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SKY RANCH TO HONOR “The Class of 2004” ON MARCH 7
The Sky Ranch Foundation held its 13th annual Hall of Fame dinner on Sunday, March 7th, 2004 at the Las Vegas Hilton. The event, being held in conjunction with the very popular Nightclub & Bar Show, (now known simply as “The Show”), honored individuals whose personal and business achievements have made an important contribution to the united efforts of the alcohol beverage industry to provide quality care for the troubled teens at Sky Ranch for Boys.
Each year the Sky Ranch Foundation names a number of individuals to the Hall of Fame. These individuals reflect the broad support Sky Ranch enjoys among suppliers, distributors, retailers and allied organizations.
The “Class of 2004” for the Sky Ranch Hall of Fame includes:
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Pictured above: Ms. Suzie Riga |
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Supplier: Barry Becton, Diageo, Washington, DC
Retailer: Suzanne Riga, Green’s Beverages, Columbia, SC
Distributor: Ray Norvell, DeLuca Liquor & Wine, Las Vegas, NV
Allied: Malcolm Cutting, Bardstown WAABI/Jim Beam Brands Co., Clermont, KY
Sky Ranch for Boys, which celebrates its 44th anniversary in 2004, is a unique 3,000-acre facility on the South Dakota/Montana border where kids from all parts of America get a second chance and a fresh start. Sky Ranch has built an enviable record over the years as it focuses on teaching kids to respect themselves and others. Through sports, arts, working with animals and even learning to fly a small plane, Sky Ranch helps kids find their natural gifts and take pride in them. Most boys advance at least 2 years in the grade level of their academic work during a one-year stay at Sky Ranch.
In 1961, members and friends of the alcohol beverage industry at all levels agreed to support the development of Sky Ranch. They formed the Sky Ranch Foundation, which has purchased the land, built the buildings, and provided annual cash support equal to 25 percent of the Sky Ranch budget. This 40+ year tradition has earned Sky Ranch the nickname, “the adopted charity of the alcohol beverage industry.” More than $15 million has been raised to help Sky Ranch since 1960.
Addiditonal Photos of the Hall Of Fame Inductees, general information about Sky Ranch and the Foundation can be found on the foundation web site: www.skyranchfoundation.org |
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Paul Pacult’s personal choices for the best 100 spirits currently available. Each entry was previously rated 5 stars/Highest Recommendation in F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
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Green's would like to say a special "Thank You" to our friends at the Spirit Journal for allowing us to share this great info with our wonderful customers.
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The SPIRIT JOURNAL 100 for 2004
1) COEUR DE LION 1963 Calvados Pays d’Auge (France); 42% AbV, $310.00 Just that rare, mature, fully integrated brandy that is seamless, elegant and, in my mind, bloody perfect.
2) A. HARDY Noces de Diamant 60 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $500.00 Last year’s Number One still makes me want to shout. Graceful, powerful and a legend.
3) ARDBEG Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Whisky/Cask Strength (Scotland); 54.2% AbV, $75.00 My early-on candidate for Whisky of the Year, smoky, peaty but silky Uigeadail is one of the five or six finest Islay malts I’ve ever tasted. Oh, baby, what a thoroughbred-with-attitude.
4) EVAN WILLIAMS Vintage 1994 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 43.3% AbV, $25.00 Every year, the succeeding vintage makes the SJ100’s top 25. The 1992 was #12 in 2002 and the 1993 was #25 last year. Parker and Craig Beam are distilling geniuses, pure and simple.
5) CHATEAU DE LAUBADE Vintage 1941 Bas Armagnac (France); 40% AbV, $460.00 The unbelievable freshness and vitality of this old BasArm are things to behold slowly and with care. Hey, listen to me, French grape brandy doesn’t get any better.
6) CHARBAY Vodka (USA); 40% AbV, $27.00 I caught flak last year from a few spirit “purists” (Neo-Nazis) who moaned about a vodka breaking into the Top 10. Buy it and taste it, is what I suggest. Then shut up.
7) HIGHLAND PARK 18 Year Old Orkney Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $85.00 There is one single malt that will be in the Top 10 for as long as it is available. Here it is. My preeecioussss.
