Liquor-articles 2020

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Stepping into Smuggler’s Cove at 650 Gough St. in San Francisco is like entering a whimsical dreamscape. The initial adjustment to the dim lighting allows guests to fully embrace the bar’s theme – a blend of tiki culture and maritime adventure. General Manager Christopher Ward highlights the essence of the tiki experience as one of “whimsy,” inviting patrons into a fantasy world where traditional tiki vibes reign supreme.

The atmosphere evokes memories of childhood adventures, resembling a shipwrecked treehouse from classic animated films. However, I was not there to reminisce but rather to explore the captivating realm of tiki cocktails, which have long intimidated me with their complexity and elaborate garnishes.

Smuggler’s Cove, while not the oldest tiki bar in San Francisco, stands out for its deep commitment to rum and an extensive educational program for its customers. Owner Martin Cate pioneered the Rumbustion Society, a journey into the world of rum that includes tasting sessions and quizzes, designed to encourage patrons to truly explore the diverse offerings behind the bar.

As I prepared to tackle creating a classic tiki cocktail, the Dead Reckoning, I found reassurance in my guide, bartender Tim Symes, who’s accumulated considerable experience at the bar. The Dead Reckoning contains ingredients like rum, pineapple, and vanilla liqueur, and is widely regarded as a relatively straightforward drink among the menu’s 80 offerings.

The cocktail-making process was approachable, involving simple measurements and techniques. I carefully mixed pineapple juice, lemon juice, seltzer, and rum in a shaker. A mix of vanilla liqueur, cognac, and maple syrup followed, along with a splash of bitters and shaved ice. The result was a beautifully textured cocktail topped with garnishes that enhanced both aroma and presentation.

Upon my first sip, the balance of sweet and tart was mesmerizing; the Dead Reckoning went down easily—a testament to the craftsmanship that goes into each drink at Smuggler’s Cove. Alderman Ward emphasized that although batch drink preparations are common in many establishments today, their dedicated approach ensures that each cocktail retains its unique charm and quality.

Patrons like Heather Robinson and Jonathan Gilbert attest to the bar’s impactful experience, having returned for over a decade, attracted by the consistently high quality of drinks and the intriguing depth of the rum menu. With a staggering collection of around 1,300 rums, the bar strives to connect guests with the perfect rum experience, whether it sparks fond vacation memories or introduces them to unique flavors.

In summary, Smuggler’s Cove is not just a bar but an immersive journey into the world of rum and tiki culture, where guests can savor exquisite cocktails while embracing an enchanting atmosphere.

Fireball is running a unique contest to celebrate those who have reached the grand age of 90 and over. They are giving away a lifetime supply of their popular cinnamon whiskey to a few lucky seniors. The campaign is a nod to their loyal fanbase, emphasizing how much the elderly enjoy their product, as noted by Danny Suich, Fireball’s Global Brand Director.

To participate, contestants must complete an entry form by March 31. The entry requires a photo of the nominee, along with a response to the question: “How do you (or how does your nominee) keep the mischief alive at 90+?” For those elderly fans who might prefer more traditional methods, there’s also a mail-in option available.

However, it is important to clarify that the notion of a "lifetime supply" may not actually extend to a typical lifetime, considering the average expectancy. Fireball aims to celebrate these spirited individuals while playfully acknowledging the realities of aging.

Participants are subject to a few rules: the lifetime supply cannot be passed down or claimed after death, and every entry must be made by someone born in or before 1935. This means friends and family should act quickly to enter their loved ones before the deadline.

For more details, you can visit LifetimeSupplyOfFireball.com.

Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon, produced in northern Illinois, has earned a spot among the final eight "coolest products made in Illinois" for the 2025 "Maker’s Madness" contest. This unique bourbon combines the flavor of blue popcorn with traditional whiskey-making techniques, making it a standout product in the competition. Fans of craft beverages and local products are excited to see how this innovative spirit fares as voting progresses in the contest.

Rumble (NASDAQ:RUM) is set to release its quarterly earnings before the market opens on Wednesday, March 26th. Analysts predict the company will report a loss of ($0.13) per share for the quarter.

Stock Performance

On Monday, Rumble shares opened at $7.74. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $10.58 and a 200-day average of $8.45. Its market capitalization stands at $3.02 billion, with a PE ratio of -12.29 and a beta of 0.56. The stock has experienced a 52-week low of $4.92 and a high of $17.38.

Analyst Ratings

Maxim Group recently initiated coverage on Rumble, granting it a "buy" rating and setting a price target of $20.00.

