Liquor-articles 1905

Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz, stars of "Vanderpump Rules," have decided to close their bar, Schwartz & Sandy’s, after just two years of operation. The decision comes amid a backdrop of turmoil that began with the explosive "Scandoval" controversy, where Sandoval faced backlash for having an affair with Raquel Leviss while dating Ariana Madix.

The closure marks a significant shift for the duo, whose bar was featured prominently on the Bravo reality series. Schwartz mentioned that the closure was a difficult decision for them to make, indicating that they had put significant thought and consideration into the move.

The bar, which opened in 2022, was meant to be a new venture for the pair, providing a place for fans to connect with them. However, ongoing controversy and the challenges of running a hospitality business after being in the public eye have likely contributed to their decision to close its doors.

The closure reflects the broader struggles within the reality TV realm and the impact of public scrutiny on personal and professional endeavors.

New details have surfaced regarding a tragic mass poisoning incident in Laos that has claimed the lives of six tourists, including British lawyer Simon White, aged 28. The situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of alcoholic beverages in the region, specifically after it was suspected that methanol may have been mixed with vodka consumed at a hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacking destination.

Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes converted into illicit alcoholic drinks, is believed to have been involved in this case as victims allegedly ingested the dangerous cocktail. In Vang Vieng, Tiger Vodka is readily available for as little as 36p (1000 Kip) in retail stores, with reports suggesting that bars might purchase even cheaper, locally produced spirits that are blended and distilled in Laos.

The findings have provoked critical questions about why hostel and bar staff would resort to using methanol. Currently, there remain 11 additional foreign nationals hospitalized in serious condition due to similar poisoning cases. Among the deceased were Australian teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, alongside American James Louis Hutson, and Danish students Anne-Sofie Orkid Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen.

Local sources speculate that the incident may be attributed to a production error within a government-operated facility, as the Laotian government holds an 90% stake in the alcohol industry. In response to the unfolding tragedy, police in Laos have detained the hostel manager and owner for questioning.

The Laotian government expressed profound sadness over the deaths and is conducting investigations to identify the causes of the incident and bring those responsible to justice. Simon White’s family issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their beloved son and extending their sympathies to the other affected families.

Although no charges have been filed yet, authorities have detained several individuals as a precaution while investigations continue. The Nana Backpacker Hostel involved remains operational but is not accepting new guests during this inquiry. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing consular support to those impacted by the tragedy.

Cachaça and rum are two distinct spirits that often confuse consumers due to their similarities. Both are derived from sugar sources, but their production processes and cultural significances set them apart.

Cachaça, Brazil’s national liquor, is made from fresh sugarcane juice, giving it a unique flavor profile that is sweet and raw compared to rum, which is typically produced from molasses or various sugarcane derivatives. The first recorded sugarcane mill in Brazil dates back to 1516, leading to the creation of cachaça from the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice. While it can be bottled immediately or aged in wooden barrels, the aging process allows for a variety of flavors, influenced by the diverse woods used.

Rum, on the other hand, boasts a range of production methods that can drastically alter its taste. It can be distilled from sugarcane juice, similar to cachaça (known as rhum agricole), but is more commonly made from byproducts like molasses. This variability results in a wide variety of styles, flavors, and colors, from light to dark, sweet to rich and complex.

While some might argue that cachaça falls under the rum category, this oversimplification overlooks the spirit’s rich history and its pivotal role in Brazilian culture. For those eager to explore these differences, tasting both spirits reveals the unique qualities that each brings to the table, whether in cocktails or enjoyed neat.

For further reading, check out the original article on Chowhound.

Vodka is a versatile spirit, perfect for numerous cocktails, but the quality varies significantly across brands. Some lower-end vodkas can be more akin to "lighter fluid" than premium spirits. To help novice drinkers select the best value vodkas, industry experts were consulted for their recommendations.

Top Value Vodka Picks

Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s is a favorite among many experts, recommended for its clarity and smoothness, retailing at around $17 for a 750ml bottle. Its slightly sweet flavor makes it suitable for any cocktail, leading many from various bars and restaurants to choose it as a staple.

Blue Ice Vodka
Blue Ice is a smooth potato vodka from Idaho, combining slightly tart and sweet notes. Priced around $20 for a 750ml bottle, it stands out both in cocktails and when served neat.

Oka Vodka
Oka offers a unique blend of old-world tradition and modern taste with its rice-based distillation process, giving it floral and citrus notes. This higher-proof vodka retails for $25 to $30 for a 900ml bottle, making it an excellent choice for sophisticated cocktails.

Stolichnaya (Stoli)
Stoli is seen as the quintessential vodka, providing a mild yet familiar flavor that mixes well with many ingredients. An affordable option at around $15 for a 750ml bottle, it’s a solid choice for any home bar.

