INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – For this Valentine’s Day, Brett Butler showcased a delightful cocktail recipe called the "Strawberry Kiss." This drink features Hard Truth’s Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, known for its silky texture and tropical flavor, making it a perfect choice for a romantic occasion.

Hard Truth has crafted a unique toasted coconut rum, infusing it with a creamy twist that adds versatility to cocktails. Butler also highlighted Prairie Vodka, produced by the Prairie Distillery in Princeton, Minnesota. This vodka is celebrated for its smoothness and organic production methods, using 100% USDA-certified organic corn and no additives, resulting in a cleaner taste.

Strawberry Kiss Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream
• 1 1/2 oz Prairie Vodka
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 2 Medium Strawberries
• 1 Dash Cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a bar shaker, add Prairie Vodka and 1 strawberry. Muddle the strawberry thoroughly.
2. Add the Hard Truth Coconut Rum Cream.
3. Cover and shake to chill the mixture.
4. Single strain the cocktail into a glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a dash of cinnamon before serving.

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, raising a glass to love and flavor!

Susan Holmes McKagan shared insights about her life with her husband, Duff McKagan, the bassist of Guns N’ Roses, and discussed her literary work in a recent interview. In her conversation, she reflected on Duff’s struggles with alcoholism, describing his battle as extreme—he once consumed a gallon-and-a-half of vodka daily. While Susan didn’t know him during his active addiction, she has been a significant support throughout their 25-year marriage.

She noted that Duff had only relapsed once in the early 2000s during his time with Velvet Revolver. That relapse was a critical moment when Duff recognized he needed help and began the journey back to sobriety. Susan expressed her fear during that time but also her confidence in Duff’s ability to overcome his challenges. She revealed that many people have reached out to Duff since he published his memoir, sharing how his story inspired them.

Transitioning to her own achievements, Susan’s novel, "The Velvet Rose," published in 2019, is said to carry autobiographical elements, rooted in her experiences navigating a challenging, male-dominated music industry in the ’90s. Instead of opting for non-fiction, she chose fiction for its creative freedom, allowing her to explore themes beyond strict autobiographical boundaries. The protagonist, Scarlett, mirrors aspects of Susan’s life, with aspirations for the novel to be adapted into a film or series.

In addition to discussing her literary journey, Susan elaborated on her writing process, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and having a structured routine. She noted that writing can be an arduous path filled with rejection and subjective critique from editors. Her dedication to storytelling, perseverance, and embracing a hopeful outlook were central to her narrative as both a supportive partner and a budding writer.

For more insights from Susan Holmes McKagan, you can explore related articles on her experiences with Duff McKagan and her writing journey.

Captain Morgan hosted a vibrant pre-Super Bowl party on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on February 8, transforming the iconic area into "Rum Street." This event attracted various celebrities, including Victor Cruz and Winnie Harlow. The highlight of the night was an electrifying performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist T-Pain, who energized the crowd with his hit songs in anticipation of the big game.

T-Pain expressed enthusiasm for the night, stating, "Captain Morgan is taking Bourbon Street to another level," emphasizing the unique party experience. Anne Nosko, VP of Captain Morgan, noted that the event was the culmination of their efforts to create memorable adventures for fans throughout the NFL season, celebrating the biggest weekend in sports.

With such a festive atmosphere, the party served as a lively kickoff to the Super Bowl celebrations, ensuring attendees experienced a night to remember on one of America’s most famous streets.

On the early morning of November 2, 1919, a raid in Casper, Wyoming, on a stash of over 200 whiskey cases turned into chaos and tragedy. The Natrona County sheriff, Pat Royce, led a team of law enforcement officers into a garage suspected of harboring illegal liquor, but the operation quickly spiraled out of control.

At approximately 4 a.m., as Sheriff Royce and his deputy entered the premises, a confrontation ensued when the homeowner and his accomplice emerged with shotguns drawn. In the ensuing chaos, a deputy was shot and killed, and the homeowner was wounded. Shockingly, the sheriff had failed to present a warrant for the raid, and those who were charged stated they did not know the officers were attempting to execute a law enforcement operation.

The events of the raid garnered significant public attention and outrage. All individuals involved in the shooting, including those charged with murder, would later be acquitted at trial, a verdict met with a rare editorial in the Casper Daily Tribune calling for the sheriff and his deputies to resign.

Legal commentator Daniel Fetsco noted that the public’s sympathy for the defendants reflected a broader national backlash against Prohibition enforcement. The case occurred during an era when policing was evolving, and the tactics used by law enforcement were not well-defined. As such, the raid and its aftermath not only highlighted the challenges in enforcing Prohibition laws but also set off a series of legal and moral disputes regarding police practices of the time.

In the wake of the raid, Sheriff Royce and Deputy William E. Kilgore were arrested for assaulting one of the suspects, Hugh Armstrong, during the operation. Public discontent led local officials to appoint special counsel to oversee the case. Armstrong’s defense centered on the claim that he was unaware that those confronting him were law officers, and this narrative resonated with the jury, leading to a swift not-guilty verdict.

