The Beer Battle that Divided the Biggest Party in a Texas Town
MUENSTER, Texas — Social media attacks. Intransigent factions. An anonymous letter complaining about the harm done by some neighbors to the harmony of a bucolic Texas town.
The division that erupted in recent months in Muenster, Texas, a farming and ranching community north of Dallas, resembles the political polarization that has ripped apart many communities across the nation.
But the fight in Muenster, a town settled by German immigrants, has not been about politics. It has been about beer.
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Or rather, about how to divvy up the proceeds from selling beer at the biggest thing that happens in Muenster every year: the town’s three-day Germanfest. The dispute has bitterly divided neighbors in a town that prides itself on its Texas German heritage and spirit of volunteerism.
Suddenly, instead of one celebration on the last weekend in April, there were two — two places for the town’s 1,600 residents to partake of beer, sausages and music, each a short walk from the other, on either side of Division Street.
At stake were not only competing visions of the town’s signature event but the survival of the kinds of old-fashioned community volunteer groups that historically formed part of the backbone of American towns. In Muenster, they still do — and Germanfest has long been their biggest moneymaker.
“It put tears in my eyes,” said William Fisher, 83, as he ate breakfast at Rohmer’s, the town’s wood-paneled, schnitzel-serving diner. “All of a sudden, it seems like the town went haywire.”
For some, the split marked the culmination of rising discontent over the growth of the festival, which draws about 20,000 visitors.
That was particularly true after 2018 when the festival moved into a newly built, cavernous indoor space on sprawling grounds at the edge of town.
“It became more of an outsider thing and lost that local touch,” said Leslie Hess Eddleman, a dental hygienist and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. “They turned it into this big show for out-of-towners but not for us.”
But what finally brought about the split was not who attended the festival but a dispute over the beer contract, which was up for renewal.
The Jaycees, a national junior civic organization, had a long-standing practice of selling beer, utilizing its members as volunteers and pocketing nearly 80% of the profit.
The Muenster Chamber of Commerce, the entity in charge of Germanfest, aimed to renegotiate this agreement. Initially, they suggested a 50-50 split, but later proposed giving the Jaycees 70% of the profits on the condition that they helped with the decoration.
“We bear all the risk,” exclaimed Matt Sicking, the chamber president and a county commissioner. “In case of a washout, all our investment goes down the drain.”
The negotiation ended in a stalemate with neither party willing to compromise.
“You ever hear of a stubborn German? They had their minds made up,” said Wayne Klement, 74, a Jaycee senator. “That’s when we decided we’ll just have a party of our own.”
The group was encouraged when others joined. Many did: the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts, a local meat seller, the family that puts on a hammer-and-nail-in-a-log game they call “nägelschlagen.”
Soon, it had turned into an all-out rebellion.
Who lays claim to Germanfest could not be more important in a town such as Muenster, which sits in the rolling farmland near Texas’ Red River boundary with Oklahoma.
German family names like Fishers and Flusches dominate the business landscape after their ancestors settled and stayed. Even local police cars reflect a German influence with “Zu Dienen und Beschützen” displaying on them, a promise to serve and protect. The local high school football team faces its rival in a grudge match called the “Kraut Bowl” every year against Lindsay, another town with strong German heritage.
In the 1800s, Texas was a popular destination for German immigrants, especially the cities of Fredricksburg and New Braunfels near Austin. Some schools in these locations were even primarily instructing in German.
According to Walter Kamphoefner, a history professor at Texas A&M University, “In Texas, the German language persisted longer and more ardently than any other place in the United States”.
Muenster’s creation stemmed from the effort of brothers who wanted to establish a distinctly German Catholic community. Though the journey was fraught with obstacles – tornadoes destroyed their first and second church — they persisted.
Life in Muenster still revolves around the church. The town has both a Catholic school and a public school. Families of six children or more are not unusual.
“It’s like in Europe,” said Chuck Bartush, one of 13 siblings and one of the town’s only lawyers. “It’s old school. Medieval almost.”
Muenster is also home to an enduring culture of volunteerism. The Jaycees, whose members are community-minded adults 40 and younger, occupy a prominent perch. Local members include city councilors, business owners and the mayor.
Like many volunteer groups across the United States, the Jaycees has dwindled. In Texas, there were once scores of chapters. Now there are just 12.
