2017 Has Been a Great Year as Spirits Overtake Beer as Most Valuable Alcohol Category

      "In this modern, experience-driven on-premise environment, premiumization is evident in all categories, however no category highlights this more than spirits.”  "High-end" spirits now account for 55% of total spirits volume and 62% of dollar sales, a 3.2% increase from last year, bringing $807 million to the channel, according to Nielsen.   Ultra-Premium Spirits are growing at the fastest pace (+5% in dollar sales). Premium and ultra-premium rum, whisky and tequila have all added to the total spirits growth. In contrast, middle- and valued-priced spirits combined grew less than 1% in dollar sales in the period. 

     A similar trend is occurring in off-premise consumption where sales of spirits are registering good growth.   As more consumers shop and buy in different ways and in different places, discretionary categories like adult beverages have to work even harder to be as easily accessible and prominent in the newer channels and retailers where shoppers are shifting to.   Continued growth in spirits, the category has overtaken beer for the first time as the most valuable on-premise category."   Volume sales of beer struggled the most in the overall alcohol category with on-premise consumption taking the biggest dip over the same one-year period, with off-premise dollar sales of beer increased slightly for the past year.

  

   Wine has had a solid year of growth in both on-premise and off-premise channels.  France, New Zealand and Italy are the leading import countries, while Oregon is a top performer in domestic wine.  Wine is leading off-premise volume gains for at-home consumption. Red wine is also outperforming white in on-premise sales, but red blends have tumbled after several years of rapid growth in off-premise channels.

     The Nielsen figures cover US spending on alcohol in both the on- and off-trade setting between October 2016 and October 2017.  The report found that spirits were the ‘growth leader’ over that period, with sales increasing faster than wine and beer.   

Merry Christmas From Our Home to Yours

     

Merry Christmas to All 

and for all, the dream of

Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas Eve from the Tropics

     Christmas seems a little different this year as we are slowly recovering from the effects of Irma
and the recovery from her damage, but as we approach Christmas Eve and Day, people are climbing out of the lows and beginning to spread some Christmas cheer.

     I hope these holidays find you well and on the road to recovery from all of this years disasters of Hurricanes, Tornadoes and devastating fires.  Peace on earth and a hope for better times ahead.

8 Myths About Drinking That People Still Believe

     If you think a Lite beer has less alcohol, you believe one of the many myths about drinking.  The truth of the matter is that a standard drink has the same amount of alcohol whether it is light beer, wine or 80 proof spirits.  With the holiday season upon us, the parties, and family get-together's are in full swing. The party mood has taken hold, people tend to let their hair down and enjoy a few more drinks than normal.

     Having two glasses of wine is nothing to worry about, right? Many people believe men can have two drinks and women one and still be within the legal limit when they get behind the wheel of a car, it's much more complicated than that.  There are many myths surrounding alcohol consumption and drunk driving, you could be breaking the law without realizing it. 

     Rather than asking yourself how many drinks you can have before you go over the legal limit, rather ask yourself how many drinks you should have before your driving is affected?    The answer to that is none.   "The thought that you've taken or destroyed someone's life in a road crash could lead to psychological trauma even if you were within the legal limit".   "Your conscience may keep reminding you that the accident could have been prevented if you'd been 100 percent alert and capable of taking preventative measures."  Even though the “legal Limit ranges from .05 to .08 %/100 ml blood alcohol content these legal limits don’t take into consideration of how individuals will be able to handle their alcohol.

Here are the myths that are just not true, more like urban legends, they don’t exist.

1. Men can have two drinks and women one 

2. I had only one drink an hour

3. I drank beer, not hard liquor 

4. I'll be sober after a few hours of sleep

5. Coffee will sober me up

6. You can trick a breathalyser

7. I drive better if I've had one or two drinks

8. I'll just drive slower

     Here is how to have a good time and be safe, all you have to do is apply some of these things to be sure you don’t get into trouble if you have been drinking.

1. Appoint a designated driver

2. Use a public transportation like a bus, taxi service or Uber and Lyft

     Please have a really fun Holiday season with all the parties you can find.  The difference between going to parties and having fun and doing it safely is don’t drink and drive, it is really that simple.

The Cure for Cabin Fever

Hot Hawaiian Coffee Flavor without using any actual coffee,  Bahama Bob's Cabin Fever splashes together flavors a Hawaiian Koloa Coffee Rum with the with  Pilar Dark Rum  and Vanilla yielding this wonderful dark elixir that will warm you from your nose to your toes.   Served toddy style in a coffee mug, it’s topped with a cloud of whipped cream, lending this drink a silky texture with hints of a fine coffee house creation.

