Liquor-articles 1851

Bad Bunny’s electrifying Super Bowl LX halftime show has sparked a significant surge in interest surrounding Puerto Rican rum. Data from Total Wine shows a staggering 261% increase in online searches for Puerto Rican rum following the performance. Additionally, searches for coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican beverage, skyrocketed by 504%.

Claudia Balanta, a bartender in Brooklyn, highlighted Puerto Rico’s rich rum culture, noting the island’s exceptional variety ranging from light and delicate to aged, complex styles. The performance featured Bad Bunny walking among towering sugarcane, symbolizing rum’s deep-rooted connection to Puerto Rican identity.

Jeremy Ortiz, a bartender from San Juan, echoed this sentiment by stating, "Rum has always been an established part of our cultural identity,” referencing the Piña Colada’s origins in Puerto Rico. Ortiz also pointed out the historical context of rum production associated with colonialism, which adds layers of pride and resilience to the beverage’s significance for Puerto Ricans.

The halftime show, coinciding with Bad Bunny’s Grammy win for Album of the Year, showcased elements of Puerto Rican culture and left many viewers, including Ortiz, feeling tears of pride. "It felt like a moment of reflection and a reminder that we need to love more," said Balanta.

Puerto Rican rum serves not only as a delightful drink but also as a source of cultural pride. On this note, expert bartenders shared their favorite rum recommendations, emphasizing the diversity and unique qualities of Puerto Rican rums.

1. Bacardí Reserva Ocho: This rum, aged for eight years, delivers smooth hazelnut notes and serves as an excellent introduction to aged rum.

2. Ron del Barrilito Three Star: Often regarded as a point of pride, this rum is characterized by rich flavors of caramel, almonds, and vanilla, representing the bartender’s connection to his roots.

3. Ron Pepón Agricola: Made purely from sugarcane, this rum offers distinct vegetal notes that stand out among others, appealing to those interested in unique flavor profiles.

4. Don Q PX Aged Cask: This rum distilled in PX sherry casks offers a rich, raisin-like sweetness that blends well for those who prefer whiskey.

5. Palo Viejo: Despite being considered a value brand, this white rum is notable for its unique flavor and is commonly used in traditional Puerto Rican drinks like Chichaito.

6. Rincón Rum: Blended from both molasses and sugarcane, this rum is known for its fresh, bright flavors that reflect the island’s essence.

7. Ron Artesano White Rum: This handcrafted white rum, which is yet to be available on the mainland, showcases a distinct taste reminiscent of Agricole rum.

With Bad Bunny’s impactful performance at the Super Bowl and the subsequent celebration of Puerto Rican culture, now is an ideal time to explore the island’s remarkable rums. For those eager to dive deeper, a visit to Puerto Rico may be the perfect opportunity.

After Bad Bunny’s recent Grammy wins and impressive halftime show, interest in Puerto Rican rum has surged. Search data from Total Wine shows a 261% increase in searches for Puerto Rican rum following the Super Bowl. The creamy national beverage, coquito, also saw a staggering 504% rise in searches.

Claudia Balanta, a bartender at Milly’s in Brooklyn, notes that Puerto Rico’s diverse rum styles—from light and clean to aged, complex varieties—highlight the island’s status as the rum capital of the world. Rum reflects Puerto Rican culture, symbolizing both pride and a rich history, including the sorrowful aspects associated with colonialism. LyAnna Sanabria, co-founder and beverage director at Papi Portland, emphasizes that rum is a point of pride amid Puerto Rico’s complex past.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show resonated deeply with Puerto Ricans, showcasing cultural elements that incited a sense of communal pride. Jeremy Ortiz from La Factoría shared his emotional response to the performance, expressing gratitude for the representation of Puerto Rico’s identity.

As Puerto Rican rum serves as a vehicle for connection and celebration, bartending experts recommend several notable varieties for those looking to explore this vibrant spirit:

1. Bacardí Reserva Ocho
   An eight-year-aged rum known for its light, smooth qualities and hazelnut notes, making it a great introduction to aged rum.

