Liquor-articles 1905

Stoli Group USA, which owns the Stoli vodka brand, along with Kentucky Owl, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a federal court in Dallas. This decision comes in the wake of a cyberattack that severely disrupted their operations earlier this year. The companies are seeking restructuring to manage their substantial debts, estimated at $84 million.

The bankruptcy filing highlights a challenging climate for the vodka brand. Recent trends show that younger consumers, particularly from Gen Z, are moving away from traditional liquor like vodka, opting instead for non-alcoholic options and more contemporary ready-to-drink products.

Historically, Stoli vodka has a complex background. It originated in Russia in the 1930s and was state-owned until privatization following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. The brand was then acquired by SPI Group, a Latvian company, and the Stoli Group is now based in Luxembourg. Tensions between the Russian government and the brand have escalated, with Russia attempting to reclaim rights over Stoli.

This situation worsened in 2023 when the Russian government confiscated the brand’s two remaining distilleries within the country. Additionally, the company faced a ransomware attack in August, which hindered its accounting operations and forced manual entry of data. As a result, the company struggled to provide timely financial reports to its lenders.

In terms of market performance, while vodka remains a popular spirit in America, sales have declined, with a reported drop of 7.7% in volume over the year ending January 2024.

In the context of these developments, Constellation Brands announced its decision to sell its vodka brand Svedka to Sazerac, underscoring the shifting landscape in the spirits industry as companies adapt to changing consumer preferences.

For more details, you can refer to the following links:

• Stoli vodka owners file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
• Constellation Brands selling Svedka vodka to Sazerac

If you see "Distilled in Indiana" on a whiskey bottle, it often refers to MGP, a prominent distillery known for producing whiskey for various brands. However, another craft distillery shining in Indiana is Hard Truth Distilling Co., located in Nashville, IN. Established in 2015, Hard Truth focuses on sweet mash whiskey, crafting each batch entirely from new ingredients, which contrasts with the sour mash method commonly used in American whiskey.

Master distiller Bryan Smith, who learned the sweet mash method from Wilderness Trail co-founder Pat Heist, highlighted that their distillate is noted for its bright and clean taste with tropical fruit nuances. After aging in barrels, the spirit results in a complex and well-balanced whiskey that stands out in tastings.

To maintain quality, Smith emphasizes the importance of using high-quality equipment, meticulous procedures, and strong relationships with grain farmers, which are crucial for executing sweet mashing consistently.

This fall, Hard Truth has launched four new reserve whiskeys, each maturing in different barrels and employing unique blending techniques. Highlights include:

• Hard Truth Barrel Finished Reserve 2024 Blend: This blend, predominantly rye whiskey aged in barrels previously used for cognac, sherry, brandy, and sauternes, offers notes of stone fruit, grape, and spice.

• Hard Truth Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye: Aged for about two and a half years, this whiskey is later matured in new charred oak casks for over three years, bringing flavors of brown sugar, raisin, and vanilla.

• Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve 2024 Blend: Featuring a mix of chocolate malt, caramel malt, and malted sweet mash rye, this five-year-aged whiskey showcases maple, caramel, and fruit notes.

• Hard Truth Maple Brûlée Rye: Aged for over three years and finished in unique maple syrup barrels, this whiskey reveals flavors of maple, vanilla, and spice.

These unique expressions from Hard Truth Distilling Co. are now available for purchase at liquor stores and online.

Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy," has recently filed a trademark application that hints at an exciting new venture: a vodka brand called "Popular Vodka by Unwell." The application was submitted last month through her company, TRNDG IP LLC, and includes plans for a variety of alcoholic beverages, excluding beer. This includes distilled spirits, fruit spirits, liqueurs, and prepared cocktails primarily made from distilled spirits.

Cooper has teased a secret project on her Instagram account, announcing a launch scheduled for Wednesday. However, she has yet to confirm if this project relates to her upcoming liquor brand.

The trend of celebrities launching their own alcohol brands is becoming increasingly popular, with notable examples including Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila and Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation American Gin.

In addition to her podcasting success, Cooper has expanded her reach with the Unwell Network, which produces multiple influencer-driven podcasts. Notably, she signed a significant three-year deal with SiriusXM in August, valued at up to $125 million.

For further details on her brand and potential launch, you can follow her journey here: US Patent and Trademark Office.

The Stoli Group USA, creator of the iconic Stolichnaya vodka, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Dallas due to severe financial distress caused by a malicious cyberattack in September and ongoing legal conflicts with Russia over brand ownership. The company’s CEO, Chris Caldwell, explained that the cyber incident has necessitated a manual operation of their global business while systems are being rebuilt.

The vodka brand rebranded to "Stoli" in 2022 in a bid to distance itself from its Russian roots. This decision was driven by a worldwide backlash against Russian products following the invasion of Ukraine, with many consumers publicly rejecting Russian vodka.

Yuri Shefler, the Russian-born billionaire and owner of Stoli Group, has faced continuous challenges, including labeling from the Russian government that classifies him and his company as “extremist groups.” Shefler has been in exile since 2002 for his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. In response to Russia’s actions and the conflict in Ukraine, he has aimed for Stoli to embody peace and solidarity with Ukraine.

Despite being internationally marketed as Russian vodka, Stoli is produced in Latvia. The Stoli Group and its parent company, SPI Group, are currently addressing financial difficulties, reporting liabilities between $50 and $100 million. This bankruptcy is occurring during a downturn in alcohol sales in the U.S., as consumers adjust their purchasing habits for health or financial reasons.

The legal tussles surrounding the vodka brand have spotlighted contesting claims of ownership between Shefler’s Stoli Group and Sojuzplodoimport, a company that represents Russian state interests. As alcohol consumption decreases, particularly among younger demographics, the industry faces further complications, including the emergence of non-alcoholic alternatives and the broader social changes driven by marijuana legalization in various states.

Swap Out Your Boring Rum & Coke for a Rum Rum Rudolph

This festive drink brings a delightful twist to the classic Rum and Coke, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 maraschino cherry
• Ice
• 4 oz. Coca-Cola
• 2 oz. white or dark rum
• 1 1/2 oz. tart cherry juice

Directions

1. Cut the rosemary sprig into two 2-inch pieces and strip the leaves from the bottom half of each piece.
2. Poke two holes in the maraschino cherry using a toothpick. Insert the rosemary sprigs into each hole and then poke the toothpick through the cherry, slightly off-center to avoid the pit.
3. Fill a Collins glass with ice, then add the Coca-Cola, rum, and tart cherry juice. Gently stir to combine.
4. Garnish with the prepared cherry.

This refreshing drink is not only visually appealing but also brings a burst of festive flavors that will impress your guests. Enjoy this creative cocktail as a perfect holiday treat!

Mason Walker and Clay Risen, authors of the book Bourbon Lore, have a profound understanding of whiskey and share their insights on legendary spirits. Their recently published book highlights the rich history of American whiskey through a selection of 100 significant bottles.

They were asked to name their all-time favorite whiskeys, and both responded without hesitation. Clay Risen expressed his admiration for Rathskeller Rye, describing it as a personal favorite due to its extraordinary quality. This whiskey, distilled in 1983, has become a rarity; only 211 bottles were ever released, primarily allocated to the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville. Those lucky enough to try it describe an exquisite blend of spices, maple syrup, and port wine, leading to a complex finish of cinnamon and clove. Its rarity has made it highly sought after, with one bottle fetching an incredible $37,500 at auction.

Mason Walker also holds Rathskeller Rye in high regard but shares his affection for Michter’s 25 Year Rye, another highly coveted release. Both authors recognize that these exceptional whiskies are nearly unobtainable for most enthusiasts. In response, Bourbon Lore has introduced a rarity scale to classify different whiskies, from everyday pours to the truly legendary ones.

For those seeking high-quality yet accessible options, Walker recommends exploring the Russell’s Reserve portfolio of American whiskies. He suggests that trying a combination of their expressions offers an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.

For more on legendary whiskies, check out Bourbon Lore here.

Mason Walker and Clay Risen, authors of the book Bourbon Lore, delve into the world of legendary whiskey, sharing their top picks. Walker, who boasts a remarkable collection of vintage spirits, and Risen, an esteemed whiskey author, came together to create a comprehensive celebration of American whiskey culture through 100 notable expressions. Their collaboration extends beyond the book; they also host high-end tasting experiences across the U.S.

When asked about their all-time favorite whiskeys, Walker and Risen agreed almost immediately on Rathskeller Rye. Risen describes it as a personal favorite due to its legendary status and its profound impact on his whiskey journey. Originally distilled in 1983 at the Old Bernheim distillery and released 24 years later, Rathskeller Rye is exceedingly rare, with only 211 bottles available, most of which were allocated to Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel. Those who have tasted it praise its exquisite balance of spice and sweetness, with complex notes of maple syrup, port wine, cinnamon, and clove. This rarity is evidenced by a recent Sotheby’s auction, where a single bottle fetched an astounding $37,500.

While Risen cites Rathskeller Rye as his standout choice, Walker, who owns a bottle himself, considers it alongside another exceptional whiskey, Michter’s 25 Year Rye from 2011. He emphasizes that both represent significant chapters in the narrative of American whiskey.

Understanding the challenge of accessing such exclusive whiskeys, Bourbon Lore introduces a rarity classification system: Foundational (everyday options), Rare, and Legendary. For enthusiasts seeking something less elusive yet still delightful, Walker recommends exploring the Russell’s Reserve line, known for its accessible quality. He suggests purchasing a combo pack featuring five variations, a more economical choice compared to the elusive Rathskeller Rye.

