If you’re delving into the intriguing world of whiskey, you might have considered the different varieties it offers. Bourbon, prominently distilled from corn, has a signature sweet flavor that sets it apart from other whiskeys. While trying out different bottles solo can provide some insights, to truly immerse yourself in its diverse flavors, hosting a bourbon tasting event is a great idea.

Before dashing off to buy numerous bottles and inviting friends over, it’s prudent to think through the details. We consulted with experts like Chris Blatner, an executive bourbon steward who runs @urbanbourbonist and Cary Ann Fuller, CSS, also an executive bourbon steward, known for her work at Straight Up 615. They provided essential tips for a successful tasting event. It’s important to differentiate between simply drinking and tasting bourbon, as it’s easy to go overboard with both the variety and volume if not carefully planned.

For a truly educational bourbon journey, consider their advice on hosting the right number of attendees, avoiding palate fatigue, and integrating food harmoniously into the event. Following these guidelines will help ensure your bourbon tasting is memorable and informative. Ready to plan your own? Keep reading for more insights.

Read more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients

While it might be tempting to sample a wide array of bourbons at once, doing so might lead to what’s known as palate fatigue. This phenomenon occurs after you’ve tasted several samples and it becomes difficult to distinguish the subtle differences between them. Our experts suggest limiting your tasting to four to five bourbons to prevent this.

Chris Blatner suggests, “This depends on the experience level of those attending the party,” but he generally advises keeping it under six selections. “This allows for a variety of options that most people can enjoy without overwhelming their taste buds.” For complete beginners, consider reducing your options to three, while experienced connoisseurs could handle up to six samples.

Beyond the challenge of flavors blending into one another, the alcohol content in bourbon can dull your taste buds, further impairing your ability to discern unique flavors. To counteract palate fatigue, pace yourself and drink plenty of water between samples.

With many varieties of bourbon and numerous brands available, it’s useful to narrow down your choices for a more focused tasting experience. Choosing a theme can help highlight specific qualities and differences among the bourbons, making your tasting both more enjoyable and instructive.

Chris Blatner enjoys choosing a few different styles of bourbon to display a variety. His selections might include wheated bourbons, ones with a high-rye content, and several high-malt bourbons to emphasize the different tastes. Cary Ann Fuller concurs and suggests a few approaches such as choosing bourbons with varied mash bills, focusing on a particular distillery, or trying offerings from several craft distilleries nationwide. For the more experienced, she recommends a vertical tasting of yearly releases — like 4 different years of Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch or Old Forester Birthday bourbon.

Blatner advises maintaining the ABV within a 5% range to ensure the alcohol content does not overly influence the flavor comparisons. Fuller agrees, emphasizing the importance of keeping both proof and age similar, although comparing these elements between bottles from the same distillery could be insightful.

For the best bourbon tasting experience, the arrangement of your samples plays a critical role. Starting with something too bold might overwhelm your palate, making it tough to pick up on the more delicate flavors of lighter bourbons. It’s advantageous to begin with wheated bourbons, then proceed to standard bourbons, and end with the more intense high-rye bourbons.

If dealing with aged bourbons, it’s wise to start tasting from the youngest to the oldest, allowing your palate to detect increasingly complex aromas. Similarly, for bourbons with varying ABVs, reserve those with higher alcohol content for later in the sequence. If any bourbons have a smoky flavor profile, they should be last in the lineup to prevent dominating your taste senses early on.

When you start exploring the world of spirit tasting, it’s tempting to invest heavily in various accessories, including glassware. However, you do not need to buy an extensive collection of glasses for hosting a bourbon tasting event. It’s important, however, to be mindful of the glasses used, as the size and shape can significantly affect the way bourbon aromas are perceived.

For a focused tasting experience, Chris Blatner suggests using the same type of glass for each pour to ensure consistency. He further mentions, “ideally there should be a separate glass for each whiskey being tasted.” This approach allows guests to easily compare and contrast different bourbons.

There are various glasses suitable for sipping bourbon, and finding a personal favorite can be part of the fun. “My preference is the Libbey Kentucky Bourbon Trail tasting glass,” says Blatner. In contrast, Cary Ann Fuller prefers using either Glencairn or Kenzie glasses. Many enthusiasts believe that Glencairn glasses are ideal for bourbon, as their curved shape helps channel the aromas effectively.

