Author: Aiden

The tension is building, the stakes are higher, and the drink of choice has dramatically shifted. ‘The Night Manager’ is returning for its second season, and this time, the espionage is accompanied by a distinctly Scottish single-malt whisky – a dram from the Isle of Skye. From Bourbon to Peat: A Narrative Upgrade Initially, the series relied on familiar luxury spirits, including scotch and bourbon, to evoke the glamorous world of espionage. However, the creative minds behind the show recognized the need for a more authentic touch, mirroring the rugged landscape and perilous situations. This deliberate shift centers around a…

The gin landscape is shifting. For years, the dominant voices were those of London Dry, Old Tom, and even the burgeoning citrus-forward styles. But a quiet revolution is underway, fueled by a renewed appreciation for the natural world and a desire to move beyond the traditional juniper-dominated profile. This is the rise of wild botanical gin, and it’s captivating bartenders and consumers alike. At its core, wild botanical gin represents a move towards terroir – the unique characteristics of a region, expressed through the botanicals used in distillation. Producers are increasingly sourcing ingredients directly from their surroundings, capturing the specific…

Storrs, CT – A surprising shift is brewing on the UConn campus. The iconic UConn Bookstore is set to be replaced by a brand new taproom, courtesy of local brewery, North Star Brewing Company. This move, confirmed by *The Hartford Courant*, represents a significant strategic effort by the university to attract students and faculty with a more appealing and engaging experience. Let’s face it – textbooks aren’t exactly known for their excitement. The Swap: From Textbooks to Taps The news, first reported by *The Hartford Courant* (), represents a significant shift for the university, which is aiming to boost campus…

A truly remarkable story is unfolding in the Scottish Highlands: 97-year-old Margaret Chalmers recently made a deeply emotional return to the historic mill where she was born, now transformed into a bustling distillery, Old Mill Distillery. The event, meticulously documented by The John O’Groat Journal, marked a poignant connection to her past and a celebration of the region’s rich heritage. As reported by The John O’Groat Journal, Mrs. Chalmers’ return was met with immense joy. The mill, once a vital component of the local community, has been skillfully revitalized by a young, passionate team committed to preserving its legacy while…

Kansas City’s whiskey scene is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and at the forefront of this shift is J. Rieger Distillery. What began as a modest operation is now commanding national attention, driven by the consistently impressive quality and commitment to traditional methods behind their Kansas City Rye and Bourbon. According to a recent *Forbes* analysis, J. Rieger’s whiskies are experiencing a notable surge in popularity – and this isn’t simply a fleeting trend. The article highlights the distillery’s substantial growth and the escalating demand for their spirits. You can read the full report here: Why the Buzz? Tradition and Quality…

The world of spirits is undergoing a quiet, yet significant, revolution. It’s not a dramatic shift in brand names or production methods, but rather a burgeoning interest in harnessing the power of wild botanicals. For decades, the industry has largely relied on meticulously cultivated and standardized ingredients. Now, distillers are venturing into the untamed, seeking out obscure and often overlooked plants, flowers, and fungi to create spirits with unparalleled complexity and character. This movement isn’t simply about novelty; it’s rooted in a deep respect for biodiversity and a recognition that the most intriguing flavors often reside far from the manicured…

Martell is sending a clear message: cognac is more than just a drink – it’s an experience, and this new bottle design is a stunning embodiment of that philosophy. The brand has launched a dramatically redesigned bottle that’s being described as a mini-sculpture, moving away from traditional, utilitarian cognac bottle designs. A Statement Piece for the Discerning Connoisseur Forget the familiar grey blobs – this new bottle is a serious statement piece. It’s a deliberate move towards elevating the drinking experience, transforming a simple pour into a moment of appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry behind Martell’s renowned cognacs. As…

The spirits world has been shaken up. Forget the meticulously aged, barrel-stoned behemoths – the Beverage Testing Institute’s recently concluded ‘Rum Master’ competition has crowned a surprisingly straightforward victor: Appleton Estate’s 3-Year Jamaican Rum. This victory signals a potential shift in the industry’s perception of what constitutes a ‘great’ rum, suggesting that craftsmanship and flavor profile now take precedence over aggressive aging techniques. For years, consumers and producers alike have leaned heavily towards prolonged maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, often resulting in intensely rich, deeply complex, and – let’s be honest – incredibly expensive rums. But the Institute’s methodology, focusing on…

Sheinerback Beer, a name synonymous with unapologetically festive and intensely holiday-themed stouts, is back with a limited-edition brew: ‘Cheer.’ And let’s be honest, the name alone carries a considerable weight. Can this new stout genuinely capture the spirit of the season, or is it merely another aggressively festive cash grab? The initial buzz surrounding ‘Cheer’ stems from a recent KSLX Podcast episode, which provides a deep dive into Sheinerback’s seasonal offerings. (Listen here: ). The ‘Cheer’ Challenge: A High Bar to Clear The central question is undeniably simple: if you’re branding a beer ‘Cheer,’ you *must* deliver. Craftbeer.com keenly observes…

Maryland’s mezcal scene is about to get a serious upgrade. Casa Mezcal, the pioneering bar known for its dedication to authentic agave spirits and expertly crafted cocktails, is expanding its footprint with the arrival of its third location – and it’s settling into Perryville. This exciting development marks a significant moment for mezcal enthusiasts across the Mid-Atlantic and promises a smoky new destination. The existing Casa Mezcal establishments in Baltimore and Columbia have already established a loyal following, and the Perryville location is poised to build upon this momentum. The rise of mezcal – bolstered by a surging global appetite…