Liz Truss recently promoted a new Irish whiskey from Dougie Joyce, a former bare-knuckle fighter with a controversial past. Joyce, aged 36, was jailed for 19 months in 2023 after assaulting a 78-year-old man during a pub altercation. The incident involved excessive violence, with police describing him as an "aggressive and violent man" targeting a vulnerable elderly individual. After his release, Joyce has pivoted to business, launching his whiskey brand.

Truss attended the whiskey launch event at Scunthorpe United’s stadium, where she was photographed alongside Joyce. In a promotional video shared on social media, Joyce presented Truss with a bottle, to which she responded, “Liz Truss loves you.” Despite speculation, sources close to Truss indicated that she did not receive payment for her attendance.

Joyce took to Instagram following the event, expressing gratitude for Truss’s support and discussing the plans for his brand. Critics have pointed out the implications of her association with someone with Joyce’s violent history. A close source commented that Truss “either doesn’t understand the implications or doesn’t care,” highlighting concerns over her public judgment.

This isn’t the first time Truss has faced backlash for her public engagements; she previously drew criticism for interacting with controversial figures at political events in the United States.

Make Father’s Day memorable this year with a selection of unique gifts crafted right in Connecticut. Here are some standout options across various budgets:

Unique Walking Sticks

For dads who enjoy hiking, consider a hand-crafted walking stick made from local wood by artisan Carl Wolf. Priced between $20-$30, these sticks are beautiful and functional.

Hand-Rolled Cigars

If your dad cherishes a good cigar, surprise him with hand-rolled cigars from the Connecticut Cigar Company. Their original blend, featuring a combination of 10-year-old fillers from Nicaragua, is priced at $10 and available in various formats. More details can be found at ctcigarco.com.

Custom Sketchbooks

Shuttle Bindery offers handcrafted hardcover journals in upcycled leather, perfect for doodling or journaling. Prices range from $54 to $78, and custom orders can be made at shuttlepressbindery.com.

Cruise on the Mystic River

Why not take Dad on a scenic cruise aboard the Sabino, a historic vessel at Mystic Seaport? A 30-minute tour is available for $8 in addition to admission fees, with tickets sold at the museum or online. Visit mysticseaport.org for more information.

Handcrafted Lamps

For the reading dad, consider a beautifully crafted floor lamp from James Gardner Woodworks of Deep River, priced at $1,400 plus a delivery fee. You can reach out via email at Jggwoodworks@Outlook.com for inquiries.

Exceptional Whiskey

Connecticut Distilling’s crafted whiskey, named Charred, blends flavors from malt-forward craft beers for a smooth experience. It retails for $39.95 to $44.95 and is available at their tasting lounge in Waterbury as well as local outlets. For further details, see ctdistillingco.com.

Cycling Gear

For the cycling enthusiast, a set of luxury carbon wheels by Princeton CarbonWorks can elevate his ride. Priced between $3,150 and $4,500, they are available through local bike stores and online at princetoncarbon.com.

Each of these gifts celebrates the unique interests and passions of fathers, ensuring you will find something special for him this Father’s Day.

Sheetz has introduced two new seasonal vodka sodas, Shpiked® Peach Ringz and Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz, set to hit Sheetz stores in Pennsylvania on June 3. The latter, featuring a higher alcohol content, will also be launched at PNC Park during Pirates home games for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Ryan Sheetz, EVP of marketing and supply chain, expressed enthusiasm for the new products, describing them as embodying the essence of summer with their fruity and bubbly profiles. The drinks, developed in collaboration with Slushed Brands LLC, are made with peach gummy rings and premium distilled vodka, offering a lightly carbonated experience. Shpiked® Peach Ringz has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%, while Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz boasts an 8% ABV.

Customers will find both beverages available in single 16-ounce cans and six-pack 12-ounce cans at Sheetz stores, along with single 19-ounce cans of Shpiiiked® Peach Ringz specifically at PNC Park.

Some of the most unforgettable travel moments happen around a dining table, where food and culture intertwine. Imagine yourself savoring the aroma of grilled seafood or sipping a unique local rum, all part of a broader experience that reflects the essence of the Caribbean.

At Sandals Resorts, food is seen as a bridge to the Caribbean culture they proudly embody. Over the past 40 years, Sandals has continuously enhanced its dining concepts, focusing on authentic flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Luke Mathot, the vice president of food and beverage product innovation, emphasizes that they aim to offer an experience that captures the vibrant culinary landscape of the region.

Upon arrival at a Sandals resort, food becomes your gateway to a deeper appreciation of the Caribbean. Imagine waking up to the rich scent of fresh Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, or enjoying jerk chicken that bursts with flavor, thanks to local spices. The emphasis on fresh produce reflects Sandals’ commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers through the Sandals Foundation.

Sandals’ innovative Island Inclusive Dining program invites guests to dine at local, independent restaurants outside the resort, further enriching their culinary journey. For instance, guests staying in Butler Suites for seven nights or more receive a credit to explore local eateries that celebrate the island’s culinary talents.