Armstrong, after his acquittal, faced additional charges relating to possession of the whiskey but was again cleared. He eventually returned to a peaceful life, becoming a respected community member in Missouri, while Sheriff Royce continued his law enforcement career until retiring, and Deputy Kilgore transitioned to work as a railroad special agent. The chaotic events of that day would linger in the community’s memory, emblematic of the tumultuous and often violent nature of Prohibition in America.

For further reading on the historical context of the whiskey raid, see the Casper Daily Tribune.

J. Rieger Co., based in Kansas City, has made a significant mark by releasing its first-ever home-distilled rye whiskey. This addition to the whiskey landscape comes as a nostalgic nod to the historic rye production in the United States, harkening back to when rye whiskey was more popular than bourbon in states like Pennsylvania and Maryland. As the whiskey scene evolves, J. Rieger Co. seeks to establish itself among the growing craft distilleries producing quality rye.

The distillery, founded in 2014 by Ryan Maybee and Andy Rieger—who is the great-great-great grandson of a liquor pioneer—started its distilling operations in 2019. This new straight rye whiskey is the third product in its whiskey collection, joining Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rieger Kansas City Whiskey.

Contrary to many rye whiskeys, which often use a 95% rye mash bill, J. Rieger Co. has opted for a 96% rye, with 4% malted barley, as a way to differentiate itself from competitors. This recipe, inspired by discussions with the legendary distiller Dave Pickerell, aims to bring a unique flavor profile that stands apart from prevailing norms.

After sampling the Rieger Straight Rye, the flavors emerge with a significant spiced and floral aroma at 90 proof. Tasting notes highlight a delightful fusion of sweetness and spice, featuring cinnamon, honeysuckle, and salted caramel, leading to a long-lasting, oak-forward finish reminiscent of holiday spices. The whiskey also boasts unexpected fruity notes, including stone fruit and cherry, contributing to a pleasant complexity throughout.

Available for a suggested price of $30 to $35 per 750ml bottle, Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey is set to be distributed across Missouri and 24 other states starting February 2025. This craft operation produces around 1,500 barrels a year, showcasing its distinct approach to whiskey-making amidst larger distilleries in the industry.

The U.S. government has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct type of whiskey, a significant change that took 52 years to achieve. This new designation, announced by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) at the end of December, took effect on January 19, marking a pivotal moment for American whiskey producers and enthusiasts alike.

The origins of American Single Malt can be traced back a few years, yet it was not until recently that the category gained official status. Early distillers, influenced by the craft brewing movement and traditional Scottish whisky practices, began producing single malt whiskeys, often labeling them unofficially. In 2016, the American Single Malt Commission was formed to advocate for formal recognition, culminating in the TTB’s proposal of a definition in 2022. After two years and over 1,000 public letters to the TTB, the standards for American Single Malt were finally established.

According to the TTB, the criteria for American Single Malt include:

• Must be made from 100% malted barley, distilled entirely at a single distillery.
• Must be mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States.
• Must be aged in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters.
• Distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume).
• Bottled at 80 proof or higher.

As this category develops, many find it to be a delightful blend of Scotch and bourbon flavors. Here are four standout American Single Malt whiskeys to consider:

1. Little Rest American Single Malt Whiskey ($100)

This whiskey is ideal for fans of floral, non-peaty spirits. Created by Shane Fraser, who has roots in Scotland, Little Rest brings a floral bouquet on every sip. It was recognized as one of the top whiskeys of the year.

2. Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey ($50.99)

A great option for those new to American Single Malts, it was named the World’s Best Whiskey for 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With clean and smooth oak and spice notes, it showcases the best of both Scotch and bourbon styles.

3. Wine Club First Meeting, Cedar Ridge Distillery ($100)

Part of the QuintEssential Special Release series, this whiskey is uniquely aged in a mix of wine casks, providing rich flavors and a floral finish with hints of peated malt.

4. The Macklowe American Single Malt Whiskey Gold Edition ($295)

Targeted as a luxury whiskey, it offers a smooth start with an expressive finish, showcasing oak-forward flavors interspersed with floral notes.

The recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey not only celebrates its growing popularity but also promises to enhance the whiskey landscape in the U.S. with diverse and flavorful expressions for enthusiasts to explore.

Recently, the renowned cocktail destination, Sexy Fish, announced the launch of its own-label vodka, aptly named Sexy Fish Vodka. This new vodka is a collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, located in North Wessex Downs, United Kingdom. The spirit is produced through a meticulous process of double distillation, triple filtration, and is finished with honey, resulting in a smooth and flavorful 84-proof vodka.

Xavier Landais, Director of Beverage at Caprice Holdings, shared insights on the significance of this launch. He emphasized the importance of both the quality of the liquid and the overall dining experience, stating, “Vodka is our best-performing spirit, but unfortunately, in this category, it’s often about branding rather than the liquid itself.” By creating their own vodka, Sexy Fish aims to enhance its offerings, ensuring that guests enjoy a high-quality spirit that pairs beautifully with their signature sushi and sashimi dishes, including the creation of the Sexy Fish Martini.

For fans looking to purchase this exclusive vodka, it is currently only available at Sexy Fish locations in London, Manchester, and Miami, priced at $16 for a 2-ounce pour and $550 for a 750ml bottle.