Insider Activity

In a related development, CEO Christopher Pavlovski sold 354,849 shares on February 7th at an average price of $7.50, totaling approximately $2.66 million. Following this sale, he retains ownership of 522,927 shares, valued at around $3.92 million, marking a 40.43% decrease in his holdings. Additionally, CTO Wojciech Hlibowicki sold 3,817,165 shares on the same day in a transaction valued at about $28.63 million. Following this, he now directly owns only 4,592 shares. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold over 41 million shares, representing a significant portion of the company’s stock.

About Rumble

Rumble Inc. is a video-sharing platform operating both in the U.S. and internationally, offering users a free platform for video-sharing, live streaming, and access to on-demand content.

Molasses is usually recognized as a by-product of sugar production, but for Mount Gay, it’s the primary focus of their rum production. Master blender Trudiann Branker highlights the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality rum by prioritizing the quality of molasses over traditional sugar.

All rum is derived from sugarcane, and while most distilleries typically use molasses produced elsewhere, Mount Gay has taken a different approach. Since their founding in 1703, they are returning to their roots by cultivating sugarcane on their own estate and milling it at their sugar mill, focusing on the production of quality molasses. Their recent launch of the Single Estate rum series in 2023 exemplifies this method, using cane grown on their estate for more exceptional rum production.

The concept of terroir influencing molasses might seem novel to some, but Branker asserts that the distinct flavors from their estate are evident when tasting their molasses compared to others sourced from the Caribbean. Each batch produced demonstrates richness and complexity unique to Mount Gay.

Branker explains the differences between traditional sugar mills and theirs, noting that while most mills aim to create sugar, Mount Gay’s mill prioritizes the production of high-quality Grade A molasses. This ensures a cleaner and more flavorful base for rum-making.

They prioritize molasses that not only boasts a higher sugar content but also carries the characteristics of their estate’s terroir, helping to produce rum with more distinct flavors and aromas. Variety in sugarcane is crucial, and Mount Gay cultivates multiple cultivars to minimize the risk of crop loss and explore different flavors in their molasses.

The sugarcane grown at the Mount Gay estate, while developed through modern breeding techniques, includes varieties that are designed to be disease-resistant and high-yielding according to local agricultural needs. The estate prides itself on following best practices for sustainability, ensuring that varied cultivars are planted.

While their Single Estate rum showcases flavors derived exclusively from their estate, Mount Gay’s XO rum is a blend of various molasses and distillation methods, focusing on consistency and balance. Any sugar produced as a byproduct is sold to local sugar producers, further supporting the industry within Barbados.

For more details about Mount Gay and their offerings, you can visit their website.

America’s history with alcoholic beverages is rich and fascinating. While it has developed a reputation for producing excellent wines and whiskeys, the journey wasn’t always smooth. The Prohibition era in the 1920s drastically impacted the industry, with rickhouses closed, barrels of wine dumped, and bars shut down. Yet, the repeal of Prohibition paved the way for the industry to rebound stronger, favoring spirits over the once-dominant beer and wine markets.

The end of Prohibition led to a renewed focus on American-made products, compelling distillers and winemakers to emphasize quality. Today, while American whiskey holds global acclaim, the market is also seeing an upsurge in domestically produced vodka, gin, and rum. The only spirit not produced in the U.S. is tequila, due to its designation of origin, which mandates that it be made solely in Tequila, Mexico.

Top 5 American-Made Spirits

As international trade policies continue to fluctuate, it’s an opportune time to explore local spirits. Here’s a guide to five notable American labels across various spirit categories, showcasing both established brands and new players.

1. Vodka

American vodka originated from Connecticut in 1934 and gained significant traction, especially in the 1970s when it overtook whiskey in sales. Tito’s Handmade Vodka, launched in 1997, is a leading American vodka brand. The craft vodka scene has also flourished recently with innovative producers.

Bottles to try:

• Hanson of Sonoma: Made with California grapes.
• Barr Hill Vodka: Distilled from raw honey in Vermont.
• The Community Spirit Vodka: Distilled five times in Indiana.
• St. George Spirits All Purpose Vodka: Made in California.
• Wheatley Vodka: Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

2. Whiskey

Despite vodka’s rise, whiskey remains a quintessential American spirit, constituting a significant portion of U.S. spirits exports. Iconic brands such as Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, and Jack Daniel’s dominate the market alongside emerging names like Blanton’s and Uncle Nearest.

Bottles to try:

• Milam & Greene Whiskey: Aged in rickhouses across multiple states.
• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Series: Limited-edition releases celebrating U.S. National Parks.
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon: A purpose-driven celebrity-backed brand.
• Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Co-created with other beverage producers.
• Widow Jane Whiskey: Small-batch production from Brooklyn, New York.