8) LYSHOLM LINIE Aquavit (Norway); 41.5% AbV, $25.00 Without a doubt, one of the finest, best made spirits of any type. Leaves my lips smacking every single time I have it.
9) BOWMORE Darkest Sherry Casked Islay Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $65.00 For those of you who remember Scotch’s Holiest of Holies, Black Bowmore 1964, give this Baby Black a whirl. Brings back memories of unbridled bliss.
10) SANTA TERESA 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum (Venezuela); 40% AbV, $35.00 Another recent sampling just confirmed that this is rum’s crème de le crème. Succulent, heavenly, decadent.
11) GLENROTHES 1974 Speyside Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $95.00 One of Speyside’s premier malt distilleries. They outdid themselves with this toasty winner. Fabuloso.
12) GRAND MARNIER Cuvée Spéciale Cent Cinquantenaire Liqueur (France); 40% AbV, $215.00 As long as I’m doing SJ100 lists this will be in the Top 25, if not the Top 15. Liqueurs don’t get any better or classier. The ultimate liqueur experience.
13) FRANCIS DARROZE 1956 Domaine de Gaube Bas Armagnac (France); 45.3% AbV, $508.00 I know that it’s pricey, but so are Bentleys. When you desire the best, you have to be willing to pay for it.
14) BOWMORE 25 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $180.00 I know that #9 and #14 seem like stacking the deck, but having tasted this masterpiece again recently I can say without reservation and in the most clinical language, “HOLY MOLY. THAT’S GOOD!”
15) TANQUERAY Special Dry English Gin (England); 47.3% AbV, $22.00 Won the big prize for White Spirits at the SF World Spirits Competition in March and absolutely deserved it. Still the One.
16) GERMAIN-ROBIN Anno Domini 2004 Alambic Brandy (USA); 40% AbV, $350.00 Hubert Germain-Robin long ago joined the slim ranks of American alambic brandy geniuses (Steve McCarthy, Jorg Rupf, Miles Karakasevic, too). This yearly fourth quarter treat makes my day when it arrives. State-of-the-art.
17) PLYMOUTH Dry Gin (England); 41.2% AbV, $30.00 Elevated this beauty from #40 last year because I positively swoon anytime I taste it. It really does make the tastiest dry martinis and G & Ts.
18) LAPHROAIG 30 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $225.00 The quintessential LaFroggie, huge, biscuity, pipe smoke sweet, yet stunningly elegant and fine. WOW.
19) DANIEL BOUJU Royal Brut de Fut Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 60% AbV, $65.00 If all cognac could only taste and smell like this sensational monster AbV winner, my job would be easy.
20) BARBANCOURT ESTATE Réserve 15 Year Old Rhum (Haiti); 43% AbV, $30.00 Still a fond and trusted benchmark for me when I’m evaluating super-premium rums. It’s a gold standard. What more could I say?
21) BUSHMILLS Irish Cream Liqueur (Ireland); 17% AbV, $19.00 For all the screaming ninnies who are going to crash and burn after seeing a cream liqueur in my Top 25, just try it. This is the one product I’ve tasted this year that I predict will redefine an entire subcategory. A classic.
22) NONINO Cru Grappa di Monovitigno Picolit, Colli Orientali del Friuli (Italy); 50% AbV, $156.00 Like Highland Park 18 and Grand Marnier 150 year old, this sublime spirit will always find a place in my Top 25. Only Antonella Bocchino’s Bacche di Corbezzolo (does it still exist?) stands as the grappa equal to the divine Nonino Picolit.
23) INNER CIRCLE Green Spot Rum (Australia); 57.2% AbV, $24.00 The only spirit from Oz to ever break into the Top 25. Deserves every accolade, every award that it’s received. A GREAT RUM.
24) HIGHLAND PARK 25 Year Old Orkney Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $185.00 The ideal chaser for the HP 18. So spectacular that it’s hard to talk about it in such a confined space. BUY IT. TREASURE IT. Single malt doesn’t come any more complex.
25) CABO WABO Reposado 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% AbV, $50.00 Has been the deeply herbal reposado that I’ve been waiting for over the last two to three years of tequila mediocrity. Responsible for some of the best margaritas ever made in the SJ offices.