2. Ron del Barrilito Three Star
   Celebrated for its rich flavors of caramelized sugarcane and almonds, this rum symbolizes both personal journeys and deep cultural significance.

3. Ron Pepón Agricola
   This unique sugarcane-based rum offers herbaceous funk and sweet vanilla essence, presenting a fresh twist that’s garnered attention for its distinct flavor profile.

4. Don Q PX Aged Cask
   Aged in PX sherry casks, this rum boasts raisin and orange flavors, offering complexity suitable for both beginners and seasoned rum enthusiasts.

5. Palo Viejo
   Although considered a value brand, this white rum plays an essential role in cocktails like Chichaito, embodying Puerto Rican drinking culture.

6. Rincón Rum
   A representation of Puerto Rican craft rum, Rincón offers bright, fresh flavors which are perfect for those seeking an uncomplicated spirit.

7. Ron Artesano White Rum
   Known for its handcrafted distilling process, this rum presents a unique profile that combines characteristics of traditional rums with a fresh finish.

The surge in interest for Puerto Rican rum highlights its importance in cultural identity and community bonding, encouraging both locals and newcomers to engage with these unique expressions of the island’s rich heritage.

Colorado has been experiencing a whiskey renaissance in recent years, gaining accolades and recognition for its craft spirits. Among the latest to make waves in the scene is Onyx & Amber, a company that diverges from the traditional distillery model. Instead of producing its own spirits, Onyx & Amber sources whiskey from established distillers, ages it, and skillfully blends it to create unique offerings.

In December, they launched a special release that has caught the attention of whiskey enthusiasts. Named the Guest Blender Series Blend No. 1, the blend was crafted in collaboration with Ryan Negley, a respected figure in Colorado’s whiskey community, known for his work at Peach Street Distillers and Deerhammer. His prior blends have garnered awards from prestigious competitions, enhancing the excitement around this new release.

This particular whiskey has a robust 111.6 proof, but it surprises with its smoothness, featuring delicate notes of anise, violet, and maple on the nose, while the palate presents rich flavors of leather, caramelized sugar, and a hint of tobacco. The blend is designed to engage both seasoned connoisseurs and casual whiskey drinkers alike.

Ryan Negley expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that this project marked his first independent venture outside of established brands. He founded his consulting service, Will Whiskey for Work, last summer, aiming to assist craft distillers facing challenges in the post-distillation process.

Onyx & Amber’s founders—Ben Rosen, Brian Vaught, Matt Krumholz, Kenneth Bunn, and Cascade LeSage—view their brand as a passion project. They aim to democratize whiskey, enabling consumers to choose from a wider selection than what has become customary in today’s competitive market. Rosen, who has been building a whiskey community since he took over the Colorado Bourbon and Rye Collectors club, emphasized the importance of allowing stores to sample from multiple barrels for their selections.

The company has been proactively building its inventory, acquiring barrels from the renowned MGP Ingredients and aging them in Colorado to leverage the state’s distinct climatic conditions. This strategy has resulted in a diverse storage of over 260 barrels among various locations.

In April, Onyx & Amber debuted a tasting room near Empower Field, allowing whiskey fans to explore their offerings firsthand. The first release from the Guest Blender Series is priced at $87.99 and is available for purchase online and at local establishments.

This initiative celebrates both established and emerging blenders, giving them a chance to shine by creating expressions that reflect their unique identities while also putting the blender’s expertise front and center, rather than obscured by branding.

Every year, whiskey expert Fred Minnick publishes a list of the top 100 whiskeys, evaluated through blind tasting methods. His latest list for 2025 has drawn attention due to the prominence of craft distilleries and independent blenders. This year’s selection reflects consumers’ growing demand for innovation in the bourbon industry.

Minnick’s criteria for selection is rigorous—whiskeys must offer something unique or innovative, and he does not include single barrels due to their inconsistency. High-scoring whiskeys from his ASCOT Awards are automatically included, alongside personal favorites from live tasting events.

The top whiskey for 2025 is the George T. Stagg, a release from Buffalo Trace, with an impressive proof of 142.8. Made from barrels aged for over 15 years, this bourbon is known for its uncut and unfiltered nature, preserving its high proof and complex flavor profile. Tasting notes highlight deep oak, rich vanilla, dark tobacco, and ripe cherry.

