Category Archives: High Seas

It is that time once again where Sea of Thieves is releasing more free goodies for you and your pirate friends to show off on the high seas. Rare announced another set of cosmetics that will be available as drops on Twitch starting on October 30 going all the way until November 4. This time around you can earn pieces of the Rising Morningstar set.

You can earn these pieces by watching any Sea of Thieves partner play for 20 minutes. You will have to check in every day to earn a different piece of the set. Thankfully the drops arent random and you can choose which days to tune in for each specific item.

Here is the breakdown for each of the daily drops:

While the set was originally released as a reward for completing a mini event earlier this year, you can still get your hands on them starting on October 30th.

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How to get Sea of Thieves Twitch Drops - Gamepur

Sea of Thieves brand new update, Fate of the Damned has cast all moorings and is live for PC and Xbox One right now.

Fans of the ol Skull and Crossbones will be glad to hear that the latest update to Rares timber shivering pirate adventure just got a new update. The Fate of the Damned is a brand new addition to Sea of Thieves that comes absolutely free of charge and is, of course, perfectly suited to the years scariest of seasons.

Pirates might have noticed that theyre now dealing with a sudden influx of enemies on the high seas. These dangerous new nuisances are the Shadows of Fate, a tricky type of skeleton normally confined to the Fort of the Damned. Working together with the Bilge rats players will uncover the story behind this emerging threat as it unfolds week by week, carrying crews into different regions of the seas.

This oncoming storm means that nowhere is safe for adventurous captains and their crew. Pirates will receive Mysterious Notes before they set out on their adventures, urging them to speak with Larinna outside the tavern to find out what shes learned, as well as which regions are being menaced by the Shadows of Fate. These troublesome corridors are a hive for pirate activity and nefarious schemes, youll need to plot a course carefully when venturing out this Halloween season and beyond.

Alongside this open world style change, youll find a whole chest full of narrative updates to Sea of Thieves as the Fate of The Dammed unfolds. Theres also plenty of booty as players gather Flames of Fate to celebrate the Sea of Thieves traditional Festival of the Damned, among other rewards. The pirate emporium is even getting a new Skeleton Cat and Dog to boot. This, and more, can be found over on the full patch notes for the Sea of Thieves Fate of the Damed update, available on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, Steam and with Xbox Game Pass.

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Sea Of Thieves Fate of the Damned Update Hs Docked on PC and Xbox One - GameSpace.com

A Halloween weather warning has been issued over fears of torrential rainfall, high winds and a risk of potentially serious coastal flooding.

et ireann issued a national Status Yellow wind warning for the entire country amid a threat of winds gusting to gale force with severe gusts possible.

The wind warning will remain in place until 3pm on Saturday.

A Status Yellow rain warning for Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick was due to expire this (Friday) morning.

That warning was issued amid fears some areas could see up to 60mm of rainfall - with potentially even more falling along mountainous areas.

Such heavy rainfall poses a risk of both spot-flooding and flash flooding.

There is also a serious risk of coastal flooding, particularly in parts of the south west, before and after high tide on Saturday.

Very high seas are also forecast.

People planning exercise within their 5km Level Five Covid-19 zone were urged to take particular care near any waterways.

Met ireann's said the Halloween weekend will be marked by very unsettled weather as a series of vigorous Atlantic weather systems pass close to Ireland.

"It will overall be dry for daylight hours on Friday with spells of hazy sunshine and just light westerly breezes," a spokesperson said.

"Any lingering overnight rain will quickly clear during the morning.

It will feel fresh with highest temperatures of 9C to 12C but it will become wet and windy weather later in the evening."

"Saturday will be a wet and possibly stormy with widespread and often heavy rain continuing through the day."

"The rain will begin to clear northwards through the evening followed by scattered showers and clear spells."

"On Sunday rain will clear to the northeast with scattered outbreaks of rain remaining, becoming heavy and more persistent in southern areas once again during the afternoon."

"It will be cool and unsettled on Monday with heavy showers but some sunny spells will develop through the day. Highest temperatures of just 8C to 11C."

While showers are forecast for Tuesday there is hope of better more settled conditions from Wednesday thanks to a high pressure zone approaching from the Atlantic.

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Status Yellow wind warning for entire country with risk of coastal flooding in the south west - Independent.ie

With so many new whiskeys on the marketparticularly from so-called small batch distilleriesits not an easy decision to figure out which ones should make it into your home bar.

Fall is winding down, which means that for most of the country, the change in seasons will mean more time indoors and, hopefully, more time to cozy up next to a crackling, wood-burning fireplace with a glass of scotch or bourbon.

Yet with so many new whiskeys on the marketparticularly from so-called small batch distilleries that are very purposelypositioned for the upper-premium marketits not an easy decision to figure out which ones should make it into your home bar, where oftentimes shelf space is at a premium. Worth reviewed over 75 of the leading whiskeysfrom Scotland and Australia to the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and beyondin search of 15 unique selections that can transform your home bar from boring to positively baronial this winter.

Its an exciting time in the world ofusquebaugh and its global derivatives; not only is there a recent trend in small-batch blends, but several new, alcohol-free (or nearly alcohol-free) versions that have all the flavor and depth that one might see in its more potent cousins are making a big splash in the marketplace. Also, somewhat new to the market are the so-called whiskey and bourbon experiences which, although made somewhat more difficult with the onset of the global pandemic, bring together libating,swirling, sniffing and sipping with an immersive in-person brand experience. More on that below.

The Four Roses Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery has become a mecca for whiskey lovers in recent years. Its part of a larger trend sweeping across the industry, blending tasting with immersive experiences. Photo courtesy of Four Roses

If you are already a seasoned whiskey imbiber, adept at understanding the major differences among the various types of whiskey, you know that at a basic level, what separates a scotch from a bourbon basically comes down to domicile (hence the pesky spelling differences of whisky versus whiskey), the mix of underlying grains used in the mash and distinct distilling and aging processes.