26) WILD TURKEY “Kentucky Spirit” Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 50.5% AbV, $45.00
27) BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Irish Malt Whiskey (Ireland); 40% AbV, $65.00
28) PEARL Vodka (Canada); 40% AbV, $25.00
29) FLOR DE CANA Centenario 21 Year Old Limited Edition Rum (Nicaragua); 40% AbV, $60.00
30) CHARTREUSE Green (France); 55% AbV, $40.00
31) SHAKERS Rose Flavored Vodka (USA); 32.5% AbV, $33.00
32) LECOMPTE 12 Year Old Calvados Pays d’Auge (France) 42% AbV, $60.00
33) W.L. WELLER 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 45% AbV, $17.00
34) JEAN FILLIOUX Très Vieux Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $90.00
35) VAN GOGH Gin (Holland); 47% AbV, $30.00
36) DELAMAIN Reserve de la Famille Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $200.00
37) EVAN WILLIAMS 1783 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 43% AbV, $11.00
38) MARIE BRIZARD Anisette Liqueur (France); 25% AbV, $24.00
39) MATHILDE Cassis Liqueur (France); 16% AbV, $20.00
40) HANGAR ONE Kaffir Lime Vodka (USA); 40% AbV, $36.00
41) RON ZACAPA Centenario Rum (Guatemala); 40% AbV, $35.00
42) ZYR Russian Vodka (Russia); 40% AbV, $32.00
43) EAGLE RARE 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 43% AbV, $40.00
44) COGNAC MARTHE Sepia 30 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 44% AbV, $125.00
45) VAN WINKLE Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (USA); 47.8% AbV, $30.00
46) SYLK By DRAMBUIE Liqueur (Scotland); 17% AbV, $22.00
47) MACALLAN 18 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $85.00
48) GEORGE T. STAGG Limited Edition Uncut/Unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA); 71.35% AbV, $45.00
49) FRAPIN VIP XO Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $159.00
50) CHIVAS REGAL 18 Year Old Blended Whisky (Scotland); 40% AbV, $65.00
51) SHAKERS Vodka (USA); 40% AbV, $33.00
52) DRAMBUIE Liqueur (Scotland); 40% AbV, $28.00
53) BALVENIE 25 Year Old Single Barrel Speyside Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 46.9% AbV, $100.00
54) BENEDICTINE D.O.M. Liqueur (France); 40% AbV, $28.00
55) CADENHEAD’S OLD RAJ Dry Gin (Scotland); 55% AbV, $50.00
56) CHARBAY Rum (USA); 40% AbV, $34.00
57) RICHARD HENNESSY Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $1,500.00
58) HERRADURA Anejo 100% Agave Tequila (Mexico); 40% AbV, $55.00
59) A. HARDY Perfection Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 41% AbV, $6,000.00
60) TANQUERAY No. Ten Batch Distilled Gin (England); 47.3% AbV, $25.00
61) BRILLET Très Vieille Réserve XO Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $100.00
62) ORIGINAL POLISH Vodka (Poland); 40% AbV, $25.00
63) CLEAR CREEK DISTILLERY Eau-de-Vie de Pomme Apple Brandy (USA); 40% AbV, $32.00
64) APPLETON ESTATE Extra Rum (Jamaica); 43% AbV, $25.00
65) DOMENIS Kosher Amaro Liqueur (Italy); 28% AbV, $50.00
66) SAMALENS 1952 Bas Armagnac (France); 40% AbV, $395.00
67) VAN GOGH Vanilla Flavored Vodka (Holland); 35% AbV, $30.00
68) CHIVAS ROYALE SALUTE 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (Scotland); 40% AbV, $180.00
69) CHATEAU DE SAINT AUBIN Réserve du Chateau Bas Armagnac (France); 40% AbV, $89.00
70) DOMAINE CHARBAY “Nostalgie” Black Walnut Liqueur (USA); 30% AbV, $75.00
71) CITADELLE Gin (France); 44% AbV, $25.00
72) BRILLET Très Rare Heritage Brut de Fut Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $300.00
73) AUCHENTOSHAN Three Wood Lowlands Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $50.00
74) EDMOND BRIOTTET Crème de Framboise Raspberry Liqueur (France); 20% AbV, $22.00
75) THE DALMORE Cigar Malt Northern Highlands Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $37.00
