GSN Alert: For Cinco de Mayo, Cuervo is giving fans $10 to tip their bartenders big while out celebrating – starting April 28 through May 5

Jose Cuervo knows how integral bartenders are for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. That’s why this Cinco de Mayo, Cuervo is helping tequila lovers show their appreciation and “Tip it Forward” by giving away $10 to fans across the country, encouraging them to show extra gratitude while out celebrating and tip big.   

Bartenders and other industry workers have felt a lot of pressure over the past few years and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they’re quitting at higher rates compared to any other industry1. That stress is especially felt during holidays like Cinco de Mayo, which are a lot of fun for tequila fans, but can be extra challenging for those in the service industry.  

To further demonstrate its commitment to showing love to bartenders and other industry workers, Cuervo will match every dollar sent, up to $100,000, for a donation to the nonprofit Another Round, Another Rally. The organization provides reimbursement grants and immersive educational scholarships to hospitality workers, while also offering emergency assistance for industry workers who have fallen on unexpected hardship. It’s just another way to thank bartenders who help make Cinco de Mayo possible every year.   

You can request your $10 to “Tip it Forward” by visiting www.cuervo.com/tipitforward from April 28 through May 5. There, simply enter your name, email address, zip code and phone number. Daily winners will be randomly selected and granted their $10 through Venmo on May 5 before the giveaway officially closes at 9:00 p.m. EST.  

Follow along at @josecuervotequila on Instagram and @josecuervo on Twitter, or visit www.cuervo.com.  

GSN Review: The Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Straight Rye

Kentucky Owl has announced the second release in The Wiseman series, a new straight rye whiskey available in April across the U.S. The new whiskey joins The Wiseman Bourbon released by Kentucky Owl in September 2021.

The Wiseman Straight Rye is a 95% rye mash bill selected by Kentucky Owl Master Blender John Rhea and bottled at 100.8 proof. This is the third Kentucky Owl release under Rhea, who previously served as Four Roses Distillery’s chief operating officer, where his responsibilities included quality control, maturation, evaluation and product blending. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016 and served as chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association board of directors.

Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until a descendant revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

GSN’s Remarks: This is one tasty rye. We’ve enjoyed their Kentucky Straight Bourbon, but the rye ramps up the flavor and the proof. Full of chewy and brisk rye notes, there is also a softness that tempers the fire down to a slow rumble. A lot going on in the mid-palate, with zesty spice and a caramel, toast and oak medley that has a very approachable personality. We like this one especially in mixed drinks like the Manhattan, Whiskey Ginger and Vieux Carre. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Kentucky Owl Bourbon

#TheWiseman #KentuckyStraightRyeWhiskey

GSN Spirited News: April 26th 2022 Edition

Cazadores Tequila, part of the Bacardi portfolio, has announced a new flavor, Ranch Water, joining its ready-to-drink line of 100%-agave canned cocktails. Made with a blend of Cazadores Blanco, sparkling mineral water, and a hint of fresh lime juice, the new addition is at 5.9% abv and will be launching in May in select markets including Texas, California, Illinois, Arizona, and Washington, retailing at $15 a four-pack of 12-ounce slim cans.

Stoli Group has released a limited edition bottling of its namesake vodka with proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WCK) to benefit Ukraine. The limited-time-offering features the colors of Ukraine’s flag in geometric patterns with “#LiberateUkraine” beneath a dove carrying an olive branch. The release will be available globally and Stoli’s goal is to raise $1 million by August 24, Ukraine’s independence day. The proceeds will provide food to Ukrainian refugees through José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. Currently, WCK serves 300,000 meals a day in the region.

Diageo has announced Fable & Folly Finest Quality Whiskey Aged 14 Years, the latest release from the Orphan Barrel Whiskey brand. The new bottling is a blend of previous Orphan Barrel releases including the last remaining whiskies used for Forged Oak, Barterhouse, and a number of the Rhetoric whiskies, with other whiskies from Diageo’s stable added. Fable & Folly is bottled at 45% abv and is available across the U.S. in limited quantities for a suggested price of $150 a 750-ml.

M.S. Walker Brands has announced the nationwide expansion of the Grand Mayan Tequila line with the introduction of two new super-premium additions, Grand Mayan Extra Aged and Grand Mayan 5 Year Ultra Aged Limited Edition. Both are 100%-agave Tequilas distilled twice in copper pot stills. Grand Mayan Extra Aged ($120) is rested in ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac barrels for up to 5 years. Grand Mayan 5 Year Ultra Aged Limited Edition ($250) is rested in ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac casks for a minimum of 5 years and comes in a handcrafted gift box.