The name bourbonlike other famous regions in the wine and spirits world, such as Champagne, France and Tequila, Mexicois a geographic denomination linked to Bourbon County, Kentucky; for a whiskey to label itself as bourbon, its mashthe mixture of grains from which the product is distilledmust be at least 51 percent maize.

Tennessee whiskey follows essentially the same production process as Kentucky bourbon with one exception: before it goes into an oak barrel for aging, it is subjected to something called the Lincoln County Process, a filtration technique perfected by Jack Daniels in which fresh distillate is run through maple charcoal chips or ricks.

Scotch, on the other hand, isyou guessed itfrom Scotland and is made mostly from malted barley. Irish whiskey (yes, with an e like the Americans spell it) is somewhat similar, yet its use of unmalted barley gives it a distinct, smooth flavor that has made it quite popular across the world.

And all of that is just the sip of the iceberg; Canada and Japan (both whisky sans e producers), as well as Australia, Finland and Germany also have their own variations on the drink.

Spiritless cofounders (L-R) Lexie Larsen, Abbey Ferguson and Lauren Chitwood, identified whitespace in the bourbon market for non-alcoholic alternatives. Kentucky 74 is their first product offering. Photo by Amy Campbell for Spiritless

In creating this list of 15 must-have whiskeys, we came to the realization that, broadly speaking, when it comes to scotches and bourbons, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who dont understand whiskey, and those who only think they do. We began our research for this article as card-carrying members of the former and are now most certainly proud denizens of the latter; to really understand how these age-old traditions are colliding with modern technology, the latest in gustatory and palate trends and the exacting demands of urbane sophistication requires years of hands-on experience. Nonetheless, the list we have compiled is an assortment of recommended selectionssome of which are not necessarily readily available everywhere but can certainly be acquired by those willing to put in a wee bit of effort.

With a few notable exceptions, most of the labels reviewed here are not brands that would be considered mass-market, and their price points will generally reflect their relative scarcity. In some cases, we chose brands that, in addition to having the requisite appeal in nose, flavor and texture, have the bonus feature of having a tremendous backstoryone with which you can enthrall your drinking partners as you pour them a double.

Finally, a word of caution. This is not a list that should be misconstrued as a ranking. It would neither be fair nor just to attempt to compare an Australian Scotch whiskey aged in red wine barrels with a Kentucky bourbon that purposely sloshes around for years at sea aboard a marine expedition vessel. Just think of this as a cheat-sheet of sorts as you begin stocking up your bar for the winter entertaining season ahead; no need to spendtime scavenging acrossthe country looking for the good stuff.

Retail Price: $10,000 a barrel

The Jack Daniels Single Barrel Personal Collection Program combines history, taste-testing and the chance to select your own particular blend. Photo courtesy of Jack Daniels

Nothing says you know your bourbon more than having your very own, personalized barrel of Jack Daniels, calibrated to your particular gustatory predilections. The legendary Lynchburg, Tennessee distillery offers a high-end experience that should make it onto every sophisticated sybarites bucket list. For the fully immersiveJack Daniels Personal Collection experienceyou will have to make your way to the companys main distillery in Lynchburg, where you will be greeted by master distiller Chris Fletcher for a bespoke tasting and selection, although a COVID-friendly virtual tasting option via Zoom is also possible. The affable Fletcher will take you on an hour-long journey through the history of Jack Daniels, including howFrank Sinatra propelled the brand into international prominenceback in the 1950s.

Depending on a particular blends age and its angels sharethe percentage of a barrel of liquid whiskey that magically disappears into the heavens during the aging process, transforming analmost undrinkable, high-proof moonshine into a smooth, clean-finished spiriteach barrel can render between 200 to 240 standard 750 mL bottles. Each of the bottles, shipped to a location of your choice, comes habilimented with a bespoke Jack Daniels silver medallion necklace that lists the barrel number, rick location, selection date and can include your name, a company logo or even a family crestmaking it a far more conversational dinner party lagniappe than a random Rioja that you grabbed from your cellar on your way out the door. Jack Daniels will even ship you the original emptied barrel with a personalized barrelhead as a decorative piece for your home bar if you so desire. Perhaps more importantly, your taste buds will live on in perpetuity with your personal recognition plate in theJackDaniels Personal Selection Room in Lynchburg.

Retail Price: $60/ 750mL

While Hilhaven Lodge has seen many owners throughout the years, its rather recent status as whiskey distiller will bestow upon you Hollywood-level conversational equity at your next social gathering. Photo courtesy of Diageo

This is a whiskey that oozes Hollywood.

For those not inebriated with Tinseltown lore, the Hilhaven Lodge is something of an institution among the entertainment industrys elite. Conceived originally as a remote recreational retreat on the outskirts of Hollywood, the Lodges former owners have included Ingrid Bergman and producer Allan Carr. The current proprietor is embattled director and producer Brett Ratner, best known for the Rush Hour film franchise. And much like the Rush Hour flicks, Hilhaven Lodge Whiskey is great proof that not all whiskeys needs to have complexity or intricate backstories to be enjoyed.

Produced by mixing a Tennessee whiskey from the 90s, a rye whiskey from 80s and a bourbon from mid-aughts, the Hilhaven Lodge Whiskey could have easily become the liquid version of a box office flop, yet it surprises. Uncorking a bottle of Hilhaven is a most uneventful endeavoras its nose is somewhat difficult to detect, but after a pour, spritzes of caramel and fruit make a cameo in the olfactory. As it hits the tongue, hints of cinnamon and light pepper take over, providing a satisfying third act. This is a very simple drinking whiskey that is a fantastic starting point for beginners who want a taste of something with a backstory. This is not a whiskey that should be imbibed neat; we recommend drinking it with a cube of ice or a splash of water.