Bahama Bob’s Cabin Fever

• 1½ oz. Koloa Coffee Rum
• 1½ oz. Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum
• ½ oz. Le Sirop de Monin Vanilla
• Top with hot water

Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir, pour into a Coffee Mug and top up with hot water.  Garnish with fresh nutmeg and whipped Cream.

Vermont Rum Distillery Has Been Reportedly Forced to Close Due to an Issue a Name Change

     St Johnsbury Distillery, formerly known as Dunc’s Mill, was forced to shut down over its name change.  St Johnsbury Distillery, formerly known as Dunc’s Mill, was given a cease and desist order from the TTB, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau the federal agency that controls all distillery operations in the United States, last week.

     Owners Dan Hughes, Brendan Hughes and Brian Garvey, purchased the distillery from Duncan Holoday last month. As part of the deal, Holoday will continue in his role as master distiller for a year.   One of the new owners planned to move the distillery from Barnet to St Johnsbury in Vermont, hence the name change.  Dan Hughes, told the Caledonian Record, “We’ve been given a cease and desist order because we were under the impression that we could use and continue to operate under Duncan’s permits as long as we filed within a 30-day period from closing. Because of the name change, I guess that’s not true.”

     Skyler Genest, director of the compliance and enforcement division of the state Department of Liquor Control, says state licenses and federal permits are non-transferable.   Genest says the distillery can reopen once it gets authorization from the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.  

      The owners are awaiting approval from the TTB, before the cease and desist order can be lifted and they can reopen.   St Johnsbury Distillery produces four rums including Dunc’s Maple Rum, Dunc’s Elderflower Rum, Back Woods Reserve Rum and Vermont Rum.   Hughes calls the shutdown “devastating.” 

Musical Artists Trying to Ban Their Music for Karaoke

     Here is some news that really makes me mad, more than 100 artists are pushing for a ban on the use of their material for karaoke.  I guess that they don’t make enough for their effort and afraid that some bar singer might belt out a better version of their song.  It is a sorry day to see this happening.  It is my feeling that it is time to boycott the artists that that aren’t satisfied that they receive royalties for their works sung by karaoke singers even though they are not even a part of the performance.

     Karaoke singers have been banned by top stars like Abba and Adele and more than 100 bands and performers are no longer issuing new licenses for their music.   Don’t panic or anything, but your days of badly singing Hello and Dancing Queen at the top of your lungs during Karaoke could be over.   Adele, Abba, and Katy Perry tracks feature on a long list of bangers that have been banned from being performed on karaoke. We kid you not! No more Adele on Karaoke?  The London born star’s smash hit single Hello, Katy’s Roar and Abba’s classic Dancing Queen are sadly some of the legendary tunes that karaoke fans will be prohibited from belting out, as 100 bands and performers are no longer issuing new licenses for their music

     Bars and companies which re-create hits without the vocals are baffled by the move because it deprives the artists of royalties.  The ban already applies to online streaming services but will be extended to discs from January.  And future releases will no longer be available on any format.  Other artists on the list include the Bee Gees, Eurythmics, Katy Perry, Paul Weller and New Order.  He said: “We can’t understand why they’re doing it, it makes no sense.”  Jay Taylor, director of karaoke disc-maker Vocal-Star, said the move, which also affects home karaoke machines, will devastate the industry.     Rob Kempton of music rights consultancy Footprint Music said a variety of reasons could be behind the ban.  He said: “Artists might want to negotiate their own deal with karaoke companies, or it might be they don’t want songs overplayed and put people off.  "Maybe some just don’t like karaoke.”

Jamaica’s Long Pond Distillery Has Resumed Operation

Long Pond Distillery    Photo by Cocktail Wonk

      The Long Pond Distillery located in Clark's Town, Trelawny, Jamaica, resumed operations after being closed for four years.   Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager said the reopening of the 264-year-old distillery is welcomed, and is important for the economic viability of the parish.  Mayor Gager was representing Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda at the official recommissioning ceremony on Wednesday.   He expressed the Government's support and commitment to the restart of operation at the distillery.

     The Long Pond Distillery which enjoyed a long and rich history dating back to 1753, has been closed since 2012 due to waste disposal issues.   Chief Executive Officer of National Rums of Jamaica, Winston Harrison said 22 residents from Clark's Town are now employed at the distillery and the company is currently of completing several orders for Europe, including for their long-standing customers in Germany.