The concept of a festival to celebrate the town’s German heritage emerged as the country was gearing up for its bicentennial in 1976. The festival quickly gained traction, drawing visitors from Dallas and beyond. Activities included tug of war, arm wrestling, and on at least one occasion, a beauty pageant.
The Jaycees contributed arguably the most significant factor: the beer. This club has a refrigerated trailer that can accommodate around 200 kegs and has 32 beer taps. They have recently acquired an additional trailer of a smaller size.
“This weekend is essential for our club,” said Klement. He further noted that the Jaycees donated $165,000 last year, primarily to local families in need.
Data from the Chamber of Commerce showed that the Jaycees made roughly $120,000 from the previous Germanfest, while the Chamber profited $164,000. Sicking stated that the expenses associated with organizing the festival continue to increase.
On the inaugural day of the chamber’s festival, participants sat around tables consuming sausages on skewers to the melodious tunes of polka. Females in stylized dirndl outfits and males in lederhosen clinked their glasses together with synchronized cries of “Prost!”
A little farther, the Jaycee fiesta held in Muenster City Park vibrated with classic rock tunes, inducing feelings of nostalgia among the sizeable assembly. An enormous beer truck endowed with numerous beer taps held a prominent place on the park’s green expanse.
Shishana Barnhill, an Alaska native who married into Rohmer’s family, mentioned, “There’s no place I’ve visited across the globe that has preserved its traditions as strongly as Muenster. The sense of familial togetherness in this town is overwhelming.”
Being one among the limited count of Black inhabitants, Barnhill recounted an incident when white supremacists halted at the dinner, engendering feelings of discomfort. However, she feels reassured by the town’s response as she stated, “They were not made to feel welcome here.”
As she verbalized, spectators thronged the stands for the tug-of-war competition.
“Pull!” echoed from numerous individuals in the assemblage.
Subsequent to the struggle, the contestants crumbled onto the field. A bystander proffered a marriage proposal to his sweetheart. She acquiesced.
Ultimately, the two rival events generally managed to turn a blind eye to each other. The supply of beer had been amply sufficient.
Sicking appeared to be weary of the battle.
“We can stay here lamenting all day, but it’s not going to alter anything,” he uttered. “The outcome will pan out according to what the holy Lord desires.”
Copyright 2024 The New York Times Company
Unveiling the Riches of Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – An aerial view of Jordan Wine Estate. This iconic destination seamlessly combines the art of winemaking, culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that deeply engages the senses and creates a memorable impact.
In the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Jordan Wine Estate epitomizes the region’s abundance of riches. Not only is the winery (or wine farm as they are called in South Africa) among the most acclaimed in Stellenbosch, but it’s also home to a world-class restaurant. And for those seeking the ultimate winelands getaway, Jordan Wine Estate offers some of the most sought-after accommodation in the area. This iconic destination seamlessly combines the art of winemaking, culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality, creating an immersive experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Discover for yourself why Jordan Wine Estate is the place to visit in Stellenbosch.
Jordan Wine Estate is a family-owned winery well-known for making exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
The Winery and Wines
Jordan Wine Estate is a family-owned winery well-known for making exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. What sets Jordan Wine Estate apart is its unique location and landscape. The estate’s slopes not only face the warmer north and west but also the cooler south and east directions, with vineyards lying at altitudes between 160 and 410 meters above sea level. This multifaceted orientation permits a wide variety of microclimates, which in turn allows the cultivation of an impressive range of grape varieties.
Furthermore, the estate’s proximity to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans provides an additional layer of complexity to the terroir. The vineyards also reap the benefits of coastal fog and cool breezes, which help to moderate temperatures and ensure a slow, even ripening process. The result: grapes with excellent purity and balance, which translate into wines of exceptional quality.
But don’t take my word for it. The best way to discover Jordan’s unparalleled assets in terms of landscape and location is to see (and taste!) them for yourself by going on a 360° tour of the vineyards. Just one of the activities offered by the winery, this exclusive vineyard and cellar experience takes you on a guided tour through the vineyards in an open safari-style game viewing Land Rover. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of False and Table Bays, as you sip and savor some of Jordan’s top vintages. Or do a guided wine tasting under the cover of ancient trees overlooking the lake (you might just catch a glimpse of a rare Cape chameleon in the bushes).
