Award-winning author Joel Harrison has released a new book titled The Whisky World Tour, which takes readers on a journey through 52 distilleries around the globe, from Kentucky to Japan. In it, Harrison not only showcases exceptional whiskies but also highlights unique visitor experiences at each distillery.

Harrison names Japan’s Hakushu distillery as his top recommendation for a whiskey pilgrimage, describing it as an enchanting place that feels like a blend of Tolkien’s Middle-earth and Game of Thrones’ Eyrie. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, just a couple of hours from Tokyo, Hakushu offers visitors a truly immersive experience with its stunning natural surroundings. The author particularly favors the Hakushu 12 Year Old, a single malt scotch noted for its slightly smoky flavor profile rich with honeyed orchard fruit and earthy notes, suggesting it’s perfect for everyday enjoyment.

From Harrison’s perspective, the Hakushu 12 Year Old represents an ideal beginning for a whiskey collection. He mentions that if he were to build a starter cabinet, he would include Bowmore 15, Bushmills 16, and Eagle Rare 10 alongside the Hakushu. His book offers additional insights, providing recommendations for accessible labels from each distillery, encouraging readers to try them at local bars.

Harrison also offers praise for Maker’s Mark distillery in Kentucky, known for pioneering visitor programs since 1968. He appreciates its calm atmosphere and artistic approach, emphasizing that Maker’s Mark is a delightful destination for any whiskey enthusiast.

For those interested in whiskey and travel, Harrison’s The Whisky World Tour is not just an informative read; it’s an invitation to explore the world of whiskey in a manner that’s both educational and enjoyable.

Anoka County has initiated a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in an effort to prevent the allocation of $6.2 million in transportation grant funds towards the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Rum River Dam in Anoka. This bridge is part of a larger project that aims to enhance the area with amenities including a boat lock and a whitewater surfing facility, collectively estimated to cost approximately $55 million.

The project has been advocated by DFL House Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson. However, Anoka County Attorney Brad Johnson argues that the funds should not be diverted to what he calls a "pet project" for the city. Johnson contends that the decision to allocate these funds to the City of Anoka will detrimentally affect Anoka County as a whole by depriving it of potential infrastructure improvements.

The lawsuit claims that if the funds are transferred to the City of Anoka, the county will suffer "irreparable harm" as the funds, once distributed, would be lost forever to county projects that provide wider benefits.

This conflict arose after the Minnesota Legislature approved a transportation sales tax of 0.75% in 2023, intended to address various county projects, including vital road repairs and safety enhancements.

A spokesperson for Rep. Stephenson declined to comment on the lawsuit but mentioned that the bridge funding was included in a broader transportation bill that enjoyed bipartisan support. Counterarguments were presented in the legislature, where Republicans from Anoka County voiced strong disapproval of directing the county’s transportation funding towards what they considered an excessive investment, noting that it would be the third pedestrian crossing within a very short distance.

Rep. Harry Niska expressed concerns about the lack of funding for what he described as a major project stemming from limited monetary resources. Meanwhile, Rep. Peggy Scott criticized the measure for being advanced without adequate consultation with Anoka County officials.

In response, Rep. Stephenson defended the project, asserting that it underwent necessary legislative scrutiny and would progress through staged funding, a common practice for large-scale projects. He pointed out that there is an expectation for more funds to be allocated as the project develops over time.

Ultimately, an amendment to remove the funding for the Rum River Dam pedestrian bridge from the transportation bill was proposed by Niska but failed to pass.

For further context, you can read more about Anoka’s ambitions to convert the dam into a surfing location here.

Whiskey aging has a long tradition, primarily using oak barrels that imbue the spirit with color and flavor while softening harsh notes from unaged liquor. Though oak is the prevailing choice, distillers might also explore other wood options, particularly during secondary barreling, which can produce unique and expensive variations.

However, if you’re considering aging whiskey at home, there are significant challenges to achieving the same quality as commercial distilleries. Francesco Lafranconi of Carver Road Hospitality warns that replicating the professional conditions—where factors such as temperature, humidity, barrel size, and wood type play critical roles in whiskey maturation—is nearly impossible in a home setting.

Simply placing whiskey in a bottle won’t age it since glass is inert; true aging requires contact with wood. One common approach is to use a mason jar with wood chips or staves, which can quickly influence the whiskey’s flavor. Yet, this method lacks the essential oxidation provided by larger barrels which enhances complexity.

While small wooden barrels are available for home aging, they pose their own risks, such as creating overly woody or unbalanced flavors. Lafranconi concludes with the advice that, for the best results, it’s better to leave whiskey aging to the professionals.

For more insights into whiskey aging and popular recommendations, visit Chowhound.

Sazerac Company has made a strategic move by acquiring Western Son Vodka and Distillery, a small-batch spirits company known for its array of flavored vodkas, as well as gin production. While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this acquisition expands Sazerac’s vodka portfolio, complementing their previous purchase of Svedka Vodka from Constellation Brands last year.

The CEO of Sazerac, Jake Wenz, commented on the acquisition, highlighting that Western Son has developed a strong brand, which gives Sazerac the opportunity to enhance its product offerings while increasing production capacity within its network.

The flavored spirits market is projected to experience significant growth, estimated at 17.89% from 2025 to 2035, making this acquisition timely and beneficial for Sazerac.

Additionally, Sazerac has established its presence in Texas, previously collaborating with Andrews Distributing on three ready-to-drink brands and acquiring BuzzBallz, a ready-to-drink cocktail maker. The company’s focus on Texas aligns with its recent expansion endeavors.

Notably, Western Son was previously considered by Splash Beverage for acquisition in 2023, but those discussions did not conclude with a deal, solidifying Sazerac’s position in this latest acquisition.