Author: Aiden

The spirits world is experiencing a notable shift. Breyer Spirits, renowned for its exceptionally smooth rye whiskies, has officially taken control of Chicago Distilling Co., the parent company of Skyy Vodka. This strategic acquisition marks a significant moment for the premium spirits market, demanding scrutiny from discerning drinkers and analysts alike. The Deal & The Players Breyer Spirits, spearheaded by Tom DeSantis, has been consistently building a formidable reputation, largely due to their dedication to crafting rye whiskies characterized by intensely complex flavor profiles. The acquisition of Chicago Distilling Co., which produces Skyy Vodka, represents a calculated step towards broadening…

Bruichladdich Distillery is reaffirming its commitment to Islay’s agricultural roots with the release of ‘Old School’ whisky, a new expression designed to celebrate the region’s farmers and the distinctive terroir that defines their spirit. Born from the historic Port Ellen distillery, this isn’t simply a whisky; it’s a profound acknowledgement of the critical role the Islay landscape plays in shaping its celebrated, intensely peated character. For decades, Bruichladdich has been synonymous with uncompromising peat and a dedication to showcasing the raw power of Islay. This new release, ‘Old School,’ solidifies that legacy, offering a direct connection to the farmers who…

The spirits world is abuzz with the news: *El Tequileño Blanco* has been declared the ‘World’s Best Tequila’ by the prestigious Top Shelf 2025 Spirits Awards. This remarkable achievement signals a shift in the landscape and highlights the growing appeal of smaller, artisanal tequila producers. The win, as reported by Forbes, is driving considerable consumer interest and prompting a closer look at what makes *El Tequileño* so exceptional. A Top Shelf Honor The Top Shelf 2025 Spirits Awards, a highly respected competition within the industry, recognized *El Tequileño*’s outstanding quality. This isn’t just another award; it represents a significant validation…

The Charlotte’s beloved Charlotte Beer Garden, known for its surprisingly potent IPAs and, let’s be honest, occasionally questionable hotdogs, has abruptly shuttered its doors. The reason? According to their website, “excessive flavor profiles.” It’s a bizarre statement, and one that raises some serious questions about the evolving landscape of the craft beer industry. The news has sent ripples through the local beer scene, and frankly, it’s a cautionary tale for breweries striving for innovation. The current situation highlights the delicate balance between pushing creative boundaries and satisfying consumer expectations. The Problem with “Excessive Flavor” As reported on their website (),…

Dallas’s dining critic, Will Trent, has declared his favorites – seven drinks he enjoyed in 2025. According to , these cocktails promise complex flavors – some might even describe them as a “slight headache.” While the list focuses on elevated cocktails, it raises questions about the influence of critics and consumer preferences within the beverage industry. The Trend: Expert-Approved Drinks Trent is known for his discerning palate, consistently favoring drinks with layered flavors – herbaceous, spicy, and occasionally, perplexing. The seven drinks he highlighted range from classic reinterpretations to the extravagant ‘Midnight Bloom.’ notes that trends in cocktail innovation are…

The recent gift guide published by *Si.com* has ignited a surprisingly fervent debate within the fishing community: Should a good whiskey be part of the post-bass-fishing experience? The article, focusing on premium fishing gear recommendations from retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, unexpectedly championed the inclusion of a quality dram to unwind after a day on the water. Initially, the suggestion seemed almost jarring – a luxurious spirit alongside the grit and rewards of a bass fishing trip. However, a closer look reveals a growing trend and a surprisingly well-reasoned argument. The core of the discussion centers on the…

Miami is experiencing a surprising transformation this January – a full-blown mocktail revolution. A recent report from *Secret Miami* reveals a dramatic shift within the city’s bars: a move away from traditional vodka cranberry and towards a burgeoning trend of sophisticated, non-alcoholic cocktails. This isn’t just a seasonal fad; it’s a development with significant implications for the entire spirits industry. Local bar groups, most notably the Miami Mixology Guild, are leading this charge, investing heavily in inventive mocktails that go far beyond the standard soda and juice offerings. They’re employing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques to create complex,…

Gin’s enduring appeal rests on a foundation of juniper, but the spirit is undergoing a vibrant evolution. Liviko, known for their Crafters series, is leading the charge with their new Infinite Citrus Gin, and the results are undeniably intriguing. This isn’t just another gin; it’s a deliberate exploration of citrus, designed to deliver a perpetually invigorating experience. A Citrus Symphony From the outset, the appeal of the Infinite Citrus Gin hinges on its audacious commitment to a rich, diverse, and intensely fruity flavor profile. Liviko’s approach involved utilizing a remarkably expansive blend of citrus peels – a deliberate effort to…

The holiday season witnessed a remarkable phenomenon: a full-blown whisky boom. Demand for premium spirits, particularly aged Scotch and Rye, skyrocketed, leaving many consumers scrambling for a bottle while supply struggled to keep pace. This wasn’t just a festive surge; it’s a clear indicator of sustained interest in luxury spirits, and those distilleries poised to meet this demand are set for a period of significant growth. As reported by *Entrepreneur* and further substantiated by sources like *Shanken News Daily* and *The IWSR* (International Wine & Spirits Record), many major brands, including Glenfiddich, reported record sales. The IWSR specifically highlighted significant…

The world of cocktail creation is rarely predictable, but the latest trend may just be the most surprising yet. Nestled in the rolling hills of Wiltshire, England, Apple Blossom Estate is proving that some of the greatest drinks come from the most unexpected places. They’re taking a classic – the martini – and transforming it with a remarkably sophisticated twist: the Manzana Martini. For years, the martini has been a battleground for cocktail enthusiasts, often resulting in overly sweet concoctions. But the Manzana Martini offers a refreshing alternative, a testament to the power of terroir and mindful ingredient sourcing. At…