Retail Price: $36 / 750mL

The Spiritless Kentucky 74 supports conscientious cocktailersthose who want to live fully but drink differently. Photo by Amy Campbell for Spiritless

Looking for a 100-calorie old fashioned? Enter Kentucky 74 by Spiritless, a wonderfully distilled non-alcoholic spirit substitute for just about any bourbon cocktail. Targeting millennial and Gen Z cocktailers, this upstart brand took its name after becoming the 74th distiller to be licensed in the state of Kentucky. Intentionally developed for mixed drinks and with only trace amounts of alcohol, this nearly booze-free alternative is extremely nimble: Go halfsies on your next mint julep by pairing it 1:1 with your favorite bourbon whiskeySpiritless CEO Lauren Chitwood recommends mixing it with a Woodford Reserve. Those wanting to savor the taste of their high ball but have a next-day early wake-up call can opt to go completely full monty by replacing the alcohol portion entirely. Either way, Kentucky 74 delivers a high-quality, smooth finish, underpinned by familiar notes of caramel, vanilla and oak.

Retail Price: $46 / 750mL

The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked distinctive taste is the result of an unorthodox aging process. Photo courtesy of Woodford Reserve

The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon is matured to perfection in two separate handcrafted oak barrels sourced directly from Woodford Reserves cooperage. Their unorthodox aging process is a key component to its unforgettable taste: The first barrel is seasonedoutdoors for nine months, then toasted and charred onthe inside; the second barrel is toasted for more than twice as long as the first and then very lightly charred. The custom crafted barrels allow for a heavier toast, highlighting flavors of honey, cream and vanilla.

Woodford Reserves Double Oaked delivers a full-bodied mix of vanilla with a hint of spice. Dark caramel jumps out at you immediately, followed slowly with hints of hazelnut and spiced fruit. By adding a dash of spring water or an ice cube, the flavor profile truly flourishes, with rushes of chocolate and sharp honey now at the forefront. You cant go wrong with this Versailles, Kentucky-distilled masterpiece.

Retail Price: $54 / 750mL

Hudson Whiskeys Bright Lights, Big Bourbon: From the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, to cobblestone streets of Tribeca, to the top shelf in your bar. Photo courtesy of Hudson Whiskey NY

The Hudson Valley is not a place you would normally associate with whiskey distilleriesat least not in the post-Prohibition era; but all of that is changing, and we have New Yorker Ralph Erenzo to thanks for it. Erenzo, who is making the first legally-produced whiskey in the state since Prohibition, selected the centuries-old Tuthilltown Gristmill, situated on the banks of the Wallkill River, to bring back rye whiskey and bourbon to the Empire State.

The Hudson Whiskey bourbon we sampled, marketed as Bright Lights, Big Bourbon, impressed. With strains of vanilla and lightly salted caramel, it deploys considerable flavor on the palateso much to think that you might be in Appalachia and not a few hours outside of Manhattan.

Hudson Whiskey uses small barrels for the maturation process. The industry standard is a 53-gallon cask, but Erenzo took the term small-batch quite literallyusing petite 3-gallon barrels to age his bourbon over three months. The result is a rich, slightly sweet caramel-colored liquid with a touch of burn. This a one bourbon you will want to showcase at your next social event.

Retail Price: $80 / 750mL

Jeffersons Very Small Batch Ocean is aged at sea aboard a marine exploration vessel. Photo courtesy of Jeffersons Ocean

Since its inception in 1997, Jeffersons Bourbon has earned a reputation as something of a wild child in the world of whisky for its unorthodox methods of maturation, from aging in unexpected environments to developing experimental casks. Jeffersons founder, chief strategist and master blender Trey Zoeller, constantly looks for ways to push the boundaries of the bourbon category while paying respect to the history and integrity of the spirit.

To make Jeffersons Ocean, Zoeller takes an eight-year-old bourbon and ages it an additional five to 10 months at sea aboard a marine exploration vessel that crosses the equator several times, making ports of call in up to five continents on a typical voyage. You can watch a short video on this bourbons fascinating backstory here. Every pour gives you an excuse to tell the fascinating journey of how this maverick brand sailed the seven seas and is now anchoring the whiskey category in your home bar.

Ocean dispatches a complex flavor profile that has hints of salted caramel popcorna result of the liquid constantly sloshing around at high sea, its exposure to salty air and the notable temperature fluctuations it will endure during its voyage. Ocean is somewhat hard to find in stock but definitely worth it when you do.

Retail Price: $45 / 750mL

Four Roses small batch bourbon hits above its weight, providing a modern twist on traditional Kentucky-based bourbon making. Its 10-year maturing process for their single malt rye is among the best of the best values for small batch whiskies. Photo courtesy of Four Roses

The Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky is a site to behold; its Old Spanish Mission-style architecture is listed and protected on the National Registry of Historic Places and is an excellent immersive experience for anyone interested in sampling the companys 10 unique recipes. The Four Roses tradition rests upon 125 years of obsessive care and dedication to the craft of bourbon making. Seven years ago, Four Roses released a special anniversary edition of their Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, and the 111-proof batch special bottling enjoyed so much demand that it had to be released through a public lottery in Kentucky.

Whats behind all this success? Many would argue that its Four Roses sui generis approach to its mash making; the distillery uses more rye in its mash bills than most bourbons, which gives them their signature spiciness. If you want to nerd out on the science behind bourbon-making, there is no better a place to take a deep-dive than here on the Four Roses website.

Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon should be a staple in any home wet bar. Nurtured through a 10-year aging process, the smokey and spicey dram contains hints of pear and vanilla and is easy on the palette without being forgettable. It is a perfect starting point for newcomers and is likely among the most mix-friendly drinks on this list. Whether you are planning to impress the neighbors with your familys treasured old fashioned recipe, or are preparing yourself for your relatives Thanksgiving lecture on how Mountain Dew was originally made as a whiskey chaser, Four Roses Single Barrel has you covered.

Retail Price: $520 / 750mL

WhistlePigs Boss Hog VII: Magellans Atlantic was inspired by the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe. Photo courtesy of WhistlePig

The WhistlePig Boss Hog whiskey (no, not that Boss Hogg) has become a much anticipated annual releasethink new iPhone for whiskey connoisseurs. Here, the rules of supply and demand are in full effect, with some editions fetching well over $2,000 for a 750 mL bottlea testament to the companys enduring quest to create the finest and most interesting rye whiskey.

