Country Wine & Spirits Set to Launch a New Store in Ramona Offering Premium Alcoholic Beverages
A forthcoming Country Wine & Spirits store, which will retail boutique alcohol along with craft wines and beers, is slated to open in Ramona earlier this summer.
On Thursday, the Ramona Community Planning Group members unanimously gave the green light for a liquor license for the fourth Country Wine & Spirits store in Ramona. The license will be moved from the Country Wine & Spirits outlet in Tierrasanta, informed Vince Kattoula, the CEO of Kattoula & Associates.
The new address is the prior Elam’s Hallmark store at 1423 Main St. located in the Plaza Shopping Center. The owner, Guy Elam, shut down the store adjacent to Albertson’s grocery store on Valentine’s Day of the previous year, citing the excessive cost required for operating the business.
Kattoula updated the Planning Group members that the upcoming Country Wine & Spirits is poised to retail high-end products which include boutique liquors, and craft wines and beers amongst other items. The outlet will also be selling wines produced in Ramona, European-style chocolates, and flavored craft sodas sourced globally.
One product that stands out in the selection is Pappy Van Winkle, a high-class range of bourbons and whiskeys, according to Kattoula. This brand is often not found in usual stores, he noted.
Kattoula shared that an uncommon item intended to be on offer is a tequila bottle sculpted like a shotgun and stands 3 feet tall.
Kattoula strongly believes that the establishment will appeal to tourists, who, in turn, could revitalize Ramona’s economy by patronizing local stores, food establishments, and wineries.
“This place is more of a tourist spot and presents an opportunity to discover exclusive bottles for momentous events,” stated Kattoula, following the approval of the liquor license by the Planning Group.
Andrew Simmons, a member of the Planning Group and chair of the Town Center Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee members unanimously endorsed the alcohol license at their meeting on March 27.
“Everyone is keen on the concept,” said Simmons. “The expectation is that it will stock premium products that may become popular.”
Simmons pointed out that there appears to be a need for a convenience store in the shopping center. This is particularly true for customers who desire a quick pick-up of alcohol or snacks.
“We draw tourists all day thanks to our wineries and music scene, as well as being on the way to Julian and the desert,” Simmons commented. “While I’m unsure if anyone in San Diego would travel up the hill to visit a liquor shop, I do see a chance for passersby to spot the shop and stop in.”
Robin Joy Maxson, a member of the Planning Group, stated at the meeting on Thursday that a similar store she had been to in Lake Tahoe was immensely popular, always bustling with customers.
Anticipating the Re-release of Soft Parade Vodka: A Collaboration Between Michigan’s Short’s Brewing and Iron Fish Distillery
Short’s Brewing Company and Iron Fish Distillery have collaborated for the second limited release of Soft Parade Vodka, inspired by Short’s signature Soft Parade Fruit Ale. The vodka will be available at select retailers while supplies last beginning the weekend April 28, 2024. It was first released during April 2023.
THOMPSONVILLE, MI – Soft Parade Vodka is back – almost.
The fruit-infused vodka by Iron Fish Distillery is inspired by Short’s Brewing’s Soft Parade Fruit Ale. It features strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries — the same as its namesake.
A limited quantity will be released to retailers and bars the weekend of April 28, the distillery announced. It will be available at the distillery in Thompsonville starting Friday, April 19, while supplies last.
“Once it’s gone, it won’t return again until next year, so grab a bottle while you can!” Iron Fish said.
Short’s Brewing Company and Iron Fish Distillery have collaborated for the second limited release of Soft Parade Vodka, inspired by Short’s signature Soft Parade Fruit Ale. The vodka will be available at select retailers while supplies last beginning the weekend April 28, 2024. It was first released during April 2023.
The collaboration was first released during April 2023.
“The 2024 batch is even more fruit forward … Just like real fruit, it’s best enjoyed fresh!” the company said.
The vodka is 75-proof. It has no artificial flavors.