While it might seem that a bourbon tasting party should only feature bourbon, including water is crucial for a better tasting experience. Water not only helps with staying hydrated but also mitigates the impact of alcohol. This is essential even if you are spitting, as some alcohol still enters the bloodstream.

Chris Blatner notes, “providing plain room temperature water to sip on between tastings will help to clear the palate.” Properly cleansing your mouth between sips is a method to combat palate fatigue, with water being a straightforward choice. Carry Ann Fuller states, “Water is probably the most important piece of the tasting — I provide droppers and RO [reverse osmosis] water for both dilution and drinking.” She further advises, “I always encourage dilution as a means to discern flavors and aromas.”

The practice extends beyond merely diluting the strength of the spirit. Some components responsible for flavor and scent dissolve better, thereby becoming easier to notice. Adding several water drops can cause these compounds to be less soluble, enhancing their detectability. This effect is partly due to changes in the ethanol molecules, making the selection of water, like reverse osmosis water used by Fuller for its lack of impurities, crucial. It’s important to avoid water that has either a high mineral or contaminant content as these can obscure the innate flavors.

Introducing food might seem like a fitting complement to a bourbon tasting, much like pairing wine with cheese. It can certainly enhance any gathering, yet it’s important to consider its role in spirit tastings. Experts offer differing opinions. Cary Ann Fuller prefers, “I prefer to have food after a guided tasting.” For casual gatherings, food can easily be included. However, for more focused, educational sessions, it may interfere. “The flavors and aromas of the food can mask or alter the flavors of the whiskey if they are not thoughtfully paired,” states Chris Blatner.

Blatner suggests two primary ways to approach food in these settings. Firstly, it can act as another form of palate cleanser, akin to using water. For this purpose, he recommends options like unsalted almonds or plain crackers, which do not carry strong flavors of their own, “… to clear the palate of residual flavors and prepare it for the next whiskey.”

Alternatively, he suggests you could orchestrate your gathering as a whiskey and food pairing occasion. For this setup, he recommends picking out specific tastes present in the whiskeys and matching them with foods that compliment those flavors. “For instance, if a whiskey exhibits notes of chocolate or coffee, pairing it with various chocolate confections or desserts could amplify the whiskey’s flavors,” he advises.

If you’re planning a bourbon tasting party, it’s likely because you have an affinity for bourbon or, at the very least, you hold an interest in spirits and want to explore more varieties. Although drinking alcohol is a personal decision, for a tasting party, the focus should be on small sips to savor the beverage rather than drinking it. This doesn’t imply you need to spit out every taste, but it does mean that you’re engaging with the spirits more deeply than merely knocking back shots. The essence of a tasting party is to discern and appreciate the diverse flavors and aromas in your selection of bourbons.

Cary Ann Fuller believes that overindulgence is a significant error in hosting a bourbon tasting event. “It’s a tasting, not a show of shots! Keep the mixed drinks for post-tasting,” she advises, additionally noting, “To me, tasting involves considerable dilution and spitting out. Without these, it simply becomes a regular drinking party featuring whiskey…not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that!”

Your bourbon tasting event need not resemble a formal class, yet introducing a few educational elements can enrich the overall experience. Regardless of your precise aims, the objective should be to gain insights from the session, whether it’s discovering aromas that resonate with you or discerning differences between bourbon styles.

For this reason, both of our experts believe that incorporating educational content is beneficial. Cary Ann Fuller states, “I like to provide tasting wheels to assist individuals in identifying the flavors they are experiencing.” Even though you might recognize various tastes, distinguishing the subtle differences in the same spirit by its aromatic compounds can enhance your knowledge of each type.

Chris Blatner concurs, adding, “Including details about the whiskey’s origin, mash bill, age, and price always enriches the experience.” The more you delve into the variances in mash bill, origin, age, and quality of a bourbon, the better your tasting skills will become. Depending on your interest level, you could also prepare short descriptions of the distilleries or various bourbon styles.

Organizing a bourbon tasting party is enjoyable, but it can be demanding if you attempt too much at once. If this is your first time hosting such an event, you might want to limit the number of guests and keep the selection of bourbons smaller to manage the session more easily without getting overwhelmed.

If you are hosting solo, consider enlisting a friend to help facilitate the evening. They could handle tasks such as setting up the glasses, pouring the bourbons, or printing out tasting wheels and information about each bourbon. Moreover, if acquiring all the bottles means visiting several stores, you might suggest that each guest brings a bottle following a certain theme.

While sampling multiple bourbons might be enticing, it’s essential to consider palate fatigue, which can impede your ability to detect subtle differences between them. When planning your tasting event, it’s crucial not to take on more guests than you can manage comfortably. As Chris Blatner advises, “whatever you think you can handle in terms of being a host is the best option for you!”

Even though it’s not a formal class setting, taking notes during your tasting event is beneficial. When you have several bourbons to sample, it’s easy to mix up your initial impressions by the time you reach the last one. To thoroughly evaluate and differentiate the selections you’ve made, note-taking is a practical approach to maintain clarity in your observations. According to Chris Blatner, “A tasting sheet with a flavor wheel for people to write down their thoughts and to document what they are tasting is always helpful.”

Cary Ann Fuller also supports this idea and recommends that everyone should have a pen and paper for jotting down their observations. You can decide whether to let attendees write freely or provide them with prompts or a structured tasting sheet. Various online resources offer detailed bourbon tasting sheets that help examine aspects like nose, palate, and finish—focusing on aromatic, main, and residual flavor profiles, covering sweet, spicy, grain, wood, fruit, and floral notes.

To ensure everyone tries a variety of bourbons, consider the pour size for each tasting to manage the overall alcohol intake, especially important in a group setting. Controlled pour sizes help ensure that all attendees can experience each type of bourbon without excessive consumption, especially crucial depending on the number of participants.

To ensure you’re moderating correctly, Cary Ann Fuller suggests limiting yourself to a quarter or half ounce pour per whiskey when sampling four to five different types. Since shot glasses hold about 1.5 ounces, the total amount of whiskey consumed will be slightly less than two shots. It’s important to note this, particularly when pouring higher proof bourbons, which can have alcohol content as high as 160 proof, doubling the typical 80 proof of standard spirits. Therefore, consuming two shots of high-proof bourbon results in a significantly higher alcohol intake than usual.

While there are rules and guidelines to follow, the primary aim of hosting a bourbon tasting party is to enjoy the occasion. There’s no need for excessive formality unless your event involves an examination. Creating an engaging and entertaining tasting event is entirely feasible without making your guests feel disinterested or anxious for a cocktail after the tasting. The theme of the party and involving guests in the planning can enhance the festive atmosphere of your event.

Encouraging each guest to bring a bottle contributes to a lively and engaging atmosphere, as participants are often keen to explain their choice of bourbon. Organizing a blind tasting can introduce a fun element of surprise and intrigue. To keep things light and festive, consider pairing bourbons with specific foods or offering delicious snacks afterwards. While taking notes on the bourbons sampled and the insights gained is beneficial, avoid obligating your guests to do the same if they prefer to focus on the tasting experience itself.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

Vodka can be a polarizing drink. While it claimed the top spot as the highest-selling spirit of 2023, many people simply won’t drink it. That’s because different vodka brands can be hard to tell apart for the average consumer. When stocking your at-home bar cart, whether it’s your first bottle of vodka or your fourth, you want to buy something you know you will enjoy. And if you’re not an expert, you may never even sample enough brands to know which ones you prefer.

We called on two expert bar managers in two of the largest cities in the U.S. to find out not only what they serve at their own bars but what they serve to their family and friends at home. Mel Meza works at Level 8 in Los Angeles, a massive venue hosting eight different dining, drinking, and dancing establishments, which Meza oversees as beverage director. Jeff Fernandez is the bar manager for The Shanghai at Hutong New York, an award-winning art deco restaurant and lounge in Midtown Manhattan. The two drink experts give Foodie seven different vodka brands that are perfect for your bar cart at home.

Read more: Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Cocktail Was A Classic

Tito’s is a classic for a reason. This affordable vodka is made in Austin, Texas, and is found at almost any grocery or liquor store in the U.S. It’s just as good as many other vodka brands that cost twice as much, which is why Mel Meza of Level 8 uses it for almost everything.

“Tito’s excels in both shaken and stirred drinks,” says Mel, who considers Tito’s a top choice for vodka. It has a sweeter taste, making it an excellent match for sweet, fruity cocktails like a cosmopolitan or a vodka spritzer. “Tito’s is a solid choice for everyday mixing and large gatherings,” concurs Jeff Fernandez, who recommends this budget-friendly brand at The Shanghai at Hutong, New York.

Its 750ml bottle (or around 20 shots) is commonly purchased, but the brand is better known for its 1.75-liter handles, typically priced just over $25. While Tito’s isn’t seen as a premium vodka, its cost-effectiveness makes it a staple for any bar cart. Opt for the larger handle as it offers more value for the same price as the smaller version.

When it comes to buying Tito’s, bigger is generally better. On the other hand, Haku’s craft vodka fits a universal appeal. Produced by Suntory — the same company behind Toki Whiskey and Roku Gin — Haku is packaged in a striking 750ml translucent bottle that stands out on any shelf. According to Mel Meza, “Haku is a vital vodka for my bar.”

This Japanese vodka, crafted from white rice, undergoes a dual distillation process and is filtered through bamboo charcoal, giving it an exceptionally pure and subtly different taste compared to other vodkas made from grains or corn.

Keep this vodka handy in your bar cart for to make dirty martinis or pre-game shots. You’ll want to use Haku vodka for drinks with a prevalent vodka taste, since this spirit goes down super smooth by itself. At around $25 for 750ml, Haku isn’t the cheapest — but certainly isn’t the most expensive — bottle of vodka at the liquor store. Though you’ll be hard pressed to find a brand as clean and crisp as this one.

While many people leave Smirnoff behind after their 21st birthday, you shouldn’t totally disregard the favorite brand of your college years. Let’s face it: We’ve all had a bad night because of Smirnoff. Buying two handles in the liquor section of the Walgreens in Boston, Massachusetts, was certainly not my finest moment, nor were the long nights that followed. Still, sometimes you need to relive the glory days of your fleeting youth. And that’s where Smirnoff fits in.

Smirnoff comes in a plethora of different flavors and sizes. You can find a liter for about $15 — a price that is hard to beat. At home or the bar, Smirnoff is a decent vodka for any budget. Both Fernandez and Mel Meza use it for cheaper drinks at their respective bars on opposite sides of the country. “My preferred well vodka is Smirnoff,” says Mel Meza, “[it’s] valued not only for its affordability but also for its exceptional versatility in cocktails.” Smirnoff’s tingly taste goes well in just about any drink. Try it in a classic vodka soda or a Moscow mule, you could even put it in the strongest cocktail in the world. Better yet, a small $12 bottle of vanilla-flavored Smirnoff is the perfect base for the pornstar martini.

Hanson’s organic vodka hails from Sonoma County, a place more well-known for its wine than its liquor. The Northern Californian wine country’s best-kept secret, though, might be this colorful bottle of vodka.

Staying true to its roots, Hanson’s vodka is derived from grapes, much like the French brand CÎROC. “I highly recommend Hanson Vodka for home use,” states Mel Meza, “crafted in small batches, it offers a clean, smooth flavor that’s perfect for sipping neat.” Hanson’s variety of flavors also complement many mixers well. For a fresh beverage, mix cucumber vodka with lemonade. For a bolder taste, pair its habanero vodka with orange or mango juice alongside your favorite California burrito.

This gluten-free vodka is priced at about $25 for a 750ml bottle, making it a solid choice in the mid-range category. For those looking to add a versatile vodka to their home bar, Hanson is an excellent choice.

Grey Goose, a renowned premium French vodka, is celebrated in the U.S. and globally. Contrary to some beliefs, Grey Goose does not produce Costco’s Kirkland Vodka, though both share a French origin.

Replicating the quality of Grey Goose at a lower price is challenging, positioning it as an ideal premium option. “Grey Goose, noted for its purity, is exceptional for martinis or vodka-forward cocktails,” notes Jeff Fernandez. The vodka’s clean and smooth taste allows for an easy drinking experience with minimal after-burn. Mel Meza also praises Grey Goose, stating, “For a top-shelf experience, I prefer Grey Goose. I typically choose premium brands for shots and martinis, as they generally provide a smoother, more sophisticated experience.”

At an approximate cost of $40 per bottle, Grey Goose is not the most affordable vodka available. However, it’s a worthy addition to any home bar cart for celebrating special moments.

Belvedere stands as a top-tier vodka brand, celebrated not just in the beverage industry but also in popular culture, with numerous mentions in songs by prominent hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and Missy Elliot. It’s commonly seen in high-energy scenes in clubs or events, often accompanied by dazzling sparklers. It’s certainly a must-have for any vodka enthusiast’s home collection.

Established in 1910, Belvedere is Poland’s oldest vodka distillery. The company boasts a product line that essentially sets its own standards of excellence. Crafted from organic rye, the classic Belvedere vodka offers a smooth, velvety texture and a remarkably delicate flavor. “Belvedere is effortlessly smooth with a subtly creamy texture, perfect for neat sipping or crafting top-notch cocktails,” comments Jeff Fernandez. Enjoying it pure is recommended to fully appreciate its distinct quality without overpowering it with ordinary mixers.

A liter of Belvedere costs about $50, positioning it as the priciest option discussed here. Nevertheless, the investment reflects its luxurious quality. “Belvedere delivers a sophisticated, premium experience,” confirms Mel Meza, who features this elite vodka at her rooftop bar in Los Angeles. Securing a bottle can bring a slice of that upscale rooftop ambiance right into your home.

Ketel One vodka is crafted by the Dutch Nolet distillery, which has been operational since 1691 in the Netherlands. It was not until the early 1980s that this family-owned business expanded into the US market with the introduction of Ketel One vodka.

The brand is regarded by Mel Meza and Jeff Fernandez as a staple mid-tier vodka for any bar. “Ketel One is versatile and crisp, ideal for mixing drinks,” comments Fernandez. He particularly mentions using Ketel One at Hutong New York to make their signature cocktail, the Comfortably Numb, which features either Ketel One or vanilla vodka mixed with lychee, honey, Thai chili, and Sichuan pepper.

Ketel One vodka possesses a neutral pallet, making it a flexible choice for a variety of flavor profiles. Priced at about $30 per liter, it serves as an economically viable and accessible option for a mid-range bar setup. Moreover, its botanical line includes creative flavor pairings like grapefruit & rose or peach & orange blossom.

Read the original article on Foodie.

Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: When learning how to drink whiskey and enjoy its nuances, there’s no right or wrong way. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’ve been told to swirl my glass, nose it in a circle like a clock, not add water, definitely add water, and even spit my first sip on the floor. The reality is the best whiskey should be enjoyed any way you please and, fortunately, there are plenty of brands, distilleries, and varieties (e.g. Japanese whisky, rye whiskey, Scotch, and bourbon) to sample. The one thing we will recommend is trying whiskey neat.

If whiskey cocktails are your gateway to enjoying whiskey neat, totally OK.

“Drinking whiskey should satisfy one’s personal whims and delights,” says Chris Sweeney, proprietor of Spaghetti Western Imports. “As a general rule, though, it’s useful to drink whiskey neat in its unadulterated state. How else will you know where to arrive if you don’t know where you’ve begun?”

Related: Best Cheap Whiskey of 2024 for a Great Bottle on a Budget

First things first: What is a neat whiskey? Ordering whiskey neat simply means you enjoy it as-is—straight from the bottle in a glass with no ice, water, or mixers. Anyone who’s seen a classic Hollywood film noir or a 1940s Western probably has the romanticized image of someone sidling up to a bar and ordering whiskey neat. The bartender bangs down a glass, pours a couple ounces, and the patron slams it back. Sure, that’s one way to do it, but sipping whiskey neat is much more enjoyable than throwing a shot down your throat.

Now that we’ve covered whiskey neat meaning, let’s move on to “on the rocks.”

That means you’re adding ice to your whiskey. This can be a handful of smaller cubes or one large ice block or sphere. Many whiskey drinkers prefer the latter because the larger surface area means the ice melts slowly and the dilution doesn’t happen as fast.

Some people prefer to add a few drops of water to whiskey instead to open up the palate (many Scotch whisky distillers advise this), and it’s also a way of deliberately and precisely proofing down a whiskey to your preferred level.

“I always say that water opens a whiskey up and ice shuts it down,” says Mike Vacheresse, owner of Travel Bar Brooklyn, where you’ll find one of the very best collections in New York City. “This is not to say that I never have whiskey on the rocks, but only after I know the whiskey and when I’m hanging out socially with friends, not sitting down to taste.”

Rather than ordering whiskey with water, which can leave you with too much or too little, ask for a “water back.” The bartender will give you a separate glass of water so you can add a few drops to the glass yourself.

If you find yourself at a local bar and opt for a whiskey “up” instead of neat, no worries—it’s an easy mix-up. Here’s how they differ. Ordering a drink “up” means it has been shaken or stirred over ice first, which chills and dilutes it, and then it’s served in a glass without any ice. Classic examples include a martini, Manhattan, or Last Word—all typically served “up.”

So, keep in mind: “neat” refers to a straight pour of whiskey, while “up” describes a cocktail containing whiskey that isn’t intended to be watered down by ice.

Related: We’ve Tried Thousands of Whiskeys. These 18 Bottles Are Great for Gifting

The ideal time to enjoy whiskey is whenever you feel like it! However, typically, you should choose to drink your whiskey neat if you’re eager to truly experience a specific brand, bottle, or distillery. As explained, neat means the whiskey is served plain, without any additions. If you come across a whiskey at the bar that you’ve been curious about, feel free to order it neat. And remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to request a bit of water or some ice on the side if you find the taste too strong at first.

This all comes down to personal preference.

“Every whiskey I taste, I first taste neat,” says Vacheresse. “Yes, I’ve tasted whiskeys that are over 150 proof neat—this is part of learning about the spirit.” Of course, you don’t have to start with a whiskey that strong, because there are plenty of good options that fall between the minimum 80 proof and 90 or 100 proof.

Sweeney says if you’re tasting a whiskey below 100 proof, you can take what he calls a more hands-off approach. “In these instances, the proof is sitting where the bottler/producer thinks it should be,” he says.

A lower proof whiskey might be an easier experience to sip neat, but a barrel-proof banger of a bourbon neat might open up a whole new world of whiskey fandom for you. I can speak from personal experience. I had the pleasure (if that’s the right word) of sipping a 168-proof (translation: 84 percent ABV!) whisky neat at a distillery warehouse in Canada, and it was…actually pretty good. Okay, it was way too strong, but the chance to try it neat in its purest, most face-melting form was worth it.

As far as whiskey categories, they can and should all be tried neat. There are a few exceptions, of course, but generally speaking whiskey is distilled and aged with the intention that you should be able to sip it neat. Whether or not you choose to do so is up to you, but it’s definitely worth at least starting your whiskey journey with a neat sip or two—or go ahead and finish the glass if you want. “Trust your tongue and leave some room for trial and error,” says Sweeney. “After all, de gustibus non est disputandum—there’s no accounting for taste. Enjoy whiskey on your terms.”

Related: Here’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey

Employees of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille’s St. Petersburg Pier restaurant recently volunteered at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay’s shelter.

Employees volunteer at SPCA

ST. PETERSBURG — Employees of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille’s St. Petersburg location volunteered their time at the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay shelter.

During their visit, they assisted the nonprofit organization by organizing the kennels, cleaning the litter pans, along with the food and water dishes, and also bathed several dogs.

“Our employees really thrive on serving their local communities,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “Team members also recently served meals at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Pete and will be returning soon.”

Doc Ford’s locations in Southwest Florida have volunteered at a local food pantry, installed Halloween decorations and built a miniature replica of the Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford’s for the train village at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to community.

HM Restaurant Group has donated to a number of charitable causes in the communities it serves. Its Hospital Drinks program, which allocates $1 from select cocktails, has raised more than $123,000 for All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.

Shopapalooza raises $4,500

ST. PETERSBURG — LocalShops1, the coordinator of the Shopapalooza Festival, provided an option for festival vendors to contribute $150 to Live Love St. Pete, a nonprofit dedicated to helping local school children, for the benefit of an earlier festival check-in.

The collective contributions to this initiative amounted to $4,500, which were donated directly to Live Love St. Pete.

Live Love St. Pete was established by Melody Proud, a resident of St. Petersburg.

The donors include various local businesses such as 15 Olives, Beach Blossom Studio, Bodacious Pens, Casey’s Collections, Dr. BBQ, FnP Accessories, featuring Crushable Seagrass Hats and BigSkinny Wallets, For the Bay Clothing Co., Foutaz, Gatherings by Angel, Gifts, Decor and More, Gnome Sweet Gnome, Great Scott Designs, Irish Ann, Jerky Man Dan’s, Just Cause Chocolates, Love, Liz Xo Designs, Luxenberry, Magni’s Munchies and More, Mama Mel’s Pet Food, MnM Makings, My Backyard Babies, Petals and Glow, Sew Fun Threads, ShapeShifter Fish and Friends, Silked, Sunny South Love, The Jagged Oyster, The Salty Shell Shop, Two Chubby Seacows, Walking Dog Toys, and ZPlantMagic.

LocalShop’s Shopapalooza is a free community festival scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature over 350 local artisans, small businesses, and entertainers.

We enjoy keeping up with community news. Please feel free to share your stories with us!

We welcome a variety of announcements. Feel free to submit your information by following the link below.

September 20, 2024

Fiyori Vodka is rewriting the rules of the spirits industry with its unique blend of luxury and wellness.

Founded by Clarence Darkwa and COO Jay Black, Fiyori is the world’s first organic hemp-infused vodka. It offers a smooth, refined drinking experience coupled with the health benefits of organic hemp seeds. As Black entrepreneurs in a predominantly white industry, Clarence and Jay have overcome challenges and broken barriers and crafted a product that sets itself apart and leads a new wave of wellness-conscious spirits.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with the founders to explore their journey, the innovation behind their brand, and how Fiyori is poised to disrupt the market.

BE: What led to the creation of Fiyori, and what was the thought process behind an organic hemp-infused vodka?

Clarence & Jay: The inception of Fiyori was driven by our aim to develop a superior-quality vodka that was not only great-tasting but also beneficial for health. Recognizing the nutritional advantages of hemp seeds, which are loaded with essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, we chose them as our primary ingredient. We aimed to blend luxury with well-being, which catalyzed the creation of an organic hemp-infused vodka. Fiyori emerged as an innovative product that marries the finesse of top-tier vodka with the health benefits of organic hemp seeds, all while delivering a refined, elegant flavor.

Could you describe the development process of the first-ever organic hemp-infused vodka and any obstacles you encountered?

The development of the first-ever organic hemp-infused vodka was a thrilling endeavor. It started with the selection of top-notch, organic hemp seeds that adhered to our strict criteria for environmental sustainability and purity. Trial and error were essential in our infusion technique to ensure the optimal blend of taste while preserving the vodka’s silky smoothness. One significant challenge involved overcoming regulatory barriers and clarifying the distinctions between hemp and cannabis for consumers. In spite of these difficulties, our dedication to producing a distinctive beverage that leverages the wholesome benefits of hemp seeds remained unshaken.

Why was it important for you to ensure that Fiyori’s vodka was not just hemp-infused but also organic? How do these choices reflect your brand’s values?

From the outset, our goal was to produce a vodka that embodies principles of quality, sustainability, and health consciousness. Opting for organic ingredients reflects our commitment to offering our consumers a product free from detrimental substances. Utilizing hemp seeds, recognized for their health advantages, we ensured these benefits could be maintained in an organic manner. This approach is a testament to Fiyori’s commitment to delivering superior, health-oriented vodka, while promoting eco-friendly agricultural methods.

How do you think the infusion of hemp sets your vodka apart from others on the market, and what has been the consumer response so far?

The distinctive characteristic of our hemp-infused vodka makes it unique in the market by introducing a mild nutty taste along with health-enhancing properties, like improving cardiovascular health, lowering inflammation, and safeguarding the nervous system. Our customers have enthusiastically welcomed a vodka that not only offers a smooth savor but also health benefits. The reactions have been extraordinarily favorable, emphasizing the vodka’s smoothness and appreciated health benefits.

In an industry where tradition often reigns supreme, how has Fiyori embraced innovation while still honoring the craft of vodka making?

While we respect traditional vodka-making techniques, we’ve embraced innovation through our hemp seed infusion and focus on organic ingredients. By using state-of-the-art equipment and sustainable practices, we’ve created a product that’s both modern and respectful of the craft. Our goal is to enhance the vodka-making process without overshadowing its roots, blending tradition with new trends in wellness and sustainability.

Looking at the current trends in the spirits industry, where do you see Fiyori fitting in, and what do you believe the future holds for hemp-infused spirits?

Fiyori fits perfectly into the growing trend of health-conscious and organic spirits. As more people recognize the benefits of hemp and as regulations continue to evolve, we believe hemp-infused spirits will become more popular. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, leading efforts to educate consumers and push boundaries in the premium spirits industry.

What advice would you give aspiring Black entrepreneurs looking to break into the spirits industry or any other highly competitive market?

