Drink the Bottles

  Bardstown Bourbon Company Pursues Tropical Character with Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey The Kentucky-exclusive release was inspired by one of rum’s most distinctive maturation traditions BARDSTOWN, Ky. (July 21, 2026) — Of the hundreds of flavor compounds found in American Whiskey, few are more elusive than genuine tropical fruit. Bardstown Bourbon Company set out to explore whether those flavors could be achieved through patience, process, and barrel influence rather than shortcuts in its new Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey.   Exclusive to Kentucky, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish is a marriage of mature bourbon and rye that pushes beyond traditional finishing techniques, creating a whiskey that is both delightfully unexpected and unmistakably authentic. “The goal was never to make whiskey taste like pineapple,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. “The goal was to understand what made these barrels so special in the first place. We foll...

Five generations. Historic vineyards. A family committed to preserving Napa Valley. And three wines that tell a remarkable story.  But this story is not only about the wines. Some wineries make exceptional wine.  A select few become part of the history of the place they call home.  Ghost Block Estate Wines belongs to that rare group. When three bottles from Ghost Block arrived at Drink The Bottles—the 2019 BW9 Red Blend , the 2022 Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon , and the 2024 Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir —I knew I was receiving something special.  But what I didn't expect was the story behind the labels. Because before there was a bottle of wine, there was a family. Before there was a vineyard, there was a commitment to the land.  And before Napa Valley became one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, families like the Pelissas were quietly planting roots, farming the soil, and helping shape the future of California wine.  The wines are...

  A Taste of Sonoma History in Every Glass When many people hear the word Zinfandel, they immediately think of a sweeter, easy-drinking wine style that became popular decades ago. But true California Zinfandel has a much deeper story — one rooted in history, old vineyards, and winemakers who have worked for generations to preserve some of the country’s most treasured vines. The 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Vineyard is a perfect example of why this grape deserves more attention. This is not simply a fruit-forward California red. It is a wine built around heritage, balance, and the character that can only come from vines that have stood the test of time. Located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Dry Creek Vineyard has long been recognized for its commitment to Zinfandel and the preservation of old vine vineyards. In fact, the winery is credited with first coining the term “Old Vine Zinfandel” in 1987 when it wanted to highlight the unique character of its historic viney...

There is something fascinating happening in American whiskey right now. The category is no longer defined only by century-old distilleries and traditional production methods. Some of the most interesting bottles are coming from brands willing to challenge what whiskey should look like.  So far, everything we have tasted from Whiskey JYPSI has been nothing short of fantastic. Whiskey JYPSI’s Legacy Series has embraced that idea from the beginning — not simply blending whiskey together, but reconstructing flavor profiles by selecting mature spirits from different origins and bringing them together with a specific vision. Legacy Batch 003, appropriately named “ The Declaration ,” might be their boldest statement yet. Bottled at 115.74 proof , this limited release is built around a reimagined Colonial-era Maryland-style rye profile. Instead of following a single distillery’s recipe, The Declaration combines aged whiskey components from three distinct whiskey traditions: Indiana rye, ...

  We’re always drawn to brands that show up in real life — not just on a label or shelf. Hot Crispy Oil is one of our newest lifestyle partners, and it’s already become one of those things we reach for without thinking.   It doesn’t try to overcomplicate food. It just makes it better. Some things don’t need reinvention — they just need heat. Hot Crispy Oil is one of those rare pantry additions that doesn’t try to be complicated. It doesn’t ask for attention. It just quietly transforms whatever it touches. It started, like most good things do, with curiosity. A drizzle over something simple. A bite that suddenly tasted like it had been waiting for that exact moment. And then it became a habit — the kind you don’t really think about, because it just works. There’s a rhythm to it: the crackle when it hits warm food, the way the oil carries depth without overpowering, the subtle heat that builds instead of shouts. It’s not about making food “spicy.” It’s about making it comp...

National Toast to the Troops July 4th encourages consumers to tune in live, raise a glass and send message of support to our service men and women  Lynchburg, Tenn. (June 29, 2026) – In honor of America’s landmark 250th anniversary, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the USO are proud to announce a new partnership dedicated to celebrating the legacy, service, and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. Through support as a leading partner of the USO’s “United We Toast” initiative, this collaboration brings  together America’s oldest registered distillery and the nation’s leading military support organization to honor the country’s milestone Semiquincentennial.  This nationwide effort brings civilians and service members together through a shared moment of gratitude, a collective toast to our nation's heroes, and an ongoing digital campaign to support active-duty troops. By connecting the distillery's 160-year history with the USO’s historic mission, the campaign invites ...