3. Gin

Though gin’s popularity surged in the U.S. thanks to British influences, the current trend towards healthy drinking has sparked a renaissance among American gin producers, focusing on botanicals and unique ingredients.

Bottles to try:

• Four Corners Gin: Features herbs from across the U.S.
• Gray Whale Gin: Uses local California botanicals.
• Loch & Union Barley Gin: A distinctive product from Napa.
• Leopold Bros Small Batch Gin: Offers individually-distilled botanicals.
• Corsair American Gin: Exclusively vapor-distilled in Nashville.

4. Rum

Rum’s historical significance in America dates back to the colonial era, and it remains a popular choice today. While traditionally linked with Caribbean distilleries, several American brands are gaining recognition.

Bottles to try:

• Privateer Navy Yard Rum: A molasses-based rum from Massachusetts.
• Bully Boy Boston Rum: Crafted from molasses in Boston.
• Greenbar Distillery Silver Rum: A fresh expression ideal for cocktails.
• Kō Hana Rum: Focuses on agricole rum from Oahu.
• Humboldt Spiced Rum: Made from American sugarcane in California.

5. Brandy

Brandy production in America traces back to the colonial settlers, with Laird & Company being the oldest brand still in operation, having started in 1780.

Bottles to try:

• Laird’s Old Apple Brandy: Aged for 7.5 years in charred oak barrels.
• E&J Brandy: A major American brand established in 1975.
• Argonaut Fat Thumb: A California brand with fruity notes.
• Germain-Robin XO Brandy: A signature California brandy with cherry flavors.
• Korbel VSOP: A well-known style from California.

Explore these American-made spirits to gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and quality that these brands offer.

America has a rich and tumultuous history with alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits. Despite the significant disruptions caused by Prohibition in the 1920s, which led to a dramatic downturn in the industry, the U.S. has emerged as a top producer of quality wines and spirits. With the repeal of Prohibition, American distillers and winemakers were driven to elevate their craft, employing quality and innovation to establish a strong domestic market. Today, while American whiskey is celebrated worldwide, there’s also a burgeoning interest in vodka, gin, rum, and brandy produced on American soil.

Top 5 American-Made Spirits

With the fluctuating landscape of international trade and potential import taxes, exploring American-made spirits has never been more appealing. Here’s a look at noteworthy labels across five categories:

1. Vodka

The first American vodka was produced in Connecticut in 1934, and by the 1970s, vodka surpassed whiskey in sales. Tito’s Handmade Vodka, launched in 1997, set the stage for many craft producers to create distinctive offerings.

Five bottles to try:

• Hanson of Sonoma – Made with grapes in California.
• Barr Hill Vodka – Distilled from raw honey in Vermont.
• The Community Spirit Vodka – Distilled five times in Indiana.
• St. George Spirits All Purpose Vodka – A versatile option from California.
• Wheatley Vodka – From Buffalo Trace Distillery.

2. Whiskey

American whiskey remains a leading category, accounting for 63% of all U.S. spirits exports in 2023. While brands like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, and Jack Daniel’s are perennial favorites, many others rise to popularity.

Five bottles to try:

• Milam & Greene Whiskey – Distilled in Texas, aged across four states.
• Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Series – Collectible releases celebrating national parks.
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon – Supports regenerative farming.
• Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series – Unique blends in collaboration with various breweries.
• Widow Jane Whiskey – Small-batch production in Brooklyn.

3. Gin

Initially popularized by the British, gin’s botanical qualities have captivated American distillers, leading to an array of unique gins that reflect local flavors.

Five bottles to try:

• Four Corners Gin – Ingredients sourced from across the U.S.
• Gray Whale Gin – California-produced using ingredients like Big Sur juniper.
• Loch & Union Barley Gin – A coriander-forward option from Napa.
• Leopold Bros Small Batch Gin – Crafted with individually distilled botanicals in Denver.
• Corsair American Gin – Exclusive vapor-distilled small batches from Nashville.

4. Rum

Historically favored in the 1600s and a staple during Prohibition, rum has evolved and remains a popular spirit, with American distilleries gaining recognition for their quality.

Five bottles to try:

• Privateer Navy Yard Rum – A molasses-based rum from Massachusetts.
• Bully Boy Boston Rum – Blends of blackstrap and sweet molasses.
• Greenbar Distillery Silver Rum – Ideal for cocktails from LA.
• Kō Hana Rum – Known for its portfolio of agricole rum from Oahu.
• Humboldt Spiced Rum – Made with organic spices from California.

5. Brandy

American brandy has roots dating back to early colonial settlements, with distillation practices evolving since then.