76) GRAND MARNIER Cuvée de Centenaire Liqueur (France); 40% AbV, $95.00
77) VEDRENNE Supercassis Crème de Cassis Cote d’Or (France); 20% AbV, $18.00
78) MACALLAN 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 43% AbV, $175.00
79) FRANCIS DARROZE 1977 Domaine de Dupont Bas Armagnac (France); 47.5% AbV, $123.00
80) ABSOLUT Kurant Vodka (Sweden); 40% AbV, $20.00
81) DELORD Heritage Over 40 Years Old Bas Armagnac (France); 40% AbV, $275.00
82) LONGMORN 15 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky (Scotland); 45% AbV, $48.00
83) COEUR DE LION Hors d’Age Calvados Pays d’Auge (France); 42% AbV, $95.00
84) VAN GOGH Coconut Flavored Vodka (Holland); 35% AbV, $30.00
85) DELAMAIN Extra Grande Champagne Cognac (France); 40% AbV, $140.00
86) NONINO Gioiello Nonino Distillato di Miele di Agrumi (Italy); 37% AbV, $82.00
87) BELLE DE BRILLET Extra Liqueur – Poire Williams au Cognac (France); 30% AbV, $35.00
88) F. MEYER Quetsch Red Plum Brandy (France); 45% AbV, $18.00/375 ml
89) MANDARINE IMPERIALE XO Limited Edition Liqueur (France); 40% AbV, $110.00
90) HANGAR ONE Mandarin Blossom Tangerine Vodka (USA); 40% AbV, $36.00
91) CROWN ROYAL Special Reserve Blended Canadian Whisky (Canada); 40% AbV, $40.00
92) BRN SEA WYNDE Pot Still Rum (Jamaica/Guyana); 46% AbV, $40.00
93) JOHNNIE WALKER Gold 18 Year Old Blended Whisky (Scotland); 40% AbV, $65.00
94) MAISON SURRENNE 1986 Distillerie Galtaud Borderies Cognac (France); 40.5% AbV, $70.00
95) GRAN DUQUE D’ALBA Solera Gran Reserva Brandy de Jerez (Spain); 40% AbV, $37.00
96) STOLICHNAYA Vanil Vanilla Flavored Vodka (Russia); 40% AbV, $22.00
97) CASTELLO DI BARBARESCO Sperss Grappa – Angelo Gaja (Italy); 45% AbV, $35.00
98) LA BOTIJA Italia Pisco (Peru); 41.5% AbV, $17.00
99) LEJAY-LEGOUTE Crème de Griotte Cherry Liqueur (France); 20% AbV, $16.00
100)SCHEIBEL Marillen Yellow Cherry Liqueur (Germany); 35% AbV, $28.00
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By Suzie Riga
Spartanburg Herald-Journal (Op-Ed)
February 2, 2003
No one is offended when a mini bottle of syrup is served with the pancakes at Cracker Barrel. This is a small, unopened bottle of syrup, rather than a sticky pitcher that has been handled and refilled many times. Why then would anyone be offended by a drink served from a new, tamper-proof mini bottle containing the product they ordered. Amazing, isn’t it.
The mini bottle is under attack again! I suppose you’re thinking, why don’t we just get rid of that silly little bottle. Why not? Because it’s the greatest system in the country. Who would have thought that in 1970, our legislators would develop a system so unique, so convenient, and so difficult to replace.
While South Carolinians were “brown-bagging”, the rest of the bars in the country were free-pouring. Our legislators wanted a system that would be easy to control, simple to use, collect 100% of the tax, and give the customer a consistent drink. They chose the mini bottle because it fit the bill. A very high tax was placed on each bottle to discourage heavy drinking. Through the years the sale of mini bottles has soared thus adding nearly 20 million to the state coffers. This tax is paid each month from only 4 wholesalers, as the cases are sold to the retailer, requiring no additional agents to collect this revenue.
The state expects and uses this 20 million revenue, so if the system is changed, the state will still expect this amount. In case of a shortfall, the tax must come from somewhere in the liquor industry and most likely would be an across the board increase on the bottles in the retail stores. This would be unfair to the South Carolina consumer.