Soft Parade Vodka will not be available for sale at either of the Short’s Northern Michigan locations in Bellaire and Elk Rapids.
Find a bottle of Soft Parade Vodka near you here. Find Soft Parade Vodka cocktail ideas here.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
An Early Taste Review: Templeton Rye’s Debut Bourbon Release
Templeton is famous for its rye whiskey, originally sourced from MGP in Indiana since its inception in 2006. However, in 2018, Templeton launched its own distillery in the identically named Iowa town. The distillery has been producing whiskey since then, including varieties beyond just rye whiskey. Recently, the distillery unveiled Templeton Fortitude, which marks their first bourbon and the first whiskey that is entirely produced and aged in Iowa.
The narrative of Templeton has for years revolved around the Prohibition era when bootleggers established their businesses in Iowa. The company even claimed that their original Templeton rye whiskey was a favorite of Al Capone. In 2015, several class-action lawsuits were directed at Templeton, accusing the company of misleading its customers about the actual production location of the whiskey (Iowa not Indiana) and falsely labeling it as ‘small batch’ whiskey. After settling the lawsuits and changing labels, this event became part of the legal history of whiskey.
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Until now, the Templeton portfolio has consisted of rye whiskeys aged for four, six, and 10 years, along with a few cask finishes. None of the rye that is being distilled in-house has been dropped yet, which makes this bourbon release even more notable for the distillery. In keeping with the rye whiskey theme, Fortitude is a very high-rye bourbon: The mashbill is 55 percent corn, 40 percent rye, and 5 percent malted barley. While the rye is imported, the corn is sourced from local farmers located within 15 miles of the distillery, and the whiskey is mashed, fermented, distilled, and matured onsite.
We got an early taste of Templeton Fortitude Bourbon, and it’s a good first release. The whiskey was bottled at 92 proof and is non-chill filtered, which allows some extra flavor to shine through on the palate. There is no age statement, but it’s labeled as straight bourbon so it must be at least 4 years old (the flavor profile indicates a bourbon in the 4-to-5-year-old range). The mouthfeel is a bit thin and overall the palate is on the lighter side, but this is a tasty bourbon with a nice sweetness to it that’s tempered with a good amount of spice from the high rye content. There are notes of honey, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, black pepper, Meyer lemon, and cinnamon on the palate, making this a suitable sipping bourbon that would also work very well in cocktails.
Templeton Fortitude Bourbon is just starting to be distributed nationally, so it could be a bit challenging to locate online right now. However, you might want to keep an eye on sites likeReserveBar, as it presently sells all of the rye whiskeys and it should start selling this one soon.
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Surprising Nation Holds the Title for Highest Wine Consumption
You don’t need to be a master sommelier to know that Europeans pride themselves on their passion for wine. Whether it’s paired with a pasta dish in Italy, sipped alongside a specialty cheese in France, or served with a delectable tapas spread in Spain, wine is commonly the finishing touch on almost every meal in the region. We’d even go so far as to say that it’s practically regarded as its own food group. Considering the fact that France, Italy, and Spain are indeed the top three wine-producing countries on Earth, that’s hardly a surprise.
However, you might be surprised to learn that when it comes to wine consumption, none of the above nations can hold a candle (or a bottle) to the United States. Yep, according to the 2024 State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the U.S. is consistently the world’s top wine-consuming country. As stated in the report, U.S. wine drinkers gulped down over 329 million cases of wine in 2022.
Per data from the International Organization of Wine and Vine (OIV), that equates to about 3.4 billion liters of vino. Compare that to the 2.53 billion liters of wine consumed by France, and the 2.3 billion liters drank by Italy that same year. Rounding out the top five wine-consuming populations were Germany and the United Kingdom — and, although Spain is the world’s third-biggest producer of wine, it actually trails behind Russia in terms of consumption.
Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have
Given that the United States does, indeed, have a higher population compared to other countries that appreciate wine, it is logical that it outdrinks them. Even though the consumer market in China certainly has the financial capability to compete with the U.S. in regards to buying and consumption potential, the most populated country globally has notably reduced its wine consumption over the past decade, dropping from 201.1 million cases in 2015 to 97.8 million in 2022.
As a matter of fact, the demand for wine is decreasing worldwide, including in the U.S. Wine sales in the U.S. have been on a consistent decline since the 2000s, with the industry reporting negative volume sales in 2021, 2022, and 2023. A key insight from SVB’s industry report is that “less U.S. consumers consider wine as their alcoholic beverage of choice” in recent times. The data indicates that some are choosing ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, stronger spirits, or opting out of alcohol in preference for cannabis.
Moreover, a large number of young adults in America have been completely abstaining from alcohol (and not only during Dry January). Based on a 2023 Gallup poll, Americans below the age of 35 are drinking less than in previous years. Although this could signify potential changes in future drinking data, for now, the United States remains the top wine consumer globally by a significant margin. We’d raise a glass to that.
Read the original article on Tasting Table
Unlocking the Secrets: The Effects of Adding Beer to Chicken Brine
Cooking lean meat can be tricky since it tends to get tough easily, which is why brining chicken is so important. The task helps to preserve the chicken’s moisture so that it remains juicy as it cooks. We’re talking of a wet chicken brine, where the chicken is submerged in a mixture of salt and water at a ratio of one cup per gallon of water. Yet this mixture can be altered with the simple addition of beer for better results.
A plain chicken brine helps to preserve and even adds moisture to the chicken. This works through two processes. Once the chicken is submerged in brine, osmosis occurs. This involves water transferring from the brine through the membranes of the chicken’s cells. The second process, diffusion, sees salt (and water) move from the higher concentration in the brine and settle in the chicken, leveling out the distribution. Not only that, but the absorption brings out the flavor of the meat since salt is a flavor enhancer.
Similarly, chicken’s flavor is enhanced by beer. If salt-brining is the king of imparting flavors, beer-brining is the ace card. The beer, along with the brine, transfers its natural aromas along with salt so that it enriches the meat through diffusion. Tannins and acids in beer also help break down the chicken meat so it’s tender. Imagine the taste of chicken bolstered with hints of toasty, roast-y aromas and its meat falling apart so effortlessly — divine.
Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have
To make a chicken brine, combine water, salt, and optional sugar in a pot and heat on medium until the salt and sugar dissolve. At this point, you can add any desired flavorings. For instance, you might introduce a wheat beer and preserved lemons for a unique citrus twist. Once everything has dissolved, take the pot off the heat and submerge your chicken in the brine.
Refrigerate the brined chicken for at least four hours or overnight. Before cooking, you can rinse the chicken or pat it dry with a paper towel. You can cook the chicken in whatever way suits your taste – poached, fried, or, our recommendation, herb-roasted. This combination of brining and roasting helps the chicken to brown nicely and imbues it with a deep, caramelized flavor.
If the idea of a beer-infused chicken brine doesn’t appeal, you could try making beer-can chicken instead. This odd-sounding technique involves grilling a chicken while it’s sitting upright with a beer can inside it, allowing the beer to evaporate and flavor the bird from the inside. Despite its unusual preparation, the results are fantastically flavorful.
You can find the original article on Tasting Table.
Questioning the Effectiveness of Rum Taxes in Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands
Most federal taxes on rum are handed to the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — a crucial way they fund their local governments. Recently, the program isn’t working as intended.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Announcement: Rum Runners Cafe Opening Soon in Kettering
On April 5th, the launch of Rum Runners Cafe, a fresh dining establishment radiating the ambience of the 1920s prohibition era and art deco aesthetic, has been announced. Expected to commence online orders within the upcoming month, the restaurant will be situated at 2318 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering.
The venue utilized to be the former location of Christopher’s Restaurant.
