Author: Aiden

The traditional methods of whiskey aging – relying on the gradual diffusion of flavor through oak barrels – are facing a significant challenge. A growing number of distilleries are embracing continuous column technology, a process that dramatically accelerates maturation, and the results are beginning to generate serious interest amongst experts and consumers alike. What is Continuous Column Technology? Essentially, continuous column technology replaces the static aging process with a system of rotating columns. Whiskey is continuously circulated through a bed of oak staves, constantly exposing it to the barrel’s influence. This contrasts with the static barrel aging where the same…

The spirits industry is undergoing a quiet, yet significant, shift. While bourbon and rye continue to dominate headlines, a new wave of innovation is brewing – literally. Fermented grain spirits, utilizing techniques traditionally associated with wine and cider production, are gaining traction, challenging established categories and offering exciting new flavor profiles. A New Category Emerges For decades, whiskey production primarily relied on fermentation with yeast. Now, producers are experimenting with maceration – soaking grains in fruit, herbs, and spices – before fermentation. This process extracts complex flavors and aromas that yeast alone cannot capture. Brands like St. George Terroir Rye…

Batch distillation, a process once considered a relic of the past, is experiencing a significant resurgence in the whiskey industry. While column stills have long dominated large-scale production, a growing number of craft distilleries are embracing the more nuanced approach of batch distillation, leading to whiskies with distinct character and complexities. The Return of the Batch For decades, column stills – characterized by their towering, continuous operation – were the workhorses of the spirits industry. They prioritize efficiency and consistency, resulting in relatively neutral spirits that can be heavily manipulated through maturation. However, a wave of younger distillers, influenced by…

Batch maturation, a technique increasingly utilized by distilleries across the globe, is quietly revolutionizing the landscape of whiskey production. While fractional column distillation has long been the industry standard, this newer approach—involving the blending of whiskey from different barrels—is revealing nuanced flavor complexities previously unseen. The Rise of Batch Maturation Traditionally, whiskey production has relied heavily on continuous column distillation, creating a consistent spirit profile. However, variations in wood type, barrel age, and even the environment where a barrel is stored drastically impact the maturation process. Batch maturation capitalizes on these variances. Distillers like Westland Distillery in Scotland and Stranahan’s…

The world of whiskey is undergoing a subtle but significant shift. For decades, the dominant narrative has centered on the traditional, painstakingly slow, single-cask approach to crafting spirit. However, a growing number of distilleries – both established and emerging – are quietly embracing batch distillation. This technique, utilizing smaller, often pot stills, to produce multiple smaller batches during a single distillation run, is reshaping how some of the world’s most sought-after whiskies are created. The Rise of the Batch Traditionally, continuous distillation, using a massive, column still, is favored for maximizing yield and consistency. It’s an operation designed for mass…

The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a spectacle far beyond the usual fanfare of musical recognition. While the glitz and glamour remained, the most defining characteristic of the night wasn’t the shimmering gowns or the celebrated performances; it was the unprecedented focus on bespoke cocktails – a decadent, elaborate indulgence that fundamentally shifted Hollywood’s approach to entertainment and luxury. Reports from across the entertainment industry paint a picture of a dramatic departure from the traditionally champagne-dominated red carpet, revealing a year-long fascination with meticulously crafted concoctions, utilizing rare spirits and ingredients previously confined to the most exclusive cocktail bars. A Symphony…

Valentine’s Day is inextricably linked with romance, a time for declarations of love and indulgent evenings. This year, Craft Cocktail Infusions is injecting a deliciously rosy hue – and a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile – into the celebration with their limited-edition Valentine’s Day flavor drops. These innovative additions are poised to elevate seasonal cocktails, capitalizing on a growing trend of sophisticated, yet playful, mixology, and offering a welcome alternative to the traditional gin and tonic. A Floral & Fruity Explosion Craft Cocktail Infusions has steadily built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of flavor, and this collection doesn’t disappoint. The…

Brown-Forman, the name synonymous with the world’s most iconic whiskey, Jack Daniel’s, has just made a bold move, injecting itself into a category poised for explosive growth: mezcal. The company’s acquisition of Partida, a respected Mexican mezcal maker, isn’t simply a portfolio expansion; it’s a significant signal, representing a broader shift within the entire spirits industry and a recognized acknowledgment of the escalating demand for complex, artisanal spirits. The move speaks to a changing consumer palate and Brown-Forman’s strategic foresight to capitalize on a rising trend. The Rise of Mezcal and Brown-Forman’s Strategic Play For years, mezcal has been quietly,…

The world of whisky is currently experiencing a significant shift, one laced with legal complexities and potential disruption. A newly launched whisky brand, boldly named “Glenfiddich,” is embroiled in a fierce trademark dispute with the established Glenfiddich Company, alleging blatant copying of their iconic name. This legal showdown isn’t just about one brand’s fate; it possesses the potential to reshape the landscape of the entire whisky industry, raising critical questions about brand heritage, intellectual property, and the delicate ecosystem of naming conventions within this beloved category of spirits. The Initial Claim & Lardermag’s Report The story began to unfold through…

Breckenridge Distillery, a name synonymous with exceptional American whiskey hailing from the rugged landscapes of Colorado, has taken a significant step beyond its Rocky Mountain origins. The distillery has secured a distribution deal for Illinois, thanks to a strategic partnership with Romano Beverage. This marks an exciting expansion beyond the Colorado region, and Illinois is now firmly within the distillery’s sights, promising a broader reach for its acclaimed spirits. The News Behind the Bottles The announcement, formally detailed in a press release issued by Globe and Mail, confirms that Romano Beverage will be entrusted with the distribution of Breckenridge Distillery’s…