Whiskey Lullaby: A West Tennessee Advocate Pushes to Change State Law on Liquor Shipments
Tony Crowder, a whiskey enthusiast from Ripley, Tennessee, has initiated a petition to change the state’s restrictive liquor laws that prevent the shipment of distilled spirits from other states. For Crowder, enjoying whiskey means frequent travel to distilleries, which is often burdensome due to travel constraints and the risk of breakage. The longstanding Tennessee law, rooted in the Prohibition era, permits local distilleries to ship alcohol within state lines but not from outside.
Despite the repeal of national Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933, Tennessee maintained its restrictions. Crowder’s frustration has led him to seek change through an online petition, aiming for a minimum of 2,000 signatures before presenting it to state lawmakers like Rep. Chris Hurt, who shows interest in his concerns.
Crowder believes reforming the law could enhance consumer access to a diverse range of spirits and stimulate economic growth in Tennessee’s alcohol industry. In 2018, the distilled spirits sector contributed an estimated $8.6 billion to the state’s economy, bolstered by tourism related to whiskey and bourbon trails. Crowder supports the idea that allowing shipments could level the playing field for smaller distilleries against larger, well-known brands that dominate wholesaler portfolios.
Support for Crowder’s petition extends to industry figures, including Lee Kennedy from Leiper’s Fork Distillery, who argues that direct-to-consumer shipping would benefit small-scale distilleries.
The petition is currently active on change.org but has garnered fewer than 500 signatures so far. Crowder hopes the collective effort will illuminate the need for reform and prompt state officials to reconsider the existing laws.
Can TikTok’s “Cortisol Cocktails” Really Help Reduce Stress? Insights from an Expert
2024 has seen a rising trend centered around "cortisol cocktails" on TikTok, also known as "adrenal cocktails." These drinks promise to regulate cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, to help reduce stress. The basic recipe includes coconut water, orange juice, and salt, but variations may incorporate ingredients like cream of tartar, colostrum, or various citrus fruits. One user on TikTok shared a budget-friendly version and claimed it didn’t taste bad.
However, experts urge caution. According to Jessica Sepel, a clinical nutritionist, while elevated cortisol levels can lead to health issues, there’s little scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these cocktails in balancing stress levels. The cocktails do provide some hydration and minerals but may not offer the stress relief many hope for. Instead, Sepel recommends focusing on magnesium-rich foods and maintaining a balanced diet to help manage cortisol naturally.
Though there are minimal risks in trying these cocktails, expectations should be realistic as they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet or professional health advice. Sepel suggests alternative methods for managing cortisol levels, including creating a stress-free environment, using supplements for relaxation, establishing consistent routines for sleep, and consulting healthcare professionals for chronic stress management.
For those seeking stress relief, incorporating holistic approaches and maintaining overall well-being is essential rather than relying solely on trending cocktails.
The Sobering Truth: How Beer Drinking Impacts Diet, Exercise, and Smoking Habits
A recent study conducted by Tulane University highlights concerning health habits among beer drinkers. The research indicates that individuals who primarily consume beer tend to maintain poorer diets, engage in less physical activity, and have a higher propensity for smoking compared to those who prefer wine or liquor.
The significance of these findings lies in the existing correlation between excessive alcohol consumption and the risk of developing liver-related health issues. A healthy lifestyle, characterized by proper diet and regular exercise, is crucial in combating such risks.
In this study, over 1,900 adults were surveyed regarding their dietary habits, focusing on their alcoholic beverage preferences. Results revealed that while all groups exhibited suboptimal diets, beer drinkers reported the lowest quality. Notably, these individuals tend to be younger males with lower incomes, consuming more calories and exercising the least.
The factors contributing to these patterns include food pairings frequently associated with beer consumption, such as pizza and fried foods, which foster unhealthy eating habits. Meanwhile, wine drinkers were found to have healthier diets, typically accompanied by meals rich in vegetables and lean protein.
Experts suggest that healthcare professionals should inquire about their patients’ specific alcohol preferences during consultations. This approach could provide valuable insights for tailored advice on improving dietary choices and enhancing physical activity, particularly for those identified as exclusive beer drinkers.
The study emphasizes the potential lifestyle implications of beverage choices, indicating a need for awareness and initiative among beer drinkers to reassess their diet and exercise routines. Findings from this research will be shared at a liver disease specialists’ meeting and are set to be published in the journal Nutrients.
Zacapa Rum Teams Up with Agua Bendita to Celebrate Colombian Luxury at the Latin American Fashion Summit
Zacapa Rum has announced its continued collaboration with the Latin American Fashion Summit, honoring the Colombian luxury brand Agua Bendita and its cofounders, Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, with the Visionary of the Year award.
The award recognizes Agua Bendita for its dedication to community empowerment, particularly its efforts to work with rural Colombian artisans in producing handcrafted pieces. Hinestroza and Álvarez founded Agua Bendita in 2003, creating swimsuits from surplus fabrics sourced from local clothing factories in Medellin. The brand has since expanded significantly, launching a luxury collection in 2018, known as Agua by Agua Bendita, and selling its products in over 70 countries.
In addition to honoring Agua Bendita, the award ceremony reflects Zacapa Rum’s commitment to supporting designers who celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and community upliftment. Last year’s inaugural Visionary of the Year award went to Raul Lopez of Luar, who collaborated with Zacapa Rum for a special project.
Agua Bendita’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident in its collaborations and business model, as it partners with major U.S. retailers like Net-a-porter and Moda Operandi, while also venturing into resale with a platform established in the U.S. This year, they also hosted their first pop-up store in Dallas, enhancing their brand visibility in the U.S. market.
For more details, visit the official pages of Zacapa Rum and Agua Bendita.
Why Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar Is a Must-Have (If You Can Get Your Hands on It)
Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar has become a popular seasonal offering for those looking to add a twist to their holiday traditions. This calendar features 24 mini bottles of wine, ranging from red blends to refreshing whites and rosés, available for approximately $60. Each bottle includes pairing suggestions for cheese and chocolates, enhancing the experience of unboxing a new wine every day leading up to Christmas.
Early reviews highlight that while some of the wines may not suit every palate, the variety offers a unique chance to explore different flavors. For instance, the first few days showcased diverse selections, including a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with a surprisingly bright tartness, and an Italian Trebbiano that was rated as neutral and pleasant.
The calendar isn’t just about tasting wine; it provides an opportunity for at-home wine tastings with friends or family, creating a cozy atmosphere during the holiday season. The exploration of so many international varieties serves to broaden wine knowledge and appreciation, making the investment worthwhile even if not every bottle excites.
For those interested in expanding their wine horizons this holiday season, Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar appears to be a tempting and festive option. Given its popularity, shoppers are encouraged to act quickly to secure one before they sell out.
The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best Vodka: Insights from the New York World Spirits Competition
A vodka produced from agave, inspired by tequila-making techniques, has been awarded the title of the world’s best vodka at the New York World Spirits Competition 2024. This prestigious competition, managed by The Tasting Alliance, celebrated Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, a newcomer to the market that debuted earlier this year in May.
The competition, held in Brooklyn over the summer, involved blind tasting by experts, including spirits journalists and bartenders. While the results for various categories were revealed earlier, the overall Best In Show honors were disclosed this month. Weber Ranch competed against other notable entrants such as Derring-Do Vodka from Florida, DE CAJON Vodka from Peru, and Por Osos Vodka from Texas.
Weber Ranch 1902 stands out due to its unique composition, crafted entirely from Blue Weber agave. This approach sets it apart from the majority of vodkas, which typically utilize ingredients like wheat, potatoes, or corn. Priced at $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle, this vodka combines the rich flavors of agave with the traditional crispness of vodka. The agave used is mature, at least seven years old, and is distilled in Jalisco, Mexico before being blended with water from the Trinity Aquifer in Texas.
The official tasting notes indicate fruity and sweet undertones, with flavors of green apple and pineapple, presenting a warm finish that reduces the typical harshness associated with vodka. This distinct flavor profile allows it to function well both when sipped neat and as a cocktail mixer.
The acknowledgment of Weber Ranch comes at an interesting juncture in the spirits industry, as tequila and vodka vie for consumer attention. While tequila sales have risen, vodka has seen a slight decline. Weber Ranch pairs the richness of tequila with the classic characteristics of vodka, illustrating that consumers can enjoy both without having to choose one over the other.