If this foolproof system is changed to free pour, competition and tips will govern the size of drink served. With the consistent size throughout the state, we don’t worry about how long that bottle has been sitting on the back bar before a drink was made. Has it been watered down? Does the label on the bottle represent the product inside? A mini offers a clean, sealed container free of any contaminates or pollutants upholding the integrity of the brand ordered.
Mini bottles are sold in 38 states in retail stores. South Carolina bars use only 17% of all mini bottles sold in the country not including airlines. The airlines have stated they will not discontinue using these small bottles because of the size, weight, and ease of serving with only a small space needed for storage. The distiller will not discontinue producing them since they are an important size in brand promotion, assuring SC of continued availability.
Legislation has been introduced to remove alcohol laws from the constitution along with the mini bottle language. This bill removes the hours of operation and sizes of all bottles sold in retail stores, and places the control of all alcohol laws in the hands of the General Assembly, city and county councils. At this time, under the protection of the constitution, alcohol laws can not be changed every few years and have therefore maintained consistency throughout the state. This is a very regulated industry, as it should be, and should not be open for change at the whim of those who are unfamiliar with this business.
Who really wants to make this change and why? Would the legislators want to take a chance of collecting less tax revenue? No. They have a sure thing now. Some argue South Carolina serves the stiffest drink in the country. Not true. We still collect samples of drinks in our travels in other states and find the drinks are becoming stronger. We have accomplished a great deal in educating our citizens about moderate drinking and using a designated driver and realize how much control would be lost if the system is changed.
Would a bar owner want to go to free pour? The chains from out of state might want this, but how many small business owners want or can afford this change. The huge investment in remodeling to accommodate big bottles, purchasing new equipment to serve liquor, retraining bartenders, and losing inventory control opens up more headaches for the owners than the mini bottle could ever produce. Would prices go down after these investments? Hardly. After this change, the bars will have to compete for the drink business. The bar serving 1 ounce drinks will be a lonely place.
Everyone benefits with the mini bottle. So South Carolina serves drinks differently than other states; that doesn’t make it wrong. Think of it as a unique way to serve a good drink. The odds on collecting 20 million from the education lottery are 1,483,646 to one. The odds on the state collecting 20 million on mini bottles per year are 100%. This system is too good to lose.
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Suzie Riga is vice president of Green’s Beverages, and former president of National Association of Beverage Retailers.
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Article by Suzie Riga
On October 8th 2002, more than 500 guests gathered on the lawn of George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon to celebrate the inauguration of the “George Washington Spirits Society”. Four prominent individuals were inducted into the Society at the evening reception: former Brown Forman CEO Ambassador W.L. Lyons Brown; General Alfred M. Gray, USMC (Ret.), former commandant of the Marine Corps; A. Raymond Tye, chairman, The United Group; and Charles Bailes, Jr. of ABC Fine Wine and Liquor.
The first week in October, 1797, George Washington recorded in his weekly farm journal that carpenters began “hewing the timber for the still house”.
This event marked the 205th anniversary of the construction of Washington’s distillery, which is now being reconstructed on the same site by the industry at a cost of 1.2 million.
The day began at the distillery site with a report from the Mt. Vernon archaeological director, followed by the historically authentic tapping and bottling of commemoratives. The actual commemorative bottles auctioned during the evening festivities came from barrels tapped earlier at the site of the distillery. These barrels were shipped down the Potomac River to Mount Vernon in May 2001, where they have been aging since the distillery groundbreaking.
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All three tiers of the liquor industry and members of Congress enjoyed the mansion tour and lovely reception hosted by “George Washington and his wife Martha”, followed by a magnificent fireworks display. After dinner, there was a “spirited” auction, led by celebrity auctioneer Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mt), featuring commemorative bottles of whiskey and rum including: Casa Bacardi, Cruzan, Jack Daniels’s, Maker’s Mark, Mount Vernon whiskey, Platte Valley, Very Old Barton, Virginia Gentleman, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.
Each bottle displayed a medallion commemorating George Washington’s distillery and many also included unique Mount Vernon labels specially approved by the U.S. government for the event.
$170,000 was raised during the auction at this gala event. The money will be used to support the ongoing reconstruction of George Washington’s actual distillery and Mount Vernon’s educational mission of the estate.
