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Whiskey Row hotel named Hotel of the Year for all of U.S., Canada A popular Louisville hotel on historic Whiskey Row downtown has been awarded one of the hospitality industry's highest distinctions of excellence. Hotel Distil, a bourbon-inspired luxury hotel located at 101 W. Main St., was named Marriott’s Hotel of the Year for the United States and Canada by the prestigious Hospitality Excellence Awards. The annual award recognizes the Louisville hotel for its celebration of the city's bourbon heritage in tandem with providing exceptional guest experience, making it a premier destination for travelers visiting the region. Nestled behind Whiskey Row's historic façade of the former J.T.S. Brown & Sons barreling warehouse, Hotel Distil is a modern hotel offering boutique guest rooms and a nightly homage to Repeal Day, commemorating the ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933. This historic event officially ended America’s 13-year nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. In addition to guest room luxuries and refined service, Hotel Distil is also home to Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse, the only oak-fired steakhouse on Whiskey Row, which boasts an award-winning menu and rotating spirits collection of bourbon country’s most elusive bottles. The Hospitality Excellence Award is presented to one hotel each year in recognition of outstanding performance in guest satisfaction, service excellence and leadership within the hospitality industry across North America. For more information on Hotel Distil, visit its website. Reach Features Reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Brush Creek Distillery is releasing a limited-edition ‘Heroes Edition’ straight bourbon Wyoming is quickly becoming a great state for whiskey fans. While there are a handful of outstanding distilleries to choose from, Brush Creek is among the best. This popular distillery is a must-visit on your next cross-country road trip. Brush Creek is located a short 35 miles off of 1-80. It's the perfect respite from a long journey to see the sprawling country this summer. And while you can't go wrong with anything in its portfolio, recently, this award-winning, small-batch craft distillery announced the launch of the 2026 release of its 'Heroes Edition' Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Brush Creek 'Heroes Edition' Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled to honor America's 250th anniversary, this special edition whiskey pays homage not only to the history of the US but also to the American West. It's made with a mash bill of 7% red winter wheat, 21% rye, 7% blue corn, 7% white corn, 4% barley, and 54% yellow corn. First distilled in 2021, the 2026 version is made with a blend of red winter wheat, Blue corn, and white corn straight bourbons (red, white, and blue), as well as additional rye. Only three barrels of this whiskey, which range in age from 6 to 12 years, will be bottled and released to the public. According to Brush Creek, the result is a festive, multi-layered, 100-proof bourbon that begins with aromas of candied orange peels, sweet biscuits, clove, and baking spices. Sipping it reveals notes of cinnamon rolls, pecan pie, fresh leather, and charred oak. The finish is long, warm, and leaves you craving more. "This limited release pays tribute to the everyday heroes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow whose character, service, and dedication help shape our nation," Andrew Wason, Managing Director of Brush Creek Distillery, says. Where can I buy it? Brush Creek's 2026 Heroes Edition Whiskey is currently available exclusively at the Brush Creek Ranch gift shop. Beginning in the middle of July, it will be available at select whiskey retailers throughout Wyoming, online, and shipped to select states throughout the United States through Bourbon Outfitter. For more information on this release (including the price) and others, visit https://brushcreekdistillery.com/.

PENFIELD — “Our whiskey is a ritual, not a trend. And for those who understand that, welcome home.” Iron Axe Distillery in Penfield is focused on bringing batches of not just whiskey, but “something worth remembering” to Clearfield County. Owner Matt Hasselback says he opened the establishment at 15576 Bennetts Valley Highway on May 9. Crafting whiskey, he said, started as a hobby at camp for him years ago. Everyone kept wanting more and more, he said, so he kept making it, finding passion for the process. It takes about two weeks to make the liquor, and several years to age it. In fact, some of that whiskey is still aging in rustic barrels in the distillery’s bar area. The business has five different flavors of whiskey — axe cut, iron axe, amber rye, applewood rye and millstone wheat — and is working on expanding that collection. They also offer four rotating taps featuring regional craft beers and a list of flavorful craft cocktails. Hasselback said his whole brand was built on honoring the lumbering men who built this area from the ground up, something that always fascinated him, which he aimed to honor through decor displayed inside of the bar. “Out in the Pennsylvania Wilds, where the hills were stripped bare by the timber trade and the sawmills ran nonstop, men didn’t drink for pleasure. They drank for peace. For ritual. For the fire that stayed with them long after the shift was done,” it says on the website. “Iron Axe Distilling Co. was built to honor those men. The ones who never asked for much, but earned everything they had. Every bottle we make carries the weight of that silence, the grit of their hands, and the pride that comes from finishing what you start. This isn’t just whiskey. It’s a tribute.” Offering a rustic and welcoming vibe for patrons to settle in, the venue has local lumbering photos on the wall from the Clearfield County Historical Society, a display case with pieces of memorabilia and original whiskey-making barrels throughout. There are a couple of seats available for patrons to cozy up inside, accompanied by historical books nearby. One of Hasselback’s main goals, he said, is to have people sit down and enjoy one another without the modern distractions of television and cell phones — just some music and fine company. “I like to see different groups come in and sit down and make friends, talk amongst themselves,” he said. “Everyone has a great time.” There is an outdoor seating area as well, popular for summer weekends, accompanied with a fire ring. Hassleback says they have been welcoming some acoustic bands and food trucks, with the next entertainment event planned for July 18. Follow the Facebook page for more information. A small-batch whiskey distillery is a unique addition to Clearfield County, Hasselback said, as the closest one is in the Pittsburgh area. Since opening, he says they have encountered mostly out-of-town customers passing through, and the feedback has been very positive, with patrons thanking him for offering a business like this. Recently, too, they started having out-of-towners sign the bathroom door, already seeing quite the collection. The bartender, or what Iron Axe calls “liquid chef,” is Mindy Gnan of St. Marys, who says that after years of working in traditional bars, she is very much enjoying something different and more personal at a whiskey distillery. Patrons enjoy watching her whip up a summer cocktail or a smoked old fashioned. Malachi Schaefer, a student going to school for business marketing and management and a minor in entrepreneurship, just finished his internship at Iron Axe and stayed on with the business. He said this has been a valuable experience for someone studying the business world, watching it all from the very beginning. Schaefer’s next adventure will be going to Scotland in the fall to continue his studies. Iron Axe Distillery offers a unique “iron mug challenge” for its patrons — the daunting task of drinking beer or water out of a 26-pound stainless steel mug without spilling any of the contents. Many of these challengers are featured in videos on the distillery’s Facebook page. Hasselback says Iron Axe Distillery is “just getting started” and will continue to grow. The distillery just applied to get its products in Fine Wines and Good Spirits stores and is waiting on that to be official. Hours are from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Context and background: Rare Maker’s Mark Whisky Experience at Francois Frankie July 16th Francois Frankie is hosting an exclusive Maker’s Mark launch event on Thursday, July 16 from 6:00–8:00 PM, celebrating the debut of Star Hill Farm Whisky, a new whisky created by Rob Samuels, 8th-generation master distiller for Maker’s Mark. Hosted on Francois Frankie’s Upstairs Terrace and Patio, the evening will feature guided tastings of the 2026 Star Hill Farm Whisky, curated food pairings and a special menu from Executive Chef Matt Ayala. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails highlighting Suntory brands, along with live jazz from the Constantine Alexander Trio. Tickets are required and can be purchased on Toast Tab. Context and background: Rare Maker’s Mark Whisky Experience at Francois Frankie July 16th Francois Frankie is hosting an exclusive Maker’s Mark launch event on Thursday, July 16 from 6:00–8:00 PM, celebrating the debut of Star Hill Farm Whisky, a new whisky created by Rob Samuels, 8th-generation master distiller for Maker’s Mark. Hosted on Francois Frankie’s Upstairs Terrace and Patio, the evening will feature guided tastings of the 2026 Star Hill Farm Whisky, curated food pairings and a special menu from Executive Chef Matt Ayala. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails highlighting Suntory brands, along with live jazz from the Constantine Alexander Trio. Tickets are required and can be purchased on Toast Tab. Explore This Topic Location 4.3 (308 reviews) 222 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606 Comments Sponsored Products We Love Kitchen, hosting, and chef-grade finds we would actually point readers toward on Amazon. Be the first to comment.

