Whenever you ask the East Texas Southern rock band Whiskey Myers about the origin of their name, you’re bound to get a different story each time. With the recent announcement of their seventh studio album, Whomp Whack Thunder, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the entertaining tales they’ve shared over the years.

Unlike many bands who clearly state the inspiration behind their name, Whiskey Myers has opted for secrecy. They made a pact to keep their name’s origin under wraps but have still had fun spinning various yarns for fans asking about it. Since their growth following the release of their album Early Morning Shakes in 2015, they’ve presented increasingly imaginative responses to the question.

The band is known for weaving elaborate stories around their name. They’ve claimed it comes from an ancient Viking word or a romantic term from Rome, while lead singer Cody Cannon has humorously declared it translates to “Spanish for a fighting chicken.” His story is a fan favorite, perhaps because he often serves as the spokesperson for the band.

In a report from 2016 by The State Journal-Register, it was suggested that their name originated from a local man named Myers, who lived near a river and was known for his constant drunkenness. The band allegedly borrowed the nickname "Whiskey" for their own use.

Recently, when asked about it, Cody shared a more colorful version:

“It’s from a fighting rooster. We used to be male strippers in Mexico, and we didn’t make very much money because we didn’t look good enough, so we had to start fighting chickens. That was the name of the two chickens… the best roosters. We had two… they were badasses.”

With such an array of stories, it seems the true origin of Whiskey Myers’ name may forever remain a mystery, adding to their mystique. As they continue to build their legacy, fans can look forward to hearing their lead single “Time Bomb” from the upcoming album.

Whomp Whack Thunder tracklist:

1. Time Bomb
2. Tailspin
3. I Got To Move
4. Rowdy Days
5. Icarus
6. Midnight Woman
7. Break These Chains
8. Born To Do
9. Rock N Roll
10. Ramblin’ Jones
11. Monsters

The band will be on tour this year as part of their What We Were Born To Do Tour, with shows lined up across various states. Keep an eye on their schedule for a chance to catch them live!

Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, has been crafting whiskey for an impressive 400 years, nestled in the stunning northern coast of Ireland. To celebrate the release of their remarkable 46-year-old Irish single malt, "Secrets of the River Bush," Shortlist visited the distillery to delve deeper into the whiskey-making craft.

In a conversation with Alex Thomas, Bushmills’ Master Blender, we explored her journey from an eager newcomer to a highly respected figure in the whiskey world. Alex’s journey began with her husband introducing her to a position at the distillery. Growing up nearby, she had always dreamed of working at Bushmills. Starting in the maturation team, Alex was captivated by the distilling process and the distillery’s commitment to tradition, sparking her passion for a career in whiskey.

In November 2021, she achieved her dream of becoming the Master Blender at Bushmills, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and honor.

During our discussion, Alex expressed her deep affection for the distillery, its heritage, and the people who have shaped its legacy. She emphasized that the magic of Bushmills lies in its dedicated workforce, who feel a sense of ownership and commitment to maintaining the distillery’s high standards. This culture of passion and care has allowed it to thrive while others have faltered.

For those new to the world of whiskey, Alex had some thoughtful advice. She encouraged aspiring whiskey drinkers to approach the experience with an open mind, recognizing that taste can vary based on context and individual experiences. She also highlighted the importance of cocktails, noting how they can enhance one’s introduction to whiskey and inspire creativity among mixologists.

As Irish whiskey continues to gain popularity, Alex’s vision for Bushmills seems clear: to honor its rich history while paving the way for future innovations. With the distillery’s enduring charm and the expertise of its leadership, it’s an exciting time for whiskey enthusiasts.

For more whiskey insights, check out The best whiskey in the world, taste tested!.

Marcia Likarish embodies the spirit of adventure, exploration, and community, which has shaped her journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. Rather than confining her world to home life after having her two sons, Robert and Jonathan, she opted to broaden their horizons by introducing them to travel and new experiences. This approach ingrained a love for adventure in the Likarish family’s foundation.

When her sons expressed their desire to start a whiskey distillery named Ironroot Republic, Marcia took it upon herself to aid their ambition. She accompanied them on a trip to Kentucky to learn from top distillers. During this pivotal visit, she discreetly placed their name on the waiting list for a new whiskey still from Vendome Copper & Brassworks, an esteemed manufacturer. Her firm belief in Ironroot led her to commit to the still two years before the distillery was established. Much to their surprise, the call from Vendome came when Ironroot was ready to start production; Marcia’s early action secured them a still, which became the heart of their award-winning whiskey.

Marcia’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond distilling. Her dedication to building community connections led her to engage with distillers across Texas, creating a network of support within the industry. This commitment earned her the affectionate title of "Mother of Texas Whiskey," a nod from her peers in recognition of her contributions and efforts.

Throughout her life, Marcia has demonstrated an unyielding curiosity and passion for sharing knowledge. Her involvement at Ironroot transcends business; she treats every barrel of whiskey as a cherished child, nurturing and guiding them to reach their full potential. For her, every bottle represents a time capsule filled with the hopes and efforts of countless people, making each sip a celebration of meaningful moments with friends and family.

Spirits distributor Blue Caterpillar has partnered with Two Drifters Distillery, a UK producer known for its carbon-negative rum, to bring their unique offerings to global travel retail. This agreement allows for the launch of Four core varieties: Pure White Rum, Signature Rum, Lightly Spiced Rum, and Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum across North, Central, and South America starting in June.

Founded by Russ and Gemma Wakeham, Two Drifters is notable for its commitment to sustainability—each bottle produced removes over 1kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Their operations utilize renewable energy and advanced carbon capture technology in collaboration with Climeworks to surpass their carbon emissions. Packaging is also eco-friendly, featuring lightweight glass bottles made in the UK, compostable seals, and labels crafted from waste sugarcane fiber.

The timing of this partnership coincides with a notable shift in the rum market, where a growing demand for premium products aligns with increasing consumer awareness of sustainable practices. This makes Two Drifters’ offerings compelling for those seeking exceptional flavors coupled with strong sustainability credentials.

Dr. Russ Wakeham expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting their ambition to capture 1% of the global rum market by 2035 while making a positive environmental impact. Michael Gebrael, CEO of Blue Caterpillar, affirmed that Two Drifters exemplifies the innovative and quality-driven brand ethos they aim to promote.