Still Not Dead: The Year In Hard Seltzer
Though we can trace hard seltzers roots back to 2013, by most measures it wasnt until 2019s summer of seltzer that the spiked, lightly flavored, low-cal fizzy drink really took off. Since then, keeping up with the hard seltzer craze has been less akin to a roller coaster ride and more like a jaunt in Willy Wonkas great glass elevator, with sales and popularity seeming to defy gravity.
Its still hard to quantify exactly what a normal year looks like for seltzer, given its nascency and the categorys meteoric rise, not to mention the anomalous nature of drinking and spending habits in 2020 because of the pandemic. But in considering many of the events that have defined the last 12 months for seltzer, 2021 begins to look like the year the category went a little crazy, much like the lauded chocolate factory owner himself.
The slew of surprisingly successful flavor extensions that lit up 2020 gave way this year to new and quite perplexing innovations, with brands finding themselves short on runway for logical new product lines. Where high-profile shortages have defined summers gone by, 2021 saw one of the nations leading producers dump millions of cases of product, the result of overzealous growth predictions that would also see shares in the publicly traded company slump 26 percent in one day.
drop!
But For A Japanese Highball You Do Stir
However, the Japanese Highball has been elevated to an art form. There is a very specific way to craft a highball in Japan. Given that any hard edge or ridge in the glass will pull the carbonation out of the drink, ice cubes are stirred in the glass to round out the edges before adding whisky. The water is then discarded.
Add the whiskey, stir for 13 rotations, and add soda to the glass, either tilting it the glass to pour it in at an angle or running it down the grooves of a bar spoon to add it gently to the glass.
Lift up with a spoon just a bit to combine the soda and the whiskey.
Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Set To Visit India In Nov
The 147-year-old Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey finally launched its liqueur, Tennessee Honey, in India last week. For Indian bourbon and whiskey aficionados, this liqueur isnt new. Indian fans tell me that theyve been getting their fix from international sources till recently it was launched in the US four years ago. The reason it caught everyones attention was three-fold. First, the Tennessee distillery doesnt debut new liquors often. In fact, theyve unveiled only a handful of new brands since Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey in 1866. Second, critics seem to like the drink. And third, its the fastest spirits brand to sell one million cases since its launch.
Tennessee Honey is the first flavoured variant of Jack Daniels and is technically a liqueur, not a whiskey. This is because it is 70 proof, or 35 per cent alcohol by volume spirits are generally at least 80 proof and it tastes, looks and smells very different from its rockstar parents distinctive caramel, spice, banana and vanilla notes. The Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey is mingled with a proprietary honey liqueur that the distillers created for its own unique flavour. The amber yellow liquid looks like clover honey and has a mellow taste. I could definitely smell melon, cinnamon and, of course, honey, which allowed for a delicious butterscotch and chocolate finish. And unlike a lot of liqueurs, it didnt coat the palate with a heavy after note or residue.
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From Bourbons To Ryes To Single Malts Neat Or On The Rocks
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Liquors / Chloe Jeong
Best Sherry Cask Scotch: The GlenDronach Allardice at Drizly
Matured entirely in Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, the 18-year-old whiskey delivers one of the best full-flavored sipping experiences.
Best Wine Barrel Aged:Starward Nova Single Malt at Caskers
This Australian single-malt is aged in ex-wine barrels, resulting in a fruitier and jammier whisky than anything found in Scotland.
In the big world of whiskeys, there’s a bottle out there for every taste, price point, and preference. Nowadays, you can find whiskey made in every corner of Americaindeed, every corner of the worldeach with its own specific character and identity. Whether youre looking for the perfect whiskey to pair with a cocktail, something really smoky and assertive, or a smooth sipper, weve got you covered.
Here are some of the best whiskeys you can get your hands on now.
How To Store Peanut Butter Whiskey
I prefer to store my peanut butter whiskey in the freezer. Super cold peanut butter whiskey makes delicious shots all on its own. However, I also prefer cocktails and mixed shots with super cold whiskey.
The exception to this rule is when you’re adding the peanut butter whiskey to a hot drink or baking with it. I like to keep one bottle at room temperature, and leave another in the freezer.
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Whiskey Cocktails To Get You Through Winter
In chilly weather we find ourselves gravitating to whiskey cocktails: Manhattans, old-fashioneds, Boulevardiers, and other classic drinks. But if you believe that whiskey has a season, then that season is the perfect time to play around with drinks and riffs you havent tried before. Whiskey pairs wonderfully with spice and cold-weather fruit, with bitter liqueurs and rich and creamy drinks. Hot toddy recipes? Weve got more than a few options for those as well. Below youll find 63 of our very favorite whiskey drinks, including cocktails made with rye, bourbon, scotch, and Irish whiskey. Make a batch to share with friends or stir up a drink to enjoy on your own with a good book at your side.