This latest versionThe Boss Hog VIItakes its customers on a spirited pursuit to the very edges of the earth. Inspired by the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe, The Boss Hog VII: Magellans Atlantic is a New England straight rye whiskey with an uncharted cask journey that stretches across continents. After 17 years of slumber in American Oak, it first encounters new Spanish staves from the mountainous forests of northern Spain, a cask nearly impossible to tame yet well worth the effort. Crossing the Atlantic the whiskey finds its finish in fragrant South American teakwood. This rare and outstandingly complex whiskey has formidable barrel strength, bottled between 105.1 and 107.8 proof. This is a powerful, yet still potable, whiskey you will want to have on hand for your most discerning guests.

Retail Price: $60 / 750mL

Breckenridge is as at home in the mountains as it is in your home bar. Photo courtesy of Breckenridge

Its a fact that General Washington gave his frozen troops whiskey at Valley Forge during the Revolution to keep their spirits high. If you need a similar pick-me-up this winter, consider grabbing a bottle of Breckenridge Bourbon. Hailing from the Boulder State, the company was founded in 2008 and dubbed itself as the Worlds Highest Distillery, producing an array of liquor genres. What makes their brew stand out is, unlike some of the other American whiskeys on this list, Breckeridge sticks to the more classic distilling and aging methodologies than its non-Kentuckian cousins. No finishing casks or anything of the like; Breckenridges high-rye mash is aged in American oak barrels for three to five years. The award-winning Breckenridge Bourbon will warm your stomach and soul with hints of vanilla, butterscotch, candied orange, apple, dry cacao and brown sugar. A bottle Breckenridge is an apropos addition to any winter bar.

Price: $496 / 750mL

With a color of 18-carat gold, the smooth texture offers scents of bonfire smoke with powerful sweetness. Photo courtesy of Lagavulin

Since 1816, on a tiny island off the coast of Scotland, the Lagavulin Distillery has been producing some of the greatest bottles of whisky (note no e) the world has ever tasted. Unlike in the States, Lagavulin uses pear-shaped stills instead of round barrels for their aging process, and their signature use of peat-fueled fires during the distilling process gives the whisky a smoky flavor. The process is slow, but nothing perfect ever came about in haste.

The first bottling is a powerful, smoothly sweet-smoky and delicious Lagavulin 20-year-old, from casks combined to enhance its spicy richness while keeping the keynote distillery character aromas and tastes. Pouring a glass is an experience in and of itself, so make sure youre conscious of the moment when you take a sip of a whisky legend.

Retail Price: $45 / 750mL

This whiskey will feel equally at home in your wine cellar and on your top shelf. Photo courtesy of Starward

Starward Nova Single Malt comes to us from Melbourne, Australia, and boy are we glad it made the trip. This whiskey adopts the vibrancy of big red wines from southeastern Australia, maturing in barrels from local wineries that previously held Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The maturation in red wine barrels creates a light and fruity whiskey that finishes with a bit of a kick.

Is it worth adding to your personal stash? The answer is yes, and the hardware is there to prove it; Starward Nova took home a pair of gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for both the Worlds Best Craft Distilled Whisky and the Best Australian Single Malt Whisky, although, admittedly, were not sure if the latter is a particularly heated competition. Most recently, Starward brought home a gold medal at the 2020 awards for Two-Fold Double Grain Whiskey. The distiller was also recently named Best Australian Whiskey Innovator from Icons of Whisky and crowned Best Australian Single Malt by the World Whiskies Awards in 2016 and 2017.

Retail Price: $59 / 750mL

The pride of Utah: High West Whiskey will have you pining for campfires, dusty trails and a star-dusted skies. Photo by Arick Wierson for Worth

The High West Whiskey team based in Park City, Utah have on their hands a beautifully realized suite of high-octane whiskey concoctions, but our favorite player in their lineup, hands down, is their take on unaged oat-based whiskey. Tequila and rum both have their Blancos and Aejos, so why cant whiskey have its own clear version as well? The name High West Silver Whiskey Western Oat is not only a reference to the liquids pellucid coloring, but an homage to Park Citys famed history as one of the Old Wests richest silver mining towns.

Most spirits are born clear and turn brown only after an aging process in a barrel. This High West Silver spends all of five minutes in a barrel to minimize its influence on the taste of the native spirit. Though this clear spirit may look like the moonshine of old, the High West Silver Western Oat is actually 80-proof and comprised from a mash of 85 percent oats and 15 percent malted barley. It is smooth, but reminds you more of a high-end tequila; its rather unwhiskey-like in the traditional sense, but that is exactly why you will want to have this on hand for sipping neat or even shots.

Retail Price: $580 / 750mL

This BenRiach has waited 30 years for you to experience its peat-smoked flavor. Photo courtesy of BenRiach

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the Northeast of Scotland, where ancient trees dot the wetlands and fog-damp peat covers the ground. Smell the spongy peat collecting on the soles of your shoes as you traverse the fogged land. For over four decades, BenRiach has been using that very peat to mature their spirits within traditional earthen-floored dunnage warehouses. A quick history lesson though: In the early 1970s, the distillery returned to the whisky distilling methods of the 19th century, using malted barley smoked with Highland peat. Research indicated that BenRiach was the first distillery within Speyside to reintroduce this method, which leads many to believe that the distillery holds the oldest maturing peated whiskies in the region.

The 30-year-old BenRiach Authenticus hits you with its distinguished profile and delights with the perfect mix of ripe, developed sweetness and aromatic peat smoke. The medley is matured in bourbon casks before being decanted into virgin oak Pedro Ximnez casks. This is a complex whiskey and will only be appreciated by those with the most discerning of palates.

Retail Price: $95 / 750mL

GlenDronach is aged in sherry casks giving it a full bodied, rich flavoring. Photo courtesy of GlenDronach

The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 8 is the golden ticket into the prestigious Highland distillerys signature style and mastery of sherry cask maturation. This single malt Scotch whisky is gently matured for 10 years in Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at cask strength to deliver optimal character and depth. The whisky sports notes of dark chocolate, caramel and mocha which are accompanied by hints of cherry, raisins and plum. The GlenDronachs signature is its long and richly satisfying finish; its taste lingers on your tongue, offering an array of sensory delights highlighted by sumptuous fruits, warm spices and intense dark chocolate.

