DON’T MESS WITH THE SWA
Reynald & Sons Ltd, a whisky producer in Panama, has learned just how seriously the Scottish take their Scotch. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) recently took action against them and their director Reynald Grattagliano in the Scottish Court of Session after the company falsely advertised fourteen brands of “whisky”, including... Read More
THE GREAT CRYSTAL HEAD HEIST
It’s like a scene from Ghostbusters. Dan Akroyd was recently the victim of a major theft when 21,OOO bottles of his Crystal Head Vodka, worth several hundred thousand dollars, were stolen from a storage facility in California. The vodka is the brainchild of actor and noted paranormal enthusiast Akroyd and... Read More
WILL DIAGEO GO FOR THE GOLD?
As rumors go, this is a big one. Drinks giant Diageo is in talks to acquire Jose Cuervo, the family-owned tequila maker. Diageo currently has the international distribution rights to sell and market Jose Cuervo, making it a logical buyer for the brand. Diageo is interested in adding the brand... Read More
BOURBON LEGEND RECEIVES JAMES BEARD AWARD
Julian P. Van Winkle Iii has been awarded the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional. Van Winkle, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, is a third generation bourbon scion and the first James Beard winner from Kentucky. The award is given to a “winemaker, brewer or... Read More
THE SPIRIT JOURNAL HALL OF FAME
Since 1991, F. Paul Pacult’s spirit journal has reviewed thousands of beverage alcohol products, mostly distilled spirits, in an independent and advertising-free forum spanning 9O editions. Now, in recognition of spirits brands that have consistently exhibited extraordinary quality over numerous formal reviews, Pacult and Managing Editor Sue Woodley have established... Read More
AND THE WINNER IS . . .
With regard to the 2O11 roster of The Spirit Journal Top Spirits in the World, a new number one spirit has been chosen from the ranks of 14O five-star rated distillates: George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Antique Collection 2O1O produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Said... Read More
EAGLE RARE SINGLE BARREL BOURBON WHISKEY 2O12 RARE LIFE AWARD
Nominations are now being accepted for the Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 2O12 Rare Life Award at eaglerarelife.com. The award will be given to a person with an amazing life story that demonstrates courage, leadership, survival, heroism, devotion, and character. The 2O12 Grand Prize winner will be awarded a... Read More
EARLY TIMES KENTUCKY WHISKY
has brought back its “Reel in a Million” contest. The winner will receive a fishing trip to Lake Louise, Lake Butler and Lake Palmer in Orlando, Florida for a chance to catch a tagged bass worth one million dollars. Consumers can enter on the Early Times Facebook page by submitting... Read More
BUFFALO TRACE
BUFFALO TRACE is running the “2O11 Buffalo Trace Grillin’ Contest” – a virtual challenge located online within the whiskey’s social network website at buffalotracesaloon.com. Buffalo Trace will give away monthly gift certificates to Omaha Steaks for the best bourbon food recipe. To enter, consumers upload a recipe that includes Buffalo... Read More
A BUMPER YEAR FOR CRAFT EXPORTS
It’s hardly news that craft beer sales in the US are on fire. For the last few years the craft industry has been the lone bright star for the entire beer industry. And their reputations are traveling far and wide – it appears that other nations are developing an appreciation... Read More