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GENERAL WASHINGTON QUOTES
"And, as an encouragement to them to behave well, and to attend diligently to their Duty, the Colonel (Washington) promises to give them, so long as they deserve it, four gallons of rum, made into punch, every day."
General Orders
August 7, 1756
Order for "1 Hogshead (125 gallons) of good rum" and "1 Barrel of good Spirits."
George Washington to Captain Lawrence Sanford
September 29, 1770
"In like Manner, since our Imports of Spirit have become so precarious, nay impracticable, on Account of the Enemy's Fleet which infests our Whole Coast, I would beg leave to suggest the propriety of erecting Public Distilleries in different States. The benefits arising from moderate use of Liquor, have
been experienced in All Armies, and are not to be disputed!!"
George Washington to the President of Congress
August 16, 1777
"It is necessary, there should always be a Sufficient Quantity of Spirits with the Army, to furnish moderate supplies to the Troops. In many instances, such as when they are marching in hot or Cold weather, in Camp in Wet, on fatigue or in Working Parties, it is so essential, that it is not to be dispensed with. I should be happy if the exorbitant price, to which it has risen, could be reduced."
George Washington to William Buchanan
August 20, 1777
"As the President will be going, if he proceeds, into the County of Whiskey he proposes to make use of that liquor for his drink…"
Bartholemew Dandridge to Henry Knox
October 9, 1794
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Thanks to Frank Coleman and the Distilled Spirits Council for permission to add this article to our site.
DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL LAUNCHES AMERICAN WHISKEY TRAIL sm
-- NATIONAL TOURISM INITIATIVE BEGINS AT GEORGE WASHINGTON’S DISTILLERY --
The Distilled Spirits Council in cooperation with Historic Mount Vernon today announced the creation of a new distilling museum at George Washington’s Distillery, which will become the Gateway to the American Whiskey Trail sm, a new national cultural heritage and tourism initiative featuring historic sites and museums in 5 states that showcase whiskey and distilling.
“What better place to serve as the gateway to the American Whiskey Trail than George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter Cressy. “George Washington was the most successful distiller of his time and symbolizes everything modern distillers stand for: responsibility, moderation and quality.”
Mount Vernon historians, while recently combing through historic records, found that George Washington added a second story to his distillery for extra grain storage due to the increasing demand for his whiskey. Also concerned about security at the distillery, Washington had bedroom quarters built into the upstairs space for his distillery manager and assistant manager.
Since 2000, America’s leading distillers and wholesalers have donated $1.2 million to Mount Vernon to reconstruct the distillery at its original site. Mount Vernon intends to restore the second floor of the distillery with an extra $300,000 donated by the distilled spirits industry and use the space as a national distilling museum.
“Through this interactive museum, we hope to educate millions of tourists about our Founding Father’s successful distilling operation and to preserve the rich heritage of distilling in America,” said Jim Rees, Executive Director of Historic Mount Vernon.
American Whiskey Trailsm Launched at Mount Vernon
At the Mount Vernon event, participants -- including the country’s leading Master Distillers -- toasted to the launch of the American Whiskey Trail sm with a taste of George Washington’s Rye Whiskey which was made by the Master Distillers last year at the distillery site using George Washington’s historic recipe.
The American Whiskey Trail sm will take tourists on an educational journey into the cultural heritage and history of spirits in America. From the colonial era, where Whiskey had an important economic and social function in the fabric of the community, to the Whiskey Rebellion, through Prohibition and into modern times spirits have played a sometimes controversial but always fascinating role in our nation’s history. Historic sites on the American Whiskey Trail include:
George Washington Distillery, (Mount Vernon, VA)
The distillery is currently an archaeology site but soon to be completely reconstructed. Upon completion, it will be the gateway to the American Whiskey Trailsm where you can begin an educational journey into the cultural heritage and history of spirits in America.
www.mountvernon.org/learn/pres_arch/index.cfm
George Dickel Distillery (Tullahoma, TN)
Since 1870, George A. Dickel Tennessee Whiskey is still handcrafted with the same processes and attention-to-detail that George Dickel established to ensure that each drop is as remarkable now as it was when the first batch was made.