The full list, showcasing top whiskeys such as Sazerac 18 Year Rye and Booker’s 2025-3 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, emphasizes the high-quality offerings from the craft whiskey segment. The demand for craftsmanship and authenticity in whiskey continues to be a significant trend among consumers.

For more details, you can view the complete list of the top 100 whiskeys.

Puerto Plata has recently unveiled the Rum Legacy Museum & Shop Experience, enhancing its cultural and tourism landscape. Inaugurated on February 10, the museum is dedicated to the historical, production, and cultural significance of Dominican rum, a pivotal aspect of national identity.

The ceremony took place at Beller Street #11A in the Historic Center, attracting local authorities, leaders from the tourism and rum sectors, tour operators, strategic partners, and media representatives. Lisette Fernández Brugal from the marketing team stated that the museum aims to create an immersive experience that links visitors to the traditions and evolution of Dominican rum through a blend of heritage and storytelling.

Visitors can enjoy an audio-guided tour available in both English and Spanish, taking them through the rum production stages, including fermentation, distillation, and the journey of raw materials. Authentic elements, such as an original sugar mill and sensory stations, enhance the educational experience, while a souvenir shop offers exclusive themed items.

The visit culminates in a guided tasting of various Dominican rums. After the ribbon-cutting, guests had the opportunity to explore the facilities and partake in a celebratory toast. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum is set to become a major draw for cruise passengers and tour operators in the northern region, solidifying Puerto Plata’s dedication to promoting diverse and high-quality cultural tourism.

El Presidente is a classic rum cocktail from Cuba, thought to have originated in the mid-1910s in Havana. This sophisticated drink is often regarded as Cuba’s answer to the Manhattan and is linked to political glamour, perhaps named in honor of Cuban president Mario García Menocal who served from 1913 to 1921. Some sources also attribute the drink’s association to Gerardo Machado, another key political figure.

By 1915, El Presidente was already included in John B. Escalante’s Manual del Cantinero, marking its significance in cocktail culture. The drink gained popularity among American tourists during Prohibition, who encountered it alongside cocktails like the Daiquiri and Mojito, later introducing it back to the United States. While it faded from popularity in the mid-20th century, it saw a resurgence in the 2000s thanks to bartenders and historians exploring historical recipes.

The cocktail features rum, blanc vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, making it a distinct departure from the lime-based drinks typically associated with Caribbean cocktails. This absence of lime juice, alongside the use of traditionally light Cuban rum and the floral notes of vermouth, results in a unique and sophisticated beverage. Early recipes emphasize restraint in terms of flavor proportions, ensuring that the resulting drink is well-balanced between sweetness and dryness.

Here’s how to prepare an El Presidente:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces aged, light, Cuban-style rum
• 3/4 ounce blanc (bianco) vermouth
• 1/4 ounce orange curaçao
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• Orange twist, for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine the rum, vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe glass.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

The El Presidente cocktail embodies a refined blend of flavors, proving itself to be a timeless favorite and reflecting the lush history of Cuban cocktail culture.

Longmont liquor store Wyatt’s Wet Goods hosted its annual Rare Whiskey Auction on Saturday, raising approximately $24,000 for local nonprofits. Guests gathered at the store located at 1250 S. Hover St. to bid on unique whiskey selections, with the funds being distributed among four beneficiaries.

Mat Dinsmore, managing partner at Wyatt’s, expressed his passion for the auction, stating, “I love the fact that money goes to great charities.” This year’s proceeds will benefit several Longmont organizations, including the Veterans Community Project, Skyline Kiwanis Club, and Pearl Promise, as well as contributing to the Loveland Veterans Honor Monument.

The Rare Whiskey Auction has been a tradition for nearly a decade, contributing upwards of $400,000 to local charities since its inception. One highlight of this year’s event was a Weller Millennium whiskey-bourbon blend, valued at $6,000.

Dinsmore emphasized the importance of community engagement for his family-owned business, noting, “We feel a responsibility to be a part of the community.”

Jennifer Seybold, executive director of the Veterans Community Project in Longmont, highlighted that the funds will support transitional housing and operational costs for their tiny home village. “It means more than just financial support; it represents sustained belief in the work and in the veterans we serve,” she shared.

The Skyline Kiwanis Club and Pearl Promise also expressed gratitude for the support, indicating how critical these funds are in assisting their efforts to aid the Longmont community.

Amazon has recently reduced the price of Jameson Original Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey, making a 1L bottle available for less than £30. The new price is £27, undercutting Tesco’s price of £34.50 and ASDA’s £34.29. Jameson is appreciated for its smooth flavor profile, featuring notes of vanilla, spices, nuttiness, and hints of sweet sherry.

This whiskey is a blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys, triple distilled to enhance its smoothness and aged in oak casks for a minimum of four years. It’s often recommended for both novice and seasoned whiskey drinkers.

Jameson suggests enjoying it neat, mixed with ginger ale and lime, or in classic cocktails such as Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned. The whiskey has received rave reviews, boasting a 4.8-star rating from over 2,400 customers. Many praise its affordability and versatility, stating it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed.

While most users report smooth delivery, a few mentioned issues with damaged bottles. Overall, the Jameson Original Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey is now available for purchase on Amazon.

For more details, visit the product page on Amazon.

The Jack Daniel’s Whiskey ranked last in a recent tasting isn’t the best option for cocktail mixing. Among the various offerings, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry stood out for its overly sweet flavor that tends to overshadow the whiskey’s base notes. While it successfully embodies the blackberry profile, its sweetness can detract from classic cocktails, leading to unsatisfactory results, particularly in drinks like the famous Jack and Coke.

On the other hand, the tasting revealed Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye as a superior choice. It is crafted for sipping and brings a nice balance of spice and sweetness, making it more versatile for cocktails. This variety integrates well without transforming drinks into overly fruity concoctions, preserving the whiskey’s character.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, flavored with cinnamon, fared better in the ranking, praised for its complimentary notes that align more appropriately with whiskey. This blend gained popularity for not deviating too far into sugary territory and for being a fitting choice for traditional whiskey cocktails.

Overall, while Jack Daniel’s offers a range of flavors, not all are created equal for cocktail enthusiasts. For those looking to stock their bar cart, focusing on quality options like the Bonded Rye is advisable over sweeter alternatives like the Blackberry. Each whiskey’s characteristics can greatly influence the final taste of mixed drinks.

American Flat Track has announced a new multi-year partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, designating it as the Official Moonshine of the series and its Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey as the Official Whiskey. This collaboration aims to unite the flat track racing community with one of the top names in craft distilling.

The partnership will officially kick off at the beginning of the 2026 season. Sugarlands will be prominently featured in the events surrounding this season’s opener, serving as the entitlement sponsor for the Sugarlands American Flat Track Kick-Off Party, which will take place before the first race. Additionally, they will co-sponsor the Mission Foods Award Party.

Hailing from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Sugarlands is known for its award-winning spirits, including Sugarlands Shine and High Rock Vodka. The new Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey offers a unique taste experience and aims to create an engaging atmosphere during selected race events. They will be active at two rounds during the 2026 season—on March 21 in Atlanta and August 22 in Peoria—providing fans with interactive experiences steeped in the Smoky Mountains’ spirit. Additionally, television personalities Mark and Digger from the show "Moonshiners" will serve as Grand Marshals at these events, offering fans opportunities to meet them.

“The passion, authenticity, and community surrounding American Flat Track aligns perfectly with our brand,” stated Patrick Sullivan, Sugarlands’ Chief Commercial Officer. The collaboration aims to connect with fans by bringing their popular moonshines and the Broken Antler Whiskey to the racetrack in a fun and engaging manner.

More information regarding the events and fan engagements at the Kick-Off Party will be revealed soon. This party will also showcase specialty cocktails made with Sugarlands Shine and Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey, celebrating the start of the AMA Pro Racing season.

For more details about Sugarlands Distilling Company and its products, you can visit Sugarlands.com.