Liquor-articles 1905

Uber Eats has revealed its sixth annual Cravings Report, highlighting the most popular and unusual delivery requests of the year. In a notable shift from last year’s findings, where tequila topped the list, vodka has reclaimed the number one spot as the most ordered alcoholic beverage in 2024.

In previous years, the popularity of agave spirits grew significantly, even surpassing American whiskey sales in 2022. Despite predictions that tequila might overtake vodka as the leading category by value in the U.S., vodka continues to hold its ground, remaining the top-selling spirit.

The report indicates that Tito’s Vodka emerged as the favored brand among consumers. In fact, vodka stands alone as the only hard liquor among the top five alcohol requests on Uber Eats, which include Corona Extra Mexican Lager, Michelob Ultra, Josh Cellars cabernet sauvignon, and Oyster Bay Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

This trend aligns with the ongoing movement towards lower alcohol by volume (ABV) beverages, which was also noted in last year’s report. The aim for more mindful drinking has driven an increase in zero-proof spirits, particularly during designated sober months. January 2023 saw a remarkable growth of 75% in non-alcoholic beverage orders compared to the previous year. This year’s top non-alcoholic drinks were all zero-proof beers, starting with Stella Artois non-alcoholic beer.

Interestingly, while vodka remained the go-to spirit, margaritas stood out as the preferred cocktail choice for many, being frequently paired with various food orders. The report outlined that the most popular food and drink pairings included frozen margaritas with steak and margaritas on the rocks with tacos.

Not only has there been a surge in alcohol sales on Uber Eats, especially during significant events like Election Night, but college towns continued to dominate late-night orders. The report also distinguished healthier cities based on their delivery habits, with Miami leading the list, followed by Tampa and Columbus, Ohio.

Additionally, the report shared some unique delivery requests, including a notable trend towards "eating for two," where pregnant women sought cravings fulfillment through the app.

For further insights, you can check the full Uber Eats Cravings Report.

Tony Crowder, a whiskey enthusiast from Ripley, Tennessee, has initiated a petition to change the state’s restrictive liquor laws that prevent the shipment of distilled spirits from other states. For Crowder, enjoying whiskey means frequent travel to distilleries, which is often burdensome due to travel constraints and the risk of breakage. The longstanding Tennessee law, rooted in the Prohibition era, permits local distilleries to ship alcohol within state lines but not from outside.

Despite the repeal of national Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933, Tennessee maintained its restrictions. Crowder’s frustration has led him to seek change through an online petition, aiming for a minimum of 2,000 signatures before presenting it to state lawmakers like Rep. Chris Hurt, who shows interest in his concerns.

Crowder believes reforming the law could enhance consumer access to a diverse range of spirits and stimulate economic growth in Tennessee’s alcohol industry. In 2018, the distilled spirits sector contributed an estimated $8.6 billion to the state’s economy, bolstered by tourism related to whiskey and bourbon trails. Crowder supports the idea that allowing shipments could level the playing field for smaller distilleries against larger, well-known brands that dominate wholesaler portfolios.

Support for Crowder’s petition extends to industry figures, including Lee Kennedy from Leiper’s Fork Distillery, who argues that direct-to-consumer shipping would benefit small-scale distilleries.

The petition is currently active on change.org but has garnered fewer than 500 signatures so far. Crowder hopes the collective effort will illuminate the need for reform and prompt state officials to reconsider the existing laws.

Zacapa Rum has announced its continued collaboration with the Latin American Fashion Summit, honoring the Colombian luxury brand Agua Bendita and its cofounders, Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, with the Visionary of the Year award.

The award recognizes Agua Bendita for its dedication to community empowerment, particularly its efforts to work with rural Colombian artisans in producing handcrafted pieces. Hinestroza and Álvarez founded Agua Bendita in 2003, creating swimsuits from surplus fabrics sourced from local clothing factories in Medellin. The brand has since expanded significantly, launching a luxury collection in 2018, known as Agua by Agua Bendita, and selling its products in over 70 countries.