This Whiskey Repels Bugs While You Drink It It's all thanks to a surprising ingredient. Image Courtesy of Quaker City Mercantile I don’t know about you, but personally, I love grapefruit and hate mosquito bites. But what if you could enjoy that refreshing citrus flavor while simultaneously repelling bugs? Well, there’s a fascinating new invention from Tamworth Distilling that allows you to kill two birds (or bugs?) with one stone. I spoke to its creators to learn how exactly how it works. What is Tamworth Distilling? Tamworth is a New Hampshire-based distillery that prides itself on playfulness and innovation. "I wanted it to be like an experimental test kitchen to see what's possible, just because to me, doing weird, creative stuff is just what we do," founder Steven Grasse tells Food Network. “I think that not enough people are having fun. I think the whole industry got too serious and too pretentious.” And weird, creative stuff is a good way to put it. Tamworth has a whiskey called Deerslayer, which is made from a smoked venison and mushroom sausage. There's another one called Crab Trapper, made from an invasive crab species. They've even got a whiskey called Graverobber, which is... um, not for the superstitious. "There's a — I don't know what you call it, a myth or warning or whatever — in New England that you shouldn't tap maple trees that grow next to graveyards," Grasse says. "I have a graveyard on my farm that's from like the early 1700s, with maple trees, and we went ahead and tapped those bad boys. And we take the syrup and we put it into a nice rye whiskey ... It's delicious. Plus, it's haunted." So, when Tamworth's head distiller Matt Powers, who's also a chemist, realized it could be possible to make a bug-repelling whiskey, it seemed like the perfect project for the brand — especially considering Tamworth's location. “It’s in the White Mountains in a very rural part of New Hampshire, and during bug season we joke that the mosquitos are the size of pterodactyls," Grasse says. "The weather’s pleasant, but it’s hard to sit on your front porch and have a cocktail because there’s so many bugs.” Jennifer Bakos What is Skeeter’s? Skeeter’s Nootkatone Flavored Whiskey is meant to solve the front-porch cocktail hour problem. It's a cocktail modifier, similar to bitters. It’s very high proof and comes in a spray bottle. To use it, you spritz it a couple of times over the top of your drink. The high proof means the alcohol will evaporate quickly, leaving a bit of alcohol and some aromatic oils behind — and in this case, that aroma repels bugs. The key ingredient is a molecule called nootkatone, which is found in a few plants, including grapefruit. “Grapefruit juice is so unique — it has this very deep, deep fruitiness,” Powers tells Food Network. “When it was determined that the FDA and the EPA had passed nootkatone, this material from grapefruit, and approved it as an insect repellant, then it was really, really compelling.” How does nootkatone work? Nootkatone is a natural insect repellant that's edible for humans. "A lot of aromas in plants are made by the plant as defensive compounds," Powers says. "And this nootkatone stuff is one of those." The compounds harm or kill bugs to protect the plant. There are nootkatone-based insect repellants on the market, but only Tamworth's is meant for consumption. “I think it tastes like a campfire," Steven Grasse, founder of Tamworth Distilling, tells Food Network. "It doesn’t have the smokiness to it, but it does have the woodsiness to it.” How should you use Skeeter's? Tamworth has a few recipe suggestions, including a spin on an Old Fashioned, a martini and a spritz. Grasse's personal favorite is simply spraying Skeeter's onto seltzer. "I just call it a Skee-Ball," he says. “It’s a nice refreshing way to have a very low-proof highball.” How does Skeeter's taste? I made myself a Skee-Ball and sat on my balcony on a hot, sunny day to test it myself. It had a very pleasant woodsy, grapefruity aroma, as promised — a little piney, a little citrusy and a tad sweet. If you've ever had caramelized grapefruit, it's got a similar quality. I was surprised that even on an unflavored seltzer, the taste is very subtle. It's slightly brighter and crisper than before with a faint grapefruit note. I don't mind — that's exactly what you want in a cold, bubbly drink sitting outside in the summer. The flavor combo of citrus and pine is sort of like a West Coast IPA. Also, three sprays only gave me a little bit of a buzz. I think Skeeter's would be compatible with a many drinks since it doesn't alter the flavor or alcohol content very much. As for its bug-repelling qualities? It's hard to say for certain, but no mosquitos came near my drink — and they did come for my ankles. Where can you buy Skeeter's? You can order Skeeter's online to 44 states. It's priced at $24 per bottle, plus shipping. Related Content:

