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, from a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024, concealing it in his pants. The store manager discovered the theft after reviewing surveillance footage. Additionally, on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in another incident where he verbally assaulted a woman, physically attacked her, and damaged her cell phone.

As part of his probation conditions, Cote must complete 50 hours of community service, refrain from contacting specific individuals, avoid possessing weapons, and is prohibited from entering any BC Liquor Store.

Next Century Spirits (NCS) has officially acquired Blue Chair Bay Rum, a premium rum brand that was founded by country music star Kenny Chesney. This strategic move allows NCS to enhance its presence within the growing premium rum market, as Blue Chair Bay Rum has gained notoriety as the largest independently-owned rum brand globally and has sold millions of cases since its creation.

Kenny Chesney will remain heavily involved with the brand, holding a significant stake in NCS and continuing to influence its direction and growth. "Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family," stated Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of NCS. He emphasized the importance of building a "team of fast-moving entrepreneurs" and creating unique brands that resonate with modern spirits consumers.

Chesney expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing Blue Chair Bay Rum as a reflection of his life experiences and a spirit meant to be shared with friends. He believes NCS shares a similar vision, with a spirit of innovation and adventure that mirrors his brand ethos.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Chesney, who is set to make history as the first country artist to headline at Las Vegas’ Sphere starting in May 2025. Rob Mason, Co-CEO of NCS, noted that this partnership marks an exciting step forward as they work to shape the future of spirits.

NCS, headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is committed to redefining what is possible in spirits production through its patented Spiranova™ process. This innovative approach accelerates flavor transformation using only natural ingredients, resulting in a unique portfolio that includes Nue Vodka, Numbskull Whiskey, and now, Blue Chair Bay Rum.

For further details about Next Century Spirits, visit Next Century Spirits’ website.

About Blue Chair Bay Rum
Blue Chair Bay Rum is an authentic Caribbean rum crafted with premium natural ingredients and is offered in various flavors, including Spiced, Coconut, and Vanilla. Chesney collaborated with top master blenders to ensure each blend captures the essence of joyful memories shared with friends.

STS Capital Partners represented NCS in the acquisition, demonstrating their expertise in navigating complex negotiations to secure the deal.

Fine wine and whiskey have transitioned from mere collector’s items to significant alternative assets, often providing better returns than traditional investments. For instance, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index reveals that rare whisky prices have risen by 280% in the past decade, while fine wine prices increased by 146%.

With the recent advancements in AI technology, investors are now exploring how to leverage AI to better navigate these complex and lucrative markets. Although AI can effectively handle large datasets, it cannot fully substitute human expertise in areas such as brand value, cultural influences, and sensory assessments.

Where AI Excels in Wine and Whiskey Investing

1. Predicting Price Trends
AI’s analytical capabilities allow it to utilize auction results, critic ratings, and market sentiment to forecast prices. For example, platforms like Liv-ex leverage machine learning to track fine wine appreciation, yielding meaningful returns over time. Likewise, Rare Whisky 101 employs AI to identify undervalued distilleries, as evidenced by The Macallan 1926, which recently sold for an astonishing $2.7 million at auction.

2. Risk Management and Diversification
AI-driven investment platforms analyze various factors, such as market fluctuations, climate conditions impacting vintages, and inventory levels, to assess risks. They assist investors in diversifying their portfolios by balancing established assets like Château Lafite Rothschild with emerging contenders like German Pinot Noir.

3. Fraud Detection and Authentication
AI plays a crucial role in combating counterfeiting, a significant concern in high-value transactions. Utilizing image recognition and blockchain technologies, startups like Entrupy can effectively identify counterfeit labels, engravings, and cork patterns.

Limitations of AI in this Domain

1. Understanding Brand Prestige and Collector Sentiment
While AI can handle data, it cannot quantify the intangible aspects of brand prestige or collector psychology. The value of a bottle like Macallan 1926 is influenced not solely by its rarity, but also by historical significance and brand heritage. Similarly, the global rise of Japanese whisky is rooted in cultural narratives that AI cannot fully grasp.

2. Sensory Evaluation and Aging Potential
AI isn’t capable of tasting or smelling. Although it can analyze chemical components, it lacks the nuanced judgment of a master sommelier or distiller regarding how flavors might evolve over years.

3. Navigating Private Sales and Off-Market Transactions
Rarest and most valuable bottles are often traded through private collectors and winery allocations, where personal relationships and negotiation skills are critical. In these situations, human expertise remains indispensable.

The Balanced Approach: AI and Human Expertise

The most successful investment strategies will likely blend AI capabilities with human intuition. While the future may see an increased reliance on AI in this sector, the importance of human insight and expertise will endure, particularly in a market as intricate and specialized as fine wine and whiskey investing.

Ordering a martini can seem straightforward, but a popular TikTok has highlighted the complexities that come with it. In a video with over 471.3K views, bartender @hellqueencocktails cautions that simply saying "dirty martini" might leave bartenders guessing your preferences.