Portland, Oregon’s Freeland Spirits has launched a new rye whiskey, the first limited-edition spirit from Freeland to see distribution beyond the distillery’s tasting room. The 5-year-old sourced rye is bottled at 56% abv and finished in Magdalena Guatemalan rum barrels for two years. The rye carries a suggested retail price of $75 and will be available at Freeland’s two tasting rooms and to order online to be shipped to 37 states via Tipxy.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Charles Jacquin et Cie., Inc has released Union Forge, a new rye-based vodka. The grains for the 40% vodka are sourced from farms in McKean County, PA. Union Forge is the first major release from Jacquin’s since CEO and third generation family member John Cooper took the helm. Union Forge is now available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Florida, and Michigan for a suggested price of $20 a 750-ml.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 26th 2022 Edition

German beer importer Radeberger Gruppe USA will bring two new offerings stateside with the launch of Schöfferhofer Juicy Pineapple and Schöfferhofer Wild Cherry, the latter within the brand’s first national variety pack, known as the Schöfferhofer “Happy Pack.” The former is a 50/50 mix of German hefeweizen and pineapple juice that launches nationally this month in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles, at just 2.5% abv. Wild Cherry, meanwhile, will be packaged along with Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Passion Fruit in the variety pack.

Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer is entering the Florida market, distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Freshie is made from organic Tequila, mineral water, organic lime essence, and organic agave nectar. The brand launched in the Chicago area in 2021 with one SKU (lime) and is now in more than 1,000 retailers and restaurants. Freshie 4-packs of 12-ounce cans retail at $11.

Malibu Rum is launching two new canned cocktails along with a new video ad. The new RTDs are Pineapple Bay Breeze Cocktail in a Can and Watermelon Mojito Cocktail in a Can, both of which are at 7% abv and retail for $13 a 4-pack. The two new flavors join Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri in the Malibu Cocktail canned lineup.

Belgian brewer Lindemans is celebrating its 200th anniversary with Cuvée Francisca, a new lambic beer. The 8% abv brew is a blend of 4-year-old lambic drawn from three casks (90%), with young lambic making up the remaining 10%. The beer is first fermented in oak before bottling and fermenting again for a year. Cuvée Francisca, named for one of the brewery’s founders, is available in limited quantities across the U.S.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Review: OLDKNOW Bev Co. Spirited Seltzers

OLDKNOW Bev Co., the spirited seltzer distillery using mountain water and all natural spirits, recently released their Verte Absinthe Spirited Seltzer, the first Absinthe-based seltzer in the United States.

Absinthe is an herbaceous elixir with a long tradition of lore, intertwining the romance of the spirit and its use by artists, writers and bohemians throughout the centuries. Absinthe was created in the 1790s by Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland. Ordinaire created absinthe with the intent for it to be used as an alcohol-based elixir distilled from the bitter-tasting herb Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood.

Today, OLDKNOW Bev Co. is producing its own interpretation of “fairy water” with its Verte (colorized by fresh herbs) Absinthe Spirited Seltzer made from their combination of clean and crisp mountain water, spirit, and fresh herbs and have lower ABV compared to other RTDs at 5%.

“Absinthe has often been mispresented and drinkers might have been fearful or completely had the wrong impression of this classic spirit. Our Verte Absinthe Seltzer is the first of its kind. We wanted to take a different, more natural approach to seltzers. It is Herbaceous and will take you by surprise. We are bringing an old-world style of drinking to a new generation,” adds co-founder Mary Catherine Matheny. 

OLDKNOW Bev Co. was founded in 2021 by Mary Catherine Matheny (MC) and Ryan Warner Wood, located in Rabun Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.

