Monthly News & Updates

 

2026 | Issue 1

 

This Month's Newsletter

WOW where has time gone? We took a much needed breach at the end of 2025 and got the podcast up and going. Thank you to everyone downloading and listening. This is Issue 1 for 2026 and we will discuss several topics of interest. Be sure to let us know your like and dislikes.

 
 

Cocktail Corner

Hosted by Janice Weaver


Portable Old Fashion



  • 1 Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry
  • Smash the Candy
  • Add your favorite Bourbon
  • Stir
  • Add Ice
  • Top with little more bourbon
  • Time to sip and enjoy!


Here is how it works:

  1. Simple Syrup = Cream Center
  2. Bitters = Dark Chocolate
  3. Garnish = Cherry


Simple easy cocktail with only 2 ingredients. Who doesn't like simple?




Courtesy of Janice Weaver

 
 

LOVE of the LEAF XX

Pairing by Bobby McClellan

Finally some nice afternoons


Nice weather for a couple days is well appreciated. Got to love freezing to shorts in a week but it normal for us here in the ol Sip.


After a nice dinner of lemon salmon i decided on the JP Wiser 24 year cask strength. It is one of those overlooked bottlings that people should take a look at. it is a well rounded bottle with a proof that drinks softer that is it and is a great pairing bottle. I decided to dig in the cabinet for a Metropolitan Habano by Ferio Tego.

The cigar is a nice Nicaraguan puro in a 6X52 size.


The Wiser is a blended Canadian whiskey and is sweet on the nose and has what I like to call a bright citrus like taste. When you put is with a sweeter whiskey it quiets the flavors of the whiskey but it is the opposite for the cigar. It brings out the earthy woody notes. The cigar slow smokes, which is great give you time to have a second pour of the nice sweet whiskey. I have had the 18 24 and the 27 and for me the 24 is the sweet spot. give all of the flavors of the 18 with a little more edge.

 

Update on the Country Squire

Spring 2026

We are loving the sneak peaks that JD has been sharing on the progress of the Country Squire. If you did not know they are moving the Country squire to the forever home just down the street from the current location. They are adding touches from the 50 years of the country squire into the new location from bricks to displays it will feel like home to the many patrons.


We cannot wait for the grand opening. We are working on something in conjunction with the Squire after opening to express out thanks for the friendship since our start. Keep your ear open!




 


Man spirit sales are down, acquisitions are starting, brokerages are swapping brands and for us in Mississippi are in crisis mode.


Four Roses Sold to Gallo Wines. If you go back to when they went up for sale it 300 million price drop over the original asking price. It is still 700 Mil but we still see that as a fire sale of sorts especially when many of our favorite distilleries are not even valued near 300 mil.


You have the legal and financial debacle that is what is happening with Uncle Nearest. That came out like a gang buster with huge marketing and huge money investments. then poof nothing. Then lawsuits and accusations bot toward them and by them. Right now last we heard was the receiver in charge trying to get at least their investment back says the money is not there and then we hear reports that they may have overstated production. All we know is it is a mess for a brand that was releasing a pretty good whiskey.


Now for Mississippi. Our liquor is in a death spiral. in a culmination of factors shipments from our local ABC are down to a trickle and they are not accepting any orders into the state. Store shelves are empty and sales are to nothing for some locations. Liquor stores in Mississippi are mom and pop family businesses and they are dying. no money coming in but they still have to pay the bills. We hear every reason in the world as to the cause but lets be honest Who cares at the moment. these businesses are dying. Get the cases loaded and delivered and triage the root cause later. If this was a private business they would tell vendors to pull in all the extra help and the delivery companies would bring on extra trucks and staff and get everything caught up . But this is Public and state has to spend money as budgeted and the legislature and government have to approve additional funding. At some point something has to give families are loosing money, Cities are loosing sales tax revenue and the state is loosing the "sin" tax revenue that is charges on every bottle that is delivered to the stores. Everyone is loosing so Fix is like a large corporation would.


Let us know what you are seeing and hearing. Any thoughts?


mississippisippers@gmail.com

 
 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

The Mississippi Sippers and Crittenden's Distillery would like to say an overwhelming thank you to everyone that came out to the Valentine's Bottle Drop and tours at the distillery. We had an absolute blast talking whiskey with everyone. We all must say WOW the Bottle 69 and Maple barrels sold out, Tokji is gone, Bluesberry and Dogman was released and the team had to restock at least 3 times. All of that in a span of 1 hour 20 minutes!


If you enjoyed the event let us know, as we are planning another bottle drop and tour day at the distillery.


Season 2 has started!

We took some time to recharge plan out some bottles and we are now at it again! If you have not been listening to the Pod Cast now is a good time to catch up on the back episodes and have some pours with us.



JT Meleck is COMING TO MISSISSIPPI


We are super excited to be working with the Fruge family and the team over at JT Meleck Distillry to help with the launch of their Whiskey and Vodka into the state of Mississippi. We even have the 1st Single Barrel pick coming to the state. Hoping it drops mid April 2026.

BOTTLES of the MONTH

Bourbon / Whiskey

Jim Beam Pin-Bottle


Aged: 8 Years

Proof: 86.8


(Notes from The Whiskey Study)

Nose: The nose starts off with a familiar Beam nuttiness mixed with a warm dusty oak note that almost becomes a bit funky and reminiscent or those old Pin Bottles. There’s more oak on the front than 8 years would lead you to believe but it rounds itself out nicely with flashes of cornmeal, sour apple, and a touch of smoke. The nose is very restrained with low heat and notes that feel very aligned with a traditional Beam profile.