Retail Price: $27 / 750mL

Ritual Zero Proofs Whiskey alternative aims to be a one-to-one substitute for liquor and was designed with cocktails in mind. Photo courtesy of Rituals Zero Proof

We dont recommend drinking Ritual Zero Proofs Whiskey Alternative on the rocks, but for a Manhattan, where you want to feel the burn but not the buzz, hell yeah. Ritual Zero Proof is the first American spirit alternative that echoes the taste, the smell and the burn of liquor without the alcohol or calories. The growing popularity of Dry January (although coming off of a 2020 that many people would just as soon forget, this trend might be temporarily at risk) is just one of many signs that teetotaling is on an upswing, and large beverage companies are looking to cash in on the trend. If you sample, as we did, many of the different zero proof or near-zero proof whiskey and bourbon alternatives out there, you will find that Ritual ranks near the top for mixed drinks. We tried it neat, and although it wasnt undrinkable, we definitely think that its best suited for mocktails.

Retail Price: $80 / 750mL

For those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, what you will encounter is a silky-smooth whiskey. Photo courtesy of Cutwaters Devils Share California Whiskey

California-based Cutwaters founder and master distiller Yuseff Cherney believes that the only true evil is compromise, and it is precisely this thinking that permeates the entire experiencefrom uncorking to swallowingwhen you approach a bottle of Devils Share American Whiskey. We made this a bonus entry on our list because a) who doesnt love getting a bonus? and b) this particular entry is quite hard to find in retail shops.

But for those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, what you will encounter is a silky-smooth whiskey. Distilled in small batches to ensure precise control over purity, each barrel of Devils Share is then aged in virgin, heavily charred American oak barrels. The result is a distinctly sweet whiskey, bathed in woody caramel and vanilla notes and accentuated by hints of cinnamon, cardamom and licorice.

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15 Whiskeys That Should Bedeck Every Gentlemans Home Bar This Winter - Worth

A specially designed boat which will give handicapped adventure seekers the chance to experience the high seas has a name of special significance.

President of Sport and Leisure for the Handicapped, Greg Balfour, said the boat would be able to comfortably fit eight people in wheelchairs and their carers.

He hopes it will be finished by Christmas.

"A lot of the kids we deal with out of the special ed unit say they've only dreamt about it," Mr Balfour said.

"When they first get on, their hands are shaking but once you get that boat going and the breeze in their face, they don't want to get back off."

Mr Balfour said this will be the third boat the organisation of 26 years is building, but this one is unique in the fact that it will tribute a Sunshine Coast man.

Adventure seekers rejoice at 4WD, fishing, camping expo

From catering to caring for mental health patients

The 8x8m landing craft boat will be named after Caloundra man, Aaron Flynn whose remains were found three years after he went missing in central Queensland.

Mr Flynn ran out of fuel as he made the long drive from Caloundra to Charters Towers to attend a family funeral in November 2016.

He was last seen by a passing motorist, walking beside the road, carrying a petrol tin and small Esky.

Mr Flynn's scattered bones were only found in bushland near Rubyvale, south of Charters Towers in July, last year.

Mr Balfour said Mr Flynn's parents, who owned a caravan repair centre at Meridan Plains, had set up a fundraising campaign for the organisation.

"They wanted to sponsor the association, she (Aaron's mum) told me the full story so we decided we wanted to name the boat after him," he said.

"When we told her, she broke down in tears.

"She was overwhelmed."

Mr Balfour was at the South Queensland Caravan, Camping, Fishing & 4WD Expo with fellow member Barry McDade raising money for the new boat.

"It gives handicapped kids and adults the opportunity to experience something they never would have been able to otherwise," Mr Balfour said.

"These kids don't experience a lot of that sort of stuff so it's something different.

"We originally had it aimed at kids but it's snowballed over the years so we we've included aged care homes now as well."

If you want to donate to the organisation, you can head to their Facebook page.

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'Only dream about it': Boat to give handicapped experience - Queensland Times

Compiled by the Deschutes County Historical Society from the archived copies of The Bulletin at the Deschutes Historical Museum

100 years ago

For the week ending

Sept. 26, 1920

That the forest fire in the yellow pine belt near Fox Butte burned over 2500 acres and killed approximately 1,500,000 feet of high grade timber was the statement of Forest Supervisor H.L. Plumb, who returned last night with Deputy Supervisor W.O. Harriman from the scene of the conflagration. A cruise will be made shortly to determine the exact amount of the loss.

The greater part of the damage was done on the first day of the fire, Mr. Plumb said, when a high wind spread the flames rapidly. Practically all reproduction in the tract was killed and much in the way of valuable forage plants destroyed. The fire did not "crown," as had been feared, the destruction of mature timber coming as a result of the flames catching in pitch spots near the ground.

Redmond will not be a contender for the county seat of Deschutes county, it was formally made known in Bend this morning, when a letter to this effect from R.H. Murrow, secretary of the Redmond Commercial club was received by D.G. McPherson, president of the Bend Commercial club.

"We think the joke has gone far enough about moving the permanent county seat to Redmond," Mr. Murrow wrote. "If you need any help, we will jump in and do anything we can to help you get it. Call on us.

"This idea of putting up $50,000 as an inducement to make Redmond the county seat was started a week or two ago, when there were very few members present at the Redmond Commercial club meeting. It has been discussed since, with very little approval from most of the members, who considered it as a joke, so a motion was passed at the last meeting granting all our rights to Bend for the permanent county seat."

Soft, wet snow from four to five feet deep on the summit of the divide 15 miles north of Sisters, turned back the party which set out yesterday morning from Sisters in search of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tuck of Redmond, believed to be in Grizzly Basin at the foot of Mt. Jefferson, cut off from return by recent storms and the loss of their horses. John Tuck, father of the missing man, was notified of the failure, and phoned from Redmond to the ranger station at Detroit, 20 miles from the flat from the other side. He was assured that every effort would be made to locate the campers.

