Hot buttered rum is a timeless winter cocktail that combines rum, butter, and spices into a warming drink with deep historical roots. Its origins date back to the 17th century when rum was pivotal to Colonial America’s burgeoning trade. As rum distillation flourished, hot buttered rum emerged as a favored drink among settlers who enjoyed experimenting with warm beverages, particularly in the cold months. This rich concoction quickly became popular at home gatherings and taverns, offering both warmth and indulgence.

While variations existed as far back as the 1500s, the specific blend of rum, butter, and spices that defines hot buttered rum became established in the 1600s. With rum becoming a mainstay of daily life and a component in various popular drinks like toddies, it was only natural for colonial settlers to mix their beloved spirit with butter and spices. This innovative approach added comfort and a way to unwind, ensuring hot buttered rum’s place in the cultural canon of drinks that symbolize colonial hospitality.

Today, modern takes on hot buttered rum are turning heads with unique twists. Bars and restaurants now offer variations that appeal to contemporary tastes, such as adding caramel for sweetness, a splash of citrus for brightness, or even swapping rum for bourbon. Some establishments have even introduced non-alcoholic versions, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavor without the alcohol kick.

Despite the evolution of this cocktail, traditional hot buttered rum retains its status as a comforting classic, providing warmth and a taste of history during the winter months. For enthusiasts looking to explore this delightful drink further, experimenting with its various interpretations can lead to interesting flavors while honoring its storied past.

How does an afternoon of tasting up to 100 whiskeys sound? I’ll borrow from the alleged words of Mark Twain: "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough."

If that sounds appealing, check out the Jersey City Whiskey Fest, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Harborside Atrium in Jersey City. For $70, your ticket grants you admission (or $15 for designated drivers), a souvenir tasting glass, and as many .5-ounce samples as you can responsibly drink.

Alongside a variety of whiskeys — including bourbon, single-malt, Canadian, and rye — attendees will also find other spirits like tequila and vodka. Participants can engage with master distillers and whiskey experts to enhance their tasting experience.

In addition to spirits, the festival will feature local craft beers, food for purchase, live music, and various vendors.

To reserve your tickets, visit newyorkcitywhiskeyfest.com. The event is strictly for those aged 21 and older, and pets, as well as outside food or drinks, are not permitted.

Jason Armstrong, a former bartender and wine importer, founded his whiskey brand, Den of Thieves, after an inspiring conversation during a bourbon trail trip in 2017. A friend, aware of his passion for whiskey, encouraged him to pursue this dream. However, it was only after he had named the brand that he discovered a surprising connection to his family’s history of bootlegging.

The name "Den of Thieves" reflects Armstrong’s upbringing in Brooklyn during the 80s and 90s, a time marked by a significant drug problem. He described how local drug dealers looked out for him as a kid, ensuring that he stayed in school. This experience led him to believe that there existed an unwritten honor code even among thieves. Additionally, being an avid comic book fan, the name nods to a character named Xander from the thieves’ guild in New Orleans, symbolizing Armstrong’s vision of whiskey being associated with clandestine, traditional bars.

As he began his journey with Den of Thieves, he unexpectedly learned that his maternal grandfather, Bernie Powell, had been a bootlegger in Georgia. Armstrong, who had never met him as he died before Armstrong was born, now feels a connection between his whiskey brand and the legacy of his grandfather’s “den of thieves.” Currently, Den of Thieves is available in several states, including New York and New Jersey, with plans for expansion later this year.

The whiskey’s initial debut occurred in 2018, but Armstrong decided to withdraw it from the market as he was not satisfied with the flavors. After revamping the product, he successfully relaunched it in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The pandemic unexpectedly benefited his brand, allowing him to secure shelf space and gain traction amid surging liquor sales, which saw a 20% increase from March to September 2020.

Den of Thieves now offers a range of four whiskeys: a five-year-old bourbon, an eight-year-old bourbon, a ginger vanilla bourbon, and a chocolate bourbon. Armstrong’s first creation was the ginger vanilla bourbon, specifically designed to pair well with cigars, something he personally enjoys.

Throughout this journey, Armstrong has ensured that there’s something for everyone in his whiskey line, stating that no one trying his products would leave without finding something to their liking. He also advocates pairing his whiskey with one of his own cigar creations, Tristan Lee Cigars, named in memory of his nephew and sister who passed away.

For additional information about Den of Thieves, visit Den of Thieves Whiskey.

Peavey Mart has been a staple for farm supplies, with Randy Doran, a former manager who now writes songs celebrating the store, focusing on its extensive offerings. However, the Bedford location, part of a worker-owned chain, is slated to close, joining a list of 90 closures nationwide.

In Cape Breton, the Verschuren Centre in Sydney has received a boost with $1 million in government funding aimed at developing biomanufacturing processes that utilize microbes to replace oil refineries, with the goal of producing paints, dyes, and plastics.

Wind energy is on the rise in Nova Scotia, with six new wind projects approved, together generating 2,000 gigawatt hours of capacity yearly. Set to partner local companies with First Nations, these wind farms are expected to be operational by 2028, despite ongoing challenges in the U.S. regarding wind energy.

Amidst these developments, Halifax is facing mixed reviews. While the city reports an uptick in GDP and population, high housing costs and inadequate public transit have sparked complaints among residents. New mayor Andy Fillmore and his council are addressing these pressing issues.

Lastly, columnist John Demont emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly in light of potential tariff conflicts. He encourages residents to buy locally produced goods, including Cheezies and Iron Works rum, as a means of strengthening the economy.

For more insights, view the original article here.

Kylie Jenner has introduced a new ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka soda called Sprinter, generating excitement among drink enthusiasts. While I’m not a fan of the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, I’ve respected Kendall Jenner for creating an excellent tequila with 818 Tequila. This background informed my expectations for Kylie’s offering.

I purchased the variety pack, which includes four flavors—grapefruit, lime, peach, and black cherry—and conducted a taste test.

Sprinter Overview

Sprinter is a vodka soda that combines vodka with sparkling water and fruit juice. Each 355ml can contains a low 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 100 calories, with no gluten or added sugar. One notable aspect of Sprinter is the choice of vodka over grain alcohol, which often yields a dull taste.

The branding is sleek and minimalist, with each flavor distinguished by color—making them easy to pick without searching for labels.

Taste Test Highlights

Here’s a breakdown of each flavor:

1. Peach: My favorite. It captures the delicate tang and sweetness of real peaches, making it truly refreshing.
2. Grapefruit: Offers a tart, zesty bitterness that balances well with the vodka.
3. Black Cherry: Has a rich fruit flavor, being the most robust choice available.
4. Lime: This was the weakest link for me. The combination with vodka doesn’t stand out and feels reminiscent of many other lime-flavored RTDs on the market.

While I enjoyed the fruit-forward flavors, my only major concern is the low ABV. At 4.5%, a single can may leave those who typically drink more feeling like they need to consume two to feel any effect—totalling 200 calories and prompting a reconsideration of simply mixing a cocktail instead.

Conclusion

Overall, Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter delivers beautifully in terms of aesthetics and flavor, making it a contender for your next party drink. With its juicy taste, it could easily convert you into a fan. For those interested in trying Sprinter, you can find it here.