non-liquid

This Liquor Sicle label features a prominent reference to “Liquor.” This has become rare. Where did the term come from, and where did it go? The Online Etymology Dictionary defines “liquor” this way:

early 13c., likur “any matter in a liquid state,” from O.Fr. licour, from L. liquorem (nom. liquor) “liquid, liquidity,” from liquere “be fluid.” Sense of “fermented or distilled drink” (especially wine) first recorded c.1300. To liquor up “get drunk” is from 1845.

It is semi-ironic that this term is being applied to one of the few TTB products that is not intended to be consumed in a “liquid state.” From way back in 1892, here is a court struggling with the term, and trying to find the distinction between beer and liquor. In a further irony, the term is probably used more commonly, these days, on malt beverages (such as Colt 45) compared to distilled spirits. “Malt liquor” goes back to at least 1937, and Alvin Gluek secured a patent on it in 1948.

Good idea. A 38 proof spirit in a ReddiWhip can. Somebody should have done it a long time ago. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that:

two Atlanta inventors are getting ready to release a product they think will forever change the world of silly cocktails as we know it. … So original and so potentially game-changing is this creamy newcomer that the inventors had to invent a word for it. … It is a beautiful word, a portmanteau of the highest order, and it tells you all you need to know: Whipahol!

Because of a state law that prevents bars from selling liquor from containers smaller than 750 ml, the Whipped Lightning boys have yet to get a Georgia distributor. So they’re beginning with distribution deals in neighboring states and are working toward getting a Georgia waiver.

Maple Grove Products … is the only producer of distilled spirits in the state of Georgia, according to David Dyal at the Georgia Department of Revenue.

This is what happens you combine alcohol, cream, a lawyer, and Devo (“It’s not too late. To whip it. Whip it good.”). November 30, 2010 Update:  here is a good CNBC clip on Whipahol, from yesterday. It is hard to believe that this light and frothy...

… or as the label notes, at least not to your children. While not obvious from the label, this Tequila specialty comes pre-frozen in popsicle form, complete with a stick. Other brands previously introduced the concept of frozen alcohol beverages in various forms (see Freaky Ice flavored malt beverage).