75 years ago

For the week ending

Sept. 26, 1945

Bend eventually will be headquarters for one of the largest novelty manufacturing plants in the United States, it was indicated today, when officials of the Oregon Trail Furniture shops here revealed plans for extensive expansion, not only of facilities but of its business.

And when the shops, which now employ 20 persons, are expanded to proposed capacity, between 50 and 60 persons will be employed, according to J.S. Simmons, president of the organization. Present plans call for doubling the present size of the plant, with the building eventually covering a floor space of approximately 100 by 400 feet. As soon as materials and machinery are available, a 200-foot extension will be made on the south end of the present building, it was said.

The Oregon Trail Furniture shops recently concluded a contract for the manufacture of ammunition boxes, and immediately started into the production of toy wooden rifles. At present, according to Ed F. Vogt, general superintendent, the plant is producing 2,000 of these daily.

Bend has an important spot on the weather map of the North American continent, and is part of a vast network of stations that supplies data for meteorologists who chart information for airmen, it can now be revealed, with the removal of weather censorship. Reporting day and night on a three-hour schedule, the Bend station has an international number, is manned by a staff of five and is completely equipped with weather instruments that range from an automatic rain measuring device to mercurial and aneroid barometers.

Known as an airway reporting point, the Bend station has been in operation just short of 15 years, but it was in the war period that it played its most important role, as work was intensified and new equipment was added. The Bend station was the first of the off-route airway offices set up in Central Oregon, on Dec. 30, 1930, and provided the first readings from the huge "blacked out" area of the interior country. About the same time, stations were established at Burns and Lakeview, and from this vast triangle was obtained information of vast importance to the makers of weather maps.

Deschutes county's 26th annual fair, held here over the weekend, was history today, as committees worked on their records and announced that the two-say show attracted a record attendance, with 4,000 spectators on hand for the Saturday rodeo and with an even greater crowd present for the Sunday show.

Some 1,700 persons attended the buckaroo breakfast Sunday morning. This, it is believed, is the largest group ever to attend a similar breakfast in the northwest. Present for the Warm Spring Indian pageant Saturday night was a crowd that filled the grandstand to capacity.

Present for the final day of the rodeo Sunday afternoon was a crowd believed to be the greatest ever to attend a one-day show at the county fair. All seating capacity was filled and there was standing room only along the rails. The western show went off smoothly and, spectators agreed, it was a top notch affair, with broncs winning over riders in many instances.

The fair was dedicated to victory, and to the Deschutes county men who died on foreign battlefields, or on the high seas.

At 6 o'clock Sunday evening, an 18-mile caravan of cars reached from Redmond to Bend, as motorists headed home from the rodeo.

50 years ago

For the week ending

Sept. 26, 1970

"There were buttons and switches everywhere buttons to call for food, for music, for clothing...There was the button that produced literature. And there were of course the buttons by which she communicated with her friends. The room was in touch with all that she cared for in the world."

Thus did the late E.M. Forster imagine the future in his story "The Machine Stops." The machine he described more than half a century ago bears a remarkable resemblance to the communications system that many experts believe will emerge in the United States. In the next two decades or so.

Through the medium of cable television, it is asserted, this country will become a "wired nation." It is envisioned that the viewer will be able to scan the morning headlines on a special channel and, by pressing a button, order a printout of the stories he wants to read at breakfast. Through a similar arrangement by cable the same babble that brings him conventional TV fare he will send and receive mail and telegrams, read his utility bills, order his groceries and do his banking. Cable television also known as community antenna television (CATV)- has been operative in numerous communities for years. It differs outwardly from conventional telecasting only in that signals are transmitted via coaxial cable rather than through the air.

The difference is an important one. Whereas over-the-air television can provide only seven signals at most from channels 2 through 13, CATV can provide up to 80 different signals via cable. To put it another way, as many as nine CATV signals can be transmitted in that part of the electromagnetic spectrum between channels 6 and 7.

Modern cable television systems are simply more sophisticated versions of the country's first CATV operation, established in 1950 at Langford, PA.

The National Cable Television Association reports that the average installation fee is $20.54 and the average monthly service fee is $5.01. The association estimates that around 2,400 CATV systems are now in operation, and that they serve approximately 4.5 million television sets- about 5 per cent of the nations total.

Looking to the future, William B. Gross of General Electric Co. told the National Cable Television Association convention last June that CATV might eventually enter into a multi- billion-dollar business of transmitting mail. Other speakers envisioned cable-TV techniques to provide meter reading, merchandising, shopping, property-protection services and stock market information. Only a few services like those are now available on cable television.

25 years ago

For the week ending

Sept. 26, 1995

Even for young folks, change doesn't always come easy. Still, a handful of students interviewed on Day 9 of Bend High School's new block schedule last week thought some good may come of the change. "Everybody is to class on time," said Addie Rehberg, a 17-year-old senior at the school.

That's partly because with four 90-minute periods through the day, there are 15 minutes between classes. Enough time, in fact, that "everybody is there five minutes early," said Mike Wyant, 17, a senior.

Rehberg added another benefit of the slower pace between classes: "You don't get pushed around and yelled at."

"It's not as much of a rush anymore," said Justin Ward, an 18-year old senior. Lunch hour is even better at twice as long as last year with 20 minutes of tutorial time and another 40 minutes to eat. That's up to an hour for the open-campus days when students can run out to a fast-food joint, eat in a leisurely manner, come back to campus and still have time to talk with friends before trekking back to the classroom.

The mellowed pace of four periods per day instead of seven or more may be nice, but that doesn't mean students are all immediately welcoming the change with open arms.

"At first, a lot of people were angry for one thing, we were not asked or even consulted," said 17-year-old senior Cadi Pfaff. "But I think as we're getting into the swing of things...I think people will get used to it."

Sixteen-year-old junior Sarah LaChapelle said teachers have been "really understanding" as both they and students adjust.

One thing students believe they're having to get used to is more work. "I think, like in history, you're doing double the reading you have to do on your own," said LaChapelle.