     Harrison said the distillery is a historical landmark in Trelawny, producing rums for some of the finest and renowned brands worldwide over the past two-and-a-half centuries.  He said that during the four-year closure, the management of Long Pond worked with the authorities to ensure that the necessary practices and policies were put in place for the resumption of operations.  “As an organization, we have taken all the necessary steps to deal with the disposal of waste issue.  We now have the requisite approval to ensure that we can operate. Essentially, the world is breathing a sigh of relief, Long Pond Limited is back,” he said.  Andrew McBean, Process coordinator also expressed his pleasure at the reopening.  Noting that “good things will happen for Long Pond and the citizens in and around will benefit” from Long Pond’s reopening.

Siesta Key Spiced Rum Wins ‘Best Spiced Rum’ in Caribbean Journal’s Rum Awards 2017

     Drum Circle Distilling is going to need a spare room to show off all of the international awards Siesta Key Rums have won since it opened six years ago.   The latest of these is the Caribbean Journal’s Rum Awards 2017 where the won “Best Spiced Rum”.

     The judges’ comments made it very clear as to Troy Roberts’ mastery of this category. “Only one rum company has ever appeared on every Rum Awards since its inception.   Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota, Fla. craft distillery produces the best spiced rum on the planet,” the judges said. “It’s called Siesta Key Rum, and its recipe of authentic spices and honey makes for an almost impossibly delicious expression.”

     Congratulations to Troy Roberts and his crew for winning this award for the sixth year in a row.  My friend Troy Roberts is one of the masters of innovation when it comes to spiced and flavored rums.  His Toasted Coconut Rum is another example of his fine craftsmanship and innovative mind when it comes to rum making.

Our Home Has Been Put on the Hard

     Marta and I are Temporarily  on our camper for the next couple of months.  Sanity Too has been put on the hard for the next couple of months.  She is getting some needed services and her Irma damage repaired.   We are aboard Lil Sanity, our "camper" until the work is completed.

2017 Caribbean Journal Rum Awards

Rum Journal’s Rum Awards is now in its sixth year, having grown into one of the world’s most important and influential measures in the rum category.  And every year, the judging by the Rum Journal special panel of judges gets more difficult, as rum continues to grow both in diversity and quality.  The most striking advancement of late has been the rum world’s renewed focus on the art of barrel aging, from special finishes to long-term aging.  This year’s final judging, performed at the terrific Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar in Miami, was the product of a year’s worth of tasting and research that ultimately evaluated more than 200 rums from the Caribbean and around the world.

Rum of the Year: Angostura No. 1, Trinidad

The premium aged rum category gets almost exponentially more competitive each year, but this year an old favorite returned to take back the Rum Awards crown. Trinidad’s Angostura No. 1 series, which won Rum of the Year with its first edition back in 2014, simply wowed this year’s panel of judges.

Rhum Agricole of the Year: La Favorite Privilege 1999 Cuvee Andre Dormoy

 This magnificent expression is the result of a blend of 15 casks aged for at least 17 years at La Favorite’s cellars on the outskirts of Fort de France, Martinique. The rum, a production of just 3,500 bottles sealed with gold-colored wax, is a tribute to the last harvest of venerable rummaker Andre Dormoy, then patriarch of the family that owns La Favorite. It’s an elegant rum with notes of pepper, cacao, licorice and apricot, and the latest example of the overwhelming quality and thoughtfulness of La Favorite. The Agricole of the Year.

Best New Rum: Papa’s Pilar Sherry Finish 

Rum Journal has long been a fan of now Key West-based Papa’s Pilar Rum, thanks to a decidedly drinkable profile. But the newest expression of Papa’s Pilar takes an already great rum and turns it into something more, thanks to an extra 30 days of final finishing in French Limousin Oak sherry casks from Spain. The result? A rounder, even better balanced Pilar with a richer, sweeter edge.

Best New Rhum Agricole: Rhum Neisson Collection Armada Millesime 1991

 This is as ultra-premium as a rum can possibly get. The just-released, out-of-this-world Rhum Neisson is the most perfectly harmonious rum you will ever taste, a symphony of flavor notes all playing together. This 1991 vintage is the championship work of a legendary distillery.

Rum Company of the Year: Habitation Saint Etienne, Martinique

 Our new award for 2017 honors rum producers who are excelling in the field, whether by innovation, branding or pure quality. And Martinique’s HSE is doing so at all three, but with a particular skill in the art of barrel aging. No producer on the planet is looking at the science of barrels like HSE is, with a level of expertise and specificity that’s unmatched. It manifests itself in a broad range of world-class rums, from special-finish agricoles using sherry, port and even whisky casks and even advanced techniques in selective barrel charring. They’re at the forefront of what’s possible in rum, and it’s an exciting thing to see..

