The 12th Annual Irish Whiskey Awards recently took place at Teeling Distillery in Dublin, celebrating the best of Irish whiskey amidst an evening of camaraderie and spirited competition. The event saw a total of 20 awards given for various categories, highlighting the diversity and quality of this beloved spirit.

Among the notable winners, the Dunville’s 24-Year-Old Palo Cortado Single Malt was recognized as the Irish Whiskey of the Year, marking its second consecutive win in this prestigious category. Echlinville Distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has established it as a leader in the sector, with their distinctive offerings setting modern standards for Irish single malts.

The awards were organized by the Celtic Whiskey Shop and included a range of categories covering blends, single malts, pot stills, and more. This year’s ceremony highlighted the resilience of the Irish whiskey industry, which has faced challenges, particularly with a noted decline in US exports.

One of the unique aspects of the awards is the community involvement; results are determined through blind tastings conducted by panels from over ten whiskey societies across Ireland, rather than by a select group of judges. This method ensures a comprehensive evaluation reflective of the wider whiskey community.

Key award highlights included:

• Irish Whiskey of the Year: Dunville’s 24-Year-Old Palo Cortado Single Malt
• Best New Irish Whiskey: Hinch Warehouse 3 Exclusive – Virgin American Oak
• Single Malt 11 Years and Under (High-Priced): Copeland Double Distilled Pino Hogshead
• Single Pot Still Whiskey 12 Years and Over: Redbreast 15-Year-Old
• Cask Strength Whiskey: Dunville’s 24-Year-Old PX Cask Strength

The event also supported charitable initiatives, with proceeds benefiting Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides meals for children in need worldwide, illustrating the spirit of community and support that exists within the industry.

The Irish Whiskey Awards continue to showcase the passion, talent, and artistry present in Ireland’s whiskey-making scene, inspiring fans and newcomers alike to explore the rich flavors and heritage of this iconic spirit.

For more insights on the latest Irish whiskeys, check out:

• The Best Irish Blended Whiskey According to the Beverage Testing Institute
• The Top Irish Whiskey According to the 2025 World Whiskies Awards

Soho Chicken and Whiskey has reopened its doors after relocating from Ohio City’s West 25th Street to a new spot on Lorain Avenue. The popular soul food restaurant made its debut at 4211 Lorain Avenue, in the former space of Xinji Noodle Bar, on October 30. Since its reopening, it has quickly filled up with patrons eager to experience its signature comfort food and inviting atmosphere.

The new location maintains an intimate feel with cozy nooks and exposed brick, while also incorporating new enhancements. The owners, Nolan Konkoski and Molly Smith, took their time to ensure everything was perfect, resulting in what they describe as a "well-established version" of Soho, keeping the same charming energy at its core.

We visited about a week after the reopening to a lively dining scene ahead of a Cavaliers game. The bar area is still prominent, leading into a main dining area with a slightly more open kitchen layout. Decor includes nostalgic pieces from the previous Soho location and a cheerful “Welcome Back Y’all” sign.

The drink menu is diverse, featuring both classic and seasonal cocktails alongside select wines and craft beers. We sampled the “Untitled,” a robust bourbon drink, and the “Psycho Killer,” a refreshing gin-based concoction—both reflecting Soho’s commitment to quality beverages.

No visit to Soho is complete without their deviled eggs, a must-try on the menu, praised for their creamy texture and the option to upgrade with smoked trout and caviar. The snack menu also highlights fried green tomatoes, which we enjoyed topped with street corn fixings, offering a delicious blend of flavors.

For our main courses, we opted for the iconic fried chicken, served with two sides, and the unique Carolina “fried rice,” which consists of griddled grits, Wagyu bologna, yams, and kimchi. The melding of these flavors made for a satisfying meal.

Desserts include freshly fried beignets, described as a doughy delight reminiscent of pancakes, which we couldn’t resist adding to our meal.

Soho Chicken and Whiskey has returned with an energy that promises to reinvigorate the Greater Cleveland dining scene, inviting patrons to relish not just the food but the memories that accompany it. Reservations are available for those eager to visit, and the restaurant plans to reintroduce brunch and special events soon.