Five bottles to try:

• Laird & Company – The oldest brandy label in America, dating back to 1780.
• Laird’s Old Apple Brandy – Features aging in charred oak barrels.
• E&J Brandy – A mainstream option established in 1975.
• Argonaut Fat Thumb – Flavors of apple, pear, caramel, and oak.
• Germain-Robin XO Brandy – Noted for its cherry characteristics from California.
• Korbel VSOP – A variety typical of Sonoma County’s sparkling wine reputation.

Exploring these American-made spirits can provide a delightful taste of the country’s craftsmanship and heritage.

The Tasmanian AFL club recently revealed its new mascot, Rum’un, during an event that stirred a wave of reactions across Australia. Named after a local term implying someone who’s a bit cheeky, the unveiling did not resonate well with everyone, with many commentators describing the mascot as reminiscent of a "horror movie" character or even a "New York subway rat."

Despite the initial outrage, Tasmanian Devils chairman Grant O’Brien defended the mascot’s design, emphasizing that it was developed through extensive community consultation. The club’s new branding includes the Tasmanian Devil emblem along with a traditional green, yellow, and red color scheme, which generally received positive feedback. However, the mascot itself has been a subject of ridicule.

On social media, users expressed their disbelief and shock at the appearance of Rum’un, which some compared unfavorably to the infamous Fatso the Fat-Arsed-Wombat from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

The chief designer, Bryony Anderson of Terrapin Puppet Theatre, shared that she aimed to create a “kick-ass” yet friendly mascot. Initially previewed to children from Howrah Primary School, the design received a warm reception, with kids even spontaneously chanting "devil, devil."

O’Brien noted that the creation of Rum’un is a true reflection of the club’s identity, built from the ground up with a unique Tasmanian spirit. The design process involved feedback from local teams and community members, resulting in a character that embodies cheekiness and toughness.

As the club prepares to join the AFL in 2028, it also faces significant challenges, including the construction of a new stadium in Hobart. Initially projected to cost $775 million, recent assessments suggest that the costs could exceed $1 billion due to management issues. The stadium’s approval is crucial for the successor team’s timeline, yet construction has not yet commenced, creating additional uncertainty.

Despite the mascot’s mixed reception, the Tasmania Football Club remains optimistic about Rum’un’s impact and hopes it will unify supporters across the state, embodying local pride and determination.

Dolph Lundgren, the iconic action star known for his performances in films such as Rocky and The Expendables, is venturing into the world of spirits with the launch of his vodka brand, Hard Cut. Drawing on his background in chemical engineering, which he earned before his Hollywood fame, Lundgren aims to create a standout vodka in a market saturated with other celebrity spirits, like those from The Rock and George Clooney.

In his pursuit of the perfect vodka, Lundgren and his wife, Emma, sampled numerous brands but felt compelled to develop their own when they couldn’t find a suitable option. He describes Hard Cut Vodka as "the perfect liquid for a vodka world gone soft," emphasizing that it should be enjoyed on the rocks.

The vodka is noted for its smooth, creamy texture with flavor hints of green apple, fennel, roasted potato, and butterscotch. Currently, Hard Cut Vodka is exclusively available in the United States, priced at $29.99 for a 700ml bottle. It can be purchased from Flaviar.com and will soon be available at BevMo locations in the US. Fans outside the US are hopeful that the vodka will be distributed internationally in the near future.

Dolph Lundgren is making a significant splash in the spirits industry with his new vodka brand, "Hard Cut Vodka," which launched recently in the U.S. Lundgren describes this vodka as a bold newcomer to the premium alcohol market, aiming to stand out in a space he feels has become stagnant. Sourced from Idaho potatoes and rocky mountain water, the vodka is bottled at 90 proof, offering a creamy mouthfeel and smooth finish with flavor notes of green apple, fennel, and butterscotch.

The actor has been developing this project for over five years, overseeing every detail from ingredient selection to branding and even receiving bartending training. He sought to create a vodka with character, emphasizing its high quality and versatility, whether sipped chilled or in cocktails.

Lundgren’s transition from Hollywood action star to spirits entrepreneur feels natural to him. He draws parallels between the intensity of his film career and his approach to crafting vodka, defining Hard Cut Vodka by its strength and refinement, qualities he embodies himself.

Expressing his vision, Lundgren shared that Hard Cut Vodka is not just a product but also a reflection of his life philosophy. He sees this venture as a potential legacy, hoping it inspires others to pursue boldness in their lives. The name "Hard Cut" is a nod to filmmaking terminology, symbolizing progress and determination, much like Lundgren’s career trajectory.

This vodka represents a new challenge for him, combining creativity and entrepreneurship in a way he hasn’t explored before. He aims for Hard Cut Vodka to resonate with consumers, aspiring to make it a celebrated name in the spirits category.