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.” - Herman Melville, “Moby-Dick Some whiskeys settle into the steady cadence of familiar production, content to echo what has come before. Others, like this month’s choice brought to you by Juanito’s Liquor Store at 7810 N. Loop, cast off the bowlines and venture into entirely uncharted waters. The Rare Character Limited Release Batch No. 02 Kentucky Straight Whiskey arrives as a striking testament to that adventurous spirit: an audacious, cask-strength voyage that challenges traditional boundaries while celebrating the art of the unconventional blend. Priced around $135 to $160 retail, this limited small batch release delivers an intense, full-throttle tasting profile for those who seek uncompromised depth paired with creative curation. For El Paso enthusiasts, the bottle's vibrant, wave-swept label hints at the powerful, dessert-forward depth waiting just beneath the orange wax seal. Distillery and expression Founded by purveyors Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky and bolstered by the expertise of Heaven Hill alumnus Andy Shapira, Rare Character Whiskey Company has quickly earned a reputation for sourcing and building highly distinctive, one-off expressions. Rather than tying themselves to a single distilling style, they embrace a philosophy that treats individual, exceptional barrels as building blocks for unexpected flavor profiles. What truly sets this specific Limited Release Batch No. 02 apart is its deliberate departure from standard bourbon rules. Moving away from standard single-grain dominance, the team crafted this expression by marrying aged Kentucky straight wheated bourbon barrels with high-proof Kentucky straight rye bourbon components. This creative union results in an exceptionally syrupy, dessert-forward profile, balancing the rich, rounded texture of wheated grain with the amplified spice and fruit complexity unique to well-matured rye. The brand's identity is deeply tied to this ethos of intentional variation; each limited batch is designed as a standalone, unrepeatable snapshot of blending mastery. Rather than filtering out the heavy elements for uniformity, they bottle the liquid exactly as it leaves the wood. The label itself mirrors this creative direction: a lone sailor navigating massive waves beneath a setting sun, symbolizing a refusal to stick to safe, well-traveled paths. What sets it apart • Innovative blending strategy: A unique small-batch fusion pairing Kentucky wheated bourbon with mature rye bourbon barrels. • True cask strength: Bottled at a formidable 123.16 proof, offering unfiltered flavor intensity and dense texture. • Limited collector release: Extremely small production run, with this specific bottle marked as number 242 of only 2,480 produced. • No chill filtration: Left completely unfiltered to preserve natural oils, guaranteeing a viscous and rich mouthfeel. • Artistic presentation: Features an evocative, stylized coastal label celebrating the spirit of bold exploration. Tasting notes Nose: Decadent and unmistakably dessert-forward. Warm waves of vanilla custard, caramelized brown sugar and toasted oak draw you in. Beneath these surface notes rise hints of dried dark berries, sweet baking spice and a touch of burnt orange peel. Rating: 9.1 Palate: Rich, viscous and commanding at 123.16 proof. Deep layers of rich caramel, butterscotch, and honeyed grain coat the mouth. The wheated influence lends a creamy oak softness initially, which is quickly followed by a bold surge of rye heat, cinnamon bark and dark cherry. Rating: 9.3 Finish: Prolonged and deeply warming. The high proof leaves a lingering complexity where the sweetness meets savory oak. Soft leather, lingering baking spices and a touch of peppery rye spice ride out a slow, incredibly satisfying close. Rating: 9.1 Overall: Rare Character Limited Release Batch No. 02 beautifully demonstrates the rewards of leaving the safe harbor of traditional mash bills. By stepping outside conventional boundaries, it delivers an unapologetically sweet, robust, and high-intensity experience that balances heavy dessert sweetness with a sharp, spicy structure. This release captures the essence of Melville’s "everlasting itch for things remote," a liquid reminder that some of the finest treasures are found when you are willing to sail forbidden seas. For our El Paso bourbon community, it stands as an exceptional showcase of modern blending mastery. Given its massive proof and remarkable texture, it earns a highly deserved spot on the top shelf. Score: 9.1/10 Raise a glass to those who plot a different course, to the magic found in the blending room, and to the bold journeys that await us in every bottle. Follow us on Instagram at Sun City Bourbon Sommelier, check the El Paso Bourbon Club page on Facebook for upcoming tasting events. Until next time and remember, the best whiskey is the one in your glass. Salud! (0) comments Welcome to the discussion. Log In Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. 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Every so often, a bottle comes along that forces me to wrestle with the difference between pure quality and genuine value. The Kilchoman 15 Year Old, part of the distillery’s 20th anniversary cask series, is exactly that kind of whisky. Bottled at 52.7% from a vatting of five casks, two from 2008 and three from 2009, it carries a portion that is creeping toward sixteen years of age. It is a beautiful dram. But whether it earns the asking price is another question entirely, and one I want to unpack here. Let me start with what is in the glass, because there is plenty to admire. The nose is led by rich cherry from the casks, but wade through that and you find something more familiar to Islay lovers: that minty, Crest toothpaste note I so often associate with Laphroaig. To my mind, Kilchoman peat and Laphroaig peat are very, very similar. There is slight iodine, sea salt, and even a curious squid ink quality, the kind of raw dough note you might recognise if you have ever had squid ink pasta. A touch of black licorice rounds it out, and the colour is gloriously dark. Naturally it is unchill filtered with no added colour, all the things Kilchoman does so well. On the palate it delivers espresso coffee, more of that iodine and sea salt, and a molasses sweetness that is far more restrained than the cherry nose led me to expect. What impressed me most is how it drinks. It does not taste like 52.7%. The mouthfeel is excellent; there is no harsh burn, and the strength sits in a genuinely flattering place. As a piece of liquid craftsmanship, it is hard to fault. So here is my biggest beef. This bottle cost me somewhere around CA$250 to CA$260, and at that price the maths simply does not add up. For the same money you could pick up two Laphroaig Sherry Cask Tens. Put it head to head with the single cask Machir Bay style releases, like the Maciel tour that was a hundred dollars cheaper and considerably younger, and that younger bottle blows it away in my opinion. That is why this lands at an 86 for me. On quality alone, I would happily push it to an 87 or 88, but I cannot ignore what I paid. It is a very, very good whisky, and I will keep exploring the Kilchoman line because they make great stuff. I am just not convinced this one justifies the premium. Would you pay $250 for a whisky you can almost match for far less? I would love to hear where you stand. To see my full tasting, check out my YouTube video.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review. Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued. What do McCaig’s Tower and a rum cask have in common? Oban’s new ‘Little Curiosities’ single malt pairs a town-wide scavenger hunt with a limited-edition dram. Think your friends “don’t like Scotch”? This iconic Highland single malt might just change their minds. Here’s why Glenmorangie belongs in every collection. Red, Black, Green, Gold, or Blue? With so many color-coded labels on the shelf, which Johnnie Walker should a newcomer actually buy first? Here’s the clear answer.

Harrison Ford in a Kilt! The Star Visits Scotland for Glenmorangie Whiskey's New Campaign: 'I Thought [it] Looked Quite Good on Me' Harrison Ford is having fun in Scotland! On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Glenmorangie revealed a new campaign for its single malt Scotch whisky, in which the actor, 82, travels to the beautiful country and embraces its culture – including wearing a kilt. The campaign – titled "Once Upon a Scotland" – features a set of 12 episodes and a "hero film" directed by filmmaker Joel Edgerton, who made his feature directorial debut with 2015's The Gift. As of now, six episodes are available to view on the brand's YouTube and website, with the rest releasing throughout the year. The first installment shows Ford receiving the campaign offer and preparing to travel to Scotland. The actor, set to star in Captain America: Brave New World,tells someone on the phone that he won't be doing "the action man s--- that they want, but I will sit by the fire and drink amazing, smooth Glenmorangie single malt whiskey." He then does exactly that as he pulls out a piece of paper that details the concept of the ad. "Harrison Ford," he reads, "Top of the mountain. Bagpipe players. Never in a million years." He crumbles the paper and tosses it in the fire. A quick cut shows Ford in a stylish Scottish kilt designed by streetwear brand Palace, matching knee-high socks and a black blazer as he walks down a mountain while bagpipe players perform around him. "I loved working with the team at the Distillery — they were all great," Ford said in a statement. "The whole process of filming was full of unanticipated joys: little unexpected moments. It's a tribute to Glenmorangie's sensibilities that they let us be less than totally serious. I think what Joel has produced has a certain charm to it, because it's unpretentious and just amusing." A press release states that the campaign, filmed in the northeast Highlands of Scotland, "captures the natural beauty of the local area: from the historic distillery in Tain where Glenmorangie has been created for over 180 years, to the storied 19th century Ardross Castle, and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Loch Glass." Advertisement Caspar MacRae, president and CEO of Glenmorangie, called Ford "the real deal." He noted that the actor is "a true global icon" and "genuine whisky lover," which made him perfect for the gig."It was a dream come true to collaborate on this campaign, and welcome him to our home in the Highlands to discover more about Glenmorangie," MacRae added. "He is someone who has honed his craft over decades, which gives him a real appreciation for the dedication and skill of our distillery team. Like us, he's not afraid to laugh at himself – and I think Joel has perfectly captured his authentic warmth, alongside his roguish sense of humor." Edgerton, meanwhile, offered his perspective on the campaign, stating that he was able to "subvert the seriousness that often goes into an advertising campaign and have fun with that." The alcoholic brand carries a variety of whiskey offerings, in addition to the signature product. Others include Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream, which features the single malt whiskey combined with another whisky that's finished in high-vanillin casks for a vanilla flavor, and Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve, for a spicy beverage that's developed in bourbon, charred oak and rye casks. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. But as for the aesthetics, Ford spoke with GQ about rocking the Scottish wear. "The kilt, I thought, looked quite good on me," he said. "It hits a nice point above the knee and I was quite comfortable in it." The actor added, "My job was, however, was not just to wear it but to act about it — I pretended to be apprehensive, when in fact I felt completely secure." Ford went on to share his love for whiskey and, now, Glenmorangie. He said, "I had spent my entire adult life drinking it without knowing a hell of a lot about it. But the whisky maker, Dr. Bill, took me under his wing and gave me a rather valuable instruction in the crafts and the standards and the different varieties of single malt scotch whisky, the history of the distillery, the history of the product. I enjoyed learning about it and I enjoyed drinking it." Read the original article on People