"I think teachers are trying to prepare us for college," said Ryan Fracker, 15, a sophomore.

Two of the four class periods offer subjects on alternate days, so students get a "good break between classes" said Ward.

It also puts a greater premium on attendance. "I was gone the first half hour of a class last week and I was lost," said Rehberg.

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Yesteryear: Cable television on its way in 1970 | lifestyle - Bend Bulletin

On average, a 100-meter superyacht can fall between $100-200 million. The Azzam is nearly six times this size.

Size does matter, even in yachts, especially when it comes to the money that goes into building them. Which is why the worlds most expensive yacht has to be one of a kind.

With the launch of the gleaming new Azzam, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich could no longer lay claim to being the owner of the world's largest superyacht, Eclipse, though it remains a mighty contender on the high seas. Interestingly, the Eclipse has been home to many a partying celebrity as well.

But lets talk about the world's most expensive and once the largest yacht,the Azzam, that belongs to Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE. It stands 590-feet long, a full 57-feet longer than the Eclipse. This means it's far bigger than a football field and even larger than the US Navy destroyers. Anything this big and fully geared with luxury cannot come cheap, can it?And the Azzam is super-duper expensive, costing hundreds of millions.

Heres what we know about the Azzam and the kind of money that went into building it. Plus, a little about the vessel that dethroned the Azzam from it's largest yacht title.

Lets begin from the bottom up to get a better estimate of the Azzam. On average, a 100-meter superyacht can fall between $100-200 million. The Azzam is nearly six times this size. Thats hint number one.

Then there is the annual upkeep, usually standing at about 10% of the yachts, value, easily running into thousands of dollars, sometimes also touching millions. Being Middle East royalty helps in one living the good life. Of course, this is also the country where you get to see the craziest cars on the road, especially in Dubai.

Maintaining a yacht is no cakewalk. When you calculate dockage fees, annual maintenance and repairs, staff salaries, insurance premiums, and gas charges, one realizes that a yacht is much like a white elephant. Of not much use, but a lot of expense. Most yachts, therefore, can only be owned by the super-rich as a means to show off their wealth and also reap its harvests.

And we talk of the President of the UAE, the fact that money is no issue to him, is brought home, even more, when you get to know of the monies that went into making this gorgeous yacht that most of us can only dream of even being on, let alone owning.

RELATED:Ferrari Made A Boat, And It Cost $70,000

For a while, the Azzam was the worlds largest yacht at 590-feet or 180-meters long. Now, it has been pushed back into the second position when it comes to size.

But if you talk about the amount of money that has gone into making the Azzam a haven on water, it still stands at number one and is far ahead of its competitors. Built at a whopping cost of $605 million, we are sure the Azzam comes loaded with luxury and all the world's finest that money can offer. Considering it belongs to the president of the UAE, the details of what went inside are confidential for obvious security purposes.

That said; Azzam employs a staff of 50. The construction of the interior was by Germanys Lrssen Yachts while for the exterior design, Italian firm Nauta Yachts were hired.

Unlike some boats that should be banned because they are too ugly, the Azzam is tastefully designed and looks gorgeous on the water.The top speed of the Azzam can cross 32 knots, pretty fast for a yacht this size, on two gas turbines and two diesel engines, combining for 47,000 horsepower. It cost about $10 million more than the previous largest-yacht titleholder, the Eclipse.

And yet, its triumph of being the largest has been shortlived for there's another yacht in the world now that may not be as expensive to build, but overshadows the Azzam in size, and well, intention.

RELATED:The Real Story Behind This Viper-Powered Porsche Boat

The worlds largest yacht is now the REV Ocean and stands at 600-feet in length. While she is a luxury yacht, what sets her apart is the fact that it is the worlds biggest research vessel as well, and will help fix overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution in the water.

Kjell Inge Rkke is the proud owner of the REV Ocean, having made his fortune from fishing (the irony!) and offshore oil drilling. His idea was to give back, and the Rev Ocean is a hybrid vessel that has a yacht interior with luxury facilities for paying guests, with an ice-class hull and laboratories better at home in a polar research vehicle.

The best part of the REV Ocean is that money for the research and salaries of the scientists will come from the paying guests. The owner has leased it at just $1 per year to the eponymous non-profit he owns and the idea to save the world's oceans with an oceanic vessel is winning hearts.

That said, when it comes to price, the Azzam still holds on to its title. The REV Ocean, despite being the world's largest yacht, was built it an estimated cost of $350-500 million. The good thing is that getting on to the REV Ocean as a passenger is a lot easier than being invited to the Azzam. Plus, being on the REV Ocean means you do a little bit to save the oceans.

Sources: CNN, Forbes. TheTimes

NEXT:Lexus LY 650 Yacht: A Floating Condo With Two V8s

TikTok Teams Up With NASCAR's Ryan Vargas For Remainder Of The Season

Arun Singh Pundir has been a longtime media crackerjack and worked most of his life in sales and marketing. In 2018, he officially flipped and switched sides to the editorial. He lives with his wife, two rascally sons, and is a car and motorcycle nut in his free time. Not that he has too much free time. He currently writes for HotCars on anything that has any number or kind of wheels. He considers his Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Suzuki Ciaz, and Royal Enfield Classic 500, the three current flames of his life. His dream is to drive around the world; even if it takes more than eighty days.

Original post:

Here's How Much It Cost To Build The World's Most Expensive Luxury Yacht Azzam - HotCars

Researchers from Tohoku Universitys Graduate School of Engineering have discovered a novel iron-based superelastic alloy (SEA) capable of withstanding extreme temperaturesboth high and low. A paper on the work is published in Science.

SEAs are found in a wide variety of commercial applications because of their superelasticity, allowing them to regain their original shape. Superelasticity occurs when the metal undergoes deformation at the point known as critical stress.

Generally, SEAs have a positive temperature dependence; the critical stress increases as the temperature rises. Conventional metal-based SEAs such as Ti-Ni cannot be used at temperatures lower than -20 C or higher than 80 C and are costly to make. This limits their application to the form of thin wires or tubes.