Verte Absinthe Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: This was by far our favorite seltzer of the three. Having had many absinthe cocktails over the years, this was delightfully refreshing and light. Perfectly balanced and uniquely carbonated, we would easily buy a case of these for summer drinking. The first of its kind, and a welcome addition in a very crowded market. GSN Rating: A+

Vodka Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: Not only vodka, but also oolong tea, grapefruit and lychee flavors are melded together in this seltzer. This gave it a tinge of flavor that added to the experience. We enjoyed this beverage as well, but it is a simpler drink for all of its ingredients. Stiil, we give it a GSN Rating of: B

Gin Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: Again, this is not simply a gin based seltzer, but it has the addition of cucumber and mint flavors. We enjoyed the herbal quality and a light touch with the vegetation. Another nice beverage for the summer, we give this a GSN Rating of: B+

For more information go to: OLDKNOW Bev Co

#oldknowbevco

 

GSN Review: Amaro Montenegro

Once used for medicinal properties, Amaro Montenegro is recognized amongst devoted imbibers as the champion of neat pours in the digestif category due to its harmonious balance of sweet and bitter-tasting notes. Poured straight from the bottle, this herbal liqueur needs no accompaniment and can be enjoyed at room temperature, creating an effortless and seamless drinking experience. More commonly known as a modifier for classic cocktails amongst world-class bartenders, Amaro Montenegro on its own is actually the go-to drink for Italians after a hearty meal. There’s a reason this digestif’s recipe has remained unchanged for 136 years and that is because of its beautifully balanced bitter-sweet flavor and complex taste appealing to all types of drinkers.

GSN’s Remarks: A classic amaro for a reason. This has everything you’re looking for. Medium bitterness, light sweetness, medium-heavy body, and medium herbality. We like this as a nightcap at the end of the day. But also try it in some classic cocktails in place of sweet vermouth. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Amaro Montenegro

#AmaroMontenegro

GSN Spirited News: April 19th 2022 Edition

Flying Tumbler Irish whiskey, has launched in the U.S. The launch kicks off in Massachusetts, with the brand reaching New York later this year. While Flying Tumbler has three expressions in its home market, the U.S. will first receive the Bird, a 43% abv whiskey blended from malt and grain whiskies matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks. Flying Tumbler the Bird carries a suggested price of $43 a 750-ml. and is imported to the U.S. by MHW and distributed in Massachusetts by M.S. Walker.

Tequila Ocho has announced the first edition of Puntas, a new 50.5% abv Plata Tequila. The release is limited—only 600 cases will be available in the U.S.—and serves as a distiller’s cut release made from spirits distilled at the tail end of the heads and beginning of the hearts distillation runs. Fresh off the still, the Tequila comes in above 60% abv before being proofed down to its bottling abv. Tequila Ocho Puntas will be available in 12 markets across the U.S. for a suggested price of $60 a 750-ml.

Diageo is relaunching the super-premium Astral Tequila brand, which it gained as part of its 2020 acquisition of Davos Brands. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, Astral, which means “of the stars,” retails at $35 a 750-ml. and is available nationally. To back the relaunch, the brand is introducing The House of Astral. Located just outside Joshua Tree National Park, one of the best-known dark sky locations in the country, The House of Astral is curated in partnership with astrologer Aliza Kelly, to “create activities guided by the cosmos,” according to the company. Astral is also giving back to its community, with its leftover agave fibers upcycled into adobe bricks to be used to construct buildings in local communities in Mexico.

Moët Hennessy-owned Ardbeg has partnered with BlockBar to create the first NFT release for the Islay single malt Scotch. Ardbeg Fon Fhòid is a 45.5% abv single malt that matured in ex-Bourbon barrels that were buried in a peat bog near the Ardbeg distillery for two years and 10 months before bottling. Only 456 NFTs, each corresponding to a bottle of Fon Fhòid, will be available for purchase on BlockBar beginning at 10am on April 19. Each NFT carries a price of 1 ETH or, roughly, $3,400. Last year, Ardbeg was at 49,000 cases in the U.S., up 15%, according to Impact Databank.

Portland, Maine-based Hardshore Distilling Co. is debuting its gins across 19 states. The portfolio includes Hardshore Original Gin ($38 a 750-ml.) and Hardshore North Oak Barrel Rested Gin ($45). A mix of five botanicals—rosemary, mint, orris root, coriander, and juniper—Hardshore is billed as a green herb-forward gin. Its Oak Barrel extension spends between three and six months in new 30-gallon American oak casks. Hardshore plans to continue adding more markets to its footprint moving forward.

The Macallan has launched Distil Your World New York, a new single malt expression created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs the Roca brothers, owners of El Celler de Can Roca. The Macallan Distil Your World New York (49.5% abv) is packaged in a white presentation box featuring an engraved aerial map of New York. The limited-edition release of 1,000 bottles will be available starting this month for an SRP of $4,200 for the 70-cl. bottle and $4,500 for the 75-cl. version at select The Macallan Boutiques around the world as well as select retailers.

