Drinkhacker Reads – 02.17.2014 – False Spirits, Good Grapes and Mixed Messages

Drinkhacker Reads – 02.17.2014 – False Spirits, Good Grapes and Mixed Messages

The Spirits Business is reporting that $17 million worth of counterfeit spirits were confiscated in December and January as part of a joint multi-national law enforcement operation cracking down on the practice. The operation also saw close to 100 people arrested or detained for their participation in this growing crime. [The Spirits Business]

Good news for wine drinkers: this year’s grape harvest is reported to be one for the record books. After shorter crops in recent years, this year’s crop looks to be healthy and plentiful, thanks in part to favorable weather conditions and larger acreage under vine. [ABC News]

In mixed media messages news: On the same day the Herald-Sun is reporting that Spain is experiencing a Gin and Tonic renaissance, other outlets are posting that the Gin boom in Spain is over. Bear in mind these articles were published within hours of one another.

And finally today, Berkshire Mountain Distillers is set to partner with 10 microbreweries around the nation to release limited edition bourbons finished in beer barrels. The releases will arrive in regions starting next month and will range in price from $43 to $60 and include such favorites as Founder’s, Full Sail, Ommegang and Terrapin. BevNet has the lowdown on the other brews, along with descriptions and anticipated release dates. [BevNet]

Rob Theakston is a contributing editor to Drinkhacker.

3 Comments

  1. Stay at Home Cocktails on February 17, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Can a bourbon finished in a beer barrel still be called a bourbon according to federal law? Doesn’t it have to be aged in new barrels?

    • Christopher Null on February 17, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      Finishing is allowed, AFTER the aging in new oak barrels occurs.



    • Stay at Home Cocktails on February 17, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      Good to know. Thanks for the info!



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