For more information on the New York World Spirits Competition, visit The Tasting Alliance.
4 Refreshing Fruity Cocktails to Savor This Fall
English author and satirist Samuel Butler once stated, “autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” As autumn blossoms, fruits like pears, apples, and Meyer lemons come into season, showcasing their tartness, enticing us into the world of cocktails.
In crafting cocktails, balance is key—finding harmony between sweet and tart, bitter and sweet, and strong and weak. The beauty of seasonal fruits is that they often provide this balance naturally. This narrative resonates with the trend of bartenders adding citric acids artificially; perhaps we should let nature’s produce speak for itself.
However, sometimes nature might need human intervention, especially through quality seasonal liqueurs, which are often made from fresh fruits harvested during their respective seasons and released later.
Here are four fall cocktail recipes that embrace the essence of the season:
Recipes
Apple Sidecar
- 1½ ounces Barber Lee Spirits’ Apple Brandy
- ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec (like Cointreau, Combier, or Naranja)
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- Slice of fresh apple
- Cinnamon sugar
Preparation: Wet the rim of the glass with citrus juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar. In a shaker, combine the apple brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Smoked Rosemary Pear
- ¾ ounce Alamere Spirits’ French-Wheat Vodka
- ¾ ounce St. George Spirits’ Spiced Pear Liqueur
- ¾ ounce St. Elder Elderflower Liqueur
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Preparation: Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Flame the rosemary sprig and drop it into the drink before serving.
Cranberry Rosemary Gin and Tonic
- 1½ ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Marin Coastal Gin
- 2 ounces quality dry tonic (Fever-Tree or Q)
- 1 Meyer lemon wedge
- 5 fresh cranberries
- 3 dried juniper berries
Preparation: Muddle the cranberries in the glass, then fill with ice, gin, and tonic. Squeeze the lemon juice into the drink before stirring, garnishing with juniper berries.
Boysenberry Cosmopolitan
- 1½ ounces Hanson of Sonoma’s Boysenberry Vodka
- ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- ¼ ounce sweetened pomegranate juice
- 3 fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1 dehydrated Meyer lemon wheel
Preparation: Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass, garnishing with the lemon wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Each of these cocktails celebrates seasonal flavors, offering a perfect way to enjoy fall while honoring the natural balance that fresh ingredients can provide.
Beer, Wine, or Liquor: Who Really Has the Worst Diet?
Beer drinkers have received some disappointing news regarding their health choices. A recent study reveals that they tend to have poorer diets, exercise less, and smoke more than people who prefer wine or liquor. The research, which involved over 1,900 alcohol consumers, found that a significant portion of beer drinkers were also more likely to be younger, male, and of lower income.
The study scores showed that none of the drinker types—beer, wine, liquor, or those who consume a mix—achieved a healthy diet rating according to the Healthy Eating Index, which measures diet quality on a scale of 100. Wine enthusiasts scored an average of 55, while liquor drinkers and mixed drinkers scored around 53, with beer drinkers coming in last at 49.
Lead author Dr. Madeline Novack from Tulane School of Medicine explained that the common pairing of wine, especially red wine, with balanced meals containing meat, vegetables, and dairy contributes to better dietary choices among wine drinkers. In contrast, beer drinkers often consume far less nutritious foods, often opting for fried or processed meals. The dietary preferences may also influence their alcohol choices, linking unhealthy eating habits to a preference for beer.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of discussing alcohol consumption and its relation to nutrition with healthcare providers, as excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver disease in the United States. As Dr. Novack noted, it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of their dietary habits alongside their alcohol choices.
The findings support earlier research suggesting a correlation between alcohol type and dietary habits, with implications for public health regarding nutritional education and lifestyle changes.
For more insights on this topic, you can read further about the relationship between diet and alcohol consumption here.
Wedbush Assigns Neutral Rating to Rumble Inc (RUM): Key Insights and Analysis
Wedbush recently assigned Rumble Inc (RUM) a Neutral rating, as reported on July 17, 2024, by Finviz. Analyst ratings play a pivotal role in shaping investor expectations and sentiments regarding stock performance.