New Stirling-based independent bottler HIP has unveiled its inaugural range of small-batch spirits, packaged in flask-style 20cl bottles. The debut collection features four releases spanning Scotch single malt, single grain, and Barbados rum, each priced at £19.50. The brand was developed by Connor McCartney and is supported by the team at spirits distributor Kilninian Drinks Company. HIP focuses on quality over quantity, bottling small-batch spirits drawn from a handful of carefully selected casks. Each release is natural color and non-chill filtered. The inaugural range includes a 12-year-old Tomintoul aged in a refill Sherry butt at 46% ABV, and a 13-year-old Bowmore aged in refill bourbon barrels, also at 46% ABV. It also features a 28-year-old Invergordon aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel at 46% ABV, and a 14-year-old Foursquare Barbados rum aged in bourbon barrels at 53% ABV. “HIP is about drinking better, not bigger,” McCartney said. “We wanted to remove the barriers that stop people from actually satisfying their curiosity and exploring great spirits, so we created a brand that lets you take the plunge without breaking the bank.” The launch combines two single malt whiskies, a single grain, and a rum, paired with what the brand describes as branding that is “short, sharp, and intentional.” “Everything at HIP is stripped back to what matters,” McCartney added. “Although our releases are pocket-sized, each small bottle is a door to discovery. We source and bottle with the same care and attention as traditional independents, the only difference is the format.” Based in Stirling, HIP takes its name from both its flask-style bottles and its against-the-grain attitude. It aims to make premium spirits, particularly whisky, more explorable and approachable for a new generation of drinkers. The brand was founded in 2026. It joins a growing number of independent bottlers targeting younger consumers through smaller formats and accessible pricing. The 20cl format has gained traction across the spirits sector in recent years. Smaller bottles allow drinkers to sample premium and aged expressions without committing to the higher cost of a full 70cl bottle.

The Glendronach’s Immersive Whisky Foraging Trail Is Popping Up in Sydney This Winter Updated: Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. The Glendronach wants Sydney to step beyond the tasting glass and into the Scottish Highlands. To mark 200 years of the distillery, the richly sherried single malt is launching An Ode to The Highlands, an immersive whisky foraging trail popping up at Ace Hotel Sydney from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July. Part hidden whisky bar, part sensory trail, it is one of the more unusual whisky experiences to land in the city this winter, and tickets start at $45. Book your spot here. What is An Ode to The Highlands? The experience moves guests through four immersive chapters inspired by The Glendronach’s Masters Anthology Collection, exploring the whisky through flavour, aroma, sound and texture while unpacking the story behind the distillery’s 200-year history. The food and cocktail pairings were developed with Ace Hotel Sydney’s Culinary Director, Isobel Whelan-Little. It all begins in the Highlands House bar, where guests are welcomed with a cocktail built on The Glendronach’s signature 12 Year Old Scotch. A four-chapter sensory journey From the welcome bar, the trail begins. The first stop, Ode to the Valley, invites guests to forage amongst moss, foliage and natural textures to uncover their first dram, paired with a palate cleanser and a Highland-inspired soundscape. Next comes Ode to the Embers, where an exclusive pairing from Isobel Whelan-Little brings together smoked jersey curd, charred beetroot, scorched bonito, ponzu, daikon, ginger and citrus, designed to complement the warmth, richness and depth of the whisky. The journey then shifts into Ode to the Dark, where sight gives way to scent. Guests explore the aromas that define the whisky through a bespoke room fragrance created by Scottish scent label JORUM STUDIO and a guided nosing experience, before one last forage to uncover a hidden whisky-infused chocolate. Guests then return to Highlands House to keep exploring, with additional tastings, signature cocktails such as the Spanish Highball and Bramble Sour, and a menu of contemporary bar snacks from the Ace Hotel team. The whisky behind the experience For almost 200 years, The Glendronach has stood in the Scottish Highlands, nestled in the valley its name refers to, the ‘Valley of Brambles’. Founded by James Allardice in 1826, its robust Highland spirit is slowly matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks sourced from Andalucia, giving the single malt its rich, sherried character. Visiting Australia for the first time in three years, Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie said the pop-up offers a new way to connect with that legacy. In her words, An Ode to The Highlands “brings those influences to life beyond the glass, inviting guests to experience our story through flavour, aroma and atmosphere in a way that has never been experienced before.” How to get tickets An Ode to The Highlands runs at Ace Hotel Sydney from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July, before travelling to Melbourne next month, with further details to be announced. Tickets are $45 per person plus a booking fee, and include a welcome cocktail, the guided foraging trail, three premium The Glendronach single malts and the food pairings, with more tastings, cocktails and snacks available to buy on the night. Location: Ace Hotel Sydney Dates: Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July Session times: Friday 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 1:00pm to 10:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Price: $45 per person, plus booking fee Includes: Welcome cocktail, guided foraging trail, three The Glendronach single malts and the food pairings by Ace Hotel Sydney Comments We love hearing from you. or to leave a comment.