In Nassau, at the Sandals Royal Bahamian, guests can relish conch prepared by top Bahamian chefs or unwind at local hotspots where cocktails are paired with innovative bites. In Curaçao, the dining experience at Mosa/Caña highlights the fusion of Latin American and Caribbean influences, ensuring every meal tells a story.

For those craving the authentic Jamaican experience, the Jerk Shack at select Sandals properties offers smoky meats grilled over open flames, staying true to the traditional cooking methods rooted in Jamaica’s history.

Another unique option is Buccan at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where family-style dining fosters a sense of community and shared experience, serving a variety of fresh, locally inspired dishes.

At Sandals Dunn’s River, the Rum Club celebrates Jamaica’s rich rum culture, offering carefully crafted cocktails and guided tastings, highlighting the island’s legacy in rum production.

Every meal at Sandals is not just about food but is deeply intertwined with the culture of the Caribbean. From beachfront jerk chicken to explorative dining experiences in local restaurants, Sandals ensures that every bite connects you to the rich stories of the destination.

For more information on Sandals Resorts, visit Sandals.

WILMINGTON, NC — An exciting event unfolded at the ABC Store on Wrightsville Avenue where renowned marine artist Wyland made a special appearance to unveil a vibrant shark mural and launch Blue Shark Vodka, a new lemon and vanilla flavored spirit.

The gathering attracted many fans eager to sample the vodka and secure autographs from Wyland on their purchased bottles. As the artist engaged with the community, he painted a stunning mural of sharks, reflecting his dedication to marine art. Wyland had previously left his mark in Wilmington during a mural tour spanning from Maine to Florida and expressed joy in returning to the area.

"It’s really great to be back in Wilmington, and as an artist, I truly appreciate both the quality of the vodka and the artistry found on the bottle," Wyland remarked during the event.

Additionally, the artist revisited a prior mural he had created and hinted at the possibility of returning for touch-ups, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the vibrancy of his work. The new mural can be found at the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn located on Nutt Street in Wilmington.

Eight exceptional rums have made it to the finals of the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a renowned event in the spirits industry. These finalists include five rums aged for five years or more and three overproof selections. Here’s a detailed look at their origins and tasting notes.

Aged 5 Years & Older Rum Finalists

Cartavio XO Rum

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $60
• Description: Originating from Peru, Cartavio XO is a blend of rums aged up to 18 years, matured in a solera system with various oak barrels. It presents a less sweet profile typical of South American rums, influenced by the dry Andean terroir. Tasting notes include dried fig, orange zest, vanilla, and roasted nuts, finishing with caramel and dark chocolate.

Zacapa No. 23 Rum

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $45
• Description: This Guatemalan rum is aged for up to 23 years and crafted from virgin sugarcane syrup. Known for its velvety character, Zacapa No. 23 features aromas of caramelized banana and vanilla, with a palate rich in molasses, dried fruit, and cinnamon, ending on a long, semi-sweet note of vanilla and toasted oak.

Ten To One, Five Origin Select Rum

• ABV: 46%
• Price: $60
• Description: This rum blends varieties from Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad, aged up to 15 years. It’s complex with notes of molasses and tropical fruits, leading to a robust palate of allspice and burnt caramel, finishing with spices and seasoned wood.

Planteray Rum, XO 20th Anniversary

• ABV: 40%
• Price: $70
• Description: A blend aged in Barbados and finished in French cognac casks, this rum showcases rich flavors of ripe banana and vanilla. Its smooth palate is complemented by notes of dried fruit and crème brûlée, concluding with tropical fruit and soft spices.

Ron del Barrilito Rum, 3 Stars

• ABV: 43%
• Price: $40
• Description: As Puerto Rico’s oldest rum brand, this rum is aged 6 to 10 years and crafted using a solera method. It exhibits a drier structure with aromas of toasted walnut and dried apricot, leading to a complex palate with candied orange and cocoa powder, finishing with caramelized citrus and nutmeg.

Overproof Rum Finalists

Worthy Park, Overproof Rum

• ABV: 63%
• Price: $28
• Description: This Jamaican pot-still rum combines molasses and cane juice, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It’s bold with notes of green banana and overripe pineapple, delivering robust flavors of traditional Jamaican rum funk and a long fruity finish.

Cap & Cane Spirits, Overproof Rum

• ABV: 63%
• Price: $32
• Description: Produced in North Carolina, this rum is crafted for cocktail use, combining high-ester molasses rum with lighter distillates. It presents fresh notes of sugarcane and lemon peel, providing a smooth palate balanced with toasted coconut.

Planteray Rum, OFTD (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark)

• ABV: 69%
• Price: $28
• Description: This Royal Navy-style rum is a blend sourced from various regions, capturing the essence of navy-strength rums. It features robust aromas and flavors of molasses and burnt orange, with a syrupy texture and a finish rich in dark fruits and baking spices.

These rums are not only exceptional for sipping but also versatile enough to craft potent cocktails, offering a wide spectrum of tastes and aromas that rum enthusiasts will appreciate.