If You Are Trying To Match Whisky And Foods Match Associated Flavors Not Direct Flavor Profiles
This one goes against what seems to be common sense, surprisingly. One might think that smoked cheese, or smoked Loch Loman salmon might pair beautifully with a lovely deep, peaty, smoky whisky. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Whisky, an alcohol with literal decades behind its creation, is nothing if not bold. The smoky flavors that roll around the tasting notes of a good, aged malt or grain whisky are ones that present themselves confidently on your palate.
As such, when you try to directly match flavor profiles across whiskies and foods that share some tastes, the flavor of the food is at danger of being annihilated. Smoked salmon has some beautifully rounded and deep flavors that can be entirely washed away by the strength of a more powerful peaty whisky.
A good example of how to choose snacks to serve with whisky is to check how the associated flavors might match. Look on your bottle of whisky most distilleries will include some tasting notes that will guide you through the whiskys flavor notes.
Some whiskies might say something like notes of apple. If that is the case, think about food that pairs well with apple hard cheese, cinnamon, pork. So, a whisky like that might go perfectly with a nice pork pie or artisanal sausage roll.
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What To Mix With Peanut Butter Whiskey
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Learn the best peanut butter whiskey drinks to make with your favorite mixers.
If you love peanut butter whiskey , then learn the best drinks and shots to make with this spirit. There are many delicious liqueurs, mixers, and liquors that mix well with peanut butter whiskey. Learn about what shots and drinks can you make with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey.
You probably know by now that I’m full-out obsessed with peanut butter whiskey. I have multiple recipes using Skrewball like shots, ice cream, and more! It’s by no means a traditional whiskey, but it provides a really fun and flavorful twist on a spirit we all know and love.
I’ve made a handful of peanut butter whiskey shot and drink recipes, but I wanted to provide a guide for people who want to be a little more creative. This post will cover lots of ideas about what to mix with peanut butter whiskey. If you have any brilliant combinations that you’ve tried at home, throw a comment below so I can try it out too!
While there are many brands of peanut butter whiskey on the market my all-time favorite is Skrewball. You can find many of these brands at your local liquor store, or on Drizly.
Do I Stir A Whiskey Highball
For a purist, no. The carbonation within the drink will effectively mix the spirit with the carbonated mixer. But if have more than just whiskey in my cocktail, like simple syrup or fruit juice, I will use a bar spoon to pull upward from the bottom of the glass to the top once or twice.
But no more than that.
Each time you stir or disturb the surface of the highball youre releasing the CO2 from solution in the drink, turning the mixer flat. If you simply let the highball sit for a few moments, the carbonation blends the flavors of the soda and whiskey together, stirring the cocktail with bubbles as they rise to the surface.
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The Best Cheap Whiskeys Under $25 Right Now
Calling a bottle of whiskey cheap can carry negative connotations, and is also subjective. For the purpose of this ranking to determine the best inexpensive bottles of whiskey money can buy right now we set our sights at $25 and under.
For sure, there are more than a handful of less expensive bottles that might get you decent change from a crisp Andrew Jackson. But the bottles below are whiskeys youll actually want to drink, enjoy, and maybe even share.
Spoiler alert: Every bottle on this list is a bourbon. By no means did we only sample bourbons at this price point, we discovered that the best value is overwhelmingly found in the category.
Here is VinePairs list of the best cheap whiskeys you can buy right now.
What Whiskey Is Best For A Highball
Choosing the best whiskey for your highball can feel like an identity crisis. Your choice doesnt just include what brand of whiskey to choose, but also which type of whiskey. From Japanese whiskey, bourbon, rye, Scotch or Irish whisky, the choices feel endless when you consider the possibilities.
Im going to answer this question with my favorite answer, It depends. Here are some items to consider when you are selecting a whiskey for your highball.
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Jack Honey Sweetened Blackberry Tea
Sweet tea is often the drink of choice for the summer, adding a little Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey to the mix makes it even better. Recipe courtesy of Creative Culinary.
For the Tea:
- 3 Large Tea Bags or 6 Regular Size
- 6 oz. Fresh Blackberries
- 2 oz. Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey
- Lemon Slices, Blackberries and Mint for Garnish
Wildflower Honey Punch
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Peach Juice And Whiskey
This fruity, spicy, and refreshing combination is ideal for a warm summer afternoon. The sweetness of the peach is balanced by the oak and malty flavors of the whiskey.
