Jack Daniel’s New Construction In Tennessee Blocked Due To Pervasive Black Fungus
Image Source: Jennifer Wright/Alamy
Whiskey that evaporates during aging is romantically called the “angel’s share." But the angel's share results in the devil's fungus, according to those who live near distilleries. Whiskey fungus is driving a wedge between residents of Lincoln County, Tennessee, and Jack Daniel’s, the distillery founded in 1866 in neighboring Moore County. For decades, JD's whiskey fungus has been coating homes, cars, patio furniture and road signs in a stubborn, sooty crust. Complaints have been filed. Lawsuits have been brought. Now, a local Tennessee court has halted construction of a new Jack Daniel's barrel house.
Spirits Edge Out Beer With 42.1% Market Share
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For the first time ever, spirits surpassed beer in US market share, according to the US Distilled Spirits Council. Fueled in part by a resurgent cocktail culture and ready-to-drink cocktails, spirits claimed 42.1% of the alcohol market share, with beer sales just behind at 41.9% market share. In 2022, more than 60% of total spirits revenue came from sales of super-premium spirits such as tequila and American whiskey.
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Edinburgh Scientists Restore 19th Century Scotch Flavors
Image Source: Dylan de Jonge
Researchers at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University have begun testing how 8 varieties of barley from the 1800s respond to modern processing methods. A 200-year-old variety called Chevallier, the most popular barley in Britain for 100 years, is under the microscope. Scotland's Holyrood Distillery is sponsoring the research and hopes the heritage barleys will bring back flavors and aromas that have been missing from Scotch whisky for many decades.
WineMag Forecasts Drink Trends For 2023
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Outer-space inspired whiskey? Martini madness? Sochu? Drinks writer Kara Newman interviewed spirits pros around the country to find out what people might be sipping at bars, night clubs, and their own homes in 2023. These year-end forecasts often don't come to pass, but here's one prediction I'd bet on: the ascent of agave spirits will continue.
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Budweiser Seeks $47M From FIFA After Last-Minute Alcohol Ban At World Cup
Image Source: Budweiser
Beer and sports go together like movies and popcorn. But not in Qatar. This year's World Cup host did a bait-and-switch, deciding just 2 days before the opening game that alcohol would not be sold in the 8 swanky new stadiums built for more than a million thirsty soccer fans. FIFA, the sport's governing body, caved to pressure from Qatari officials well after marquee sponsor Budweiser had already ponied up $75 million, set up dozens of branded beer tents, shipped beer in ocean freighters, and stored it in refrigerated warehouses to beat the desert heat. OK, said Bud: We'll donate the unsold beer to the country that wins the World Cup. And, oh yeah, we want a $47 million coupon for sponsoring the next World Cup.
Michter’s Rare 20-Year-Old Bourbon Returns
Image Source: J Sprecher
Just in time for the holidays, Michter’s has released its 20-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon for 2022. Bourbons aged this long sometimes taste woody due to decades of barrel aging in high temps and high humidity. The rare survivors are highly coveted among collectors. Bottled at 114-proof, the SRP for this year's 20-year Michter's is $1,200. That may seem steep, but previous Michter's 20-year bourbons have sold for over $10,000 on the collector market. At least that's cheaper than Michter's other unicorn bourbon, the 25-year-old, which sells for upwards of $16K. Too rich for me. But if you got the cash, I got the ice cubes.