Best White Rum: John Watling’s Pale Rum, Bahamas 

 Finding a drinkable molasses-based white rum is never easy, but the Bahamas’ John Watling’s Distillery has turned out an excellent product with its two-year-old John Watling’s Pale Rum. While it’s just about drinkable neat, it’s great in a mojito or a daiquiri.

Best White Rhum Agricole: A1710 La Perle Rare B69-56 

This boutique rum distillery on the Atlantic coast of Martinique is producing some seriously intriguing expressions after launching last year. The latest? This organic white rhum agricole made from a single variety of “blue” sugarcane grown on a specific portion of the plantation. A fascinating, raw, authentic white rhum.

Best Gold Rum: Island Company Rum 

The Island Company has long been known for its Caribbean-style fashion. So when we read this fashion house was launching a rum, we were a bit skeptical. Consider us converted. This rum delivers the goods. The Trinidad-sourced rum is remarkably smooth for a mildly aged gold rum, with an exceptional drinkability, even neat. In other words, it’s the perfect rum enjoyed on an afternoon boat ride in a linen shirt.

Best Spiced Rum: Siesta Key 

Only one rum company has ever appeared on every Rum Awards since its inception: Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota, Fla. -based boutique distillery that, simply put, produces the best spiced rum on the planet. It’s called Siesta Key Rum, and its recipe of authentic spices and honey makes for an almost impossibly delicious expression.

Best Overproof Rum: Rivers Rum, Grenada 

Produced at the venerable River Antoine distillery that dates back to the late 18th century is a local favorite that lives up to the hype. Bottled at 69 percent ABV, it’s a robust but smooth expression — just don’t bring it with you on the plane.

Best Bottle Design:  Rhum JM Edition Limitee 

Martinique has long been at the forefront of bottle design in the rum world, but we simply love this year’s lush, rainforest-inspired bottle, a nod to the company’s home at the base of the Mont Pelee volcano. (There’s also a world-class white rhum inside).

Rum Bar of the Year: Rhum Room St Barth

 It’s the Caribbean’s newest rum bar, but it’s already right at the top of the pack. The new Rhum Room in Gustavia, St Barth, which had its soft opening this month, is already home to the single-largest rum inventory of any bar in the Caribbean, with more than 400 rums, and it’s just the beginning. Even better? Its not just about supply – this is a full-fledged speakeasy accessed through a kitchen door of the 25 Quarter bar. It doesn’t get any better.

Read More at https://www.caribjournal.com/2017/12/12/rum-journal-rum-awards-2017/?utm_source=Caribbean+Journal&utm_campaign=71632ac659-Caribbean+Journal&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea4e1e4090-71632ac659-188868865 

Our World is Changing Today for the Next Five Weeks or So

Sanity Too

   This morning Marta are moving off of "Sanity Too", our boat that we have called home for the past 12 years.  For the next five weeks or so while she gets the damage she incurred during Irma repaired we will be living on "Lil Sanity" our "camper"  This is going to be very interesting, we are having to seriously down size our lives while we are aboard the camper.

     I'm really glad to be able to finally make the front of the line at the boatyard and she will finally be repaired.   Although she has operated like a champ all during the three and a half months since the storm.  The visit to the boatyard will ring her back to her beautiful self again. 

Lil Sanity

     It is going to be worth the inconvenience of living on the smaller boat to be able to board her again and see all her rails back on and the external damage repaired and fresh gelcoat where she has been scarred.   Once she gets back in the slip she will get her new outside vinyl windows and screens that were torn off by the storm and she will be complete and whole again.

     Wish us luck, if we don't "kill" each other in the confined spaces our life will be whole again when she returns and we can move back aboard.

Trader Vic's 115th Birthday Cocktail

     This month Trader Vic’s in Emeryville, CA celebrates its founder Vic Bergeron on his 115th birthday, December 10, with a very rare and special Rum Old Fashioned cocktail, Vic’s favorite! The cocktail is made with 50-year-old Appleton Estate Rum and served in a limited edition glass created just for the occasion. Each of the keepsake glasses is numbered along with a letter of authenticity to make it that more special.   The cocktail is currently only available at the Emeryville, California location for a mere $1210.00.

 

Victor Bergeron

    December 10, 2017 marks the 115th anniversary of the birth of Victor Jules Bergeron, the creator of the Trader Vic’s chain of restaurants that originate in San Leandro, California.  This entrepreneurial restaurateur who is indelibly linked to Polynesian-themed rum drinks, including the Samoan Fog Cutter, the Tiki Puka Puka, and the Zombie. But Trader Vic’s most original and internationally celebrated libation is the Mai Tai, even though he had some help in naming it.

