If the US Government is warming up to North Korea, how much longer can it be until Cuban Rum is back? TTB has started to allow a small number of products from North Korea, and the news a few days ago is that this is part of a broader US-North Korea cooperation. Does anyone find the D in DPR a tad misleading? A good trend or bad? We’ll go way out on a limb and foolishly boldly predict that Cuban Rum will be back in the US (legally) within two years, after an almost 50-year absence. The story is documented in this new book: “Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba: The Biography of a Cause.”
Continue Reading Leave a CommentCrystal Head Vodka
We thought it would be good to have a tag for unusual containers, and this would rather appear to fit the bill. This is Dan Aykroyd’s new vodka. Many thanks to Rob Masters, Distiller at Colorado Pure Distilling, for alerting us to this. The Intoxicologist and Dan explain.
Continue Reading Leave a CommentChardonnay with Eggs and a Bit of Fish Protein
If the above sounds grotesque, you may need to get used to it. Egg whites, fish protein and milk are commonly used in alcohol beverages. New allergen rules may require much more frequent disclosure, on many more labels in the near future. TTB’s qualification says “The disclosure of allergens used in this product is voluntary, pending final rulemaking (See Notice No. 62, 71 FR 42329).”
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Not Port Wine from Portugal
It appears that this winery was not allowed to call their 17.1% alc./vol. dessert wine a Port Wine, because it’s made and bottled in Florida rather than Portugal. But rather than give up and call it something boring, they found a witty but fairly subtle and lawyerly way to get their point across.
Continue Reading Leave a CommentWho's the Real Maverick, Anyway?
The McCain campaign is not alone in reaching out for this tried and true brand, the Maverick. A fair number of winemakers have proclaimed their independence with the same descriptor. Maverick – Above the Law is a South Australia Shiraz. Four Vines is an Amador County Zinfandel, and is not just independent but “fiercely independent.”
Continue Reading Leave a CommentTags: current events, famous, writing/witty/funny