Jordan’s wine portfolio is diverse and impressive, offering something for every palate, including chenin, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and Syrah. Each wine varietal shows off the nuances and personality of the terroir to its fullest. Two especially notable wine lines from Jordan are the Sophia and Timepiece. The Sophia is a premium Bordeaux-style blend named after the legendary mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Deeply layered, this wine offers an opulent finish. Timepiece wines highlight Jordan’s heritage, featuring only single-vineyard varietals from vines over 35 years old.
The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a culinary gem.
The Restaurant
The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a culinary masterpiece. The skillful chef Ferreira, replacing former chef George Jardine, provides guests an unparalleled formal dining experience with an immaculate blend of outstanding flavors. The tasting menu is a parade of the latest, tastefully delicious farm cuisine enhanced with supreme flavors, structures, and techniques. The dishes are so elegantly presented, it leaves you wondering if Ferreira was a painter in his previous life. With the availability of an open kitchen, you can witness first hand Ferreira’s zeal for food as he prepares your meal. Unexpected color and texture mixes and inventive plating techniques contribute to visually appealing masterpieces that are almost too lovely to eat. Almost.
Savor dishes such as the excellently cooked seared yellowfin tuna adorned with lumpfish roe and escabeche. The sous vide springbok loin offers unimaginable tenderness, the pleasure of which can make you emotional. And the chocolate marquise, topped with malted fudge caramel sauce, will be something you’ll reminisce for weeks after the feast. For a heightened dining experience, opt for the wine pairing and entrust your taste buds to sommelier Richard Chitukutuku. His carefully selected wines and real hospitality will enhance what is already an ideal meal.
So, what could possibly make this meal any better? Leave it to Jordan to take things up a notch with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows (in summer, the windows slide fully open) that guests can look through to take in sunset over a lake hugged by undulating vineyards and the tranquil beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful and the vista makes for an ideal meal companion.
For a truly immersive stay in Stellenbosch, you’d do well to book a couple of nights at Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites, which overlook the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains.
The Accommodation
For a truly immersive stay in Stellenbosch, you’d do well to book a couple of nights at Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites, which overlook the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains. Tucked away discretely among the natural mountain fynbos of the region, you’re just steps from the winery and restaurant — though you’ll feel like you are miles away hidden in a verdant oasis. In fact, Jordan Wine Estate belongs to the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its amazing biodiversity. This region, despite being the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, boasts an exceptional array of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
The comforts inside are just as inviting as the beauty outside. Large rooms with king-size beds, high-quality Egyptian cotton bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows make up each unique suite to guarantee a memorable and luxurious stay. A number of suites feature a soaking tub, wood-burning fireplace with firewood provided, and a separate lounge area. Every room has a private veranda for you to enjoy the provided bottle of Jordan wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery of vineyards and mountains. This is a place to truly immerse yourself in the serene uniqueness of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region.
Tragic Death of ‘Gentle Soul’ in Homophobic, Vodka-Fuelled Attack at Home
Drunk Vitalie Tanga has been handed a life sentence for murdering Alfred Mattox at his home in Wolverhampton during VE Day celebrations, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard
A ‘homophobic’ killer beat a ‘gentle soul’ to death in his own home.
Drunk Vitalie Tanga has been handed a life sentence for the ‘vodka-fuelled rampage’ which saw him end the life of Alfred Mattox by kicking him savagely in the head, leaving him with multiple facial fractures and brain damage.
The ‘senseless killing’ came as the 56-year-old victim and his friends were celebrating VE Day in his Wolverhampton home. Tanga launched the attack on Mr Mattox because he was gay, prosecutors told Wolverhampton Crown Court. The intoxicated killer kicked him multiple times in the head, leaving him fatally wounded on the kitchen floor
Tanga made allegations that his victim had initiated an unwelcome romantic gesture moments before the attack. This incited a violent response from Tanga. His defense team argued that this inopportune approach drove Tanga to assert his masculinity.
40-year-old Tanga pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr. Mattox, a carer, and a second charge of assault causing actual bodily harm to Mattox’s tenant. However, the jurors came to the unanimous decision that Tanga was indeed guilty of both charges on 19th April. Following the verdict, Tanga was incarcerated for life with a minimum term of 25 years on May 3rd at the Wolverhampton Crown Court.
At the time of sentencing, Judge Michael Chambers KC stated, “You subjected Mr. Mattox to a brutal and sustained attack in the safety of his own home. The event was incited by a vodka-fueled rage during which you repeatedly kicked him in the head causing severe fractures and brain damage, leading to his death on 24th May.”