Proximo Spirits has released Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino, a first for the 100% blue agave Tequila label. The 40% abv spirit is made from a blend of three Tequilas—Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado and Añejo, both aged in American oak barrels, and Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo, aged in French and American oak—before filtering to create a clear, aged spirit. The bulk of the blend is Tradicional’s Reposado and the Tequila is now available across the U.S. for around $35 a 750-ml.

Casa del Sol Tequila has announced 11:11 Angel’s Reserve, a new luxury Tequila from the company co-founded by actress Eva Longoria. The 40% abv Tequila is made from a blend of Añejo and Extra-Añejo Tequilas aged in French oak and XO Cognac barrels. The new Tequila carries a suggested retail price of $199 and is currently available for pre-order through the brand’s website. A national rollout is set to follow in the next few weeks.

Sonoma-based 3 Badge Beverage is expanding its Mexican spirits portfolio with Quechol Sotol. Quechol is made in small batches from indigenous Dasylirion plants sourced from the Chihuahuan desert in Durango. Unlike the agave plant, Dasylirion is closer to an evergreen plant in the asparagus family. Quechol will initially include two expressions, Wheeleri Sotol ($60, 45.5% abv) and Texanum Sotol ($60, 46.3% abv).

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 19th 2022 Edition

Atomic Brands has extended Impact “Hot Brand” Monaco Cocktails with a Watermelon Crush flavor. Made with Tequila and fresh watermelon, the newcomer is at 9% abv and joins Lime Crush, Sun Crush, Purple Crush, Blue Crush, Citrus Rush, Tropic Rush, Cranberry, Black Raspberry, and Mango Peach in the Monaco Cocktails lineup, which jumped 26% to 1.9 million cases in the U.S. last year. Monaco Watermelon Crush is debuting at convenience stores nationwide, retailing at $2.50 to $3 a 12-ounce can.

Onda Tequila Seltzers has released its Pineapple and Mango offerings in 4-packs of individual flavors. Previously, the pineapple- and mango-flavored seltzers were only available as part of a variety pack. Both flavors are at 5% and are made with Blanco Tequila, fruit juice or puree, and seltzer water, plus natural flavors. Onda is available in 31 states across the U.S. and retails at $11 a 4-pack.

Connecticut-based Luneau USA is launching Ed Hardy RTD Sparkling Flavored Tequila. The new range features Ed Hardy Sparkling Tequila Blood Orange/Pomegranate and Orange/Pineapple offerings packaged in 12-ounce cans which showcase the artwork of the brand’s celebrated tattoo artist namesake. Both flavors are at 4.5% abv and have 99 calories a serving, with the initial launch numbering 20,000 cases.

Longmont, Colorado-based Oskar Blues Brewery announced The Works, a new nationally distributed mix pack of three of the brewery’s best sellers. The Works comes as a 12-pack composed of six cans of Oskar’s Lager and three each of flagship Dale’s Pale Ale and new release Double Dale’s Imperial IPA. Oskar’s Lager is at 4% abv, Dale’s Pale Ale is at 6.5% abv, and Double Dale’s is at 9% abv. The Works is on shelves nationwide now.

Anheuser-Busch is launching Neon Burst, a new fruit-flavored sparkling hard drink. Launching in convenience channels, the brand is available in the flavors Punch Blast–featuring flavors of pineapple, passionfruit, orange, raspberry, cherry, and apple–and Grape Blowout, composed of grape and citrus flavors. Both options are at 8% abv. Neon Burst is available now in 25-ounce cans nationwide and in 16-ounce cans in many states.

William Grant & Sons is targeting the white-hot premixed cocktail market with a new brand, Batch & Bottle. The line draws from Grant’s U.S. portfolio to create classic cocktails and includes four offerings: Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned, Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan, Hendrick’s Gin Martini, and Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan. All four are available for a suggested price of $17 a 375-ml. and are rolling out now across the U.S.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Review: St. George Bruto Americano

Ready for a bigger, better, bitterer bar? Say hello to Bruto Americano! Inspired by distiller Lance Winters’ formative experiences growing up in California in the 1970s, Bruto is a bitter aperitivo liqueur made from a variety of herbs, roots, and other botanicals. Though the exact number of ingredients and formulation are proprietary, the bitterness comes primarily from gentian root; the citrus notes mostly from California-grown Seville orange; and the woodsy notes from balsam fir and Cascara sagrada (bark from the California buckthorn).

Some ingredients are hot-steeped, others are cold-infused. The resulting mixture is filtered and then colored in the traditional manner with cochineal to achieve a natural ruby red hue.