Driving the upcoming restaurant, Jamie Campbell, along with her partner, have dreamt of owning a restaurant for almost ten years. They are thrilled to bring this vision to life. Campbell boasts a career that spans seven years in teaching and 15 years in the culinary industry.
A shared fondness for rum inspired the naming of the restaurant. The entrepreneurial duo also offer a rum-infused BBQ sauce product line. Originated from a family BBQ sauce recipe, the range has developed over the years, leading to their sauces being sold at Dorothy Lane Market. Rum Runners Sauces are available in Sweet Rum, Honey Rum, and Spicy Rum. An upcoming addition is a Rum and Coke glaze, to be made available at Dot’s Market in due course.
Campbell characterizes herself as an avid enthusiast of history. Her restaurant shall imbibe the aesthetics of the 1920s prohibition period, echoing an art deco design featuring a “Great Gatsby” vibe. Menu items such as burgers will draw inspiration from gangsters, chicken sandwiches from flapper girls and female rum runners, whereas loaded baked potatoes will be a homage to Irish mafia figures.
This local family-run establishment also plans to serve appetizers comprising wings, crispy fried pickles, classic fries and sweet potato fries. Campbell intends to commence operations in June and wishes to extend the menu further with salmon, pasta and refreshing salads.
Besides, this varied menu is a carefully curated blend of traditional family recipes passed through generations and some that Campbell has been perfecting over the past ten years.
Campbell asserted, “It is my wish for everyone to relish the food and their experience at our establishment. We find a diverse range of restaurants in the vicinity, but several of them are chain outlets. There’s nothing inherently wrong with such arrangements, but I possess an affinity for local, grassroots-level ‘mom and pop’ places.”
Last December Campbell signed a five-year lease for the 3,500-square-foot space that is expected to seat up to 75 people. She and her partner have been remodeling the space and appreciate the community’s response.
The new restaurant is not affiliated with Rum Runners which was once located in Fairborn.
For more information and updates, visit Rum Runners Cafe’s Facebook page.
The Storytelling Aspect of American Independent Whiskey Bottlers: Beyond Sourcing Whiskey
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has been in operation since 1983
If you’re a bourbon drinker, you’re likely acquainted with the idea of sourced whiskey. This is where a distillery or non-distilling producer purchases and resells whiskey that they didn’t distill. This practice is utilized in whiskey-making countries worldwide, but it’s often associated with American whiskey. Although sourcing has become more accepted, there are arguments against it due to its lack of authenticity, implying that selling someone else’s product isn’t as genuine as making it oneself.
This viewpoint is predominantly a result of today’s whiskey market. Sourcing has always existed in the whiskey industry, and many of today’s most sought-after heritage brands are sourced products. Despite this, the modern whiskey enthusiast demands more clarity from producers. Over the past decade, distilleries and non-distilling producers have replied appropriately, frequently providing information on mash bills, barrel entry proofs, and where the whiskey was aged.
While this additional production data suffices for most whiskey enthusiasts, many sourced products are still mysterious, particularly those that are blends of straight bourbon or rye whiskies from multiple locations. If you’ve seen a whiskey bottle label indicating that it was distilled in Indiana, Tennessee, or Kentucky, you have just enough information to realize you don’t know the whole story. A new trend of transparent whiskey production has emerged in the U.S., inspired by a successful business model long-used in Scotland.
No two barrels of whiskey are ever the same.
The practice of independent bottling of whiskey is akin to sourcing, the difference being the selling company usually does not distill the whiskey themselves. Nonetheless, unlike most sourced whiskies, there is complete transparency about the source distillery prominently displayed on the label. However, why would a distillery permit someone else to sell their brand of whiskey? This can be explained by the unpredictable nature of the whiskey-making process. It often happens that two barrels filled with the same spirit and stored in the same conditions produce end products with distinct tastes. Due to this variability, sometimes, the taste does not meet the specific distillery style.