In addition to honoring Agua Bendita, the award ceremony reflects Zacapa Rum’s commitment to supporting designers who celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and community upliftment. Last year’s inaugural Visionary of the Year award went to Raul Lopez of Luar, who collaborated with Zacapa Rum for a special project.

Agua Bendita’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident in its collaborations and business model, as it partners with major U.S. retailers like Net-a-porter and Moda Operandi, while also venturing into resale with a platform established in the U.S. This year, they also hosted their first pop-up store in Dallas, enhancing their brand visibility in the U.S. market.

For more details, visit the official pages of Zacapa Rum and Agua Bendita.

A vodka produced from agave, inspired by tequila-making techniques, has been awarded the title of the world’s best vodka at the New York World Spirits Competition 2024. This prestigious competition, managed by The Tasting Alliance, celebrated Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, a newcomer to the market that debuted earlier this year in May.

The competition, held in Brooklyn over the summer, involved blind tasting by experts, including spirits journalists and bartenders. While the results for various categories were revealed earlier, the overall Best In Show honors were disclosed this month. Weber Ranch competed against other notable entrants such as Derring-Do Vodka from Florida, DE CAJON Vodka from Peru, and Por Osos Vodka from Texas.

Weber Ranch 1902 stands out due to its unique composition, crafted entirely from Blue Weber agave. This approach sets it apart from the majority of vodkas, which typically utilize ingredients like wheat, potatoes, or corn. Priced at $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle, this vodka combines the rich flavors of agave with the traditional crispness of vodka. The agave used is mature, at least seven years old, and is distilled in Jalisco, Mexico before being blended with water from the Trinity Aquifer in Texas.

The official tasting notes indicate fruity and sweet undertones, with flavors of green apple and pineapple, presenting a warm finish that reduces the typical harshness associated with vodka. This distinct flavor profile allows it to function well both when sipped neat and as a cocktail mixer.

The acknowledgment of Weber Ranch comes at an interesting juncture in the spirits industry, as tequila and vodka vie for consumer attention. While tequila sales have risen, vodka has seen a slight decline. Weber Ranch pairs the richness of tequila with the classic characteristics of vodka, illustrating that consumers can enjoy both without having to choose one over the other.

For more information on the New York World Spirits Competition, visit The Tasting Alliance.

Wedbush recently assigned Rumble Inc (RUM) a Neutral rating, as reported on July 17, 2024, by Finviz. Analyst ratings play a pivotal role in shaping investor expectations and sentiments regarding stock performance.

On the trading front, Rumble Inc (RUM) experienced a modest uptick on Monday, closing at $7.21, marking an increase of $1.10, or 18.00%, from the previous close of $6.11. The stock opened at $6.20, dipped to a low of $6.15, and peaked at $7.29 during the trading session. The trading volume reached 6.92 million shares, significantly surpassing the average volume of 1.57 million.

Over recent trades, Rumble Inc’s stock has displayed notable volatility, showing fluctuations of 24.96% over the last five trades and 33.77% over the past 30 trades. Compared to earlier in the year, the stock has adjusted by 3.30% over the last six months and increased by 18.98% in the last three months. Currently, RUM’s stock trades 21.66%, 29.27%, and 13.71% above its 20-Day, 50-Day, and 200-Day Simple Moving Averages, respectively. As of the latest close, the stock is trading 21.63% below its 52-week high but is 116.52% above its 52-week low. The 14-day Average True Range (ATR) of 0.47 indicates the average price volatility of the stock.

Looking into Rumble Inc’s financial health, it has reported an operating margin of -192.15% and a profit margin of -163.37%, with a gross margin of 3.30%. The profit margin is an important metric that reflects the company’s efficiency in converting sales into net income.