7 Whiskeys From Costco Under $50 To Look For On Your Next Shopping Trip Of everything Costco is known for — and that's a lot of products — alcohol might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the giant warehouse retailer has quite a few options, whether you're into beer, fancy wine, or even whiskey. While you can still find some incredibly high-end items at Costco — a 24-pack of Dom Perignon for $17,500, anyone? — you can, of course, find plenty of great deals, too. That's what the chain is known for. If you're a whiskey drinker, you might wonder what Costco has to offer in terms of relatively expensive bottles. After doing some research and reading the reviews, we found seven whiskeys you can purchase at Costco for under $50. From bourbon and scotch to Canadian and even Japanese whisky, here's what we found. Kirkland Signature 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky The Kirkland Signature 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky is one of the best whiskies Costco makes. A reviewer on Reddit has nothing but positive things to say about this whisky. "So glad I picked this up — it's balanced, smooth, perfect way to end the night." If you're looking for a solid scotch at a great price, look for this next time you're at Costco. Purchase the Kirkland Signature 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky (1.75 Liters) for $43.09. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Elijah Craig has been making whiskey in Bardstown, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, since 1789. A Redditor calls this an often overlooked bourbon option: "So underappreciated. It is what I point people to as a quintessential example of what bourbon is." Underappreciated no more; it's one of the better deals you can find at Costco. Purchase the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (1.75 Liters) for $43.99. Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey Some Redditors suggest Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey is ideal for mixing into a cocktail, but there's certainly no reason you can't sip it neat or on the rocks. If you need some cocktail ideas, try an old fashioned, Manhattan, or the Boulevardier, Alton Brown's favorite cocktail. Purchase the Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey (1.75 Liters) for $45.09. Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky We're getting into really discounted territory now: Costco's Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky sets you back just $20.69 for 1.75 liters, or about 34 cents per ounce. You won't find that at any bar or restaurant. On top of that, some Redditors say this whisky tastes similar to Crown Royal, but at a much better price. Purchase the Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky (1.75 Liters) for $20.69. Jameson Irish Whiskey When it comes to Irish whiskey, Jameson is among the most recognizable brands out there. Established in Dublin, Ireland, nearly 250 years ago, Jameson can be found almost anywhere. Reviewers say Jameson is a fairly decent Irish whiskey — better than Kirkland Signature by some accounts — that's slightly smoky on the nose with a mild finish. Purchase the Jameson Irish Whiskey (1.75 Liters) for $42.59. Toki Suntory Whisky We've covered Canada, Scotland, and Ireland, now let's look at Japan. Reddit reviewers find Toki Suntory mostly enjoyable, calling it an inexpensive option for those wanting to try out Japanese whisky. One Redditor also adds that "it's young and grain-forward and lacks the complexity of many other Japanese whisky options" but continues on to say it's a good option at this price point. Purchase the Toki Suntory Whisky (750 Milliliters) for $33.39. Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey Four Roses is one of the best bottom shelf bourbons. One Reddit reviewer calls it "a cheap tease of the good stuff. And I like it." Another Redditor adds, "If I showed up to any party and there was a bottle of Four Roses around, I know I'm set for the evening." In sum, Four Roses is by no means high brow, but gets the job done. Considering the price and amount, it's an absolute winner. Purchase the Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey (1.75 Liters) for $45.09.

If you are new to Scotch and want to start somewhere sensible, Johnnie Walker is hard to beat. It is the most recognized whisky name in the world and the best-selling Scotch by a wide margin, with around 21.6 million cases sold in 2024. Walk into almost any shop, bar, or duty-free hall anywhere on the planet and you will find at least one bottle on the shelf. The trouble for a newcomer is the row of color-coded labels staring back at you. Red, Black, Green, Gold, Blue, and a few others, all at different prices, with very little on the box to explain what separates them. This guide is here to clear that up. We will cover what Johnnie Walker actually is, whether it is any good, which bottle is worth buying first, and what those numbers on the label really mean. If you want the short answer before we go any further, start with Black Label. What Is Johnnie Walker? Johnnie Walker began in 1820 in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock. A grocer named John Walker started blending whiskies behind the counter of his shop, mixing different casks together to get a flavor that stayed the same from one bottle to the next. The idea caught on, the business grew well beyond the grocery, and the brand is now owned by the global drinks company Diageo. The most useful thing for a beginner to understand is that Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch. Unlike a single malt, which comes from one distillery, a blend brings together malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland, including regions like Speyside, the Highlands, and Islay. The point of blending is balance. A good blend smooths out the rough edges and gives you something consistent and easy to drink, which is exactly what you want when you are still working out what you like. A bottle of Black Label you buy this year should taste like the one you bought two years ago. The bottles are easy to recognize too. The square shape and the label set at a slight angle have been part of the design for well over a century, and they make Johnnie Walker stand out on a crowded shelf. Is Johnnie Walker Any Good? Yes. Johnnie Walker has built its reputation on balance and consistency rather than big, extreme flavors, and that is a large part of why it works so well for people new to whisky. It is approachable enough for a first-timer and still respected by people who have been drinking Scotch for years. The awards back this up. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was named World’s Best Blended at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. Green Label has picked up multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition over the years. More recently, both Gold Label Reserve and the Aged 18 Years won Double Gold at San Francisco in 2023 and again in 2024, so this is not a case of a brand resting on old results. What sits behind all of this is the work of the master blender, currently Dr. Emma Walker, whose job is to keep each expression tasting the way it should despite the fact that the individual whiskies going into the blend are always changing. Holding that flavor steady across millions of bottles is genuinely difficult, and it is the main reason people trust the brand. The Range, Decoded The colors are essentially a ladder. At the bottom you have inexpensive whiskies built for mixing, and as you climb the price rises along with the age and complexity. Here is the core range in plain terms, with rough prices in the UK and US. Treat the prices as a guide rather than a promise, since supermarket promotions and regional differences move them around a fair bit. TABLE A couple of these are worth a little extra explanation. Black Ruby is the newest member of the core range, launched in 2025, and it is matured in a mix of red wine and sherry casks, which is where its sweet, fruity character comes from. Green Label is unusual in the lineup because it contains no grain whisky at all, only malts, which gives it a richer and more savory flavor than the others. Start Here: Why Black Label First If you only buy one bottle to begin with, make it Black Label. It carries a 12-year age statement, which gives it real depth, and it has enough going on to teach you what aged Scotch tastes like without being heavy or difficult. It is also affordable and sold just about everywhere, so it is an easy bottle to come back to. It is a better starting point than going cheaper or more expensive. Red Label is good in a tall glass with mixer, but on its own it can taste a little young and harsh to a new palate. Blue Label, at the other end, is a wonderful whisky, but its high price tag puts many off. Black Label sits in the middle and gives you the most to learn from for the price. If you already know you have a sweet tooth, Black Ruby is a fair alternative as a first bottle. The fruit and honey make it an easy one to enjoy straight away. What the Numbers on the Label Mean Some Johnnie Walker bottles carry an age statement and some do not, and the difference is worth understanding before you spend. When you see a number followed by “Years Old,” it tells you the age of the youngest whisky in the blend. Black Label is 12, Green Label is 15, and the Aged 18 Years is, as the name says, 18. Every whisky in that bottle has spent at least that long maturing in oak. Red Label, Double Black, Black Ruby, Gold Label Reserve, and Blue Label do not show an age. These are known as no-age-statement whiskies. By law all Scotch has to mature for a minimum of three years, but the brand chose not to name the youngest whisky on the label. One thing worth keeping in mind is that an older number does not automatically mean a better whisky, only a different one. Plenty of no-age-statement bottles are excellent, so there is no need to chase the highest figure on the shelf. Which Bottle Suits You? If you are still deciding, here is a quick way to narrow it down by what you already enjoy: - You want to mix it or you are just getting started: Red Label - You want one bottle to learn on: Black Label - You have a sweet tooth and like fruit: Black Ruby or Gold Label Reserve - You like a smoky flavor: Double Black or Green Label - You are buying a gift or marking an occasion: Gold Label Reserve or Blue Label The good news is that there is no wrong place to begin. Pick the bottle that matches your taste rather than the one with the biggest price tag, take your time, and let your preferences develop as you go. Johnnie Walker makes that easy, which is the whole reason it suits beginners so well.