Such barrels which do not conform to the profile may be procured by independent bottlers in a mutually beneficial transaction: the distillery is able to get rid of unsuitable barrels while the bottler benefits from having the distillery’s name on their label. Distilleries often let their official brand name be replaced with an independent bottler’s trade name. For instance, one might not see a lot of independently bottled whiskey from Balvenie or Laphroaig, but there are plenty of “Burnside” and “Williamson” available. Surplus or experimental casks are sometimes sold to independent bottlers as well, but these are not necessarily substandard barrels. Instead, their flavor might not match the branding of the distillery. This practice of selling surplus barrels is becoming increasingly scarce with rising global demand for whiskey.
Once procured by an independent bottler, they can manipulate the barrel’s contents as per their wish. Some barrels are quickly bought and sold, yet most continue to mature in the warehouses. It’s common to transfer many barrels to secondary casks ahead of bottling, thus adding new dimensions of flavor to the original spirit. The secondary maturation of some barrels could be pivotal in transforming a mediocre release into a market-worthy product. Some bottlers also mix together a small number of barrels from the same distillery for an independent bottler release.
The concept of independent bottling in the United States presents a unique opportunity for the numerous distilleries producing whiskey across the country. A small-scale distillery crafting exceptional whiskey in locations such as Ohio or Montana may not possess the necessary marketing budget or distribution network to drive their brand beyond their local vicinity. An independent bottler can significantly shift this dynamic. By launching products that highlight the source distillery’s name on the label, these smaller distilleries are given a chance to reach a national audience, with the independent bottler taking on the complicated task of marketing, selling, and distributing the whiskey.
There are two primary enduring entities in the American independent bottler sector. The United States division of Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has been functioning since 1993, providing American single malt enthusiasts with distinctive barrels of scotch whisky for over three decades. Although the SMWS has since expanded to include bourbon, rye, rum, gin and armagnac among other spirits, it continues to focus predominantly on sourcing and selling scotch.
Single Cask Nation was established in 2011 by self-described whisky aficionados Jason Johnston-Yellin and Joshua Hatton. Much like the SMWS, they majorly concentrate on scotch whisky but have adapted to include other styles such as bourbon, rye, rum and American single malt. Both organizations source whisk(e)y globally, with a special emphasis on Scotland, hence leaving a large segment of the craft American whiskey market largely unexplored.
Lost Lantern’s Midwest Collection
Thanks to a rapidly-growing whiskey consumer market, there is a new generation of independent bottlers focusing exclusively on smaller American distilleries. Vermont’s Lost Lantern is the torchbearer of this new-wave, American IB movement. Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski are passionate about finding great American whiskey and began operations with a two-year, coast-to-coast road trip in search of the right barrels. Similarly, Two Souls Spirits, based in Florida, partners with producers across the country to select and release single barrels from distilleries that don’t have a national footprint.
Both companies emphasize transparency, with detailed articles about their processes, technical specs on every product page and an extremely active social media presence. Between these two producers, distilleries from non-traditional whiskey making states Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio and New Mexico have gotten national exposure. Lost Lantern and Two Souls go so far as to give some of their releases descriptive titles, setting the stage for each expression’s flavor profile. Two Souls’ latest bottling from Wollersheim Distillery is called “Wisconsin Waffles,” featuring waffle and maple syrup tasting notes, and Lost Lantern’s “Gentle Giant,” from Balcones Distillery in Texas, showcases a softer whiskey from a distillery known for big, bold flavors.
Unlike traditionally sourced American whiskies, there’s a lot of variability in the independent bottling world. With an ever-evolving lineup of single barrels from distilleries across the country, don’t expect to find two IB expressions that taste exactly the same. What IB bottles lack in consistency, though, is made up for with unique flavor sets that you may not otherwise find from your favorite distillery’s standard range. More importantly, for the craft producers around the US, independent bottlers connect small distilleries to the consumers most likely to appreciate their products, no matter where they live.