Bruto and Soda is a brilliant session drink. Also recommended in a Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano, and in various Spritzes.

GSN’s Remarks: Softly bitter and mildly sweet, this is a very drinkable aperitivo. In some ways reminiscent of sweet vermouth married to a kraut liqueur, the flavor is expressive, highly herbal and well balanced. We’ve been enjoying a small glass before dinner, but also it is a great addition to your cocktail arsenal used in traditionally bracing cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano and Boulevardier. Another winner from St. George. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: St. George Spirits

#BrutoAmericano

 

GSN Review: St. George Pear Brandy

Pear brandy has been St. George’s flagship spirit since 1982, the year the distillery was founded. Today they make a wide array of spirits—all of them inspired by the philosophy of craft brandy production. They begin by sourcing the most flavorful and characteristic fruit they can find and then distill it at its prime. By using the whole fruit in its entirety, they maximize the most elemental and essential flavors and aromas. No sugar or anything artificial is added, so all you get is the honest essence of the raw material.

The brandy is distilled in a collection of copper pot stills—including their oldest still, a 250-liter custom made by the Arnold Holstein Company in 1982. Done right, a single still run is all it takes.

Europeans traditionally sip unaged fruit brandy as a digestif. But at 40% alcohol and with no residual sugar, their wildly aromatic pear and raspberry brandies are a bartender’s secret weapon—enhancing any cocktail that calls for vivid fruit flavor without additional sweetness.

GSN’s Remarks: A lovely freshly cut pear aroma greets the nose. Very fruit forward flavor with a round and somewhat creamy mouthfeel. The pear character comes through loud and clear. This is one of the best tree fruit brandies we’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing. Obviously, they know what they are doing at St. George. We do like this as a digestif, but also it is amazing in a variety of brandy based cocktails. GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: St. George Spirits

#StGeorge #PearBrandy

GSN Review: Ron Barceló Organic Rum

Rum producer Ron Barceló has introduced a new product to the market – the first organic rum in the Dominican Republic. Distilled from the fresh juice of sugarcane grown in fertiliser-free fields with no added chemicals, it is subject to the company’s rigorous RB360 sustainability code.

To make the rum, a select cane field of only 1.5 square kilometres is used, which lies on the banks of the river next to the distillery. On this land, sugarcane is grown in a completely natural way, resulting in a limited production of only 39,670 cases per year, to be distributed globally.

Barceló Organic rests in a mixture of oak wood barrels of different ages, giving it an intense amber colour and subtle notes of cocoa, tobacco leaves, fleshy fruits and rose pepper.

“With this product, we are honouring Mother Nature through completely sustainable cultivation and eco-friendly packaging, made from vegetable fibre extracted from the bagasse resulting from the extraction of the cane juice, and printed with completely organic ink,» says Chiara Pennacchio, Global Marketing Director at Ron Barceló. “The cane residue is also used as biomass for the production of clean energy in the manufacturing process of all Barceló rums.”

The brand has been recognised for its commitment to protecting the planet. Its products are made under the brand’s sustainability code, an ambitious program that allows the company to monitor and manage its activity across the entire business operation in alignment with the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2016, the firm’s adherence to good environmental management practices made it the first Dominican rum producer to receive the Carbon Neutral and ISO14064-1 certifications, based on the NORDOM 798 standard. It was also the first to obtain and to use the Bilan Carbone® licence.

Ron Barceló measures its carbon emissions and reduces them by using biomass and photovoltaic cells to produce clean energy (which represents 90 per cent of the energy used in its rum-making process), as well as CO2 recovered during the fermentation phase.

This CO2 is then used to create bubbles in soft drinks. By-products from the distillation of cane juice, such as vinasse, are also used as a natural fertiliser. To offset emissions that it cannot reduce, the firm finances green projects in different countries. Those projects have been certified under the corresponding standards and contribute to the mitigation of the effects of climate change.

Vinicio Subero, Global Business and Supply Chain Director at Ron Barceló, says launching Barceló Organic is the next step in the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and also to the production of the highest quality products.