Associate Professor at Tohoku University, Toshihiro Omori and his team developed an iron-based SEA system, known as Fe-Mn-Al-Cr-Ni. This cost-effective SEA can operate at a much wider temperature range.

A comparison of the stress-strain curves of the new iron-based SEA in comparison to Nickel-Titanium alloy. Credit: Tohoku University

A significant advantage of the new SEA is its controllable temperature-dependence. Increasing the amount of Chromium allowed the researchers to change the temperature dependence from a positive to a negative. Balancing the Chromium content resulted in zero temperature dependence with the critical stress remaining almost constant at various temperatures.

The discovery possesses wide-spread application for outer-space exploration given the large temperature fluctuations that occur, said Professor Omori.

Omori points to NASAs work on a superelastic tire that can withstand excessive deformation for Moon and Mars missions. The temperature differences between night and day on the Moon and Mars are -170 C to 120 C and -150 C to 20 C respectively.

Resources

Ji Xia, Yuki Noguchi, Xiao Xu, Takumi Odaira, Yuta Kimura, Makoto Nagasako, Toshihiro Omori, Ryosuke Kainuma (2020) Iron-based superelastic alloys with near-constant critical stress temperature dependence Science doi: 10.1126/science.abc1590

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New iron-based superelastic alloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures - Green Car Congress

UPPER KEYS Its been smooth sailing for retired U.S. Navy SEAL Joe Mastrangelo. Its because he runs a tight ship aboard his 22-foot boat called the Dutch Treat, on which he teaches fellow veterans, active duty personnel and the countys first responders how to navigate the high seas through his nonprofit Veteran Sailing Association.

Mastrangelo has taught about 165 honorably discharged veterans and law enforcement officers how to sail at no cost since late 2016.

Looking ahead, he plans to teach and certify through the American Sailing Association at least 10 more vets by the end of the year, which is heavily dependent on donated funds.

There are a few different courses to choose from that span three to five days. Mastrangelo also teaches more advanced-level classes, if students already have some background in sailing. After completing on-the-water training, students are expected to pass a written exam.

Vets do have to pay for their own transportation and board.

We are struggling financially just to keep these guys sailing. I cover all of the materials and expenses to get these guys out there. Every dime goes toward taking veterans sailing, Mastrangelo said. Ive been extremely fortunate that certain people have heard about his organization and have donated. Im doing what I can. It takes a lot to keep this thing running. Ive applied for grants, but they dont always come to fruition.

Its over the billowing sails and the promise of a high seas adventure that Mastrangelo connects with other veterans.

Its veterans helping veterans, the way it should be, he said.

Purple Heart recipient Dan Lama, who served in the U.S. Armys 25th Infantry Division in Iraq, completed his ASA 101 keelboat and 103 coastal cruising sailing certifications last week with Mastrangelo. Hes learned how to prevail in the sails.

You have to know what you are doing, and why you are doing it, he said. Much like life, this applies to sailing, he said.

I ran 30 nautical miles yesterday with Dan, Mastrangelo said. Dans nephew wants to sail across the Atlantic and make a living off the ocean, and maybe hell go with him.

Before they set sail, Mastrangelo said they spent hours preparing and cleaning hulls. He spends 40 to 50 hours per week on operations beyond teaching vets to sail.

If there is a mechanical issue, we go past sunset. If not, we usually start at 9 a.m. and go until about 6 p.m., Mastrangelo said.

Weve been jamming, he added. We have a whole military base in Key West and in Homestead.

Veteran Sailing Associations operations havent slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Facebook page is covered with success stories of veterans who have passed the class over the last few years.

Its been smooth sailing for me. Im a Navy frogman. Im going to get it done and Ive been very fortunate, Mastrangelo said.

Veteran Sailing Association is located at 90791 Old Highway in Casa Mar Village. For more information, visit veteransailing.com. It can also be found on Facebook under the same name. Mastrangelo can be reached at 305-619-3433.

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Veteran helps others prevail in the sail | Features | keysnews.com - KeysNews.com

NEW YORK The United Nations must continue efforts to reduce climate change and encourage biodiversity, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris, told the General Debate on Sept.26 at the virtual 75th Opening Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere and the impact of climate change weighs heavily on our daily lives, said the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris. At this point in time, we are in the most active part of the hurricane season, at the mercy of Mother Nature, and for this reason climate change will always be high on our agenda.

Climate change for us is not something to be postponed for tomorrow. Indeed, it must be addressed like yesterday. We must regain the momentum and continue our work to consolidate the gains made so far.

Earlier this month, the UN warned that countries are set to miss critical targets to preserve and protect earths biodiversity. This requires, of course, immediate and drastic action.

We are pleased to advocate for Sustainable Development Goal #15, which calls for us to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss, explained the Prime Minister.

I look forward to joining my SIDS colleagues at the High-level Summit on Biodiversity to champion the cause for us to protect our biodiversity not just on land but on our high seas.

For St. Kitts and Nevis, the ocean is our lifeblood. Let us protect it to preserve a stronger and safer future.

Food Security

The Food Systems Summit to be held next year is timely, since our current inadequacies, as exposed by the pandemic, demand a vigorous examination of our strategies for food production and nutrition security. I am particularly encouraged by the positive response of Kittitians and Nevisians in answering the call of my Government to strengthen our food security by scaling up our investments in agriculture and fisheries.

25th Anniversary of Fourth World Conference on Women

The 25th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women is to be celebrated. As we continue to hail the contribution of women to the socio-economic landscape of our country and the world at large, we are pleased to join in the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women next week, said Dr. Harris.

Earlier this year, we commenced our examination of the national implementation of the Beijing Declaration. The findings revealed that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has much to celebrate regarding the advancement of women over the past 25 years; but, of course, there is still much more ground yet to be covered, and many trails yet to be blazed.

Through the implementation of our National Gender Policy and other legislation and focused attention on the Beijing Declarations 12th Action Point The Girl Child, we will continue to prioritize our pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of our women and girls, concluded Dr. Harris.

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PM Dr. Harris, 'Climate change weighs heavily on our daily lives' - The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer