Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Now Available at Walmart in 8 States Ahead of WrestleMania 41
Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer, a tribute to the iconic wrestling star, has made a significant retail breakthrough by launching in select Walmart stores across eight states. This expansion is particularly timely, coinciding with WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas, where fans are eager for a themed beverage to enjoy alongside the event.
The beer was co-founded by Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, last summer as a nod to both his wrestling legacy and his popular theme song "Real American." Currently, the beer is available in Walmart locations in Florida, Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin, contributing to a total presence in 23 states and quickly establishing itself in the light beer market.
CEO Terri Francis emphasized that the Walmart partnership is a significant leap forward for the brand, highlighting the rapid sales and demand seen when entering new markets. The beer is crafted with American activities such as tailgating and barbecues in mind, aiming to capture the essence of summer fun.
The connection between the beverage and wrestling is commercially beneficial, leveraging the immense WWE fanbase. With WrestleMania 41’s two-night event unfolding, the beer is expected to gain even more visibility and sales. Hogan expressed excitement about the product’s availability at Walmart, noting the passion of the team behind the brand to create a unifying drink for Americans.
Moving forward, the company is poised for further distribution, anticipating growth as the summer season approaches and the WrestleMania hype continues. The Real American Beer brand appears set to strengthen its presence in the market significantly.
19 Refreshingly Citrusy Cocktails to Create with Cointreau
This collection features 19 refreshing cocktails, each showcasing Cointreau in unique ways. From the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2, which replaces Lillet with Cocchi Americano for a zesty twist, to the Cointreau Spritz, a simple mix of sparkling wine, Cointreau, fresh orange juice, and club soda, ideal for brunch.
Among the highlights are:
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Sangria: Steeping the mix for at least an hour allows the fruit to boost flavor.
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Frozen Margarita: A customizable blend perfect for hot days, just add your favorite frozen fruits.
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Whiskey Daisy: A twist on the whiskey sour that substitutes simple syrup with Cointreau, enhancing sweetness.
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Mai Tai: This tropical delight promises fun and refreshment, perfect with just a brief shake.
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Blackberry Margarita: Combines fresh lime juice and orange liqueur with muddled blackberries for a fruity flavor.
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Classic Margarita: Stresses the importance of quality triple sec for a balanced drink.
For full recipes and more engaging cocktail ideas, visit Epicurious.
Tee Time and Tastings: Enjoy Whiskey, Golf, and a Round with Wyndham Clark!
I recently had the opportunity to interview PGA Tour golfer Wyndham Clark, who shared insights about his career, his passion for whiskey, and an exciting sweepstakes that offers a lucky winner a chance to hit the golf course with him.
Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon have teamed up for a unique sweepstakes, inviting one winner and three friends to join him for an 18-hole round at a premier golf destination in the U.S. This collaboration celebrates the long-standing tradition of enjoying a drink—often whiskey—after a round of golf, which has roots dating back to the game’s origins in Scotland.
During our conversation, Clark reflected on his career and his relationship with whiskey—a journey that began during a memorable fishing trip with friends in college, where enjoying whiskey became a bonding activity. Over time, he developed a keen appreciation for bourbon, developing a collection that he describes as a bit on the snobbier side.
The sweepstakes is set to run until June 15, 2025, culminating in a summer golf adventure. Clark emphasized the connection between golf and whiskey, highlighting how drinking bourbon post-round has been a part of golfing culture for ages. The winner can expect to learn from Clark, gain valuable swing insights, and hear stories that reveal his personality beyond the professional setting.
Clark reminisced about early lessons in his golfing career, such as a pivotal moment with a coach that taught him the importance of hitting a cut rather than a draw—a technique he’s since mastered. He noted that both golf and bourbon reward patience and precision, qualities he values in both his craft and his choice of drink.
Looking ahead, Clark is eager about the upcoming Major tournaments and is hopeful about making the Ryder Cup team. He also expressed a desire to engage more with fishing, a hobby that has taken a backseat to his busy golf schedule.
For those inspired by Clark’s journey and wanting a chance to connect with him on the golf course, the sweepstakes is a perfect opportunity. The details can be found at bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.
This unique connection between golf and whiskey highlights the camaraderie that the two traditions foster, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
Dolph Lundgren’s New Chapter: Investing in America and Embracing Citizenship
Dolph Lundgren, known for his role as Ivan Drago in "Rocky," has ventured into the world of vodka production with his new brand, Hard Cut Vodka. The actor, who studied chemical engineering before his acting career, was spurred into this business after a date night with his fiancée, Emma Krokdal. While trying various vodkas in Santa Barbara, Lundgren found none to his liking, leading Krokdal to challenge him to create his own.
Lundgren took this to heart, deciding that the vodka market seemed less exciting compared to other spirits like tequila and whiskey. He and Krokdal focused on sourcing ingredients from Idaho, using local russet potatoes and water from the Rocky Mountains to achieve a distinct taste. Their efforts paid off, as Hard Cut Vodka won a Double Gold award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, recognized for its smooth flavor complemented by bright notes of green apple and butterscotch.
Lundgren also emphasized the importance of American production, especially amidst ongoing trade challenges. He became an American citizen in 2024, sharing this journey with Krokdal, who is originally from Norway. He expressed pride in his new citizenship, noting that America has played a significant role in his life and career.
Reflecting on his career, Lundgren recalled the transformative moment of attending the premiere of "Rocky IV," where he felt an immediate rush of fame. While he navigated the complexities of celebrity life, he established lasting friendships, particularly with Sylvester Stallone, whom he has worked with for over 40 years.
Overall, Lundgren’s journey from a Swedish immigrant to an American citizen and entrepreneur exemplifies his deep connection to the United States, where he has built a successful career and now aims to contribute to its vibrancy through his vodka brand.
Exploring the Paradox: Why Atlanta’s Wine Bar Scene Thrives Amidst Wine Industry Challenges
Wine enthusiasts have been exposed to alarming news regarding the industry in recent years, with concerns about declining consumption, diminished production, climate change, and tariffs. However, the wine scene in Atlanta tells a different story, marked by a notable increase in wine bar openings.
In 2025 alone, two acclaimed chefs from Atlanta have introduced ambitious wine bars to the city’s culinary landscape. Steven Satterfield of Miller Union recently opened Madeira Park in Poncey-Highland alongside sommelier Tim Willard, while chef Terry Koval launched Fawn, emphasizing European wines and Italian amaro in Decatur.
Beyond these newcomers, Side Saddle Wine Saloon is set to open in Boulevard Heights later this month, augmenting the expanding wine landscape. Additionally, local wine entrepreneurs Jessena and Michael Waldo have established a tasting room for their Divinely Elegant Vines brand in Austell.
In recent years, several more wine-centric establishments have opened, including Commune in Avondale Estates and Marietta Proper on Marietta Square. Marietta Proper even received a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for the Best New Bar.
Both Satterfield and Koval are committed to emphasizing wine in their new ventures, seeing metro Atlanta diners show a keen interest in high-quality wines from smaller producers. Despite the prevalent anxiety surrounding the wine industry, experts indicate a disconnection between these gloomy forecasts and the vibrant wine scene in Atlanta.
Various industry professionals, including Perrine Prieur Gallardo, owner of Perrine’s Wine, noted that the larger wine producers bear the brunt of the industry’s challenges, while opportunities abound for smaller establishments. Young consumers are increasingly valuing wine quality, with interests shifting toward natural and organic options.
Tariffs, while a concern for many, have not deterred new ventures. Previous tariff scenarios during the Trump administration had already prepared the industry for potential price increases. Carson Demmond, owner of Rive Gauche Wine Company, observed that businesses have developed resilience strategies to navigate such obstacles.
Despite their struggles, the U.S. wine market remains substantial, with nearly 900 million gallons consumed in 2023 alone, and total wine sales surpassing $106 billion. Gallardo and Travis point to a noticeable rise in customer interest toward smaller, artisanal wine labels and a deeper awareness of the wine industry, suggesting that the Atlanta wine scene could indeed flourish amidst the challenges faced by the overarching industry.
Oregon’s Cult Favorite White Wine Set to Make a Major Splash
Big Salt, a co-fermented white wine from Oregon, has steadily gained a reputation among wine enthusiasts but is now poised for major growth in popularity.
My first encounter with Big Salt occurred at The Kingstide in South Carolina, where I was drawn to a glass of this unique wine to pair with oysters. Initially taken aback by its floral and fruity aromas, I was soon captivated by a surprising burst of salinity and zest upon tasting it. My intrigue led me to delve deeper into the brand, discovering its underground following likened to a secret club among wine aficionados.
Vonda Freeman, director of beverage programs at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, recalls her first experience with Big Salt during a wine tasting. The wine captivated her so much that she wanted to relive the moment, appreciating its beauty and expressiveness.
Big Salt was introduced in 2016 by John House and his wife Ksenija Kostic House as part of their Ovum brand, which was established in 2011. John was inspired to create this wine after discovering co-fermented wines in Spain, leading him to realize that he could experiment with blending grapes from different vineyards.
Influenced by a conversation with winemaker Raul Perez about the potential of co-fermentation, John began to develop his vision. After experimenting with various blends, he noted how co-fermentation produced a more complex and aromatic wine—akin to recording a live music performance rather than simply piecing tracks together.
Big Salt is crafted from high-quality grapes sourced from premium vineyards, yet it retails for just $20, making it accessible while still maintaining quality. The brand has further expanded its offerings with PNK Salt and Big Salt Orange Rosé, yet it continues to evoke knowing smiles and admiration among industry insiders.
Freeman aptly summarizes the essence of Ovum’s creations: just as listening to AM radio in stereo connects you to the roots of music, Big Salt captures the attention and palate of its drinkers through its unique profile.
Sip, Swing, and Share the Greens: A Round of Golf with Wyndham Clark
Whiskey and golf have a historical connection that dates back to the sport’s origins, with both often celebrated together at the "19th hole." This tradition has been embraced in a new way through a partnership between PGA Tour player Wyndham Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon, which features a sweepstakes granting one winner and three friends the opportunity to play a round of golf with Clark at a premier U.S. golf location.
In a recent conversation, Clark shared insights about his career, his growing appreciation for whiskey, and the details of the sweepstakes. He recounted how his love for bourbon began during a fishing trip with friends, blending these experiences into a deep connection with whiskey.
The collaboration with Blade and Bow is particularly special for Clark, as he recognizes the long-standing relationship between whiskey and golf. The sweepstakes not only offers the chance to play golf with a professional but also enjoy great bourbon and hear authentic stories from the course. Clark emphasized the unique experiences that come from spending time with a Tour Pro outside of the competitive and media-driven golf environment.
Reflecting on his journey, Clark highlighted the significance of patience and precision in both golf and whiskey. He considers the time and dedication he invests in his golfing craft deserving of a drink that reflects the same level of quality. His favorite drink on the course, the “Kentucky Caddie” cocktail, showcases his fondness for Blade and Bow’s elevated bourbon.
Looking ahead, Clark is excited about the upcoming golf season and hopes to participate in the Ryder Cup in New York, aiming for success in major tournaments. He also expressed a desire to return to fishing, an activity he genuinely enjoys but has had little time for recently.
As Clark continues to grow as a golfer and individual, he hopes to impart valuable lessons to aspiring players—chiefly, that success is possible regardless of your environment and that having a greater impact can extend beyond just excelling in sports.
The sweepstakes runs until June 15, 2025, and to enter, participants must be at least 25 years old. More details can be found through the official sweepstakes site: bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.
Brewzle’s Creator Announces Exciting New Distillery Opening in Opelika
The creator of the popular whiskey social media brand Brewzle, TJ Gamble, is embarking on a new venture by opening a distillery named Oak Bowery in Opelika. The Opelika City Council has approved tax abatements and exemptions for this project, allowing construction to commence.
Gamble, who has grown the Brewzle brand to over 1.5 million followers across various platforms, expressed his passion for Opelika, where he has lived for over a decade. He highlighted the town’s delightful mix of small-town charm and modern infrastructure as key reasons for choosing it as the location for his distillery.
The distillery will be situated at 1200 1st Ave., offering 4,500 square feet of production space and room for expansion, including a tasting room and barrel storage. The total investment for the Oak Bowery project exceeds $1.14 million, and it is expected to create around 20 jobs in its first four years.
Gamble’s vision for Oak Bowery aligns with Opelika’s vibrant culture and economic growth. Mayor Gary Fuller welcomed the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance local tourism and create jobs. City’s Economic Development Director John Sweatman noted that supporting this initiative through tax incentives was a straightforward decision, reflecting the kind of sustainable development they encourage in Opelika.
The distillery is scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2027. Gamble, originally from Tallapoosa County and an alumnus of Auburn University, previously founded an e-commerce agency focused on marketing for businesses. The Brewzle brand took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming from a personal TikTok account with 50,000 followers to a diverse community of whiskey aficionados across multiple platforms.
Gamble envisions Oak Bowery not just as a distillery but also as a central hub where the Brewzle community can gather and share their love for whiskey responsibly.
Impact of Global Tariffs: How America’s Wine Industry is Facing a Tough Battle Against Canada’s Retaliation
Canada’s recent boycott of American-made wine, in response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, has severely impacted the U.S. wine industry. Robert Koch, president and CEO of the California Wine Institute, emphasized that Canada is crucial for U.S. wine exports, accounting for over $1.1 billion in annual sales.
The boycott, which started in Ontario and spread across all provinces, involved removing American wines from shelves and restaurants. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew humorously criticized Trump’s executive order through a social media video, declaring the order to pull American products from the market a "wonderful" initiative.
Mike Kaiser of Wine America remarked that the wine industry feels caught in the crossfire of a trade dispute and fears the psychological effects of the tariffs will have a long-lasting impact on consumer behavior. Even a complete reversal of the tariffs might not alleviate the damage, leading to concerns over achieving previous sales levels.
Before the tariffs, the U.S. wine business was already grappling with challenges such as a decline in wine consumption post-COVID-19 and increased competition from alternative alcoholic beverages like seltzers. Seasonal visitors to wineries and rising inflation have further complicated the economic landscape, making it cost-prohibitive for many to enjoy wine.
Napa Valley winery CEO Christi Coors Ficeli noted that inflation has greatly increased operational costs, forcing many wineries to raise prices, which deters potential visitors. Additionally, the tariffs have escalated costs of materials essential for winemaking, such as bottles and barrels, with some barrel suppliers predicting price increases of up to 20%.
Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards in New York, reported a significant drop in Canadian sales, which he attributes to the tariffs. He expressed concern over the broader implications these tariffs could have on tourism and European interest in American wines.
Kaiser advocates for targeted tariff policies to prevent industries like wine from suffering collateral damage in broader trade disputes. He urges the administration to engage in discussions with wine representatives to address the ongoing challenges.
As the conflict continues, the prospect of recovery for the U.S. wine industry appears increasingly grim, with the ramifications of policies still unfolding.
Metallica Takes Over Syracuse: Exclusive Pop-Up Shop, Whiskey Event, and More!
It’s officially Metallica week in Syracuse, as the legendary metal band is set to perform at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19. With over 46,000 tickets already sold, the concert is shaping up to be one of the largest events ever held at this venue, which was formerly known as the Carrier Dome. A limited number of tickets, including newly released options, can be found on platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.
Whether or not fans attend the concert, numerous activities are planned around Syracuse for Metallica enthusiasts. On Friday, April 18, the band’s new documentary, “Metallica Saved My Life,” will have its premiere at Regal Destiny USA with two showings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. While the first screening is sold out, some seats remain for the second showing.
Additionally, a Metallica pop-up shop will open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westcott Theater, offering exclusive merchandise such as concert posters, event tees, a skateboard, and a special orange-and-blue splatter vinyl pressing of their latest album, “72 Seasons.” Fans can also participate in a contest for a chance to win prizes, including “Snake Pit” passes for the concert.
In conjunction with the festivities, master distiller Rob Dietrich will host a meet-and-greet at the TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., celebrating the band’s Blackened American Whiskey.
Moreover, the “Syracuse Takeover” event includes blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross on Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., where donors will receive a free Metallica shirt. An All Within My Hands volunteer opportunity is also scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Bank of Central New York.
This concert will mark Metallica’s first in Syracuse in nearly three decades and their first performance at the JMA Dome, making it a significant stop on their M72 world tour. The band, featuring members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo, and Kirk Hammett, is renowned for its substantial impact on the heavy metal genre and its extensive catalog, which includes iconic songs such as “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.”