The blogs were buzzing these past few days as Robert Parker has made the shift from wine critic to taking a stab at reviewing whiskies. Naturally, opinions on the results have varied; from the measured “wait and see”, to the frustrated and confused all the way down to the flat out irate. Although time will tell on just how much of an impact Parker will have on the whiskey world, reviewing something called “Rollins Creek” (pretty sure he means Rowan’s Creek) and comparing Hudson to Pappy suggest poor form at the start. Stay tuned.

CELEBRITY PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Renee Zellweger’s ex-husband and country star Kenny Chesney is tossing his cowboy hat and horseshoes into the spirits world. Later this month he’ll launch his own line of rum, Blue Chair Bay. The line will come in white, Coconut, Coconut Spiced, and Chewing Tobacco flavors (just kidding about the last one), and will be promoted via an 18 city tour and numerous tasting events nationwide. It’s five o clock somewhere, y’all… [Blue Chair]

Pernod Ricard recently announced the valuation of its Jameson brand: €1.68 billion, or roughly 7 percent of the company’s portfolio. Worldwide sales of the Irish whiskey have grown 15% globally in the last year and increased 29% in the United States alone. With headway into new markets such as Russia and Africa, there appears to be no sign of slowing down. [Independent]

Elsewhere in the Kingdom, The Scotsman’s Darroch Ramsay lists off a few different ways Scotch is evolving and changing from its traditional forms. [Scotsman]

And finally today, Bob Ritchie (aka Kid Rock) is looking for a new bartender for his summer tour. One lucky winner will be trained by Beam master mixologist Bobby G, receive $10,000, and hit the road with Kid and company for three concerts. If you feel you have what it takes to bartend for Bob, head on over to Beam’s contest site and fill out the form! Bawitdaba! [Kid Rock]

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