Liquor-articles 1933

Vodka pasta has become the latest foodie trend to take the internet by storm, with even celebs like supermodel Gigi Hadid whipping up their own versions of the dish.

Despite its recent surge in popularity, vodka pasta isn’t a new invention – it’s been around since at least the early 1970s, and its earlier origins remain a mystery.

The dish has not only been a hit in upscale eateries but also on social media, where people have been eagerly trying out recipes and sharing their culinary exploits online.

Heinz teamed up with Absolut Vodka in 2023 to launch a ready-made vodka pasta sauce. The collaboration was a massive success, with the sauce selling out within four days and some savvy buyers flipping jars on eBay for as much as £250.

A spokesperson from Heinz indicated that the company received numerous messages from enthusiasts who were eager for their sauce, with one fan expressing that they’ve “been desperately trying to get it.” Several people have been questioning, “Will you be restocking?” These inquiries have been ongoing for more than a year.

READ MORE: I made homemade sorbet and I won’t be buying sickly store-bought ever again

Driven by the growing enthusiasm, I acquired two jars of this much-acclaimed sauce and was eager to taste the tomato-vodka fusion. Those interested in trying this can find Heinz’s vodka tomato sauce at Waitrose for £1.50 or on the Heinz To Home website for £2.50.

I have a penchant for tomato-based, carb-rich foods and occasionally enjoy a vodka lemonade on weekends, so my anticipation was high. However, my culinary experiment with spaghetti was a misstep; Penne Alla Vodka traditionally uses penne pasta tubes, which I’ll opt for next time.

The Heinz Absolut sauce meant there wasn’t much for me to do other than cook my pasta and warm up the sauce. I began by boiling some water in a pan and when it started to bubble, I added some spaghetti I had in my cupboard from Co-Op.

Once the pasta was soft and my stomach was growling, I drained the water and set the spaghetti aside. Using the same pan, I poured two pots of the tomato and vodka sauce in and cooked it for about five minutes on medium heat.

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I stirred it a few times and heated it a bit longer before adding in some garlic granules, ground pepper, and basil flakes for extra flavour. Then I added the spaghetti and mixed everything together before serving.

A spokesperson from Heinz detailed that the vodka mostly evaporates during the cooking process, which helps to heighten the inherent flavors in the tomatoes and generates a richer texture that adeptly melds the creamy aspects with the deep tomato taste and aromatic basil.

The pasta, soaked in a plentiful layer of sauce, provided a creamy culinary experience. At first, it seemed akin to any standard tomato pasta sauce, but the introduction of vodka elevated the flavor profile and intensified the dish’s scent. The vodka’s impact was subtle at first yet left a lingering, enjoyable aftertaste.

Each bite was relished thoroughly, and fortunately, there was enough prepared for my partner to enjoy a portion, with some remaining for future meals. Vodka-infused pasta for lunch was a definite yes.

While many have hailed vodka pasta as the pinnacle of culinary delight, in my view, it doesn’t topple the classic favorites like carbonara or penne arrabbiata. Nevertheless, I’d readily make it again or opt for it in a dining setting for a taste variation.

Rating: 8/10

Wadi Rum, often called the Valley of the Moon, is a mesmerizing destination for desert camping enthusiasts. Its expansive, arid landscape is punctuated by towering sandstone mountains and adorned with ancient rock carvings, offering a glimpse into the past. This unique setting demands thorough preparation to fully enjoy its majestic beauty in comfort and safety, making it an unforgettable adventure for those who visit.

In the relentless desert sun, high SPF sunscreen is essential. Choose a broad-spectrum formula to shield against UVA and UVB rays. It’s critical to reapply every two hours, particularly if you’re perspiring or come into contact with sand. This precaution can help avoid painful sunburns and protect against long-term skin damage, ensuring your desert adventure remains enjoyable and safe.

Staying hydrated is critical in the desert’s dry conditions. Bring durable water containers that can hold at least two liters of water per person per day. Consider insulated bottles to keep your water cool throughout the day. Remember, dehydration can sneak up on you in the heat, so drink regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty.

In Wadi Rum, temperatures drop significantly at night. It’s essential to pack lightweight yet warm clothing to layer up after the sun sets. A high-quality thermal jacket is crucial for staying comfortable during the cold desert nights without burdening your backpack. Additionally, don’t forget to include a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s rays during the day.

The terrain in Wadi Rum includes soft sand and rocky trails, requiring sturdy footwear. Choose shoes with good grip and ankle support for safe navigation across this varied landscape. Sand can heat up and enter open shoes, so closed-toe options are preferable. These ensure comfort during long walks or hikes, making them essential for exploring the desert’s diverse conditions.

For desert camping in Wadi Rum, a reliable tent or shelter is vital. Choose one that provides ventilation for warm nights and protection against windblown sand. Opt for a lightweight yet sturdy option, making it easy to transport and set up in the vast wilderness. This ensures safety and comfort under the stars, preparing you for a memorable experience in Jordan‘s landscapes.

BRAZEN Tommy Fury has been accused of kissing a blonde in a nightclub during a 2am vodka binge just days before his fiancée Molly-Mae Hague announced their split.

Witnesses say the boxer was partying with the Danish woman the night after their kiss in front of hundreds at a nightspot in North Macedonia.

Molly-Mae — who was pictured last night without her £600,000 engagement ring as she visited a McDonald’s drive-thru — was 1,700 miles away at home while Tommy was on the booze-fuelled trip with six lads.

A reveller who witnessed the kiss said: “He was downing Grey Goose vodka and didn’t seem to care who saw him with the girl. He kissed her.”

“This will be heartbreaking for Molly-Mae.”

The Sun reported on Friday the influencer ended her relationship with Tommy after confronting him about allegations of his infidelity during a vacation.

Sources disclosed that Molly-Mae, 25, received a distressing video of Tommy from the trip, prompting her to break up with him just one hour after his arrival back in the UK on Wednesday.

Tommy’s flight was delayed by an hour, and a fellow passenger noted he seemed “agitated”.

The British visitor noted, “He seemed increasingly irritated and constantly stayed on his phone.”

Tommy paid a visit to Molly-Mae yesterday at their £3.5 million mansion in Cheshire, where they live with their one-year-old daughter Bambi.

Appearing very serious, he arrived at the gated estate in his £180,000 Mercedes G Wagon at 2:25 pm, but he departed after just 55 minutes.

Residents of Ohrid, a rising party destination in Europe, mentioned that Tommy’s security was erasing videos and photos taken by fans of the 25-year-old late into the night.

Tommy was observed enjoying himself in the VIP section of INclusive club.

This section, guarded by security personnel, is elevated and separate from the rest of the club, yet remains within sight of other guests.

There, he was seen with a blonde woman, whom onlookers say he kissed. She bid him farewell and departed with her companions later.

The following night, Tommy was spotted conversing with the same woman at the prestigious beach club, Cuba Libre.

It is reported that she was born in Denmark but currently resides in North Macedonia, having met the boxer via mutual acquaintances.

Workers at the vibrant venue noted that he had booked the table nearest to the lightly-dressed Latino dancers, which are a regular feature of the evening’s entertainment.

He was consuming Grey Goose vodka and appeared indifferent to being seen with the lady.

A server commented: “Tommy was with his friends and they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show — and the dancing women.”

“There was a blonde girl — identified as Macedonian but born in Denmark — present at the club that evening, engaging in conversation with him.”

Likewise, the same blonde woman was seen conversing with Tommy by the poolside at the Golden Beach resort, situated just a ten-minute stroll from his luxurious five-star lodgings at Inex Olgica.

Workers at the resort, a favored spot where Tommy and his companions frequently enjoyed Patron tequila by the pool, mentioned that the “entire town” was abuzz with discussions about his romantic encounter with a woman at the nightclub.

A few beach club barmen noted, “The subject is on everyone’s lips. She’s a young blonde woman from Macedonia. Though her Danish roots are not confirmed, it’s quite plausible he had encounters with several women.”

“That was the vibe of the group and they were going out every night and drinking in the daytime.

“It was a wild lads’ holiday. He was ordering tequila in the afternoon. They were talking to some girls next to them and then a blonde girl came over and said goodbye to Tommy.”

On the final day of his trip, Tommy and his pals dined at a swanky restaurant until midnight.

The group then partied at nightclub Omnia, which closes at 4am and is above a casino.

They sat at a table and ordered bottles of Grey Goose vodka.

The club’s owner, Trajche Ristevski, mentioned, “Tommy’s group of British lads arrived at around 1am. His security obstructed the view of his table by positioning themselves in front so that nobody could approach them or see them.”

“A fan began recording Tommy, which caused his security to react strongly. They confiscated the fan’s phone and erased all the photos and videos he had captured.”

“They were keen on keeping his activities private.”

A staff member from Omnia mentioned, “Tommy picked Ohrid for its privacy yet it rivals Ibiza in its party scene.”

Tommy returned to Manchester Airport on the TUI flight that left at 11.55am on Wednesday.

The plane touched down at 2.45pm, and shortly after, at 3.52pm, Molly-Mae told her 7.9 million Instagram followers that they had parted ways.