For more details, visit Soho Chicken and Whiskey’s website or make reservations via Resy.

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, The National Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, will host a culinary event on Oistins Main Road, Christ Church. Due to this event, several traffic changes will be implemented from 5:40 p.m. until it concludes.

Road ClosuresThe main closure will affect Oistins Main Road, starting from its junction with Canevale Road to the intersection at Keizer Hill and Thornbury Hill. This road will remain closed between 5:40 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Traffic DiversionsMotorists should be aware of the following diversions during the specified times:

• Eastbound traffic on Oistins Road from Maxwell Road must turn left at Canevale Road, continue to Maxwell Hill, and then turn right towards Oistins Hill.
• Westbound drivers on Keizer Hill must turn right at Thornbury Hill and then make a left onto Church Hill Road.
• For those traveling west towards Oistins from Silver Sands, drivers can turn right at Waverly Road, follow onto Pegwell Road, and then take a right to continue onto Thornbury Hill.

Penalties for Non-ComplianceIndividuals who do not adhere to these regulations or disregard commands from the Barbados Police Service in uniform may face fines of $500 BDS or up to three months in prison. Exemptions apply for vehicles operated by emergency services. Police officers will be present to assist with traffic management during the event, and the Barbados Police Service appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation with these necessary changes.

Rum Sales Outlook Remains Positive Despite Hurricane Melissa

The Campari Group, the parent company of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, anticipates steady organic net sales growth for 2025, despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. CEO Simon Hunt shared this outlook during the company’s earnings call on October 29, just after the hurricane had passed. Jamaica accounted for €147.1 million (approximately $24.90 billion) or 4.8% of Campari’s total net sales of €3.07 billion in 2024.

Hunt affirmed that most shipments required to conclude the year had already been dispatched from Jamaica, maintaining strong inventory levels to meet demand. As such, he does not foresee a significant impact on the annual financials. Hunt acknowledged that at the time of his statements, communication channels were disrupted, limiting available information, but he promised to provide further updates based on newly acquired insights.

The safety and welfare of employees remain a top priority for the company as assessments of Hurricane Melissa’s impact begin. Hunt stated that teams are deployed at various sites to evaluate damages and strategize recovery efforts in collaboration with the Jamaican Government. He assured stakeholders that they would confirm support for recovery plans as conditions clarify.

J. Wray & Nephew’s Instagram account indicated that all company locations had reopened as of November 3, focusing on a phased approach while prioritizing community engagement. The company’s facilities have begun facilitating aid distribution to affected areas, including Clarendon and St. Elizabeth.

In the nine-month period, Jamaica’s net sales rose from €105.5 million to €106.6 million ($18.92 billion), with organic growth of 11.4%. The third quarter reported net sales growth from €26.5 million to €35.4 million ($6.28 billion), following previous disruptions from Hurricane Beryl. The increase can also be attributed to strong market trends, including significant sales increases for products like Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum and Magnum Tonic Wine.

The portfolio of Jamaican rums experienced a 12% rise in net sales, moving from €106.1 million to €118.7 million, driven by robust local trends and export sales to the U.S. The portfolio grew by 16.4% over nine months, with a notable increase of 45% in third-quarter sales compared to the previous year’s hurricane-impacted numbers.

Campari Group has plans for infrastructure enhancements at Jamaican distilleries in 2026, aiming at implementing high-efficiency heat and power systems, a new steam plant, and water reuse capabilities.

Overall, the Campari Group’s net sales for the first nine months saw a slight uptick to €2.28 billion, bolstered by organic growth in existing markets and its Courvoisier portfolio. However, operating expenses rose significantly, leading to a modest increase in operating profit of 2% to €475.5 million and adjusted EBITDA climbing 6% to €628.7 million. A rise in financial expenses related to increased net debt slightly reduced profit before tax by 5% to €397.9 million.

The report also highlighted consumer trends shifting towards moderation in discretionary spending on alcohol amid economic constraints, health-focused consumer behavior changes, and post-pandemic influences exacerbated by social media.

Recently, Campari’s former Chief Financial Officer, Paolo Marchesini, transitioned to a vice-chairman role on the board, while Francesco Mele was appointed Group CFO on November 3—a week of significant restructuring for the company.