Author: Aiden

The American whiskey landscape is undergoing a subtle, yet significant, shift. While bourbon continues to dominate headlines, a new category is quietly gaining momentum: coastal rye. Born from a desire for bolder, more complex spirits, coastal rye is redefining what American whiskey can be. For decades, rye whiskey was largely relegated to the back shelves, often seen as a cheaper alternative to bourbon. But a renewed interest in classic American distilling traditions, combined with a contemporary palate seeking greater intensity, has sparked a renaissance. Producers along the Atlantic coast – from Maine to North Carolina – are rediscovering the unique…

The spirits industry is undergoing a quiet, yet powerful, transformation. It’s not about flashy new brands or radical innovations – though those certainly exist. Instead, a core element is gaining serious traction: wild botanicals. Producers are increasingly turning to foraged, uncultivated plants and herbs, seeking a return to nature’s complexity and a distinct expression of terroir. For centuries, distillers relied on carefully cultivated herbs and spices. Now, a generation of producers is rediscovering the nuances found in plants growing wild – untouched by human intervention. This isn’t simply about adding a ‘wild’ flavor profile; it’s a profoundly different approach to…

The escalating debate surrounding Puerto Rico’s financial future has reached a critical juncture, with the Oversight Board urging the Senate to address the long-standing issues of the rum excise tax and the Puerto Rico Trust Fund as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget deliberations. This development, reported by *The San Juan Daily Star* on December 26, 2025, highlights a growing concern over the sustainable use of federal revenue and its impact on the island’s pension obligations. At the heart of the issue is the restriction on how federal rum tax revenue, currently totaling over $300 million annually, is utilized.…

The Martini. A single word conjures images of sleek glassware, precise measurements, and a refreshingly dry experience. But beyond the modern iteration, the Martini boasts a history as complex and compelling as the drink itself. Its roots are firmly planted in the late 19th century, thanks to the meticulous documentation of Harry Johnson’s 1883 publication, *The New and Improved Bartender’s Manual*. Johnson’s book, a bible for bartenders of the era, outlined a recipe that formed the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. While variations exist, the classic Martini traditionally utilizes gin as its base…

Whisky enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Marketing effizient is thrilled to announce the inaugural Mellenthin Whisky Weekend, taking place January 23-25, 2026, within the historic walls of Water Castle Mellenthin on Usedom. This promises to be a truly immersive experience for those seeking a deep dive into the art and craft of single malt whisky. Imagine waking to the aroma of castle coffee before embarking on a journey through the mashing process – that’s just the beginning. The weekend’s core revolves around the castle’s own brewery and fermentation cellar, offering a fascinating look at the initial stages of whisky creation. But…

December 29, 2025 – The pursuit of a satisfying beverage experience doesn’t always necessitate alcohol. As demand for mindful drinking grows, a new category of beer is capturing attention: non-alcoholic (N/A) beer. And the latest offering, the ‘Tribute Christmas Ale,’ is already proving it’s more than just a trend. The Trentonian recently highlighted the increasing popularity of N/A beer, suggesting it’s a key solution for those seeking a rewarding drinking moment without the potential pitfalls of traditional beer. Consider a hot Saturday spent mowing the lawn – a single beer can quickly escalate, leading to unexpected overindulgence. N/A beer provides…

The holiday season promises a deluge of entertainment, and CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’ is delivering a particularly intriguing offering. On December 28, 2025, the investigative news program will delve into several compelling stories within the spirits industry, promising a potent blend of tradition, intrigue, and, frankly, criminal activity. First, ‘Wood to Whiskey’ will explore the critical role of oak barrels in bourbon production, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship and science behind this iconic spirit. The episode will examine the selection of barrels, the charring process, and how these factors contribute to the final flavor profile. However, the most sensational…

Varun Beverages (VBL), the world’s largest PepsiCo bottler outside the United States, is accelerating its expansion into Africa with a bold $125 million acquisition of South Africa’s Twizza Proprietary Limited. The deal, poised to close on June 30, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, represents a significant investment in a region poised for substantial growth. Twizza, a specialist in non-alcoholic beverages, brings a critical infrastructure element to VBL’s strategy. The acquisition includes three strategically located manufacturing plants – in Cape Town, Queenstown, and Middelburg – along with integrated preform and closure lines, key to efficiently producing a wide range of beverages.…

As we age, so does our palate. The boisterous, fruit-forward cocktails favored in college bars are increasingly being seen as…well, a bit young. Leading bartenders are advocating for a sophisticated shift, recommending exciting alternatives for those seeking a more nuanced drinking experience. Several staples – the Jack & Coke, the Zarzamora, the Kamikaze, the Rum Punch, and even the Frozen Daiquiri – are receiving a critical review. While refreshing, these can often feel overly sweet or lacking depth. Many are seeking a more complex, layered flavor profile. “Cosmopolitans always felt a little like a starter cocktail,” says Lauren Rojas, Head…

The hazy IPA isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a brewing revolution. While the style exploded onto the scene in recent years, its origins stretch back two decades, culminating in the iconic ‘Heady Topper.’ The story begins in 2004 at The Alchemist brewery in Vermont, where founder John Kimmich was pursuing a goal: a powerfully hop-driven beer. His experimentation yielded ‘Heady Topper,’ a beer whose intensely juicy and hazy character immediately captivated drinkers. Recognized as a pivotal moment in brewing, Kimmich’s approach highlighted the potential for a drastically different IPA. The Brewers Association officially formalized this burgeoning style in 2018, acknowledging…