On the trading front, Rumble Inc (RUM) experienced a modest uptick on Monday, closing at $7.21, marking an increase of $1.10, or 18.00%, from the previous close of $6.11. The stock opened at $6.20, dipped to a low of $6.15, and peaked at $7.29 during the trading session. The trading volume reached 6.92 million shares, significantly surpassing the average volume of 1.57 million.
Over recent trades, Rumble Inc’s stock has displayed notable volatility, showing fluctuations of 24.96% over the last five trades and 33.77% over the past 30 trades. Compared to earlier in the year, the stock has adjusted by 3.30% over the last six months and increased by 18.98% in the last three months. Currently, RUM’s stock trades 21.66%, 29.27%, and 13.71% above its 20-Day, 50-Day, and 200-Day Simple Moving Averages, respectively. As of the latest close, the stock is trading 21.63% below its 52-week high but is 116.52% above its 52-week low. The 14-day Average True Range (ATR) of 0.47 indicates the average price volatility of the stock.
Looking into Rumble Inc’s financial health, it has reported an operating margin of -192.15% and a profit margin of -163.37%, with a gross margin of 3.30%. The profit margin is an important metric that reflects the company’s efficiency in converting sales into net income.
Rumble Inc’s market capitalization stands at $2.99 billion, with a Price-to-Sales Ratio of 38.1 and a Price-to-Book Ratio of 10.6, showcasing its sales and book value metrics.
When it comes to insider trading, a high percentage of shares, 73.91%, are owned by company insiders, with financial institutions holding 9.03%. Recently, notable insider trades include Arsov Robert, a Director at Rumble Inc, who sold several batches of shares: 30,000 shares at $5.93 each, totaling $0.18 million on November 6, 2024; another 30,000 shares at $5.89 each for $0.18 million on November 5, 2024; and 27,500 shares at $5.83 each, amounting to $0.16 million on November 1, 2024.
Sip & Celebrate: 8 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Warm Your Holiday
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are feeling the stress of the holiday season, making a festive cocktail seem like a perfect way to unwind. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Thanksgiving cocktails can add an extra touch of celebration to the occasion. These drinks, featuring seasonal flavors such as warming spices, crisp apples, and cozy citrus, help create a warm and inviting atmosphere as friends and family come together.
While wine is typically the beverage of choice with traditional Thanksgiving meals, there are delightful cocktails that can complement each part of the feast. The right cocktail not only makes the holiday feel more special but also balances the flavors of the dishes served.
Here are some excellent cocktail recipes to try this Thanksgiving:
Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
- Garnish: Orange Peel
Directions:Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about thirty seconds until chilled. Strain over ice and garnish with an orange peel.
Midnight Orchard
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fear City Spirits Gin
- 1 oz Apple Brandy
- 1 oz Blackberry Syrup (or muddled fresh blackberries)
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- Garnish: Blackberries and sage
Directions:Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with blackberries skewered on a sprig of sage.
Count Your Blessings
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz Jeptha Creed Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (made with cinnamon, cardamom, & clove)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 ½ oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Apple Brandy
Directions:Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with apple slices and freshly grated cinnamon.
Thanksgiving Rum Punch
Ingredients (serves 4):
- ¾ cup Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 cups Apple Cider
- 1 cup Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
- 1 can Ginger Ale
Directions:In a small saucepan, combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ½ cup cider over medium heat. Cook until honey dissolves and is fragrant (about 7 minutes), then cool and steep for 15 minutes before discarding spices. Mix the spiced cider with remaining ingredients in a punch bowl and serve over ice.
Maestro Dobel Pumpkin Spice Reposado
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Maestro Dobel Reposado Tequila
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Pumpkin Spice
- Garnish: Cinnamon Salt Rim
Directions:Rim a cocktail coupe glass with cinnamon salt. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the chilled glass.
Calvados Sidecar
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Boulard Calvados VSOP
- 0.75 oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
Directions:In a shaker, combine the liqueur, lemon juice, and Calvados with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, garnished with orange zest.
Galliano Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Galliano Espresso
- 1 oz Espresso
Directions:Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.
Apple Cider Bourbon Sour
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon
- ¾ oz Apple Cider
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
Directions:Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
These cocktails offer a festive way to toast the holiday as you gather around with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of the season and make some cherished memories this Thanksgiving!