GSN’s Remarks: The nose is bright, woody and elegant. A dry and lightly sweet entry, with a hefty dose of oak cask. A round character on the mid-palate, while there is a somewhat tannic edge towards the sides of the tongue. Very friendly and full of character, this is a great spirit for tropical styled cocktails and aged rum forward classics. We appreciate the care and unique aspect that went into the crafting of this rum, and fully support their efforts to go the extra mile to keep our planet sustainable. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Ron Barcelo

#BarceloOrganicRum

GSN Spirited News: April 12th 2022 Edition

Colorado-based Laws Whiskey House has introduced the latest editions of its Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon and San Luis Valley Rye. The distillery’s Bottled in Bond 8-Year Four Grain Bourbon has a mashbill of 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. The Bottled in Bond 7-Year San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey, meanwhile, is 95% heirloom rye and 5% heirloom barley. Both retail at $80 and are rolling out in key markets. To qualify as a Bottled in Bond whiskey, the expression must be made by one distillery in a single season, must be bottled at 50% abv and must be aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

Lux Row Distillers is releasing Blood Oath Pact 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Calvados casks. A limited supply of 17,000 (3-pack) cases will arrive at retail this April at a suggested price of $120 a 750-ml bottle. The makeup of latest edition of Blood Oath includes 14-year ryed Bourbon and an 11-year ryed Bourbon, as well as an 8-year ryed Bourbon finished in Calvados casks.

Diageo has announced a new batch of Don Julio Primavera, the company’s limited release cask finished Tequila. For 2022, 26,000 cases will be released, with each bottle retailing for around $149 a 750-ml. The Tequila—a Reposado finished in casks that held orange-peel macerated wine—is bottled at 40% and is now available while supplies last.

Ireland’s Walsh Whiskey has announced this year’s release of Writers’ Tears Cask Strength Whiskey. Bottled at 54.6% abv, it blends Irish single malt and single pot still whiskies, with both components matured in Bourbon barrels. Only 2,100 bottles will be available in the U.S., where the whiskey carries a suggested retail price of $150.

Boann Distillery is launching Silks Irish Dry Gin. Distilled in Boann’s custom copper pot stills, the new brand contains 14 botanicals and is billed as a contemporary gin with bright citrus aromas. The brand was inspired when members of the Cooney family, Boann Distillery’s owners, captured a swarm of bees that then pollinated 6,500 apple trees in their orchards, which provide all elements for the contemporary gin. Silks is bottled at 42% abv and is priced at $40 a 750-ml. It’s available now in select U.S. markets through Prestige Beverage Group.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 12th 2022 Edition

Paso Robles, California-based Firestone Walker has introduced Mind Haze Light, a hazy IPA with 100 calories per can. Rolling out in six-packs of 12-ounce cans, Mind Haze Light is at 4% abv. It uses the same yeast strain as the original Mind Haze, as well as a grist bill that employs wheat and oats. The dry hopping blend is also similar, but with Mosaic and El Dorado hops pushed to the forefront. Firestone Walker’s Mind Haze brand family also includes Double Mind Haze and the Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack.

Cleveland-based Platform Beer Co. has debuted Odd Future, a new Imperial IPA. Clocking in at 8.6% abv, Odd Future is a new year-round brew with an aromatic and citrusy profile, according to the company. Platform has two locations in Cleveland and one in Cincinnati. Its beers are distributed to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, New York and New Jersey.

Cayman Jack, part of the Mark Anthony portfolio, has released a new Margarita Variety Pack with flavors including Margarita, Strawberry, Mango, and Watermelon. The flavored malt beverage brand’s new pack includes three 12-ounce slim cans each of those flavors, which are at 5.8% abv.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Review: Firestone Hopnosis IPA

Culminating a 15-year quest to master the West Coast IPA, one of the world’s most highly regarded brewers has unveiled a beer that sets new standards for what an IPA can be. Firestone Walker brewmaster  Matt Brynildson has taken his mastery of hopping techniques over the years and rolled it into one beer – Firestone Walker Hopnosis IPA – a full-bodied, well-blended, explosively tropical IPA.    

The secret behind Hopnosis is a proprietary blend of hops from across the globe including New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest, along with the use of Cryo Hops® technology to separate, preserve and intensify the hop components, resulting in a robust yet smooth beer. 

GSN’s Remarks: Freshly sliced pineapple notes open up the palate, with a session-like bitterness. But, don’t be fooled. This is a 6.7% abv brew that will put you under its spell. The body is light, summery and with a creamy mouthfeel. The hop blend really is superb here, creating a cohesive whole wherein you can taste the malt, the hops and the minerality of the water. When many companies are still pushing hops to 11, it is refreshing to have a more balanced take on the style. Cheers to Firestone! GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Firestone Beer

#FirestoneBeer #HopnosisIPA