The court disclosed the incidents of May 10, 2021 leading to an attack. Mr. Mattox, his tenant and a companion went to Merridale, Wolverhampton with a bottle of vodka to commemorate the ending of World War II. Tanga, the killer, also partook in the celebration. The group later went out to buy more vodka, according to BirminghamLive.
The victim appeared to be in good spirits during a FaceTime call with his brother at 4.34pm, stated the court. However, less than an hour later, disturbing noises prompted neighbors to alert the police. Arriving at the scene at 5.45pm, the police discovered Mr. Mattox unconscious on the floor. He had suffered severe fractures to his face and skull followed by brain damage leading to organ failure.
Mr. Mattox passed away a fortnight later on May 24. A forensic pathologist from the Home Office claimed that there must have been ‘at least three heavy blows to the head’, consistent with kicking. Upon police’s arrival to the scene, Tanga informed them that the victim was a homosexual. He later justified his actions by saying that the victim had made advances towards him.
Tanga’s second victim bore bruises and scratches from an assault at Mr Mattox’s residence. The timing of the injuries is uncertain, but the victim has now completely recovered.
West Midlands Police stated that Tanga hindered officers from entering the victim’s apartment for seven minutes after they got there. He also reportedly tried to escape.
In court, the prosecution represented by Andrew Wallace, said there was an absence of fatal intent, however, there was an aim of inflicting serious physical harm. According to him, the brutality of the murder was escalated by Tanga’s ‘hostility’ towards his victim’s sexual preference.
The defense, headed by Amjad Malik KC, argued that the victim, Mr Mattox, made a sexual move on his killer, which triggered an ‘out of proportion’ reaction from the ‘highly inebriated’ Tanga. It was reported that Tanga was asked to vacate the apartment as he was ‘no longer wanted’, but he declined and ‘reacted with explosive aggression’, as stated by Mr Malik.
The defense continued to assert that Tanga did not harbor homophobic feelings and that the victim’s sexual preference did not trigger his violence. Mr Malik stated: “The facts clearly indicate that Tanga had known Mr Mattox for a number of years. There was absolutely no issue.”
Judge Chambers stated that the ‘extreme violence’ exhibited by Tanga was largely due to his ‘hostility’ towards the victim’s ‘sexual orientation’. According to the judge, this severe attack was much more than a simple reaction to a sexual advance.
The statement made to the jury indicated that the act was inspired and motivated by a negative attitude towards Mr Mattox’s sexual orientation. And the gathered evidence supports this conclusion.
The court was informed that Tanga, who was aided by a Russian interpreter in court, had a history of violent behavior. For several years, Tanga has suffered from a form of psychotic disorder, likely paranoid schizophrenia, the judge further mentioned.
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Scotch! The Story of Whiskey” Season 1 Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Scotch! The Story of Whiskey showcases David Cayman’s exploration into the history of the Scottish drink and its evolution into a global industry. The narrative delves into how the widespread distribution of various Scotch types around the world threatens its distinctiveness and superiority. This series, launched on October 11, 2016, garnered extensive acclaim.
Discover how you can view and stream Scotch! The Story of Whiskey Season 1 through streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.
You bet! Scotch! The Story of Whiskey Season 1 can be viewed via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
In episode 1, Cayman learns the craft of distilling and blending whiskey from Kirsteen Campbell. The narration also details Scotch’s evolution into an international brand and the emergence of its competitors. Cayman visits Norfolk in England, as well as Tasmania and Japan, to uncover how the whiskey industry is covering the market and testing Scotch’s reign.
The series showcases actor David Cayman in the principal role.
Scotch! The Story of Whiskey Season 1 can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. This streaming platform, Amazon Prime Video, boasts a vast repertoire of favorite movies, TV series, and its original creations, including successful series such as ‘The Wheel of Time,’ ‘The Boys,’ amongst many others.
Here is how you can stream via Amazon Prime Video:
Access the following link: Amazon Prime Video
Select ‘Sign in’ and ‘Create your Amazon account’
Sign up for a Prime Video membership:
$14.99 per month or $139 per year with an Amazon Prime membership
$8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership
Amazon Prime is a subscription offered by the esteemed online retailer that provides services such as rapid delivery and exclusive deals on products. Their most popular package includes not just these attractive benefits, but also a subscription to Prime Video. Alternatively, you can choose to subscribe to Prime Video on its own.
Presenting the synopsis of Scotch! The Story of Whiskey:
“Through the eyes of David Hayman, we explore the current state of the Scotch whisky industry and delve into the potential risks threatening its global supremacy.”
Please note that the aforementioned streaming services are susceptible to alteration. The details given were accurate at the time of penning this article.
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The post Scotch! The Story of Whiskey Season 1 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Amazon Prime Video appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Launch of Wine 9.8: Featuring Mono Updates and Enhanced ARM Improvements
Another biweekly development release for the Windows compatibility layer is here, with Wine 9.8 now available.
Highlights of this release include:
The changes from Wine Mono 9.1.0:
There’s 22 bugs noted as solved from this Wine development release including a bug from all the way back in 2005, which was for the Microsoft Office 97 installer. There’s also fixes for Battle.net, Corsair iCUE 4, Installshield and various other miscellaneous apps and Windows compatibility issues.
Rumble Inc Director Robert Arsov Sells Over 100,000 Shares
On May 3, 2024, Robert Arsov, Director of Rumble Inc (NASDAQ:RUM), sold 105,012 shares of the company. The transaction was filed on the same day with the SEC.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with RUM.
Rumble Inc (NASDAQ:RUM) operates as a video platform company, providing creators with distribution, monetization, and discovery of content. The company aims to foster freedom of speech and grow communities around shared interests and topics.
The shares were sold at a price of $6.77, valuing the transaction at approximately $710,931.24. Following this transaction, the insider’s total sales over the past year amount to 255,012 shares, with no recorded purchases.
The company’s market cap stands at approximately $1.97 billion. Rumble Inc’s valuation metrics include a price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow. The company’s valuation can also be assessed using the GF Value, which provides an estimate of intrinsic value based on historical multiples, adjusted for growth and yield.
Over the past year, there have been no insider buys and nine insider sells at Rumble Inc, indicating a trend of insider selling activities.
This recent sale by the insider adds to the ongoing pattern of insider transactions at Rumble Inc, which may be of interest to current and potential investors.
This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Beer-Laden Semitruck Overturns on I-41 in Menomonee Falls, Leads to Six-Hour Lane Closure
A semitruck overturned after colliding with another vehicle in the northbound lanes of Interstate 41 in Menomonee Falls Thursday morning, spilling beer in the process and forcing lane closures for multiple hours, according to police.
The truck was transporting Miller beer, Menomonee Falls Police Lt. Matthew Lewek said.
Traffic Update:
Two lanes of NB I-41 north of Pilgrim Rd are expected to be shut down for another 1-2 hours for cleanup. Please take an alternate route or be prepared for delays. pic.twitter.com/WqMz33Onm6
— Menomonee Falls Police Department (@ProtectTheFalls) May 2, 2024
Two lanes of I-41 northbound north of Pilgrim Road were shut down for a duration of six hours as a result of the accident, occurring around 8:30 in the morning, according to Lewek.
The semi-truck driver incurred non-critical injuries. The individual operating the second vehicle was fortunately unharmed.
Lewek mentioned other vehicles were part of the incident, however, information on these vehicles or any additional injuries is currently unavailable.
He was unable to provide the name of the firm the truck driver was employed by.
Lewek said as of Friday, no charges had been filed, and alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash.
He said that the incident is still under investigation.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A truck carrying Miller beer overturns on I-41 in Menomonee Falls
The Evolution of Lynchburg: How it Became the Birthplace of Jack Daniels Whiskey Despite Weather Changes
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — In 1866, the first registered distillery in the United States began in the quaint town of Lynchburg, Tennessee! Today, Jack Daniel’s is the top selling whiskey in the world. Known for its consistency, every drop made is made in Lynchburg.
So how is it that even though the whiskey is made in a volatile climate, the product isn’t impacted by the weather?
It all starts with the water.
To make whiskey, it must be free of iron. Otherwise it would turn black and bitter. One point that led Jack Daniels himself to choose the location of Lynchburg was the natural spring water — and more importantly — the presence of limestone in the area. Limestone acts as a filter, removing iron from the water. When it rains, water is absorbed into the ground through the limestone, eventually making its way down to a spring.
Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher, has a deep-rooted connection with the cave spring, owing to his grandfather, Frank Bobo, who served as master distiller from 1966 to 1988.