Taste: The palate has a very gentle upfront character with soft waves of butterscotch, oak, and fresh baked bread. Some of the nuttiness found on the nose pokes through but is lost against the almost watery and thin mouthfeel. As it transitions into the finish, the back of the palate features notes of sawdust and stale peanut brittle. 


Finish: Short to medium finish with dried baking spice, more dusty oak, and a slight astringency that lingers between sips.


Sippers Take:

Jim Beam Brought back the bowling pin bottle for the first time since the 1990's. this was a distillery only release at the end of 2025. We were able to snag one on a recent trip through Kentucky. What do we think? One the shelf presence is pretty neat. Really what is more iconic than the bowling pin. But that is were it really stops. Quite honestly for us it smells tastes and finishes about the exact same as the traditional white label Jim Beam available absolutely everywhere. If you are a collector then I say put it in the collections but f you are planning to drink it just go with white label.


Scotch Whisky

Bruichladdich

The Laddie Rye


Aged: 7 Years

Proof: 100 Proof


Nose: Liquorice, ground ginger and cracked black pepper open on the nose, with a warming mix of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg following. A herbaceous undertone adds freshness, with geranium leaf, lily and a hint of wild camomile adding a delicate floral touch. Crisp pear, yellow melon and fresh apricot add a juicy sweetness, complementing notes of marzipan and coconut.

Taste: The whisky’s velvet texture coats the palate, punctuated with a prickle of spice. The interplay of peppery rye heat and soft sweetness never wavers, with layered and warming spices balanced with vibrant orchard fruits. The toasted oak brings smooth honey, vanilla and a touch of fudge, creating a complex yet harmonious balance of flavor.


Finish: Initial spice gives way to delicate floral and fruity notes. Warm vanilla custard and lingering cracked pepper and nutmeg gently fade, with mellow toasted oak settling on the finish.


Sippers Take:

Everyone knows that Bruichladdich is the Distillery that releases it's namesake whisky but also Port Charlotte and Octomore. Here is something that every whiskey lover should locate and try. They decided to creat a Rye Scotch Whisky that is really something the American market should get behind it is easy to drink with muted spice that we are used to from our rye whiskey. it is perfect at the 100 proof You ger sweet backing notes on the nose with sugar cinnamon on the palate. the finish dips off but comes back with little barrel oak in it. man are we so excited for this.





World Whiskey

Indri Single Malt Indian

AGNEYA


Aged: NAS

Product Type: Single Malt

Proof: 92

Casking: PX Sherry & Ex Bourbon



Nose: Delicate hints of chocolate intertwined with subtle vanilla sweetness, a touch of spice, dried apple and apricot. Notes of fruit jam and peat dust with earthy undertones.


Taste: Tropical fruits like mango, ripe banana, rich toffee, light spice followed by a warm embrace of dried peat smoke. Melon adds a refreshing twist, while a sweet, fruity essence lingers with a soft, rounded smokiness.


Finish: A blend of sweet and salty nuances, culminating in a smooth, smoky finish. Balanced layers of fruit sweetness and soft spice leave a lasting impression and a long finish.


Sippers Take:

It is no secret that we have a huge appreciation of Indian Whisky. The environments that they are able to age in combines with the amazing flavor profiles you get, you just cannot go wrong. The nose of this is peated sherry sweetness lots of candied fruit. The palate is soft sweet and smokey with the 92 proof giving more of a hug than most whiskies do at the proof range. Finish for us is long soft and sweet coffee nuances like a Cuban coffee with some cream added. For us this just checks all of the boxes, good proof flavor and finish. Do not pass up on the Indian whiskies everyone because you are missing something very special.






Spirits

Hovding Aquavit


Aged: NAS

Proof: 80

Casking: American Oak with Oloroso Sherry casks


Nose: The aroma is caraway forward, complemented by orangepeel, appleskin, licorice, and a hint of spearmint, creating a fresh yet herbal bouquet. Subtle vanilla and sherry cask influence add depth and complexity.

Taste: The aquavit presents a lively, well- integrated flavor profile. Apricot, dried fruits, and caraway spice dominate, balanced by fennel, coriander, juniper, and dry/herbal character that is pleasing without being overly sweet.


Finish: Elegant and lingering, with subtle spices and a gentle. warmth form the potatoe spirit. The sherry cask aging contributes a smooth, slightly nutty undertone that enhances the overall complexity.



Sippers Take:

Leave it to us to find the odd and obscure. This is a Norwegian Aquavit. What is an Aquavit you ask?

Aquavit is a distilled spirit primarily produced in Scandinavia, Known for its herbal flavoring. which typically includes caraway and dill. It is often enjoyed during festive gatherings. Its history goes back to the 15th century. The name "aquavit" comes from the Latin "aqua vitae", meaning "water of life" due to is origin as a medicinal tonic.

While similar to gin, aquavit is generally sweeter and is produced from potatoes or grain.

Norwegian Aquavit is made from 95% Norwegian potatoes and is oak barrel aged.


If you are a gin drinker please branch out a try this. If has all of the nuances that we love about bourbon and rye whiskey. Minty on the nose with a sweetness. The palate is like you blended a mint julip and an Old Fashion. This version is oak barrel aged then has been cask finished in oloroso sherry barrels.

Crittenden's Mississippi Bluesberry Now Available.



The Crittenden's Distillery Mississippi Sippers Collaboration of the Mississippi Bluesberry Blueberry Wine Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey has released and is arriving in local stores in the south and is available online.




Online @ Bourbon Outfitter

 
 
 
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