The traditional martini consists of liquor (vodka or gin), olives, and dry vermouth. However, the variations—including dirty, dry, and wet martinis—depend on personal taste. For instance, while gin is the classic choice, vodka has also gained popularity. Without specifying the preferred liquor, customers might receive the bar’s house brand, which is often lower quality.

The type of olives is also critical. Bars typically offer various choices, such as regular olives, Spanish olives with pimentos, or even unique flavors like blue cheese or jalapeño. Furthermore, ordering it "dirty" means adding olive juice, which alters the flavor. The amount of dry vermouth plays a significant role too; requesting a wet martini means you want more vermouth, while a dry martini means less.

It’s also important to consider the drink’s garnish, typically either olives or a lemon twist, and even whether you prefer your drink shaken or stirred—shaking chills the drink, while stirring keeps it stronger.

Many commenters on the TikTok post shared their thoughts about ordering martinis. Some argued that true martini drinkers should specify their preferences, while others suggested creating a “martini card” for customers to complete their orders. Ultimately, knowing how to order a martini not only helps the bartender but also ensures you get exactly what you want.

For anyone new to martinis or looking to refine their ordering skills, here are key questions to ask before placing your order:

• What liquor do you want: vodka or gin?
• Which brand of liquor should be used?
• What type of olives: regular, Spanish, blue cheese, jalapeño, etc.?
• Do you want your martini dirty with olive juice?
• How much vermouth do you desire: dry or wet?
• Would you prefer it shaken or stirred?
• What garnish would you like: olives or a lemon twist?

Being informed can transform the way you enjoy your martini, ensuring it’s perfect every time.

In recent years, Irish whiskey has begun to emerge from the shadows of bourbon and Scotch, gaining recognition for its complexity and quality. Historically dismissed as a cheap dive bar option or primarily associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Irish whiskey is now experiencing a renaissance, bolstered by a resurgence in distillery numbers and consumer interest.

Oscar Adrian Montes Iga, an education team manager at Uncorked Vintage Academia in Austin, notes that the number of distilleries in Ireland has grown from fewer than ten a few years ago to approximately 40 today, suggesting a potential return to the nearly 100 distilleries that existed in the early 1800s. This renewed production is driven by an increasing demand from consumers who are beginning to appreciate the nuanced flavors that Irish whiskey can offer.

Mark McLaughlin, director of Irish spirits at The Dead Rabbit in New York City, observes that consumer perception is shifting away from a Jameson-centric view, revealing a broader spectrum of offerings in Irish whiskey. He emphasizes that what’s happening now in Irish whiskey is more than just a fleeting trend—it is a momentum that could define the category for decades to come.

Current producers are diversifying their approaches, experimenting with unique grains and innovative aging processes. Here are some standout selections representing the frontier of Irish whiskey:

Redbreast 18-Year-Old

This beloved single-pot still whiskey enhances its classic profile with maturation in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. McLaughlin praises the precision of the new master blender, Dave McCabe, highlighting the depth and balance achieved in this exceptional offering.

Lost Irish

Lost Irish leverages a mix of barrels from six continents, creating a complex whiskey with flavors from ex-bourbon, rum, sherry, and brandy casks. Abigail Gullo, creative director at Loa Bar in New Orleans, notes its depth of character and multitude of flavors.

Egan’s Fortitude Irish Single Malt

This unique expression is aged entirely in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, resulting in a rich profile characterized by date, fig, and bittersweet notes. Montes Iga describes its qualities as showcasing both single malt attributes and unique flavors brought on by its unconventional aging process.

Waterford Cuvée Gaia

Exemplifying innovation, Waterford’s approach focuses on the terroir by sourcing barley from organic farms. The Gaia Cuvée blends multiple single malt distillates, producing a complex flavor that reflects its unique agricultural origins.

Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Celebrating tradition, Clonakilty combines malted and unmalted barley, offering a unique profile that includes candied ginger and orchard fruits, enhanced by the influence of various ex-bourbon and sherry casks.

Shortcross Distillers Duo

This blend combines single malt and single-pot still whiskeys from the same distillery, creating a bold and youthful spirit that features both characters. McLaughlin notes the vibrancy and complex flavor profile produced by this innovative blend.

The Irish whiskey landscape is rapidly evolving, showcasing a new generation of distillers committed to quality and innovation. With this growth, Irish whiskey is not merely having a moment; it is carving out a lasting legacy in the world of fine spirits.

The American whiskey market is currently grappling with significant challenges, including layoffs at major companies like Brown-Forman and reduced production from key distillers like MGP. A recent report from the Distilled Spirits Council noted a revenue decline of 1.8% in the whiskey category from 2023 to 2024.

Conversely, Irish whiskey is experiencing rising popularity in the U.S. market, with sales increasing by 1.8%, ranking it as the fourth fastest-growing spirit by revenue. Premium and super-premium Irish whiskey categories have enjoyed remarkable growth, with increases of 816% and 1,874% respectively since 2003.

Irish distilleries like The Muff Liquor Company and Boann Distillery are seizing this opportunity to expand their presence in the U.S. market. The Muff Liquor Company launched in February 2025, distributing products across 31 states. Its founder, Laura Bonner, indicated that their first order in America was about 30,000 cases, exceeding the distillery’s entire global sales from the previous year. Bonner emphasized the appeal of Irish heritage and craftsmanship, which resonates well with American consumers.