www.georgedickel.com
Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg, TN)
The oldest registered distillery in the United States, the making of Jack Daniel's whiskey was set down by its founder, Jack Daniel, and has been maintained and preserved for over 140 years.
www.jackdaniels.com
Jim Beam Distillery (Clermont, KY)
Seven generations and more than two centuries later, Jim Beam bourbon is still made the same way, by the same family, following the same recipe perfected in 1795. The distillery campus is made up of the T. Jeremiah Beam home where one can savor the world renowned bourbons in the tasting parlor; the American Outpost where visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind merchandise; and The Hartmann Cooperage Museum, a recreation of an 1800’s barrel-making shop.
www.jimbeam.com
Maker’s Mark Distillery (Loretto, KY)
Established in 1805 as a gristmill distillery, Maker’s Mark is the oldest working distillery on its original site – and a National Historic Landmark. The historic charm is not the only reason to visit the Maker’s Mark distillery; the beautifully manicured grounds are a functioning arboretum; hosting more than 275 species of trees and shrubs, and makes for an ideal picnic spot.
www.makersmark.com
Wild Turkey Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
Once inside this real working distillery, watch as new Bourbon is poured into handcrafted barrels then tour the timbered warehouses, where thousands of barrels sit and age.
www.wildturkey.com
Woodford Reserve Distillery (Versailles, KY)
The historic distillery has been fully restored to its former 1800’s splendor and is a designated National Historic Landmark. A distillery highlight is Woodford Reserve’s old-fashioned pot stills, which are used in the time-honored production of Woodford Reserve.
www.woodfordreserve.com
Rum Distilleries
Bacardi Visitor Center (Catano, Puerto Rico)
On the sparkling San Juan Bay…across from the historic El Morro Castle…Casa BACARDI…located at the world’s largest premium rum distillery. The tour is free to all guests, transporting visitors back to 1862 for a journey to the present.
www.casabacardi.org
Cruzan Rum Distillery (St. Croix, US Virgin Islands)
Founded in 1760, the Cruzan Rum distillery is recognized as much for its hand-crafted, ultra-premium rums as for its critically acclaimed, natural tasting flavorful rums.
www.cruzanrum.com
Historic Sites
Fraunces Tavern Museum (New York, NY), best known as the site where George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army in 1783, is now a restored complex made up of four 19th century buildings as well as the 18th century Fraunces Tavern Building. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for merchant Stephan Delancey and later purchased in 1762 by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces.
www.frauncestavern.org
Gadsby’s Tavern (Alexandria, VA) was a center for political, business and social life in 18th century Alexandria, Virginia where prominent individuals such as George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were entertained. Today Gadsby's Tavern Museum is open to the public, offering tours and public programs showcasing the historic two buildings, the circa 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel.
www.gadsbystavern.org
Woodville Plantation, the John and Presley Neville House (Bridgeville, PA), a National Historic Landmark, was deemed "a temple of hospitality" -- the home of a general, a former commandant of Fort Pitt, a man of wealth and education. As collector of the new and hated federal excise tax on whiskey, John Neville was a major target in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.
www.woodvilleplantation.org
The Oliver Miller Homestead (Allegheny County’s South Park, PA) is a pioneer landmark and Whiskey Rebellion Site in Allegheny County’s South Park Pennsylvania. This old stone farmhouse nestled among the trees, is a sturdy remnant of frontier days.
www.whiskeyrebellion.org/miller
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History (Bardstown, KY) houses a 50-year collection of rare whiskey artifacts dating from pre-colonial days to post-Prohibition days. Among them are rare antique bottles, a moonshine still, advertising art, novelty whiskey containers, and Abraham Lincoln's liquor license.
West Overton Museum (Scottdale, PA) is the only pre-Civil War village still intact today in Pennsylvania. It was named to the National Register of Historic Districts in 1985 as an outstanding example of a 19th century rural industrial village complete with farm, two floors of the Overholt Mill/Distillery, industrial tools, Blacksmith Shop, a wash house and a smokehouse.
www.westovertonmuseum.org
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Wed May 8, 5:49 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many studies have found that a small to moderate amount of alcohol can reduce the risk of heart problems. Now, Spanish researchers report that wine drinkers are less likely than teetotalers to come down with the common cold.