Weber Ranch Vodka
This vodka is distinct due to its agave base, reminiscent of tequila, offering unique flavors that make it stand out. Priced at about $30 for a 750ml bottle, it’s perfect for sipping or in cocktails.

Smirnoff
As a long-standing staple, Smirnoff offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience for a very reasonable price, usually around $15 for a 1-liter bottle. Its wide availability makes it a go-to for many vodka drinkers.

Haku Vodka
Distilled from white rice and filtered through bamboo, Haku is praised for its rich taste, making it suitable for cocktails or on the rocks. Available for about $30 for a 750ml bottle, it’s well-regarded in the industry.

Notable Mentions

• Pinnacle Vodka is recognized for its affordability and variety, often found at around $20 for a larger, 1.75-liter bottle.
• Helix7 Vodka brings a unique blend of Icelandic water and French wheat, known for its clean and creamy taste, retailing around $20 for a 750ml bottle.
• Grey Goose and Belvedere both offer higher-end qualities, cited for their flavor depth, around $20 to $24, but may be considered a bit pricier.

In conclusion, while vodka options abound, these selections represent well-regarded choices among professionals for their flavor, quality, and affordability, making them worthy additions to any home bar.

Fireball Whiskey has introduced a unique holiday stocking designed to "relieve" festive stress, filled with 35 shots of the brand’s signature cinnamon-flavored whiskey. This creative product was launched in response to a survey revealing that a significant portion of Gen Zers (62%) and Millennials (59%) admit that holiday gatherings leave them wishing they could “slap a relative” to cope with stress.

Danny Suich, the Global Brand Director for Fireball, emphasized the brand’s mission to meet unrecognized needs during the sometimes hectic holiday season. The infamous stocking not only comes with the whiskey, but it also encourages patrons to "slap" it for therapeutic relief, further solidifying the lighthearted, cheeky nature of the promotion.

To enhance the stocking’s appeal, Fireball consulted with John Davis, a professional “power-slapper," who humorously noted he has been “training for this my whole life.” He recommended an optimal form for the slap, advising people to “take a knee” in front of the stocking for the best effect.

In addition, the promotion features digital ads with social media influencer Hannah Stocking, who provides a cheerful rundown of the stocking’s uses—“Hang it! Slap it! And pour it!”—while dressed in festive attire.

Fireball’s inventive holiday stocking follows other unconventional product launches, such as “Crierball”—a whiskey made from the tears of losing football fans collected at major games, set to be available during the 2025-2026 football season.

The Fireball Whiskey stocking is currently available for $24.99 in select U.S. retailers, bringing a spirited twist to holiday cheer.

Donald Trump is preparing to engage in a potential new trade conflict with the United Kingdom, focusing on tariffs during upcoming negotiations set to start soon after his inauguration in January. Industry insiders express concern that tariffs could be imposed on wines and spirits, with new charges expected in the next 18 months. This follows a history of tariff disputes between the two nations, including a previous 25% tax on whisky and other spirits imposed in 2019, which was later suspended for five years.

The reinstatement of these tariffs could significantly impact the UK’s Scotch whisky market and increase prices for American liquors in British pubs. For example, a Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola could see price hikes of over 20%. Miles Beale, CEO of the UK’s Wine and Spirits Trade Association, voiced fears that the US might target their market again, urging the UK government to act promptly to advocate for the elimination of these tariffs.

The former president has suggested that he might use these tariffs as a negotiation tactic, indicating they could serve a dual purpose of raising revenue and addressing trade deficits. He has also selected Howard Lutnick, a Wall Street executive, as his Commerce Secretary, a position that would place him in charge of tariffs.

The prior tariff regime caused the Scotch industry to suffer a loss of £600 million in exports to the US. In 2021, Scottish businesses managed £978 million worth of whisky sales in the US market. The Scotch Whisky Association has called for zero-tariff arrangements to continue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust trade relationships.

Britain’s Department of Business and Trade has highlighted its hopes to ensure key industries, including financial services and pharmaceuticals, remain tariff-free, with comprehensive strategies in place to negotiate terms favoring the UK in the trade discussions.

The potential trade challenges coincide with Trump’s intent to use trade policies as diplomatic tools, suggesting a need for close monitoring and strategic planning as both nations navigate these complex negotiations.

Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) are on a quest to revive a unique variety of rye that sank with a ship called the James R. Bentley in Lake Huron in 1878. The ship was on a Chicago-to-Buffalo route when it succumbed to a storm, taking not only its crew but also its cargo—rye seeds that are now extinct.