As per Fletcher’s knowledge, the cave system extends two miles deep into the ground.
Within this cave spring, the temperature holds steady.
“As far as I know, the ground temperature here as you get so far down is 56 degrees,” Chris Fletcher stated.
Regardless of the outside temperature, be it zero degrees or 100 degrees, this natural spring manages to maintain a steady 56 degrees! One might wonder how this is possible?
The secret resides in the design of the cavern – it prevents the displacement of cold air by warm air.
Periodic checks are performed to guarantee the health of the water.
“We have mapped it out and conducted studies, and approximately every couple of years we arrange for individuals to go back inside to assess its health and confirm that it’s structurally sound,” explains Fletcher.
Water’s quality, followed by the type of grain used, plays a crucial role in distinguishing this whiskey. If a region’s grain crop succumbs to drought, Jack Daniel’s would extend its search for grain as far as Canada or Northern Europe.
Our corn, too, adheres to very precise specifications. We only use cleaned, grade one corn. We avoid grade two corn to prevent the need to separate any debris like twigs, husks, or stones. We follow stringent moisture standards and require a specific starch content for it to be converted into whiskey,” shared Fletcher.
For a whiskey to be a true Tennessee variant, it requires an extra step of charcoal mellowing. It does not involve just any charcoal, but one produced on-site at Jack Daniel’s from Hard Sugar Maple Wood.
“To qualify as a Tennessee Whiskey, it must pass through Hard Sugar Maple Charcoal,” explained Byron Copeland, Jack Daniel’s Manager for Maturation and Innovations.
Also known as the “Lincoln County Process,” the distilled whiskey undergoes filtration through self-made charcoal tanks that stand ten feet tall. This method eliminates impurities and endows the whiskey with a smoother consistency.
The must then age the distilled whiskey. However, the barrel applied to this process isn’t arbitrary.
“The barrels used are constructed from oak. For a beverage to earn the title of bourbon or Tennessee whiskey, it must be stored in new, charred oak barrels. However, we opt to use white oak,” commented Copeland.
According to Copeland, the source of the white oak utilized is primarily Appalachia. They mainly procure their oak from states such as Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. When required, they also source the white oak from Missouri, where the species aligns with their select specifications.
There’s somewhat of a safety net due to the vast region that cultivates white oak essential for this whiskey, as one area may be buffered against extreme weather incidences.
Once the wood is harvested, it’s crucial for Jack to preserve its moisture to prevent the drying and splintering process as it is transported to the distillery.
“To ensure they don’t decompose, you need to retain some water so the wood remains damp,” Copeland stated.
The lengthy aging process then commences, and alterations in temperature become a significant factor—ranging from scorching Tennessee summers to freezing winter months.
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Copeland points out that in the wintertime, the whiskey contracts inside the barrels coming out of the wood into the barrel. In the summertime, the whiskey expands absorbing into the barrel stave. Over time, this is the process that gives the whiskey 100% of its color and between 60% to 70% of its flavor.
From the water, to the grain, to the oak used to make whiskey barrels — they all serve a special purpose to make Tennessee’s second largest export.
And despite extreme cold in the winter — or extreme heat in the summer — remember that a small town in Middle Tennessee harnessed both for decades to make the most recognized whiskey brands in the world!
Growing your family, no matter the journey to get there, is an emotional one. My heart aches for these families who trusted a Nashville fertility clinic with their dreams and finances. Hannah McDonald’s relentlessness to find answers is journalism at its best and hopefully a new avenue of hope for the patients caught up in this mess.
“`
-Carrie Sharp
Unraveling the Science: Why Beer is the Ultimate Companion for Pizza
Beer is a widely cherished alcoholic drink, dating back to 4000 B.C. It became an everyday essential in ancient Egypt. Evidently, the passion for beer, given the numerous beer varieties today, has only amplified. Its global admiration equals its best food match: pizza. The perfect flavor blending of pizza and beer is not only promoted by Italians, known for their stringent food rules, but pizza and beer pairing also boasts a scientific backing.
undoubtedly, pizza is arguably the world’s go-to comfort food, Yet, it might pose challenges during digestion. Here, beer steps in. Being a fermented yeast drink, beer fosters beneficial bacteria in your gut, enhancing your gut microbiome, as well as the carbonation in beer aids in digestion during and after pizza consumption.