Rumble Inc’s market capitalization stands at $2.99 billion, with a Price-to-Sales Ratio of 38.1 and a Price-to-Book Ratio of 10.6, showcasing its sales and book value metrics.

When it comes to insider trading, a high percentage of shares, 73.91%, are owned by company insiders, with financial institutions holding 9.03%. Recently, notable insider trades include Arsov Robert, a Director at Rumble Inc, who sold several batches of shares: 30,000 shares at $5.93 each, totaling $0.18 million on November 6, 2024; another 30,000 shares at $5.89 each for $0.18 million on November 5, 2024; and 27,500 shares at $5.83 each, amounting to $0.16 million on November 1, 2024.

Nestled in the picturesque Crown Range of New Zealand, just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, lies Cardrona Distillery. This quaint stone-walled structure produces a symphony of steam that rises into the crisp mountain air. The idyllic setting, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands with its rolling hills and sheep grazing in the distance, is a beautiful contrast to the modern sounds of a helicopter delivering whiskey enthusiasts to the distillery.

On a February Tuesday, visitors arrive at Cardrona to indulge in New Zealand’s burgeoning whiskey scene. The distillery represents a renaissance of sorts for the region, with a commitment to creating high-quality, barrel-aged spirits that are poised to make waves in the international market. As they gather to sample these unique offerings, it’s clear that Cardrona and its fellow distillers are ready to cement New Zealand’s place on the global whiskey map.

For additional information, check out Cardrona Distillery.

The 29th President, Warren G. Harding, was known for his extravagant lifestyle during a tumultuous time in American history — Prohibition. Despite this nationwide ban on alcohol, Harding made a name for himself by indulging in lavish gatherings at the White House that overflowed with bootlegged liquor. His parties, often featuring a wide array of whiskey brands, became legendary, with guests reportedly witnessing trays filled with illicit spirits.

Alice Longworth, a notable figure of the time, corroborated the raucous events, describing them as events where “every imaginable brand of whiskey” was served. Harding’s administration was marked by a mix of political dealings and personal indulgences; he was said to even participate in negotiations while intoxicated and gambled away presidential artifacts at these gatherings, showcasing a stark contrast to the sober image expected of a President.

One notable drink associated with Harding was the Tom & Jerry, a festive cocktail reminiscent of eggnog. This rich, warm beverage was enjoyed often during Christmas celebrations in the White House. Made from a frothy mixture of eggs, sugar, and various spirits, including dark rum, the Tom & Jerry encapsulates the festive spirit while retaining its historical roots linked to Harding’s love for festive gatherings.

Harding’s penchant for alcohol and indulgent parties serves as a fascinating illustration of the era, encapsulating both the rebellion against Prohibition and the personal extravagance of a leader during turbulent times.

To explore more about cocktails and recipes from that era, you can check out How To Make 30 Classic Cocktails: An Illustrated Guide.

Celebrity spirits often face skepticism, often viewed merely as overpriced vanity projects with poor quality. However, some celebrity-backed spirits have risen above this reputation. Here are five standout offerings from celebrities who collaborated with respected distillers to create high-quality products that have been well-received by enthusiasts and judges alike.

Beyoncé’s SirDavis Whisky

Beyoncé partnered with renowned Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden of Moët Hennessy to craft SirDavis, a rye-forward whiskey named after her moonshining great-grandfather, Davis Hogue. Inspired by Beyoncé’s affinity for Japanese whisky, this spirit features smooth, oaky flavors that make it a delightful addition to any liquor cabinet.

More about SirDavis

Jason Momoa’s Meili Vodka

Jason Momoa, alongside designer Blaine Halvorson, aimed to bring vodka back as a sipping spirit with Meili Vodka. Their search for pristine water led them to the mountains of Montana, resulting in an ultra-smooth vodka with a clean flavor profile that includes warm vanilla notes, making it enjoyable neat.

