Author: Aiden

The Missouri craft beer scene is poised for a significant shift, thanks to a recently enacted law – House Bill 1041 – that’s dramatically altering barrel inspection costs. Taking effect on January 1, 2026, the new regulations represent a 67% reduction, dropping inspection fees from $1.86 to a mere 62 cents per barrel. This change isn’t just a line item on a brewery’s books; it’s a potential game-changer, particularly for smaller, independent operations. Fringe Beerworks, a popular Lee’s Summit brewery with a location in Independence, is feeling the immediate impact. Owner Mark Myers explained that this reduction will enable the…

Barstool Sports continues its relentless expansion, churning out a staggering volume of content across multiple platforms. Recent reports paint a picture of a media powerhouse, constantly innovating and diversifying its offerings. The company’s core content output remains a force to be reckoned with. The familiar faces of *Rough N’ Rowdy*, *Stella Blue Coffee*, and *Daily Dozen Trivia* are joined by a growing roster of shows, including *Miss Peaches*, *Shady Rays*, *Barstool Golf*, *Spittin’ Chiclets*, *Pardon My Cheesesteak*, and *Barstool Bets*. New additions like *Nooners* signal a commitment to fresh programming. Beyond the established hits, Barstool continues to explore new formats…

The rum industry, known for its blend of tradition and bold innovation, occasionally finds itself reflecting the delightfully strange obsessions of its patrons. This week’s *Cheers & Jeers* offers a bizarre window into just that, courtesy of a single individual’s increasingly ambitious – and frankly, unsettling – New Year’s resolutions. According to a recent report circulating amongst industry circles, the man – let’s call him Mr. Silas Blackwood – has set himself a series of objectives that would test the patience of even the most seasoned rum distiller. These include, but aren’t limited to, training squirrels to parachute into the…

Oprah Winfrey’s latest book, ‘Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It’s Like To Be Free,’ is sending ripples through the wellness world. Beyond the inspirational narrative, Winfrey has offered a brutally honest account of her personal struggles with weight loss, including a past reliance on tequila and her current use of GLP-1 medication. In excerpts reported across media outlets, Winfrey details a particularly memorable evening consuming 17 shots of tequila, a habit she ultimately recognized as detrimental and the catalyst for her commitment to continuous weight management. ‘It was a moment of recklessness,’ she reportedly admitted, shifting her focus…

The spirits industry is deeply saddened by the passing of Branden ‘Brandy’ Wahl, 73, of Barnesville, Minnesota. Wahl, a longtime contributor to the industry’s fabric, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at Valley Care & Rehab due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). News of Wahl’s death spread quickly through distillery communities and hospitality networks across the Midwest. Wahl, known for his quiet diligence and encyclopedic knowledge of spirits production, had dedicated his life to understanding and appreciating the art of distillation. While details surrounding his direct involvement in the production of finished spirits remain private, his influence…

A stunning collection of Macallan Anniversary Malts has fetched a remarkable $167,637, demonstrating the enduring allure of this iconic distillery’s legacy. The complete set, comprising 19 bottles, represents a significant investment for any whisky enthusiast. This exceptional collection spans a nearly six-decade period, from 1957 to 1975, showcasing a diverse range of vintage and non-vintage releases. The bottles themselves represent a testament to Macallan’s consistent quality and a period when the distillery was pioneering sherry cask maturation – a hallmark of its distinctive character. The buyer is 72-year-old Danielle Smeyers, who began her passion for Macallan after a trip to…

The iconic Jim Beam distillery, a cornerstone of the American bourbon industry, has abruptly halted distillation at its flagship location. The move, confirmed by NPR’s *All Things Considered* following a conversation with renowned bourbon authority Fred Minnick, raises serious questions about the future of this beloved spirit. Bourbon enthusiasts and industry analysts alike are reacting with a mix of concern and speculation. Jim Beam’s decision to cease operations at its main distillery, a process that has been ongoing for several weeks, hasn’t been officially explained. However, whispers suggest a confluence of factors – including shifting consumer preferences and increased production…

The world of Scotch has long dominated conversations about single malt. But a quiet revolution is brewing, one born from the unique climate and ancient oak trees of Japan: Mizunara whiskey. For decades, Japanese whisky producers, largely operating in the shadow of their Scotch counterparts, have been meticulously crafting a spirit unlike anything else. The Magic of Mizunara Oak Mizunara, also known as Japanese White Oak, is the key. Unlike the European oak commonly used for Scotch, Mizunara trees thrive in the humid, coastal environments of Japan. The result is a wood with a markedly different character. The tight grain…

The craft spirits industry thrives on narrative. Each release, each distillery, each expression, tells a story – a tale of passion, tradition, innovation, and, crucially, flavor. But what happens when the source dries up? When there’s nothing to report? It’s a question that’s been echoing through the industry, and one I’ve been pondering recently. I’m a professional, though perhaps a somewhat unconventional one. My days are spent behind a bar, analyzing the subtle nuances of spirits, and connecting with the people who create them. And lately, I’ve found myself facing an unsettling truth: there’s an alarming amount of silence. Distilleries…

North Charleston, SC – Fans of adrenaline-fueled action are in for a treat as the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour brings its high-octane Professional Bull Riding spectacle to the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center on January 9th and 10th, 2026. The event promises a thrilling weekend of competition, showcasing the raw power and skill of some of the sport’s most formidable riders. This year’s competition will feature 40 riders battling it out in the first round, with the top 36 advancing to a demanding round two. Only the elite 10 will then converge for the championship round, vying for…