The Scotch Myth Everyone Needs To Stop Believing There's a myth entrenched in whisky culture for the last 40 years or so that really needs to be put to bed: single malt Scotch whisky is better than blended. Yes, a great single malt can have a unique terroir and showcase the best of what an individual distillery can do. But a masterfully blended Scotch whisky can bring together the best of what several distilleries have to offer to create a unique symphony of flavors in a single bottle. While both categories have to be made in Scotland, single malts are exclusively crafted using only malted barley and distilled in pot stills. Blended whisky can be made using a variety of single malts that are then often blended with grain whisky, which can be made using other grains such as corn, wheat, or rye, in column stills, which produces a lighter spirit. Blenders then take these various liquids and marry them together to let the flavors meld. Larger blenders, such as Johnnie Walker and Dewar's, combine single malts and grain whisky to produce approachable, consistent, and balanced blends. Then there are others, such as Compass Box, that push the boundaries of what a blend can be. Read more: 10 Cooking Myths It's Time To Stop Believing Once And For All Advertisement Blended whiskies worth a tipple Single malts didn't really come into their own until the 1980s and 1990s, but soon dominated the whisky world, even though blends have a much longer history and continue to be a much larger segment of the market. In some cases, blends are a better value for your money, offering as much flavor and complexity as a single malt at a lower price. Compass Box is a multiple-award-winning whisky maker that's been around since 2000. It produces unique blends that are all non-chill filtered, naturally colored, and that can hang with single malts with ease. The company has also championed radical transparency, detailing exactly where it gets its various whiskies that are then masterfully blended and matured in small batches using unique caskings. A great place to start is with its signature Orchard House expression. With brands such as Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker, and Dewar's, go for expressions with older age statements to see just how incredible blends can be. For instance, Chivas Regal's award-winning 18-year-old, which comes in under $100, combines single malts from 20 distilleries and offers a cornucopia of flavors. Likewise, Dewar's 32-year-old was named "world's best whisky" by the International Whisky Competition. So, whether you're a diehard single malt drinker or just getting into blended Scotch whisky, you need to stop believing the myth that blends are inferior — it's just not true. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also follow us or add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has announced that it will significantly expand its Octave whisky range this year, in response to growing demand. Nearly 1,000 new Octave releases will be brought to market, more than doubling the company’s current inventory. Alongside the traditional Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask finishes, several new Octave finishes will make their debut this year, including Jamaican rum, Port and Madeira, marking a significant evolution for the range. The name Octave derives from the Latin octavus, meaning ‘eighth’. These 64-litre casks typically produce around 85–90 bottles and are so named because they are approximately one-eighth the size of a traditional Sherry butt. Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky identified a gap in the market and trademarked the Octave name more than 10 years ago. Today, the range is sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. Duncan Taylor has been refining the Octave maturation technique since the 1970s. At that time, Octave casks were primarily used to train coopers in the construction of larger Sherry butts and were not considered suitable for maturing whisky. However, experimentation revealed that these smaller casks could produce exceptional whiskies by providing a second, accelerated maturation. Thanks to the higher ratio of wood surface area to liquid volume, the casks impart additional character and gently enhance the whisky’s flavour profile while preserving its original distillery character. Commenting on the news, Ian Logan, Senior Spirits Manager, said: “The ongoing success of our Octave range is enabling us to push the boundaries by experimenting with new cask finishes. Drawing on our extensive collection of whiskies, we always strive to preserve the original character of each distillery while adding an extra layer of complexity.” Duncan Taylor has built a reputation through its ownership of one of the world’s largest privately held collections of vintage and rare whiskies. The company continues to operate as a respected whisky merchant, blender, independent bottler and cask broker. Last year, its Octave Premium Strathclyde was named World’s Best Single Cask Single Grain at the World Whiskies Awards. Leave a comment

Oban Distillery has released ‘Little Curiosities’, a single malt Scotch whisky with a rum cask finish and an illustrated bottle depicting local landmarks. The distillery is launching an interactive scavenger hunt from July 11, timed to coincide with the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race stopping in Oban from July 10-19. The distillery-exclusive bottle features 10 icons connected to the seaside town, including McCaig’s Tower and the distillery’s 1794 sign. Each symbol references something unique to Oban, with several nods to the distillery’s maritime roots. Visitors from July to October can collect a map from the distillery and search the town for the featured items. Those who find all 10 icons will receive a complimentary gift. Guests can also buy the bottle alongside a limited-edition whisky glass created to mark the launch. The whisky is bottled at 57.5% ABV and priced at £220. It is available now at the Oban Distillery retail shop. The release carries additional significance through the signature of recently retired distillery manager Ronnie Whiteford. “The distillery’s history is deeply connected to the town,” said Emma Watson, brand home manager at Oban Distillery. “We were established in 1794 so are a core part of the local history. Our latest distillery exclusive Little Curiosities is a great way to remember and share the tales and features which make our hometown so unique. Recently retired Distillery Manager Ronnie Whiteford has also signed the bottle as a nice nod to his time at Oban.” According to the official notes from the brand, the whisky shows creamy tropical fruits of guava and papaya on the nose, with sharp blood orange citrus, wildflower honey, and sweet vanilla. The palate offers sweet citrus with hints of bitter grapefruit, while the long finish carries sea salt and black pepper. To mark the Clipper race, the distillery is running its ‘Oban X Clipper Round the World: Wind, Waves and Whisky Experience’. The full-day experience combines a hands-on sailing trip across Oban’s waters with a guided tour and a tasting of rare whisky drawn straight from the cask. “We’re looking forward to welcoming people from Oban, tourists, and those here for the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race into the distillery as they set off to explore this small and fascinating part of the world,” Watson said. Founded in 1794, Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest and smallest working whisky distilleries. Located on Scotland’s west coast, it produces single malt Scotch whisky that balances maritime character with Highland influences.