     Victor Bergeron in November 17, 1934, using $500 in borrowed money, opened a small bar and restaurant across from his parents' grocery store at San Pablo Avenue and 65th Street in the Golden Gate District in Oakland, California.  He named it Hinky Dink's, as its popularity spread, the menu and decor developed an increasingly tropical flair, Soon the name was changed to Trader Vic's.  By 1940 the first franchised Trader Vic's opened in Seattle, Washington.    In 1950, Bergeron opened a Trader Vic's location in Hawaii and in 1951 in San Francisco.

Emeryville, California Headquarters

    The legend of the Mai Tai and of Trader Vic had its beginning in 1934, when, during a trip to Havana, where he discovered rum, or more importantly, rum cocktails.   Upon his return to the rollicking saloon he owned in Oakland, California called Hinky Dink’s he started making daiquiris, mojitos, and Planters Punch, but often with a little extra rum-tweaking.

2017 Key West Lighted Boat Parade

     This Friday is the Key West Lighted Boat Parade an annual affair that is combined with the Harbor Walk of Lights celebrating the Christmas Holiday.  Each year a variety of boats decorate their sails, masts and hulls with Christmas Lights and festive cheer.   

     There is an official judge’s stand along with a serious competition for the Best Nautical Holiday Decorations in Key West. 2017 will mark the 27th annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade. The judge’s stand is located at the Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, and the lighted boat parade travels through the Key West Bight.

     On Friday, festivities will start at 6:00 p.m. with the children of the Gerald Adams Elementary Steel Your Heart Band and House of Pan Steel Drum Band of Bahama Village are starting the evening’s magic!  Then the Parade starts at 8:00 p.m. Vessels of all shapes and sizes will dazzle the crowd. The judging stand is at Schooner Wharf Bar and is the best place for viewing! 

     Come early to get an up-close look at all the beautiful vessels and take a stroll along the Harbor Walk of Lights. 

Koloa Introduces a New Coffee Expression

     This new expression is Distilled, blended and bottled by Koloa Rum Company Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii.  The new Koloa Coffee Rum is made from the mash of raw Cane Sugar, distilled in an impressive vintage 1210 gallon steam powered copper pot still and cut to proof with filtered water from the ancient Mount Waialeale.  The Spirit itself is a collaboration between the Kauai Coffee Company and Koloa Rum Company.

     The Koloa Coffee Rum offers a deep brown opaque hue highlighted by a light mahogany rim of highlights.  Swirling this rum in the glass reveals a small amount of real coffee particulate gathering in the amber legs moving slowly down the sides of the glass.  The aroma of freshly brewed Aribica and Robusto Bean coffee.  There are notes of molasses and rich dark chocolate to lead you into this exciting expression.  This intensely rich coffee flavored rum exudes an amazingly complex flavor profile, initially there are highly robust espresso coffee notes that are balanced with sweetness to carry you to your favorite coffee shop.  Initially it presents itself as an espresso cocktail and then it takes you home with a dry finish of light vanilla with hints of chocolate and coffee flavor.  Additional sips of Koloa’s Coffee Rum exhibits hints of tropical fruit and a long finish highlighted by hazelnut and stone fruits. 

     Koloa Coffee Rum is presented at an impressive 34% ABV or 68 proof, following the rum being distilled two times.   This is a nice product with a good natural flavor that will keep you coming back again and again.

Will This Battle Ever End?

     Pernod Ricard has accused Bacardi of making “misleading statements” with the introduction of its new “Forever Cuban” campaign for Puerto Rico-made Havana Club rum.  These two competitors have been this what seems to be a forever lasting trademark battle over the Havana Club brand.  Bacardi produces a expression of Havana Club rum, created in Puerto Rico to be sold in the US, while Pernod Ricard owns the international rights to the Cuba produced Havana Club brand that is sold to the rest of the world.  The United States has still got a ban on Cuban products being brought to the United States and this is the real Issue, because Bacardi owns the trademark for the United States.

     February 2016, the US Patent and Trademark Office did overturn a Supreme Court decision and gave Pernod Ricard the trademark for the next 10 years.  This is what set off the latest rounds of the battle and what looks to be another lengthy legal challenge for Bacardi.   

    Tensions have come to the surface once again with the launch of Bacardi’s “Forever Cuban” campaign.   Experiences of Cuban exiles at the center of the campaign along with the use of Cuban-American actor Raúl Esparza are all causing the rift to become larger.  

     Havana Club International is holding firm when it comes to the authenticity of its rum portfolio, including white, dark aged and premium rums, all exclusively produced in Cuba.   Pernod Ricard and Havana Club International make it clear that “Havana Club rums are distributed globally except in the USA, due to the ongoing trade embargo.   “The Cuban Havana Club rum, produced through a joint venture between Cuba Ron S.A. and Pernod Ricard and crafted in Cuba, from local sugarcane to the glass, with the knowledge and expertise of Cubans that has been passed down from generation to generation of Maestros del Ron Cubano. 

     Bacardi has issued a statement in response to Pernod Ricard 's Statement about  Bacardi's accuracy.

“In 1959, the Castro regime seized the assets and confiscated the distillery of the Arechabala family, the original owners of Havana Club rum,” the spokesperson continued. “But, they could not steal the Arechabala’s recipe or strip the family of their soul, which is rooted in the craftsmanship of their product and solidifies their continued family legacy.

“After the Cuban regime unrightfully and forcefully confiscated the brand from the Arechabalas, Ramon Arechabala personally transcribed the recipe and gave it to Bacardi as an agreement between the two families – both of whom were exiled from their homeland.

“The ultimate convergence of two Cuban families coming together to continue an iconic brand’s legendary heritage with an authentic product, Bacardi is committed to continuing this legacy.

“It does not matter where Havana Club rum is produced, which in our case is Puerto Rico. Its Cuban authenticity is based on the original recipe, great-taste, craftsmanship, technique and passion since the brand was crafted in 1934.”

I Guess I'll Take the Thunderstorm Over the Snow

     I hate it when you guys up north start getting snow, because when that cold front comes through down here in the Keys, it translates to a day of ominous clouds and temperatures down in the Sixties. This is not what the tropical life is suppose to be all about.  Mid Seventies are wonderful, but without heat in the house or in my case on the boat, it is time for fleeces and other warm things and for the most part staying inside out of those "raw" winds.  Enjoy your snow, but in a couple of days we will be back in the mid Seventies again and we all will be smiling again.

It Could Cost You $10,000 to Fly a Drone While Under the Influence Over New Jersey

     Lawmakers in New Jersey have proposed a bill that would make it illegal to operate a done while under the influence of alcohol in a bid to reduce irresponsible use of the remote-controlled devices.  If passed, the bill would prohibit the use of drones under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or using a drone to harm wildlife or endanger people or property.   Just think, it can be just as expensive to sit on your patio having a few beers and be arrested for flying your drone.  WOW, or toys are finding more and more ways to get us thrown in jail.

      The bill would also make it a fourth-degree crime for drone operators to interfere with emergency services, or endanger the security of a correctional facility. The bill, which passed out of a New Jersey assembly committee on Monday, will go before the full senate on Thursday.   Such crimes would be punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.  

      “This bill sets specific guidelines for how New Jersey’s residents will be allowed use these devices and to establish some order, to prevent many of these dangerous situations.”     Consumer drone sales in the US has increased exponentially over the past few years, and not expected to slow down in the near future.  The Consumer Technology Association projects drone sales will pass the $1 billion mark by the end of 2017.   Most of drones sold weigh less than 0.55 pounds, the limit before registration is required with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Spirits Proof Down with Water Drawn From the Clouds

Cloud Water Generator

     Hilton Head Distillery in Hilton Head, South Carolina is using a unique water supply for its rum and vodka making.  They are condensing the water from the very humid air around the distillery and then using it to proof their spirits down to bottling proofs.   Their Aermoor Vodka is handcrafted from fresh molasses, it is then distilled 49 times before being proofed down with water sourced directly from the clouds above Hilton Head Island.

     Distillery owner Joe Fenten said, water that is used in the making of our spirits is a product of Hilton Head’s radiant environment and we’ve used the finest water source there is, water sourced directly from the atmosphere.   The result is crisp and delicious vodka and rum that will appeal to most everyone.”

     The process created by Fenten, uses an atmospheric water generator.   This is one of the most unique ways to make the pure water needed to proof down spirits anywhere and offers a very special cleanness to all of their products.

Avoid the Holiday Legal Hangovers of This Years Parties

     This is my annual plea for everyone going to or having a holiday party this year to be aware of the potential for serious liability.   'Tis the season for holiday parties, but there are risks to hosting these parties.  Parties can boost friend’s morale, however, there are inherent risks that accompany hosting this type of party, particularly during the holidays and when inhibitions are lowered with alcohol and a festive atmosphere. Here are some tips to avoid legal "hangovers" from hosting holiday parties and mitigate the risks to you and your friends.