In the realm of whiskey lore, Walker and Risen’s insights not only celebrate the rich history of American spirits but also make it clear that exceptional whiskey experiences come in a range of options, from the rare to the readily available.

In college, a popular choice for a fun night out was mixing cheap vodka with Red Bull—often resulting in a drink that tasted more like gasoline than anything else. Despite the overwhelming taste and worries about our health, we powered through, eager to enjoy the buzz that followed. We frequently heard rumors about filtering cheap vodka through a water filter, but we never tried it—mostly because we didn’t own one and were simply too impatient with our drinks.

Interestingly, this myth has lingered over the years. Some assert that running low-quality vodka through a water filter can enhance its taste, prompting tastings and experiments among curious drinkers.

Research indicates that this practice does indeed yield some results. While you won’t transform a handle of Kamchatka vodka into high-end brands like Ketel One, taste tests have shown a slight improvement in flavor when filtering cheaper vodkas through devices such as Brita filters. The science behind this is straightforward: premium vodkas undergo rigorous distillation and are filtered through activated carbon, which helps to remove impurities, making them smoother.

Once cheap vodka is filtered, some unpleasant tastes may diminish, leading to a better drinking experience. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the brand of vodka, the quality of the filter, and the palate of the testers involved.

In conclusion, while this hack can soften the blow of cheap vodka, it won’t completely replicate the experience of drinking a premium spirit. For those hoping to avoid a nasty hangover, unfortunately, this method doesn’t offer a solution. The search for that elusive hangover remedy continues.

For more insights into food and drink, consider subscribing to newsletters that feature taste tests, recipes, and trending culinary news.

The Caribbean Rum Awards have announced the outstanding rums of 2024, with a Martinique rum taking the top prize. The winner, Trois Rivières Triple Millésime 2006-2014-2016, is a unique blend of three different vintages, aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks, and has been awarded the title of World Champion.

This recognition came at the seventh annual Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth, where more than 60 rums from various categories were meticulously tasted by a panel of esteemed rum experts. Alexander Britell, founder of the awards, praised the Trois Rivières rum as an exceptional representation of Caribbean craftsmanship.

The production process involves selecting the finest rums from 2006, 2014, and 2016. The 2016 vintage contributes freshness, while the 2014 vintage brings aromatic complexity, complemented by the award-winning 2006 vintage.

In the World Championship category, which features ultra-premium rums, J Bally Grande Cuvée du Siècle 100 Ans received the Gold award, followed by Rhum JM Canopée with Silver, and Plantation Legacy 120 with Bronze.

Awards were also given across other categories. For Premium Molasses Rum, Ron Eminente and Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength were honored with Double Gold and Gold, respectively. In the VSOP category, Trois Rivières VSOP earned Double Gold with Rhum JM VSOP and Rhum Bielle 4 ans following.

In the Hors d’age category, Rhum Bielle 2013 took home the Double Gold, while Reimonenq 7 Ans, a 7-year-old rum from Guadalupe, was recognized in the XO category with a Double Gold award. For Rhum Agricole Blanc from Guadalupe and Martinique, Marie Louise and Rhum Saint James TOMBOLO won Double Gold.

The judging panel for this year included top figures from the rum and culinary world, further enhancing the prestige of the awards. The event, part of a week-long rum festival in St. Barths, featured various activities such as rum tastings, dinner pairings, and master classes.

For more information about the awards and to explore more about this year’s winners, visit the Caribbean Rum Awards.

A puppy named Whiskey survived a plane crash in Upstate New York that tragically claimed the life of the pilot, Seuk Kim, and another dog on board. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening around 6:10 PM. Kim, a dedicated dog rescuer, was flying the animals to a no-kill shelter in Albany from high-euthanasia facilities in the South.

In addition to Whiskey, another dog named Pluto was saved despite being initially thought to be dead. Pluto suffered some bruising but is expected to recover fully. Whiskey was found with two broken hind legs and is currently receiving treatment at Pieper Memorial Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Connecticut. Veterinarians have said they are optimistic about his recovery and have scheduled surgeries for his injuries.

Kim’s family mourns the loss, remembering him as a passionate advocate for animal rescue. As a licensed pilot, he had dedicated his time to flying dogs for adoption, having completed many successful missions prior to this devastating accident. His family members expressed their heartache on social media, urging others to appreciate their loved ones more deeply in light of this tragedy. Donations to assist with Whiskey and Pluto’s veterinary care have been encouraged by the shelter staff.

As an active part of the animal rescue community, Kim’s loss is felt profoundly, and many have come forward to acknowledge his tremendous commitment to saving animals’ lives. The NTSB is currently investigating the crash, which occurred under clear sky conditions, with no adverse weather reported at the time.