When most people think of Scotland’s Islay region, the first thing that comes to mind is intensely smoky scotch from the likes of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. But rum? Not so much. There is, however, a distillery on the island that is solely focused on rum production, and it just released a new single-cask expression that was entirely aged in sherry casks. The distillery, aptly named the Islay Rum Distillery, was founded in 2022 when the team behind the Vintage Malt Whisky Company decided to convert the Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen, the main town on Islay, into a rum distillery. That makes it the first, and to date only, distillery on the island that devoted only to producing rum. Ben Inglis is the head distiller, and he is the main force behind the production there, which takes place on a copper pot still designed “to create a smooth, high ester, effectively triple distilled spirit, all from a single distillation run,” according to the distillery. There are several different rums in the lineup, including un-aged and barrel-aged versions, as well as a spiced rum that’s smoked over a peat fire to give it some of that classic Islay character. The latest release is a single-cask expression that was fermented for a lengthy amount of time, distilled on July 18, 2022, and aged entirely in an Oloroso sherry cask before being bottled at 100 proof. There are other rums finished or aged entirely in sherry casks, of course, and the results are often quite appealing as the tropical fruit notes of the spirit mingle with the spice and dried fruit notes derived from this type of maturation. We did not get to try this rum, but the official tasting notes describe layers of dried fruit, spice, and sweetness on the palate. The Islay Rum Distillery certainly stands out as being the only rum producer on Islay, but there are other rum distilleries in Scotland, a country that is obviously much more associated with whisky. Some examples include Ninefold in Lockerbie and J. Gow Rum, which is located in the far north of Orkney, the archipelago that Highland Park calls home. If you want to try the new Islay Rum Distillery single cask release, you might have to do some searching—just 390 bottles were released globally (SRP £53, or about $71). It appears that you can order a bottle from some secondary websites like the Whisky Exchange to be shipped here to the U.S., although it might take up to three weeks for delivery.

Renegade Rum Distillery seeks buyer Grenada’s Renegade Rum Distillery, renowned for its terroir-driven approach to production, is up for sale. The ‘state-of-the-art’ distillery began production in 2022 and was founded by whisky entrepreneur Mark Reynier, also known for leading the revival of Islay’s Bruichladdich Distillery and founding Waterford Distillery in Ireland. His goal with Renegade was to move away from rum’s molasses-based, industrial roots and create a spirit that encapsulates the soil, local farms and microclimates of Grenada. The brand has since become known for its ‘farm to bottle’ ethos. The sale of Renegade Distillery is being led by EY-Parthenon Caribbean. Maria Daniel, managing partner at EY-Parthenon Caribbean, said: “Across the spirits industry, sustainability happens at the margins; lighter packaging, cleaner inputs. The core imbalance stays the same: value sits downstream, while farmers capture only a fraction of it. “Renegade was built to close that gap. ‘Farm to bottle’ isn’t a marketing line; it’s a structural model. Our cane is locally sourced and processed on site, byproducts returned to the soil, an all-female, we have entirely neighbourhood production team. It’s a fully integrated platform that keeps value at the source.” The successful buyer of Renegade Distillery will acquire a finished, technically ambitious, already-producing facility, the group said. According to data from global marketing agency OhBev, the global rum category could experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% between 2024 and 2033, increasing from US$17.3 billion in 2024 to US$28bn by 2033. Hyper locality A key quality that sets Renegade apart is its commitment to hyper locality, EY-Parthenon Caribbean stressed. To make Renegade Rum, sugarcane is harvested from 12 neighbouring farms – and within hours, it is milled and begins fermentation. The distillation process endeavours to be as sustainable as possible; agricultural residue is converted into energy, steam is fed back into operations, and byproducts are returned to the soil. Each bottle of rum has a ‘cane code’, meaning drinkers can trace the rum back to the specific farm, plot and harvest date, offering total transparency. Plus, while the distillery processes sugarcane, it is able to also process molasses. In other rum acquisition news, Brown-Forman bought Venezuelan rum brand Diplomático in 2023. That same year, Diageo bought Philippine rum brand Don Papa for €260 million (US$281.5m). Related news Ron Matusalem ages rum in junmai sake casks

Islay Rum Distillery launches first single cask release The Scottish island’s first rum distillery has unveiled its inaugural single cask expression, which has been aged in Sherry wood. The limited release rum was distilled on 18 July 2022, during The Islay Rum Distillery’s earliest production runs. Established in 2017 by father-and-son duo Brian and Andrew Crook, owners of independent bottling company The Vintage Malt Whisky Company, the distillery – which officially opened in 2021 – is said to be Islay’s first dedicated rum distillery. The distillery is housed in the restored 1959 Art Deco Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen, where Ben Inglis leads production. Islay-native Inglis is The Islay Rum’s head distiller, distillery manager, and a co-founder. He utilises Caribbean distillation techniques, using a copper pot and twin-retort still to achieve a triple-distillation effect in a single run, while Scotland’s cool maritime climate slows maturation ‘considerably’ compared to tropical rum regions. Inglis commented on the new release: “The Original Islay Rum Sherry Wood has been crafted from spirit distilled during some of our very first production runs and is our first single cask release, so it holds a particular significance for us. “We knew the spirit had real potential from early on, and maturation in this oloroso Sherry cask has done exactly what we had hoped. It has brought richness and depth, while letting the rum’s own character come through.” The rum offers aromas of dried fruits, raisins, figs, Sherried spice, toasted oak, and hints of coastal salinity. The palate displays notes of sweet caramel sweetness, butterscotch, green banana, sea salt, and tropical fruits. The Sherry Wood is bottled at 50% ABV and limited to 390 bottles worldwide, retailing for £53 (US$71). Caroline James, co-founder of The Islay Spirits Company, added: “Sherry Wood is everything a single cask release should be: a specific moment in time, from a specific place, that can never be repeated. Every rum we make is rooted in the island, but this expression feels particularly special. “The spirit was laid down in our very first year of production, and the Oloroso cask has brought a richness that sits beautifully alongside everything that makes our rum distinctly Islay.” The Original Islay Rum core range currently includes three expressions: Geal white rum; Barrel Aged, a lightly aged rum rested in ex-peated Islay whisky casks; and smoke-influenced Peat Spiced. Related news Renegade Rum Distillery seeks buyer