1. Lessen the Risk of Inappropriate Liaisons

     Consider allowing guests to bring a spouse or other guest, or perhaps make the party a family event. Although expanding the guest list increases costs, it also may result in guests behaving more appropriately with your other guests. Generally, people are less likely to engage in offensive behavior when they are accompanied by their significant other/

2. Ensure Safe Transportation and/or Lodging Options

     The host should encourage responsible drinking, use of designated drivers and public transportation options.  The possible of a place for guests to stay if they have had too much party to get home safely. 

3. Serve Alcohol Responsibly

     One of the simplest ways to mitigate risk is to avoid serving alcohol at all, but alcohol should be served only by professionals who will check IDs and respond appropriately to guests who may be consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. 

4. Set a Hard-Stop End Time

     The event should have a definitive start and end time. This also provides an opportunity to reiterate the message to travel home safely and lay out alternative methods of transportation/lodging rather than driving under the influence.

     While following these tips cannot guarantee an issue-free event, it certainly can reduce the risk of having troubles that come back to haunt you afterwards.   With careful planning and oversight, it is possible to have a great and fully appropriate office party.

     Here is to all of you having really fun holidays, and the fun staying inside and off of the streets where your parties can be ruined in a heartbeat and leave you with some awful legal hangovers.   Have a great time and be safe.  Cheers!

Confusing Shipping Restrictions Fall on the Retailer’s Heads

     People forget just how different alcoholic beverage sales is from the bulk of consumer products. Alcohol, beyond the fundamentals of age restriction and tax collection, the public is barely aware of how deeply and disparately alcoholic beverages are regulated.  There isn’t anywhere that this is more evident than with shipping.   Americans can order clothes, send gifts, and by just about anything on the internet, parcels are dispatched with minimal ado and delivered to your place.   Those of you that are used to instant gratification, purchasing of alcohol on line is the very frustrating exception.   Sending a bottle of local gin home from vacation or ordering vintage Champagne for an anniversary can be complicated if not impossible.  Unfortunately, this usually happens at the retail outlet, leaving the merchant responsible for explaining why this problem exists.

     Here are the legalities of getting alcohol from one place to another, to help retailers get the options across to their customers.   Carrying alcoholic beverages on a plane with you is doable, but you must follow the TSA rules.  Airline passengers are familiar with the 3.4-ounce TSA rule for all carry-on liquids including alcoholic beverages, full-size bottles need to be in checked luggage, but there are some restrictions to that as well.   As far as your carry-on luggage, you can place all of the 3.4 oz. bottles of alcohol you can fit in a one 1-quart plastic bag.  In your Checked luggage, anything under 24%  or 48 proof, alcohol is unlimited, anything 24% to 70% or 48 to 140 proof alcohol is limited to 5 liters per passenger.  Any alcoholic beverages over 70% ABV or 140 proof is absolutely prohibited.  All bottles must be unopened.   Duty-free is the exception to these limits.  You should be aware that TSA and customs are totally separate entities, passengers should check customs limits set by the country they're entering, or be prepared to pay duties on their purchases.  Many times this amounts to a dollar or so per bottle, but if you are bringing in a very special spirit that can’t be obtained at home, this is a small price to pay.

     On an interstate train, there are no restrictions on carrying unopened containers of alcohol.  Control states have laws that forbid the transport of alcohol across state lines in your car.  For instance, there is a discount liquor store just across the state line between North and South Carolina that the North Carolina Police will take the license plate numbers of customers and the police will watch for the cars to cross into North Carolina and bust them for “bootlegging”.  This is an example of the ends that some states will do to protect their revenue, but most of these laws are primarily to discourage purchasing large quantities of alcohol in a neighboring state where taxes are lower.    If you are planning to drive across state lines with a "personal quantity" of alcoholic beverages should use common sense, making sure the bottles should be unopened and in the trunk.

     How many times has a customer carefully picked out the perfect gift bottle, then asked if it could be mailed?    The real question here is "where is it going".   It is not legal for consumers to mail alcohol themselves to a U.S. destination, via any method.   The United States Postal Service and the common carriers like UPS, FedEx etc. will refuse to take any such parcel known to contain alcohol.    If the destination is outside the country, shipping is legal, but you should check with customs of the destination for their regulations.  Retail shipping is a real nightmare.   While most states allow licensed state retailers to ship to other state customers within the same state, most do not allow any interstate retailers to ship in.   The regular carriers like FedEx and UPS have recently stepped up enforcement of retailer shipping laws, and ship only to the states that allow it.