Our advice to aspiring Black entrepreneurs is to stay true to your unique vision. Your personal experiences and perspective can set you apart. Build strong networks, prioritize quality and innovation, and stay persistent in the face of challenges. The journey won’t be easy, but with hard work, community support, and a clear mission, success is within reach.

To learn more about Fiyori, visit: www.fiyorivodka.com.

September 20, 2024

Fiyori Vodka is rewriting the rules of the spirits industry with its unique blend of luxury and wellness.

Founded by Clarence Darkwa and COO Jay Black, Fiyori is the world’s first organic hemp-infused vodka. It offers a smooth, refined drinking experience coupled with the health benefits of organic hemp seeds. As Black entrepreneurs in a predominantly white industry, Clarence and Jay have overcome challenges and broken barriers and crafted a product that sets itself apart and leads a new wave of wellness-conscious spirits.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with the founders to explore their journey, the innovation behind their brand, and how Fiyori is poised to disrupt the market.

BE: What inspired you to create Fiyori, and how did the idea of an organic hemp-infused vodka come about?

Clarence & Jay: The concept for Fiyori stemmed from our ambition to produce a superior vodka that delivered not just superior taste but also health advantages. Opting for hemp seeds, renowned for their comprehensive nutritional value — abundant in vital fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants — seemed an obvious choice. Our goal was to blend wellness with pleasure, giving rise to the organic hemp-infused vodka initiative. Fiyori symbolizes the integration of premium vodka excellence and the virtues of organic hemp seeds, all while maintaining a refined, smooth flavor.

Could you describe the development process of the world’s first organic hemp-infused vodka? What obstacles did you encounter along this path?

The creation of the world’s inaugural organic hemp-infused vodka posed an exhilarating challenge. It started with the selection of top-tier, organic hemp seeds adhering to strict criteria of sustainability and cleanliness. The infusion technique was fine-tuned to ensure the flavor was precisely balanced, thus preserving the vodka’s inherent smoothness. A major challenge involved overcoming regulatory barriers and correcting misconceptions regarding hemp versus cannabis among the public. Despite these hurdles, our dedication never wavered in producing a distinct vodka that exemplified the natural advantages of hemp seeds.

Why was it important for you to ensure that Fiyori’s vodka was not just hemp-infused but also organic? How do these choices reflect your brand’s values?

Fiyori was built on the principles of quality, sustainability, and promoting wellness. Choosing organic ingredients was crucial for us to provide a product that is both pure and free from undesirable chemicals. Hemp seeds themselves offer various health benefits, which we aim to maintain by adopting an organic approach. Our commitment to these values is evident in our attempts to deliver a high-quality vodka that supports both the wellbeing of our consumers and sustainable agriculture.

How do you think the infusion of hemp sets your vodka apart from others on the market, and what has been the consumer response so far?

Featuring hemp in our vodka distinctively positions Fiyori in the marketplace, introducing a unique nutty flavor profile while embracing the health advantages associated with hemp, such as improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced neurological functions. The reaction from consumers has been exceptionally favorable. Many appreciate the smooth taste and are excited about the health benefits. The overall response has very much been a testament to our product’s unique qualities and appeal.

In an industry where tradition often reigns supreme, how has Fiyori embraced innovation while still honoring the craft of vodka making?

While honoring the age-old traditions of vodka production, Fiyori has incorporated innovation by infusing hemp seeds and prioritizing organic components. Utilizing advanced technology and eco-friendly practices, we have crafted a vodka that is both contemporary and respectful of its heritage. Our aim is to refine the art of vodka production while integrating elements of modern wellness and environmental consciousness.

Looking at the current trends in the spirits industry, where do you see Fiyori fitting in, and what do you believe the future holds for hemp-infused spirits?

Fiyori aligns seamlessly with the rising demand for health-oriented and organic alcoholic beverages. As the appreciation for hemp’s benefits grows and regulations adapt, we foresee a surge in the popularity of hemp-infused spirits. We are excited to lead this change, focusing on consumer education and innovation within the high-end spirits market.

What advice would you give aspiring Black entrepreneurs looking to break into the spirits industry or any other highly competitive market?

Our advice to aspiring Black entrepreneurs is to stay true to your unique vision. Your personal experiences and perspective can set you apart. Build strong networks, prioritize quality and innovation, and stay persistent in the face of challenges. The journey won’t be easy, but with hard work, community support, and a clear mission, success is within reach.

To learn more about Fiyori, visit: www.fiyorivodka.com.