Dr. Miguel A. Hernan of Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts and colleagues from the University of Santiago de Compostela and the University Hospital of the Canary Islands followed 4,272 male and female teachers at five Spanish universities over a year. All of the men and women, aged 21 to 69, kept daily diaries about cold symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, headache, chills, sore throat, cough and malaise.
The investigation revealed that men and women who drank more than 14 glasses of wine each week had a 40% reduction in colds compared with people who drank no alcohol. The association was stronger for red wine and the same findings were not true for people consuming other alcoholic beverages, the report indicates. On average, the men had 1.1 colds per person per year in that time, while women averaged 1.7 colds per person per year.
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"These results remained unaltered after adjustment for total alcohol intake and for other potential risk factors for common cold," Hernan and colleagues write. The researchers took into account other risk factors for catching a cold, including exposure to children, smoking status, allergies and other diseases.
"Among those participants consuming both red and white wine, the association was even stronger among those consuming red wine exclusively. Because subjects with a high intake of wine were rare in the study population, our results were limited to light-to-moderate wine consumption," the authors add.
It is not clear why wine drinkers had fewer colds, as the study did not look at this. It's possible that some other factor associated with wine drinking--possibly a healthier lifestyle in general--could explain the link.
The investigators speculate that substances called flavonoids--antioxidants found in grape skins--might have something to do with the drop in risk. Previous research has suggested that flavonoids have the ability to combat rhinoviruses, which are a major cause of colds.
"This finding might explain an increased resistance to viral infection among wine drinkers, but the relevance of any of these or other mechanisms to the relation between wine consumption and common cold episodes remains to be established," Hernan's team concludes.
SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology 2002;155:853-858.
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A creative drink recipe guide that has all the latest, best tasting drink recipes ever compiled:
* 2600 alphabetically listed recipes
* 294 shooter drinks
* 249 blended and ice cream drinks
* 214 tropical drinks
* 256 martinis and Manhattans
and much more!
Come in and see us in any of our store locations...
and purchase for ONLY $21.98!!
(sellling nationally and on our website for $24.95)
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Editorial Reviews
Beverage Analyst, December 2001
A creative drink recipe guide with the latest, best tasting drinks, this is the book you've been waiting for.
Nightclub and bar magazine January 2002
...filled with all the latest, best tasting drink recipes, with added mixology comment boxes to help make these great cocktails...
Kim Fleming, Future Brands November 2001
The best industrial strength bar book I have ever seen!
Book Description
This is the 4th edition of our creative drink recipe guide that includes over 2,600 delicious drink recipes, alphabetically listed and indexed by drink type and main ingredient. Also included are reviews of 126 of the hottest liquors and liqueurs on the market today. The four color cover and four color interior are beautifully designed.
About the Author
Robert Plotkin is one of the best known experts within the beverage industry today. His opinion and expertise is highly valued and sought after by most major liquor and mix companies worldwide. He has authored 11 books on beverage management, training, liquors and drinks. He has been a nationally syndicated columnist for the last twenty years and currently writes for over 10 publications, many with national distribution.
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Teens Prefer to Get Alcohol Advice Online
2/20/2004
Teens are receptive to advice about drinking safely, but a study finds that the preferred method of delivery is over the Internet rather than talking with doctors, the BBC reported Feb. 16.
Researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand said teens would rather get information about the dangers of alcohol over the Web or have it sent to them by mail or e-mail.
Least preferred was talking with physicians face-to-face, because most teens feared that doctors would criticize their drinking behavior.
Their conclusions are based on a review of existing studies that examined the most effective ways of delivering information to 15- to 24-year-olds.
"Our research suggests that young people who are not seeking treatment for an alcohol problem would be disinclined to discuss their drinking with a health practitioner through fear of being judged," said Dr. Kypros Kypri, who led the study.
"Young people are nonetheless curious about how risky their drinking is and how it compares with that of their peers," he added. "Computerized approaches capitalize on this curiosity while reducing the potential that young people will be put off by the prospect of having to discuss their drinking and its consequences with a health practitioner."
The study is published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research
John V. Moulden
President
National Commission Against Drunk Driving
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 370
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 240-247-6004
Fax: 240-247-7012
E-Mail: jmoulden@NCADD.com
Website: www.NCADD.com
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