Besides, the carbonation effect presents notable benefits to digestive wellness. Starting with the bubbles’ stimulating impact on the esophagus, enabling easier swallowing. One apparent advantage of carbonation is the belching it induces —an immediate remedy for a stomach full of pizza, or a stomach upset resulting from overeating pizza. Lastly, fizzy water studies demonstrate that carbonation stimulates digestive circulation. As such, beer, as much as it helps you eat pizza, it aids pizza’s exit from your digestive tract. This all merely validates a well-accepted taste match. That said, perhaps you’ll choose an exceptionally carbonated beer for your pizza night now.
Learn more: 30 Popular Frozen Pizzas, Ranked Worst To Best
Beer is carbonated, but its countless varieties offer a diversity of carbonation levels, to say nothing of wildly different tasting notes. So, which beer makes the best pairing for pizza? That depends on the pizza in question. Tasting Table provides an in-depth guide to the best beers to pair with pizza with help from a certified cicerone and numerous national and local beer breweries. Suggestions include a bitter, crisp pilsner to cut through the fattiness and spice of a pepperoni pizza, a yeasty, fruity, and sweet yeast beer to pair with pineapple on a Hawaiian pizza, and a hops-filled American pale ale to balance the creamy richness of a white pizza.
Whichever beer you choose, make sure it’s ice cold as lower temperatures enhance carbonation. If you aren’t a beer fan, try a fizzy dry cider, hard seltzer, or any of a selection of dry sparkling wines, such as prosecco or brut rosé. Of course, carbonated beverages don’t have to be alcoholic; sparkling water or your favorite soft drink can satisfy the digestive requirements for a pizza pairing that’s also kid-approved.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Exploring the Unique World of Texas Wine
Here’s the engaging narrative I crafted about Texas’s wine culture:
Individuals outside Texas can harbor any perception about the state’s wine. It could sway towards love, indifference, or even disdain. Yet, for a true Texan, these views are inconsequential. They stand firm in their enjoyment and adoration for Texas wines.
While it’s uncertain how much of this narrative is factual, I cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing rivalry between Texas and New York for the fourth rank in terms of wine production volume. What’s remarkable is the exponential growth of Texas’s wineries, from merely 20 in the 1980s to a whopping 450 today. These wines may not regularly grace the shelves of retailers or restaurant wine lists, yet they are consumed in significant volumes. Undoubtedly, it’s not the non-Texans who are relishing these Texan wines.
White, Red, Rosé wine glasses
Several weeks ago, I hosted a gathering of friends and wine enthusiasts to sample a selection of wines from Texas. For many, it was their first encounter with Texan wines. Given the unfamiliarity, it was expected to face some level of doubt about the quality of these wines, heightened by personal preferences for renowned international wines from regions like Spain, Italy, and Oregon.
As we each approached the tasting experience, we held onto a mix of preconceived notions and expectations, all impacting our perceptions of the Texan wines being tried. Throughout the course of the tasting, we discovered, articulated, and challenged these biases, concluding with some shared insights about the sampled Texan wines.
Just a note: this informal tasting wasn’t designed to cover a comprehensive range of Texan wines. I’m certain a different set of wines would elicit different reactions and evaluations. However, from our selection that evening, the red wines definitely impressed us. Although we tried white and rosé wines, we found our attention swiftly shifting back to the reds. Memorable in particular was the 2021 Montepulciano Reserve from Hillmy Cellars. It’s distinct notes of dusty leather, plum, tamarind, and horseradish reminded some of us of beloved Spanish reds, with added unique flavors. Multiple tasters expressed that any winery, regardless of geographical identity, would be proud to offer this particular wine.
The intrigue and novelty of these wines sometimes sparked exceptional and imaginative interpretations about the tasting experience. For instance, Hillmy’s Montepulciano Reserve was noted for tamarind and horseradish flavors, while the 2021 Invention LB from Heath Family Brands was described as more French than Italian, with flavors of red pepper seed and even reminiscent of grape jelly in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
One of the most flattering comments I received during the evening pertained to participants suggesting they would intentionally consume a certain wine, implying that they would deliberately search for it even if it wasn’t adventitiously provided at this group sampling. This was accurate for the Montepulciano and Invention LB wines as well as the 2021 Nichol from Airis’Ele Vineyards, a fusion of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. One tester declared it to be the star of the evening, while another testified to its authenticity, indicating an agreeable interaction between aroma and flavor: the scent showed potential and the taste fulfilled that potential.