      If craft makes of beer, wine or spirits hope to compete with world-wide operations like Amazon, they will need to start to push for the change of rules in more states to allow legal retailer to consumer shipping of alcoholic beverages.  This is very clearly the only that the “shipping lanes” can be opened up in the future.

Happy Repeal Day 2017

     The thirteen years of Prohibition here in the United States was a dark time.  The criminalizing of alcohol led not only to a rise in civil disobedience and organized crime, but also to the loss of customs associated with the production, preparation, and consumption of alcohol.   We celebrate Repeal Day because December 5th marks a return to the rich traditions of craft fermentation and distillation.  The resumption of the legitimacy for the American bartender as a contributor to the enjoyment of the clientele, and the leader of responsible enjoyment of alcohol as a widely enjoyed social custom.

     This day is conveniently located halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas, at a time when most Americans are probably not spending time with family.   Repeal Day presents a wonderful occasion to get together with friends and pay tribute to our constitutional rights.  Unlike St. Patrick's Day or Cinco de Mayo, Repeal Day is a day that all Americans have a right to observe, is only possible because it is written in our Constitution   There is no other American holiday celebrates our laws guaranteeing our rights.

 

     This day is the 84^th anniversary of Repeal Day.  I just hope that you take a little time to at least acknowledge the importance of this day for Americans.  It is a day of choice and a day that makes sure that we do have that choice here and don’t have to be criminals to enjoy an alcoholic beverage.  Cheers!!

What are the Plates in a Still All About?

Multi Plate Column

     Plates or trays as they are sometimes called, are used in distillation to enhance the mixing of liquid and vapor in the column of the still, whether it is a pot still with a column or a column still.    While their function is the same in both batch, post stills and continuous distillation, column stills, but their actual function is very different.

     Richard Seale, one of the most knowledgeable distillers anywhere has taken some time to explain  what they really do and how.   Basic batch distillation does not employ plates, but it is important to understand that the lyne arm is a basic type of plate. The cooling of the atmosphere causes liquid, known as reflux to form on the sides of the lyne arm and that mixes with the rising vapor.   The lyne arm then becomes the most vital part of the batch still and its shape affects its function as a plate and directly affects the performance of a still.

Lyne Arm at Top of Pot Still

     In batch (pot) distillation the wine is distilled till all the alcoholic spirit is removed in as the name implies, a batch process. Our lyne arm, affects the level of reflux) which in turn affects two fundamental things: the timing of the arrival of the various components of the wine and the contact time with copper.   The nature of our rum will be decided by the cuts. But affecting the timing of the components will affect quality of the cuts. Basically, having a good lyne arm developing good reflux will help ensure all of the undesirable heads arrive early and all of the undesirable tails arrive late so we can make our ideal cuts. Poor reflux means poor separation by timing yields poor quality hearts.   Low contact time with copper also leads to poor quality hearts.

Double Retort Pot Still

     When we add plates to a pot still stem, we are basically “supercharging” our lyne arm. If we add a condenser we are adding even more to our lyne arm.   We are using additional cooling over and above what the atmosphere gives and this together with the additional surface of the plates will improve the reflux.   It is the equivalent of using a giant lyne arm.   The plates in the pot still don't remove any congeners. They don't "purify" anything. They don't make a "lighter rum". The plates just affect the timing and contact time. Our cuts determine the congener profile but the plates by controlling the timing give us far greater control over what we “select” with our cuts.   Copper is thought to play a role in ester formation so enhanced time will increase congeners. The cuts, the copper contact and fermentation, determine how "heavy" we make the rum. Not the plates.        Our double retort still at Foursquare has plates above the pot and a cooling condenser.  The retorts also function as a kind of plate.  Many Caribbean pot stills were modified in the 19th century to add plates.

Large Column Still 

     Now in continuous distillation plates likewise enhance liquid/vapor contact. The same way you have batch distillation without plates, you could in theory build a continuous column system without plates. But it would be impractically tall. The enhanced liquid/vapor contact with external condenser cooling, makes the continuous column system practical. And with enough plates and reflux we can separate pure ethanol, but we are talking over 75 plates in the last column alone from the other congeners. In a steady state continuous column still the plates enhance the physical separation in the column and we draw off heads and tails from physical points where these congeners are concentrated.  We also draw ethanol or light spirit, from the physical point where the ethanol is positioned in the column.   The net effect of plates is to assist in “purification” or making lighter spirits or indeed making pure alcohol.

     Plates have very different roles depending on whether it is continuous or batch distillation. The function is the same, the role is different.  While on the topic, there are no hybrid stills. Still are either batch or continuous. With or without plates.  I hope that Richard’s explanation has helped understand the function and the use of plates in the process of distillation.