You can make peach juice and whiskey using the same formula as apple cider and whiskey. You can also enjoy peach juice and whiskey by making a Bourbon Peach Smash:
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American Whiskey Options For Highballs
For days when I want something with more punch and aggressive flavors, I head to an American whiskey. I select a high rye mash bill American rye like New Riff Bottled in Bond Rye, or Jack Daniels Tennessee Straight Rye for a highball with a bit more spice and pepper to it. If I prefer a slightly sweeter highball, Ill select a lower rye mash bill rye whiskey or a high rye bourbon like Four Roses Small Batch or Old Grand Dad.
How To Garnish A Whiskey Highball
As with all things highball-related you must choose a garnish to connect with the whiskey but doesnt overpower it. Many people enjoy a lemon twist or peel added to a highball, but some mixologists prefer a lighter touch.
For some, a slice of apple or a small mint sprig connects with flavors in the whiskey without overwhelming them. I choose a garnish that fits with the mixer. If Im using ginger ale, I might add a small bit of candied ginger, or coin of orange peel. When using something stronger I might add a more vibrant fruit note to connect to the aroma of the whiskey.
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Variation: Use Different Types Of Jack Daniels
One way to make variations on a Jack and coke: change the type of Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels is a Tennessee brand of whiskey thats actually the top selling world-wide . The company was founded in 1875 by a man named yes, Jack Daniels, so its got a long history of whiskey production. While its most often made with the classic Old No. 7, there are several types of Jack Daniels you can use to vary this drink:
- Old No. 7: the classic!
- Tennessee apple: Adds an apple nuance
- Tennessee rye: Rye whiskey has a spicy finish
- Single barrel: The fancy stuff! Save this for drinking neat
- Tennessee honey: Whiskey blended with honey liqueur
- Tennessee fire: Adds a cinnamon spice
Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
A fairly recent redesign saw Four Roses entry-level whiskey lose its signature yellow label, but the bourbon inside remains as high-standard as ever. While its cheap enough to use liberally in cocktails, Four Roses holds its own when sipped neat. Its flavor profile is delicate, but its not lacking in depth. Aromas of toasted nuts and dried fruits are followed by smoky oak flavors, all balanced out by sweet caramel notes. This is a dependable, easy-drinking bourbon that tastes considerably more expensive than its price tag. Average price: $19.
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Whisky Beginners Dont Fear Heres How To Pick The Best Whiskies To Start
Theres a literal world of whisky out there, but while we know thats cause for celebration it can also be a daunting prospect particularly if youre new to the category. Whats what? Where to start? What to try?
To get you on your way weve put together a guide with the help of Greg Dillon, Editor of the ever-excellent whisky blog GreatDrams and Whisky Wizard at The Dram Team. It details several of the most important styles of world whisky and whos likely to enjoy them, and includes product recommendations for each.
Just want the list? Heres whats on Gregs essential whisky list:
There is also an abridged, embeddable version you can share on your own site if you like. The snippet is available at the end of the page.
How Should You Serve Snacks With Whisky
This depends on exactly what your function is, and how the food is going with your whisky.
In general, we would advise that for tasting evenings, or any other kind of function focusing on the whiskys taste, only very plain snacks like water biscuit crackers should be served. This will help break up the intense flavors and smooth, silky mouthfeel of the liquor, while not interfering at all with the strong-tasting notes at play in the beautiful spirit.
If you are setting up a tasting evening, maybe set up rounds of tasting interspersed with rounds of snacks that can break up the different whisky tastings. This will help clear the palates of the people there and provided some much needed ballast to contend with the high alcohol percentages in some whiskies. Some whiskies like the Strathclyde have up to 60% ABV, so some carbohydrates would be much needed.
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Plainer Snacks To Serve With Whisky If Whisky Is The Star
High quality whiskies are incredibly nuanced, gorgeous pieces of craftmanship that can take decades, sometimes centuries to develop. You can even use those incredible flavor profiles develop your palate if you curate the right variety using a whisky subscription box.
As such, if you are hosting an event or enjoying an evening on your own that really emphasizes the distinct tasting notes of the spirit of choice: ease off the strong foods.
There are some great snacks to serve with whisky in order to create unique, powerful flavour combinations that are otherwise impossible to replicate. However, if the whisky and its tasting notes are what you are interested in, then steer clear of the Gorgonzolas, oysters, and rich and creamy sauces.
When these combinations are formed, the base notes of the whisky get melded and transformed, removing some of the magic of the original dram. In this case, we would recommend the use of plain, maybe slightly salted crackers, maybe coupled with some dark chocolate or mild cheese.
The light dairy and salty crackers make an effective textural juxtaposition to the whiskys smooth mouthfeel. This allows you to refresh your palate slightly, breaking up flavor notes and rounding off different taste experiences between trying out different drams!
Some specific whiskies, such as scotch might be complemented better with specific appetizers. Check out a list of the best appetizers to taste scotch.