FOX 42 WHISKEY MEYERS AND KANE BROWN OFFICIAL RULES FOX 42 WHISKEY MEYERS AND KANE BROWN TICKET GIVEAWAY OFFICIAL CALL-IN CONTEST RULES Contest: FOX 42 WHISKEY MEYERS AND KANE BROWN TICKET GIVEAWAY Station: Sinclair Television of Omaha, LLC dba KPTM 42 Station Address: KPTM, 1700 Farnam Street, Suite 1260, Omaha, NE 68102 Contest Area: Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Montgomery, Page, Shelby, Atchison, Burt, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Platte, Richardson, Harrison, Mills, Pottawattamie, Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington, Nebraska Contest Sponsor(s): Harrah's Stir Concert Cove Prize Provider(s): Harrah's Stir Concert Cove Age of Eligibility: Nineteen (19) Contest Period: July 24, 2026 Program to Watch: Watch the “Family Feud” program which the Station airs each weekday, Monday-Friday, from 5:30 PM CDT to 6:00 PM CDT on Channel 42.1, and look for the keyword. Criteria to Win: The first two (2) callers with the correct keyword Number of Winners for Each Cue to Call: Two (2) Total Number of Winners for Contest Period: Two (2) Prize(s) and Value(s): Two (2) tickets to “Whiskey Myers” on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00 PM CDT, and two (2) tickets to see "Kane Brown" on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM CDT at Harrah's Stir Concert Cove, Council Bluffs, IA. The total value of each Prize is $325.40 (Whiskey Myers $64.30 per ticket; Kane Brown $98.40 per ticket). In connection with any visit to any Prize Provider location, please be advised that the Prize Provider’s policies, CDC guidelines, and the recommendations of health officials must be followed. Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, and the Station and Prize Provider cannot guarantee that any person will not be exposed during a visit. 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Eight indicted in White House UFC Freedom 250 attack plot called themselves ‘Shriveled Shlong,’ ‘Whiskey Six’: prosecutors See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on GoogleThe eight would-be domestic terrorists accused of plotting a shocking drone attack on the White House during a UFC card last month tried to hide their identities behind asinine code names, authorities say. “Shriveled Shlong,” “Whiskey Six,” and “Viper of the S.O.G.” were some of the cryptonyms chosen by the motley crew who allegedly used online chat rooms to map out a drone and sniper attack targeting President Trump and other government officials — only to be thwarted when “Prox” was ratted out by his mother. “This is a classic example of ‘see something, say something’ and how the law enforcement partnership comes together to keep communities safe … This was an excellent case of someone who was concerned by what they were seeing and contacted law enforcement before violence came on,” Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati Office, told reporters Friday. All eight suspects were indicted Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, federal court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official, as well as conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The plot began taking shape in May, when the octet began amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, and communications equipment, among other items, according to the indictment. Using chatgroups and forums on platforms including Signal, Discord, TikTok and Instagram, the conspirators singled out President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, trillionaire Elon Musk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as potential “high-value targets” at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn June 14, prosecutors claim. “[That] communication network that gave us a road map to a sinister plot targeting the White House complex,” said Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge of the US Secret Service’s Cincinnati Field Office. Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Neb., acted as the group’s leader and operated under the name “Shepard,” prosecutors said. He and the others developed a hierarchy of plotters, with those in the so-called “tier one” committing “to put themselves in harms [sic] way, break the law, and potentially go into hiding,” according to court documents. Tycen J. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio — operating under the name “Prox” — allegedly spent $3,000 of his “graduation money” on multiple weapons, while 21-year-old William L. S. Falkner of Belfair, Wash., known to his buddies as “Pepsi,” is accused of using a 3D printer to make drones. Jordan W. Rinker, aka “Shriveled Shlong,” 28, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Chandler D. Scaggs, “Viper of the S.O.G.,” 21, of Chapmanville, WV; and Daniel K. Eskridge, “Fulcrum,” 32, of Hamilton, Mo, were also charged in the plot. Two others — Michael A. Thomas, or “Whiskey Six,” 32, of Pinon Hills, Calif.; and Bryan O. Roa, or “Noble,” 25, of Calimesia, Calif.; even met up to train in “marksmanship and combat tactics,” the indictment states. Proper and Roa quit their jobs in the days before the planned attack, and the group allegedly made plans to travel to DC for the scheme. One of the defendants told investigators that they planned to detonate explosive-laden drones near the temporary fight venue and then shoot panicked spectators as they fled, according to a federal affidavit. It remains unclear how close the would-be attackers came to carrying out the plan, but it was sniffed out after Proper’s mother alerted authorities to his firearm purchases and online activity. The teen had kept his armaments stockpile — which included a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun that had an American flag painted over it — in his family’s home. All eight face life in prison if convicted of all charges. With Post Wires

Forget spicy margaritas – this fruity cocktail with a kick is our writer’s new go-to drink, and it’s perfect for the heatwave. Here’s how to make it at home… I’ve never been a huge fan of whisky – I don’t think I’ve ever sipped it neat from a crystal tumbler à la Don Draper in Mad Men. In fact, whenever I order a cocktail at a bar, you’ll usually find me sticking to a spicy margarita (I’m a creature of habit), rather than an old fashioned or a whiskey sour. But there’s one cocktail that has recently changed my entire opinion of the liquor – and it’s proving to be the perfect antidote to the heatwave. Texas Heat is a mix of sweet and spicy, created by SirDavis, the American whisky brand launched by Beyoncé in partnership with Moët Hennessy. Inspired by the singer’s home state, the cocktail combines tropical fruit flavours with a kick of jalapeño heat, creating the kind of drink that feels made for a hazy summer evenings when the air is thick and sleepy. With sweet pineapple and agave flavours balanced by zingy lime and a hit of chilli, it’s the perfect option if you love a spicy margarita but fancy trying something a little different. Whether you’re enjoying it atop a rooftop bar in the city, sipping it poolside on holiday or making the most of a sunny evening at home (while raising a toast to the Three Lions this Saturday), it’s the perfect tipple to kick off the weekend. And if you fancy recreating it yourself, it only requires six ingredients. How to make a Texas Heat Ingredients - 60ml SirDavis whisky - 45ml pineapple juice - 20ml lime juice - 15ml agave syrup - ½ seeded jalapeño - Pineapple slice and jalapeño slice, to garnish Method - Muddle seeded jalapeño in a cocktail shaker - Add whisky, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave syrup - Add ice and shake well - Fine-strain into a fresh glass over ice - Garnish with pineapple and jalapeño slices Images: SirDavis

Whiskey mogul sells abandoned Vermont college campus to Florida evangelist — with plans to create a ‘Christ-centered institution’ See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on GoogleIt will be going from spirits to the Holy Spirit. Whiskey mogul Raj Peter Bhakta, a former “Apprentice” contestant, is selling his sprawling Vermont college campus to a holy roller out of Florida, who has plans to create what he called, “a Christ-centered institution.” He may not “know that much about building a university,” but Tommie Zito, a Florida evangelist, said he plans to convert the abandoned Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont, into a Christian college called Z University. “If everything goes to plan we expect for Tommie to be taking over the campus fully by the fall,” a Bhatka spokesperson told The Post. To get the job done, the traveling preacher will pray for backup, surrounding himself with experts in higher education to do the heavy lifting. The selection for him to take over came through a request for proposal process. Both parties confirmed the sale to the Wall Street Journal, but Zito declined to reveal the price and said the deal has not yet closed. “Me and Raj have agreed to not disclose the price right now but he has been really great to work with me on this, gave us a generous deal, and it’s a real price,” Zito told The Post. Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey, picked up the property at auction in 2020 for $4.5 million, marking a steep discount from its prior asking price, following the school’s closure amid declining enrollment. He aimed to turn it into a luxury resort before being stonewalled by local authorities. He then offered the property for free to anyone who shares his mission to reshape America. “The right beneficiary has a vision aligned with the revival of the United States and Western Civilization,” Bhakta wrote in a pitch for the property. “They would also recognize this must first begin with the spiritual revival of our Christian faith. It will be upon coherence with this mission that candidates will be judged.” Bhakta previously estimated the 115-acre property — filled with dorms, classrooms, athletic facilities and more than 100 acres of farmland — could cost up to $200 million to fully restore in addition to the roughly $1 million in yearly operating costs and another $1.5 million needed for ongoing upkeep. Zito claimed he wants to house 850 students on the property, establishing programs in evangelism, business, government and music. “I know there’s been challenges,” Zito said. “I’m coming in and saying, ‘Hey, this is a fresh thing.’”