More about Meili Vodka

Matthew Arkin’s Batch 22 Aquavit

Matthew Arkin created Batch 22 Aquavit after his first experience with the spirit in Eastern Europe during the 1970s. Inspired by its unique flavor and the communal experience it fostered, he polished a family recipe during the pandemic with help from friends and family. The result is a distinctive liquor with herbaceous notes, perfect for adventurous drinkers.

Bob Dylan’s Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Whiskey aims to tell stories through its spirits. The Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey blends two unique bourbons, unfiltered and non-charcoal mellowed. This bourbon captures gritty character and flavor, aligning with the essence of Dylan’s music.

Mike Love’s Club Kokomo Spirits’ Artisanal White Rum

Inspired by the Beach Boys’ iconic song, Mike Love, along with his son, launched Club Kokomo Spirits, crafting their rum with distiller Geoff Longenecker. This artisanal white rum has an intriguing flavor balance, making it perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails like mojitos.

More about Club Kokomo Rum

These celebrity spirits showcase dedication to quality and craftsmanship, proving that excellent beverages can indeed come from unexpected sources.

Halloween has just passed, and as we dive into the holiday season, it’s still feeling like fall in Pittsburgh. With warm temperatures holding steady at around 70 degrees, transitioning to the winter festivities can be a challenge. However, a new collaborative drink aims to ease this shift: the Fireside Mule, created by Maggie’s Farm Rum and Jackworth Ginger Beer Brewery.

This refreshing cocktail comes in a convenient can and blends baking spice-flavored rum with organic ginger, lime, and cane sugar, providing a delightful zing at 8% alcohol by volume. The packaging features a whimsical illustration of Special Agent Dana Skully, the skeletal mascot of Maggie’s Farm Rum, which adds a touch of cozy fun.

The release of the Fireside Mule coincides with the recent passage of Pennsylvania State Senate Bill 688, which allows certain retailers to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. This landmark legislation marks the first time in 91 years that these types of beverages can be purchased outside state-run liquor stores, enabling more choices for consumers. As a result, craft producers like Jackworth are finding more ways to reach their audience.

The unique partnership between the two companies reflects a shared ethos, as both businesses started from humble beginnings, focusing on quality and creativity. Whether it’s hard seltzers or ginger beer, both are committed to serving an enthusiastic consumer base with innovative products.

The Fireside Mule will be available at both Jackworth and Maggie’s Farm tasting rooms, with the wide-release slated for the week of November 11. Initially, 120 cases were produced, and if successful, additional runs may follow. Plans for a tropical version, potentially featuring pineapple, are also being considered if the warmer weather continues into the winter months.

For those with dietary restrictions, the Fireside Mule is gluten-free, a silver lining given the recent unfortunate news regarding Aurochs Brewing’s closure. Whether looking for something seasonal or a refreshing drink to sip on while enjoying the fall atmosphere, the Fireside Mule is a delightful option for Pittsburgh locals and visitors alike.

For more information on Maggie’s Farm, visit their locations in the Strip District and Upper St. Clair or check the offerings at Jackworth Ginger Beer Brewery in Larimer.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum, a popular choice among consumers, is produced by the renowned Sazerac Company. While Costco manages the marketing and product pricing, it relies on Sazerac—known for its whiskey and multiple rum brands—for production. This partnership allows Costco to offer a quality product at a competitive price. For instance, the 1.75-liter bottle of this spiced rum is priced just under $14, significantly lower than similar offerings from competitors like Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry.

The flavor profile of Kirkland’s Spiced Rum is rich and inviting, with prominent notes of vanilla and spices, complemented by hints of char and citrus. This rum can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or as a flavorful addition to various cocktails. Costco also offers different varieties, such as an aged Guatemalan XO Rum, which is priced competitively at under $25 for a 750-milliliter bottle, providing excellent value compared to competitors.

Overall, Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum is praised for its quality and affordability, making it a favored choice for liquor purchases.

For further information on Kirkland products or to explore their offerings, visit Costco’s official website.