Re-release of Soft Parade Vodka by Michigan’s Short’s Brewing and Iron Fish Distillery
Short’s Brewing Company and Iron Fish Distillery have collaborated for the second limited release of Soft Parade Vodka, inspired by Short’s signature Soft Parade Fruit Ale. The vodka will be available at select retailers while supplies last beginning the weekend April 28, 2024. It was first released during April 2023. Iron Fish Distillery
THOMPSONVILLE, MI – Soft Parade Vodka is back – almost.
The fruit-infused vodka by Iron Fish Distillery is inspired by Short’s Brewing’s Soft Parade Fruit Ale. It features strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries — the same as its namesake.
A limited quantity will be released to retailers and bars the weekend of April 28, the distillery announced. It will be available at the distillery in Thompsonville starting Friday, April 19, while supplies last.
“Once it’s gone, it won’t return again until next year, so grab a bottle while you can!” Iron Fish said.
Short’s Brewing Company and Iron Fish Distillery have collaborated for the second limited release of Soft Parade Vodka, inspired by Short’s signature Soft Parade Fruit Ale. The vodka will be available at select retailers while supplies last beginning the weekend April 28, 2024. It was first released during April 2023.
The collaboration was first released during April 2023.
“The 2024 batch is even more fruit forward … Just like real fruit, it’s best enjoyed fresh!” the company said.
The vodka is 75-proof. It has no artificial flavors.
Soft Parade Vodka will not be available for sale at either of the Short’s Northern Michigan locations in Bellaire and Elk Rapids.
Find a bottle of Soft Parade Vodka near you here. Find Soft Parade Vodka cocktail ideas here.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Uncovering the Reasons Behind Your Brand New Beer Tasting Stale
Beer, a globally loved alcoholic beverage, can be found in virtually every flavor imaginable, made from grains such as wheat, barley, or rice. One element, however, is much-feared if unexpectedly encountered – oxygen. Oxygen can either be beneficial or detrimental to your favorite foods and drinks, including beer.
While certain beers like lambics and slow-aged barley wines can benefit from controlled oxidation, it is generally viewed negatively by brewers. Oxygen exposure often results in a stale taste in beer – even in newly purchased ones. The flavor may be described as “wet cardboard,” “leather,” or any other vivid descriptor; stale-tasting beer is usually due to oxygen. The challenge for brewers is that it can occur at any point, from brewing to packaging.
Read more: 10 Of The Healthiest Beers You Can Drink
While it’s crucial to activate yeast during beer-making, it’s nearly impossible to avoid excessive oxygen exposure throughout the process. This is because beer isn’t brewed in a cold, lifeless vacuum like space. The trick lies in controlling it, as the more a beer oxidizes, the more likely it tastes stale. Oxidation can occur at any time, be it excessive mash stirring, inadequate splashing of the wort when recirculating it, or exposure when beer is packaged. Breweries can usually control it earlier in the making process, so most stale beer bought directly from stores likely suffered oxidation during bottling.
How you store beer also has a significant effect on this process, though. Oxidation increases as temperature goes up, meaning your beer will go bad faster if stored at room temperature or, worse, in the heat. Refrigerated beer isn’t just refreshing, it’s actually fresher.
There are, however, a couple of instances where too much oxygen does actually help in brewing. Chief among these is that oxygen is key to providing the flavor of lambic beers. There’s a particular strain of yeast known as Brettanomyces, responsible for beers like lambics and Flanders red ales, that converts ethanol and sugars into acetic acid when exposed to oxygen. Instead of creating a stale taste, this results in the strong taste lambic beer is known for. This takes time to reach its full effect, though, which is why, unlike most beers, lambics can be aged for up to three years.
Still, this is the exception rather than the rule, and oxygen typically harms rather than helps during brewing. If you’re stuck with a six-pack of skunky or stale beer, though, take heart that it could’ve been a lot worse. If it had instead continued to ferment after bottling, it could’ve fully detonated, like Trader Joe’s ginger beer once did.
Read the original article on Daily Meal