She expressed her sentiments stating, “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever have to write this.”

“After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.”

“I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy’s relationship has come to an end.”

“I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy’s relationship has come to an end”

“I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter.”

Tommy and Molly-Mae hooked up on Love Island in 2019.

They had their daughter in January 2023 and Tommy proposed six months later.

Their relationship was said to have been put under strain by Tommy’s partying in recent months.

It was revealed in May that influencer Molly-Mae has £5.3million of assets in her companies due to brand deals.

Friends claim the couple had an explosive row on Wednesday and that a video was involved.

Since the split, Tommy — the brother of ex-world champion Tyson Fury, 36 — has lost tens of thousands of Instagram followers.

Tommy has denied cheating via a spokesman, who said: “Tommy is horrified by the false allegations of cheating being circulated by the media and he is consulting his lawyers.”

Last night a spokesman for Molly-Mae declined to comment.

Heaven Hill is the most awarded American whiskey maker at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

We spend a lot of time talking about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And for good reason. Since it was founded in 2000, the annual judging has grown in stature and prominence to become one of the premiere industry events of the calendar year. The producers and brands that collect “Best In Show” hardware there often see their sales soar as a result.

Although it convened back in April, we’re just now able to exclusively report on a key winner from the 2024 competition: Heaven Hill out of Bardstown, Kentucky is the most awarded US whiskey maker of the year. The legendary producer of bourbon and rye took home a total of 29 medals across 13 of its marquee labels. That’s enough to make it not only the most lauded whiskey maker, but the most successful American distillery, full stop, among all categories of spirit.

It’s not even close when you also factor in the additional 35 medals that Heaven Hill collected for some of its subsidiaries. Remember that in 2022, the company acquired Samson & Surrey—a portfolio which includes FEW as well as Widow Jane. Those two popular whiskey brands accrued a respectable count of 12 medals between them this year at SFWSC.

Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, prestigious brands from Heaven Hill Distillery, garnered numerous accolades with 7 and 6 medals respectively. The highest honor of Double Gold was awarded to their Bottled-In-Bond and two distinct Barrel Proof expressions. Barrel Proof.

It was indeed a remarkable year for the family-owned company, marked not only by achievements in San Francisco but also by introducing three new products in the Grain To Glass series, alongside the latest Elijah Craig Toasted Rye. These introductions have been met with extensive critical acclaim. three new expressions as part of its Grain To Glass.

The consistent accolades can be attributed to the proficient leadership of master distiller Conor O’Driscoll, whose expertise and dedication to quality maturation have been cornerstones of the brand since its inception by the Shapira family in 1935. This dedication now encompasses a vault of over 2 million barrels. Conor O’Driscoll.

The remarkable aspect of Heaven Hill in 2024 lies in its ability to deliver top-notch products across various price ranges. For instance, the Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond, a Double Gold winner, retails for about $18. Additionally, this March saw the release of a sophisticated 18-year-old bourbon from their Heritage Collection, made with a high-corn mashbill typical of Evan Williams, known for its caramel sweetness. Despite its $300 price tag, it rapidly clears the shelves.

And that’s to say nothing of the Old Fitzgerald label, a brand flaunting semi-annual releases which can often fetch four figures on secondary markets. A fall 2023 offering of the liquid—brandishing an 8 year age statement—was among the select few bourbons to take home that all-important Double Gold certification this year in San Francisco. It’s currently selling for just north of $400 a bottle. Fingers crossed it remains relatively close to that after this most recent news.

If you want to stay ahead of the inflated pricing, keep it parked here as we always endeavor to give you the latest, exclusive intel from the wondrous world of spirits.

Our Bourbon Trail adventure ended back where it started, in Louisville, but this time at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on the city’s Whiskey Row.

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BRAZEN Tommy Fury has been accused of kissing a blonde in a nightclub during a 2am vodka binge just days before his fiancée Molly-Mae Hague announced their split.

Witnesses say the boxer was partying with the Danish woman the night after their kiss in front of hundreds at a nightspot in North Macedonia.

Molly-Mae — who was pictured last night without her £600,000 engagement ring as she visited a McDonald’s drive-thru — was 1,700 miles away at home while Tommy was on the booze-fuelled trip with six lads.

A reveller who witnessed the kiss said: “He was downing Grey Goose vodka and didn’t seem to care who saw him with the girl. He kissed her.

“This will be heartbreaking for Molly-Mae.”

The Sun disclosed on Friday that the influencer ended her relationship with Tommy after she questioned him about allegations of his infidelity during a vacation.

Sources from the previous evening reported that Molly-Mae, 25, received a distressing video of Tommy from the trip, compelling her to break up with him just an hour after his return to the UK on Wednesday.

The departure of Tommy’s flight was postponed by an hour and a fellow traveler mentioned he seemed “agitated”.

The British tourist noted, “He seemed increasingly annoyed and remained on his phone.”

Tommy visited Molly-Mae at their shared £3.5 million mansion in Cheshire, where they live with their one-year-old daughter Bambi.

He appeared serious as he entered the gated property in his £180,000 Mercedes G Wagon around 2:25 PM, but he departed after just 55 minutes.

Residents of the Ohrid lake town, now considered a new party hotspot in Europe, reported that Tommy’s security was actively erasing videos and photos taken by fans during the early hours of the morning when the 25-year-old was around.

Tommy was observed enjoying himself in the VIP section of INclusive club.

This exclusive area, guarded by security, is situated on a different floor from the main party area but remains in view of other attendees.

He was noticed together with a blonde lady, who, according to regulars, shared a kiss with him before parting ways with a goodnight and leaving with her companions.

The following night, Tommy engaged in conversation with the same woman at the elite seaside venue, Cuba Libre.

It is said that she was originally from Denmark but now resides in North Macedonia, having met the fighter through shared acquaintances.

The employees at the vibrant venue noted that he had booked the table nearest to the lightly-dressed Latino dancers, a regular feature of the evening’s entertainment.

Consuming Grey Goose vodka, he appeared indifferent to the attention his company might attract.

A staff member commented, “Tommy was with friends and they were thoroughly enjoying the show — along with the dancers.”

“There was a blonde girl — who we know is Macedonian but born in Denmark — at the club on the same night and she was talking to him.”

A blonde woman was then seen conversing with Tommy by the poolside at the Golden Beach resort, only ten minutes away from his luxurious hotel, Inex Olgica.

The staff at the resort, where Tommy and his entourage frequently enjoyed Patron tequila by the pool, mentioned that the “whole town” was buzzing with the news of his kiss with a woman at the club.

A group of bartenders at the beach club mentioned, “Everyone is talking about it. She is a young blonde girl from Macedonia. We have no information about her Danish origins, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he kissed multiple women.”

“That was the vibe of the group and they were going out every night and drinking in the daytime.”

“It was a wild lads’ holiday. He was ordering tequila in the afternoon. They were talking to some girls next to them and then a blonde girl came over and said goodbye to Tommy.”

On the final day of his trip, Tommy and his pals dined at a swanky restaurant until midnight.

The group then partied at nightclub Omnia, which closes at 4am and is above a casino.

They sat at a table and ordered bottles of Grey Goose vodka.

The club’s owner, Trajche Ristevski, recounted: “Tommy and his British companions arrived around 1am. His security positioned themselves in front of the table, obstructing the view so that no one could approach or see them.”

“When a fan began recording Tommy, his security quickly intervened, seizing the fan’s phone and erasing all pictures and videos captured.”

“They aimed to keep his activities private,” he added.

A representative from Omnia remarked, “Tommy picked Ohrid for its privacy, yet it rivals Ibiza in its vibrant party scene.”

Tommy returned to Manchester Airport via the 11.55am TUI flight on Wednesday.

The plane touched down at 2.45pm, and just over an hour later, at 3.52pm, Molly-Mae revealed to her 7.9 million Instagram followers that they had parted ways.

She stated, “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever have to write this.”

“After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.”

“I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy’s relationship has come to an end.

“I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy’s relationship has come to an end

“I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter.”

Tommy and Molly-Mae met on Love Island in 2019.

In January 2023, they welcomed their daughter, and Tommy proposed after six months.

Reports indicated that their relationship faced challenges due to Tommy’s recent partying habits.

In May, it was disclosed that influencer Molly-Mae possesses assets worth £5.3 million in her companies from brand endorsements.

Friends claim the couple had an explosive row on Wednesday and that a video was involved.

Since the split, Tommy — the brother of ex-world champion Tyson Fury, 36 — has lost tens of thousands of Instagram followers.

Tommy has denied cheating via a spokesman, who said: “Tommy is horrified by the false allegations of cheating being circulated by the media and he is consulting his lawyers.”

Last night a spokesman for Molly-Mae declined to comment.

For those who relish Jamaican rum, here are our top picks for robust, high-proof rums that carry a distinctive edge.

Antoine Distillery / The Funk / Worth Park Estate / Paranubes

Until a few months back, Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, a top choice among Jamaican rum aficionados, was commonly found on shelves. But recently, this familiar yellow and green bottle has started to vanish from numerous liquor stores.

Wray & Nephew Overproof holds a special status in the realm of spirits. Not only is it a major hit in Jamaica, but it is also notably potent. This rum is bottled at an impressive 63% ABV and is renowned for its rich, intense flavors.

“One of its main hallmarks is that it has these big, bold, kind of funky flavors and aromas pointing towards things like tropical fruits, and overripe bananas,” says Arminder Randhawa, the content creator behind the rum and cane spirit-focused channel The Rum Revival.

Related: 11 Essential White Rums for Your Liquor Cabinet

So where did all of the Wray & Nephew go? According to a statement from J. Wray & Nephew Limited, the current shortage is due to unexpectedly heavy rainfall at the distillery. The abundance of rain has made it incredibly difficult for the distillery to properly dispose of its waste, so production has slowed considerably. To alleviate this problem, a new waste disposal facility is currently being built. Once it’s up and running, we should start to see Wray & Nephew Overproof back on shelves shortly thereafter.

Home mixologists and rum fans aren’t the only ones affected by the shortage, bars have had to adapt as well.

“We’ve been forced to adapt a lot of our recipes, and make tweaks and adjustments to account for the difference in profile,” says Adam Sandroni, the bar manager at Test Pilot in Santa Barbara, California. “This has become something of a routine in a post-Covid world with supply chain disruptions being the norm rather than the exception, so we’ve gotten pretty good at adapting on the fly and finding new spirits to fill in the gaps.”

Thankfully, Wray & Nephew isn’t the only heavyweight Jamaican rum on the market. There are a handful of other rums, from Jamaica and other nations, that present similar, high-octane flavors.

“Some [rums] can come off smelling sweet to sometimes peppery,” says Tony Prosper, the bar manager at Cococabana, a Caribbean-style cocktail bar in Oceanside, California. “I would say ‘funky’ has been used to describe the smell. I have even heard people say it gives off a gasoline smell.”

Until we can easily find Wray & Nephew again, here are our favorite punchy, high-octane rums that have just enough funk to scratch the same itch.

Hampden Estate Rum

Rum Fire, distilled at the famed Hampden Estate, has quickly become a legend among rum aficionados. This completely pot-distilled rum stands out with a staggering 63% ABV and boasts the boldest flavors and aromas available among Jamaican rums. Rum Fire offers a distinctive experience that isn’t universally appealing, yet its fans are intensely devoted.

“Rum Fire delivers a unique profile of sharp, synthetic, fuel-like scents,” explains Randhawa. “It heavily features scents akin to exquisitely fermented grilled pineapple. When mixed into cocktails, it undergoes a dramatic shift, unleashing a burst of lush, vibrant tropical fruit flavors,” he adds.

Monymusk Rums

If Rum Fire offers an intensely flavorful sip, then Monymusk serves as a slightly softer option compared to Wray & Nephew. It still boasts a high alcohol content of 63% ABV without aging, yet it feels less harsh.

“Monymusk overproof white rum has a subtler ‘funk’ quality, highlighted by hints of baking spice and a reduction in overripe fruit notes,” Sandroni comments. “Its smoother nature at such a strong ABV makes it an excellent introductory rum for those exploring the overproof white rum category from Jamaica.”

The Funk

Distilled in traditional pot stills, this Jamaican rum captures the quintessential flavors associated with the region’s rums, including ripe tropical fruits and slight earthiness. Packaged at 50% ABV, it provides a milder taste experience compared to some stronger variants.

“This [lower proof] makes it nice to use as a base for a cocktail since the proof comes in a more approachable range for most people versus the 126 proof the other unaged rums are hitting,” says Sandroni.

Try The Funk in a Daiquiri or Mojito to give those classic cocktails a bit more of a kick.

Antoine distillery

Grenada’s River Antoine distillery, where River’s rum is produced, is almost like a window into the past. It operates the same way as it did in the mid-1800s. The copper pot stills are heated by wood fire and the fresh sugarcane used to make River’s is milled using a water wheel.

“River’s is a truly old school agricole style rum,” notes Sandroni. “It emphasizes less on the tropical fruits and more on the fresh cut grass and sugarcane notes.”

River’s possesses a unique flavor profile compared to Wray & Nephew, yet at 69% ABV, it is remarkably robust, featuring a distinctive briny funkiness.

Two James Distillery

Handled by Two James distillery in Michigan, Doctor Bird stands out in this selection. It is the sole barrel-aged rum and has an ABV of 50%. This lends it a smoother profile with subtle nuances of vanilla and baking spice to temper the potent funky flavors.

Doctor Bird’s subdued aromas have garnered favor among mixologists. “This is one of my favorite rums other than Wray & Nephew,” mentions Prosper. “It presents a sweet aroma yet holds a robust earthy flavor.”

Paranubes

Known predominantly for its mezcal, the state of Oaxaca in Mexico also houses several rum distilleries. Paranubes rum, like many from Oaxaca, is crafted using fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. Locally, these rums are often called aguardiente de caña.

Despite its sugarcane base, Paranubes boasts a bold and wild character consistent with other notable rums. “Its fragrance immediately strikes with a funky, appealing twist accompanied by notes of ripe banana and spice. The taste starts warmly and ends with a signature grassy note,” comments Prosper.

Worthy Park Estate

The latest overproof rum from Worthy Park Estate combines molasses-based rum with fresh sugarcane distillate, offering a distinctive profile. “The aroma is gentler, with fewer ripe fruit notes and more minerality and grassy elements,” explains Sandroni. “It resembles a rhum agricole more than the typical Jamaican overproof rum.”

While this rum diverges somewhat in its base components, it retains the iconic Jamaican rum characters of tropical fruits and the distinct note of banana that Worthy Park’s rums are known for. “This one definitely carries that signature banana note,” notes Randhawa.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.

News / Glasgow & West

Over 40 counterfeit bottles were discovered in a shop in Coatbridge during an investigation.

Over 40 bottles of fake Glen’s vodka have been recovered from a shop after a customer said the alcohol smelled like “nail varnish remover”.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and North Lanarkshire Council launched an investigation after the counterfeit bottles were discovered in a shop in Coatbridge.

Following a compliant from a consumer who detected a strong odor of nail varnish remover in what was falsely labeled as Glen’s vodka, local environmental health officers have taken action. They tracked down and removed the 35cl bottles from sale and collected samples for testing.

Both the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and local councils are urging the public to exercise increased caution when buying alcoholic beverages, advising a thorough check of any bottles purchased recently.

“Consuming such counterfeit products poses serious health risks,” stated Ron McNaughton, head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit at FSS.

“The labeling, the appearance of the packaging, and the odor can be indicative of an issue.”

“Purchasing counterfeit alcohol leaves you unsure about what ingredients it includes and its potency, which might result in severe illness or intoxication after just a drink or two.”

“Please contact us if you suspect you have purchased counterfeit items.”

Councillor Helen Loughran, chair of the environment and climate change committee at North Lanarkshire Council, stated, “This was an important find by our officers at a store in Coatbridge, who swiftly acted to confiscate the counterfeit items from being sold.”

“Our environmental health and food safety officers remain vigilant to the potential issue of counterfeit alcohol within North Lanarkshire to protect public health.”

Anyone who suspects they have bought counterfeit alcohol should reach out to their local council’s environmental health service or the FSS Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit at foodcrime@fss.scot.

Contact North Lanarkshire Council’s environmental health at environmental-health@northlan.gov.uk or call 01236 856361.

For those with information about counterfeit alcohol or related food crimes, please call the free and anonymous Scottish Food Crime Hotline at 0800 028 7926.

Glen’s has been reached for a statement.

Stay updated with the latest national news.

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If you’ve ever visited a Starbucks Reserve location (there are nine worldwide, six of which are roasteries), then you know that you won’t find many of the company’s best-known beverages on the menu. There’s no “venti PSL” at a Roastery — but there is a Hot Honey Affogato and Toffeenut Bianco Latte. Starbucks’ Reserve Roasteries are hubs for the coffee giant to experiment and offer premium espresso and coffee bean innovations, and they host a number of unique creations. At the three New York City locations, Starbucks features such intricate coffee beans as Sun-Dried Brazil Fazenda Recanto with rose and lavender, and Rwanda Sholi Kundwa with chamomile and ginger. Included in this assortment is Starbucks Reserve Knob Creek Bourbon Barrel-Aged Guatemala coffee with chocolate and fruit tones — and there’s more to this specific roast than initially appears (or tastes).

Starbucks Reserve developed its barrel-aged Guatemalan coffee in partnership with whiskey giant Knob Creek. According to the Starbucks Reserve website, the batch is sourced from “an extraordinary lot of Guatemalan beans, meticulously cared for during the aging process in Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey barrels.” This long-standing coffee tradition merges with the expertise of the famed Kentucky distillery, creating a coffee described by Starbucks as having “mellow sweetness, notes of chocolate, hints of stone fruit, and an aura of rich oak.” For optimal preservation of these intricate, crafted flavor elements, this barrel-aged coffee is best brewed using a pour-over, French press, or even made into a lavish batch of cold brew.

Read more: 26 Coffee Hacks You Need To Know For A Better Cup

Barrel-aging is a skilled method to infuse flavor into coffee without the need for heavy sugary syrups or synthetic flavorings, and it’s completely alcohol-free. It’s a trend that’s been gaining momentum in the coffee industry in recent years, inspiring the creation of brands like Regent Coffee and Bourbon Coffee Co. Good Folks Coffee in Louisville, Kentucky also produces a custom Pappy & Company coffee blend aged in luxury Pappy Van Winkle bourbon casks.

In the process of barrel aging, green coffee beans that have not yet been roasted are stored in a barrel previously used for aging alcohol, such as Knob Creek bourbon whiskey. These beans remain in the barrel to soak up distinctive aroma and flavor profiles. After an undetermined period, the beans absorb enough character and are then roasted and brewed into a unique, robust coffee. Expertly adjusting the duration of aging allows for a controlled infusion of aroma. Coffee beans aged in Knob Creek barrels typically adopt qualities such as earthiness, nuttiness, oakiness, hints of vanilla, spice, and a touch of sweetness.

Many enthusiasts have posted online about their experiences with this coffee. It is served in Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and stores, commonly sweetened with vanilla syrup. According to one user on Reddit, this vanilla additive complements the bittersweet tones of dark cherry in the coffee, creating a smoothly balanced flavor. For those wanting to experiment, it’s suggested to add a splash of Knob Creek bourbon to a cup of black drip coffee made from Starbucks Guatemala specialty beans.

For more information, read the original article on Tasting Table.

Over 40 bottles of counterfeit vodka, fraudulently labelled as Glen’s, were taken from the shelves of the premises.

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Several fake vodka bottles have been collected from a Scottish store after a customer noticed a “nail varnish” odor.

Authorities confiscated over 40 bottles (35cl) of counterfeit vodka, falsely branded as Glen’s, from a location in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. The bottles were seized following a complaint by a customer who detected the smell of nail varnish in one of the bottles they bought.

Officers from the North Lanarkshire Council‘s environmental health team along with Food Standard Scotland acted promptly to withdraw the vodka from sale. The seized bottles were analyzed and confirmed to be unauthorized.

The food watchdog together with North Lanarkshire Council is alerting the public to exercise heightened caution while purchasing alcohol. They also encourage consumers to scrutinize any alcohol products they may have recently bought. products.

Ron McNaughton, who leads the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit at FSS, stated, “Consuming these types of products poses a significant health risk. Aspects such as the labeling, appearance of the packaging, and the odor can be indicators that something is amiss.

“Purchasing counterfeit alcohol is risky since you’re unaware of the ingredients it contains and its potency, which may cause severe illness or intoxication even after consuming just one or two drinks. We encourage you to contact us if you suspect you have purchased counterfeit products.”

Councillor Helen Loughran, who is the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee at North Lanarkshire Council, commented, “This was an important find by our officers at a retail outlet in Coatbridge, who promptly removed these fraudulent items from the shelves. Our environmental health and food safety officers are continually on alert for counterfeit alcohol issues in North Lanarkshire to ensure the safety of the public.”

If anyone possesses details concerning counterfeit alcohol or broader issues of food crime, they are encouraged to reach out to the Scottish Food Crime Hotline (0800 028 7926), operated in association with Crimestoppers. This service is confidential and free to use.

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Rum, a globally cherished spirit, is celebrated for its versatility in enhancing an array of cocktails.

While World Rum Day takes place on the second Saturday of July each year, the United States marks National Rum Day on August 16. Commonly linked with the Caribbean, rum’s production has expanded from Scotland to Africa and Hawaii.

Known primarily as the foundation of many tropical beverages and classics like the daiquiri, mojito, and piña colada, innovative mixologists are now also exploring rum’s potential in creating unique and sometimes savory drinks. Here are 10 brilliant examples, paying homage to the artisans and the beloved spirit.

This intriguing cocktail offers a reimagined take on the classic combination of Prosciutto and melon, featuring a significant splash of rum.

Concocted by the culinary experts at Bottino restaurant in New York, this cocktail serves as a delightful summertime beverage, cleverly integrating the classic flavors of Italian Prosciutto and melon. The creators at Bottino blend San Daniele Prosciutto fat-washed Jamaican rum with sweet melon and a splash of lemon to introduce a refreshingly tangy note, crafting a drink that bursts with savory smoky flavors.

For infusing the rum, meld it with San Daniele Prosciutto fat and let it sit for at least three hours. This process lets the rum soak up the distinct smoky and savory flavors of the prosciutto. Once infused, ensure the rum is strained and chilled for subsequent use.

Place the prosciutto fat-washed rum, cantaloupe juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure the mixture is well-chilled. Strain this concoction into a pre-chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a skewered melon cube and a rolled slice of prosciutto, and crown it with a dehydrated lime wheel for the perfect finishing touch.

