Drinkhacker Reads – 03.24.2013 – Grand Theft Whiskey and March Madness
Leading off this week’s editions of reads is a doozy of a story. This past friday morning, a story was filed over at Trib Live regarding a mansion caretaker accused of drinking $102,000 worth of rare, historic whiskey. What follows next could be taken from the pages of a prime-time criminal drama. Needless to say, it’s one of the worst nightmares a whiskey fan could encounter. Here’s hoping proper justice is served. [Trib Live]
Whisky Mag’s Whisky Live will be making its way to New York’s Chelsea Piers on Wednesday, April 3rd. Attendees will be treated to the opportunity to meet Master Distillers, brand ambassadors, and industry experts while sampling a wide variety of single malts, bourbons, ryes and other surprises. You can register via the website, but when you do, enter the code “wlmedia” for 15% discount off the price of your admission. [Whisky Live NY]
With the majority of people freaking out over their decimated NCAA basketball brackets this weekend, Newcastle Ale couldn’t have timed the release of this video any better: an overview of college hoops’ greatest moments through the eyes of snide British people (who, by the way, are totally awesome at basketball) using Legos for reenactments.
Crowdsourcing is on the rise when it comes to creating new spirits. Glenmorangie is taking a huge risk in this arena, launching ‘Cask Masters,’ a new program to help launch its next limited edition. Interested participants can sign up and get involved over on their new mini-site. [Glenmorangie]
Those financially savvy wizards over at The Motley Fool recently did a profile on Jim Koch as part of its quest to find the 25 Best Companies in America. While they were generally lavish in praise, there were a few things revealed that were a bit surprising. [Motley Fool]
An example of the Wall Street Journal getting one right: the rise of in the popularity of gin in economically chaotic Spain. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s also an example of the WSJ getting one wrong. Very wrong. [Wall Street Journal]
It’s that time of year where the Derby commemorative bottles starting making the rounds in the bourbon world. First Woodford Reserve unveiled its edition, and now Early Times has unveiled this year’s Mint Julep bottle. Once again equine artist Celeste Susany will be providing the artwork, with an interpretation of the metaphorical dance that horses and jockeys have with one another during the length of a race. Shipping will begin shortly and will be available for the reasonable price of $13.99 for a 750ml bottle. [Early Times]
And finally today, coming full circle with today’s vintage theme we find that a long lost name in Bourbon is making a resurrection. Chicken Cock was a major player in the bourbon scene until Prohibition made it relocate to Canada, only to be smuggled across the Canada-U.S. border in tin cans. While it won’t be bottled in Kentucky and it won’t be bourbon, Chicken Cock is coming back in circulation as three varieties of flavored whiskey: Cinnamon, Root Beer, and Southern Spice. It’s 86 proof and will be sold in aluminum cans; a crow to its historic past. [Press Release]