Recently, a team of divers retrieved these seeds from the cold depths of the lake, which had partially preserved them. Eric Olson, an associate professor at MSU, described the find as akin to "winning a million-dollar jackpot." The team has a plan to bring this lost rye back to life by extracting the seeds’ DNA and reviving its genetic makeup using modern genomic techniques.

Upon retrieval, the seeds were stored in tubes and kept on ice to prevent spoilage. Despite their careful handling, all attempts to germinate the seeds in treated conditions failed. However, the good news was that the cold water had preserved the seeds’ cells enough to turn to Plan B: DNA extraction and genomic sequencing. By assembling parts of the genome, researchers hope to integrate these historic rye traits into modern rye varieties.

The rescued rye, dubbed Bentley rye, shows promise as it aligns closely with an heirloom strain known as Rosen rye, which flourished in Michigan in the 1900s. Following the trend of modern sustainability, the team aims to create "a better rye" by merging the traits of these two strains. With the help of Chad Munger, CEO of Mammoth Distilling, seeds of Rosen rye were located and multiplied, providing a baseline for revival efforts.

Opting for chromosome engineering, Olson emphasized this would mark an unprecedented attempt at large-scale genetic enhancement of rye. He believes that successfully reviving this ancient grain could significantly impact Michigan’s agricultural landscape and attract whiskey tourism to the state.

By melding the past with cutting-edge science, researchers hope to deliver a modern rye that not only is rooted in Michigan’s agricultural history but also serves a new purpose in today’s whiskey market. If successful, this revival could change how whiskey is produced, allowing consumers to understand the origins of the grains in their spirits.

The World Whiskey Society is proud to announce the release of their latest offering, Doc Holliday 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This bourbon is named after the notorious figure John Henry Holliday, more famously known as Doc Holliday, who is often remembered as a gunslinger from the O.K. Corral.

This exceptional bourbon is crafted with a mash bill consisting of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. After maturing for fifteen years in new, charred American oak barrels, it is bottled at a striking 61.5% ABV without any filtration.

According to the World Whiskey Society, tasting this bourbon reveals a rich and intricate profile. The aroma is complex, featuring notes of caramelized apples, maraschino cherries, clove, nutmeg, and roasted pecans. The taste is equally captivating, combining these elements with additional hints of vanilla beans, candied nuts, and a smooth, buttery finish. The experience culminates in a long, warm finish marked by caramel apples and subtle winter spices.

If you are interested in trying this unique whiskey for yourself, a 750ml bottle is available for purchase on the World Whiskey Society’s website for $399. Enjoy a glass while watching ‘Tombstone’ for a perfect pairing of this mellow, sipping bourbon with classic Western cinema.

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have managed to recover 145-year-old rye seeds from a shipwreck in Lake Huron, with plans to use them to create whiskey. This endeavor aims to revive a historical crop and link Michigan’s agricultural heritage to its modern agricultural landscape.

The schooner James R. Bentley sank in 1878 while transporting rye destined for Chicago. Although the shipwreck was found in 1984, the rye remained submerged until recent efforts revealed the seeds. A team of scientists utilized specialized metal tubes to extract the seeds from the wreck on September 17, 2024. However, safeguarding the viability of these seeds, which had spent more than a century underwater, proved challenging.

Upon extraction, the seeds, which have been named "Bentley rye," were rushed to Michigan State University for analysis. Associate Professor Eric Olson expressed cautious hope for their ability to germinate. "It was thrilling to think we might revive this variety and reconnect with our agricultural past," he stated, although he highlighted the challenges posed by the seeds’ long submersion.

Initial attempts to germinate the seeds were unsuccessful, even with the application of gibberellic acid—a hormone that stimulates seed growth. Despite their appearance, the seeds seemed to have lost the necessary viable components for germination. Olson elaborated that while the seeds looked intact, they lacked the vital mitochondria for sprouting.

The research team then devised an alternative strategy, aiming to extract genetic material from the ancient seeds. Olson explained, "We can recover the genes within these seeds and use modern genetic techniques to reconstruct parts of the genome. Essentially, we can sequence the chromosomes of this rye and transfer segments into a contemporary rye variety, thereby reviving a piece of our history."

Plans are underway to merge the genetic material of Bentley rye with another historic variety known as Rosen rye. This hybridization could facilitate the development of a new crop that could be significant in producing whiskey, linking Michigan’s historical farming practices with present-day agricultural opportunities.

Chad Munger, CEO of Mammoth Distilling and Consolidated Rye and Whiskey, foresees the project enhancing agrotourism and creating markets for locally grown rye. “Our goal is to recreate the agricultural economy that thrived around rye production over a century ago,” Munger emphasized. “We aim to generate a market for Michigan rye that extends far beyond the state, leveraging this connection to history.”

For more details, you can follow the story on Interesting Engineering.