The Cartel Old Fashioned enjoys a unique tropical coconut essence.

Coconut Cartel Rum incorporates coconut water in lieu of distilled water during the proofing process of their premium aged Guatemalan rum and their new blanco blend from the Dominican Republic. These distinctive rums are perfect for crafting cocktails where a hint of coconut is desired.

In a mixing glass, combine syrup, bitters, and rum. Add ice to the glass and stir for 20 seconds. strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Express orange peel over the glass and garnish with the peel.

Heat coconut water and coconut palm sugar on low until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Designed with Koloa Rum and the holiday spirit of Thanksgiving in mind, this cocktail is suitable for any season.

“I designed this recipe specifically for Thanksgiving since it celebrates the flavors in cranberry sauce. I wanted the color palette to be very Thanksgiving-inspired, with red, burnt orange, and light orange. All that said, it could work any time during the fall or even into citrus season,” says mixologist Lee Corbett.

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour the cranberry juice into the bottom. Then, in a cocktail shaker, combine the tangerine juice, rum, and ginger liqueur; shake with ice and strain gently into the serving glass without disturbing the bottom layer. Fill with ginger beer to the top. Garnish with a citrus slice and a few sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick.

The Estatua Verde cocktail, created by acclaimed Austin, Texas bartender Justin Lavenue.

A fabulosuly fancy, statuesque up cocktail from the mind of Justen Lavenue, co-owner of The Eleanor in Austin, Texas. At the bar, they garnish the drink with a torched cassia bark chip and a few sprays of flamed Amburana-infused Plantation O.F.T.D. Dark Rum.

Mix 3 oz of Estatua blend with .75 oz of lime juice and 2 dashes of foam tincture. Assemble these ingredients in a shaker tin. Introduce cubed ice, seal the tin, and give it a robust shake. Employing a Hawthorne strainer, pour the concoction into a chilled Nick & Nora glass, garnish, and serve.

Add a playful twist to your mojito with fresh coconut water for a refreshing variation.

Inspired by the historical relationship between Mount Gay and the art of sailing, the newly introduced Eclipse Navy Strength rum is crafted at 57.1% ABV and unveils rich layers of vanilla, passionfruit, roasted pineapple, and sea salt.

Begin by gently muddling mint leaves at the bottom of the shaker tin. Add Eclipse Navy Strength, lime juice, and simple syrup, then give it a gentle shake. Transfer the mixture to a Collins or highball glass, then enhance with coconut water. Finish with a topping of crushed ice and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Rum, basil, and lemon combine to form the delightful Imperial Basil Smash, a modern easy-to-make classic.

This variant of the traditional smash cocktail blends fresh basil with Dominican rum to create a drink that is both complex and refreshingly delightful.

Mix basil and lemon juice in a shaker, lightly muddle them together, then add Barceló Imperial and simple syrup, and top it off with ice. Shake well, strain, and serve in a rocks glass filled with ice. Embellish with a few basil leaves.

Innovate your traditional Bloody Mary by substituting vodka with any dark rum. This recipe is shared by Bridget Albert, a mixologist at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Mix all components in a mixing glass filled with ice. Vigorously shake, then strain into a tall glass also filled with ice. Add garnishes of a celery stalk, cherry tomato, and olive.

Fruity yet spicy, this cocktail crafted with Brugal 1888 rum touches upon every flavor note.

Though often perceived as a quintessentially tropical beverage that is usually fruity and served frozen, a classic daiquiri is rather straightforward and refreshing, made up of rum, lime juice, and a sprinkle of sugar. This modern variation integrates the luscious flavor of mango and a subtle kick of heat from Ancho Reyes.

After shaking, strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Embellish with Tajin seasoning and slices of mango.

The Chili Passion Martini blends rum with flavors from Southeast Asia.

The culinary team at Jaya at The Setai in Miami developed this spicy and celebratory beverage. They steep the vodka with red Fresno and jalapeño chiles for at least two days to perfect the taste.

Mix all components in a glass. Include chili flakes. Shake with ice and strain into a Martini glass. Top with a Thai chili for garnish.

The Cloudlifter, created with Ron Zacapa, serves as a superb choice for an after-dinner drink.

This delightful dessert cocktail showcases Guatemala’s finest Zacapa 23 Rum, meticulously aged for 23 years in casks that have previously matured American whiskey, Sherry, and Pedro Ximénez wines.

Mix all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain to discard ice, then perform a dry shake and double strain into an Otis coupe glass. Finish by garnishing with crushed pistachios and serve.

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