Similarly, Boann Distillery has been involved in the U.S. market since 2020 under their brand The Whistler and is now expanding with a premium line of single pot still whiskeys. Co-founder Peter Cooney noted the challenges of entering the U.S. market, citing the complex regulations and competition for shelf space. To address these challenges, Boann focuses on a strategic approach, targeting key states and premium pricing to reach the right consumer demographic.

Both distilleries aim to position themselves as craft alternatives to established brands like Jameson, which currently dominates over 70% of Irish whiskey sales. The Muff emphasizes its unique potato-based spirits, while Boann highlights its custom cask programs and single pot still expressions.

Looking ahead, the prospects for Irish whiskey in the U.S. appear promising. Cooney pointed out that American consumers are well-informed about whiskey, which creates a favorable environment for Irish brands. Additionally, potential tariff advantages may arise if European Union tariffs on American bourbon are reinstated, a prospect likely to benefit Irish whiskey under current trade negotiations.

As trends shift toward premium and craft spirits, Irish whiskey is well-positioned to leverage both market dynamics and policy changes, potentially reshaping its reputation in the U.S. spirits landscape.

The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s finest rums, particularly those that have consistently won gold medals in international spirits competitions. Here’s a look at twelve standout options, noted for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavor profiles.

Mount Gay XO (Barbados)

Mount Gay, established in 1703, is recognized as one of the oldest rum distilleries. The XO blend, aged 8 to 15 years, is crafted from molasses through a combination of pot and column stills, typically aged in ex-bourbon casks. Its rich aromas include vanilla, toffee, toasted oak, and dark chocolate, offering a palate of caramel, tropical fruits, especially bananas, and dried fruits. The finish is long, smooth, and slightly spiced.

Angostura 7-Year-Old (Trinidad & Tobago)

Produced since the early 20th century, this rum consists of a blend of light and heavy rums distilled from molasses. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, it has notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and seasoned oak on the nose, with a rich and smooth palate featuring caramel, spice, and nuttiness.

Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old Rare Blend (Jamaica)

Established in 1749, Appleton Estate’s 12-Year-Old blend combines rums aged from 12 to 18 years. Aromas of candied orange peel, spices, and toasted oak greet the nose. The palate reveals flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and coffee, with a long, smooth finish.

Rhum J.M XO (Martinique)

Famed for its Rhum Agricole, Rhum J.M produces its XO expression from fresh sugarcane juice. Distilled using a Creole column still and aged in oak barrels, the rum boasts a nose of vanilla, oak, and dried fruit, leading to flavors of tropical fruits and spices.

Rhum Saint James VSOP (Martinique)

This VSOP expression is another example of high-quality Rhum Agricole, distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and aged for at least four years. With aromas of vanilla and caramel, it provides a smooth palate with tropical fruits and a light spice finish.

Mount Gay Eclipse (Barbados)

Mount Gay Eclipse is a vibrant, medium-bodied rum made from a blend of 2-5 year old rums. It combines notes of vanilla and tropical fruit on the nose, while the palate experiences flavors of caramel and light spice with a refreshing finish.

Barbancourt 8-Year-Old (Haiti)

This distinguished rum is crafted from fresh sugarcane juice and aged in oak barrels. It offers a nose with vanilla and dried fruit, while the palate showcases caramel and a touch of spice, concluding with a long finish featuring a slight pepperiness.

Zaya Gran Reserva (Trinidad)

Known for its rich flavor, Zaya Gran Reserva is a blend of rums aged for up to 12 years. It presents aromas of caramel and dark chocolate, with pronounced flavors of toffee and spices on the palate, resulting in a smooth and slightly spicy finish.

Pyrat XO Reserve (Anguilla)

This premium rum, crafted from molasses and aged in bourbon and sherry casks, features a nose of orange peel and honey. The smooth palate reveals flavors of vanilla and citrus, finishing with a lingering touch of wood spice.

Ron Zacapa 23 (Guatemala)

Aged between 6 to 23 years, this Guatemalan rum is distilled from sugarcane honey and aged in various casks. It offers aromas of brown sugar and dark chocolate, with a silky palate showcasing dried fruits and a long, spicy finish.

The Real McCoy 12 YO (Barbados)

Distilled at the Foursquare Distillery, this rum aged in heavily charred oak barrels presents a nose with vanilla and caramel. Its smooth palate is enriched with honey and a subtle fruitiness, boasting a slightly spicy finish.

Foursquare Rum 12-Year-Old (Cask Strength)

This limited-edition release from the Foursquare Distillery displays intense flavors, crafted from molasses and aged for 12 years. With notes of caramel and dark chocolate, it offers a rich palate of toffee and spices, culminating in a long-lasting finish.

These rums highlight the quality and complexity of Caribbean spirits, each bringing a unique character to the table, appreciated by rum enthusiasts globally. For further insights into the best rums, you can explore more about The World’s Best Rum According to the 2024 IWSC Judging and The Rum of the Year According to the Beverage Testing Institute.