Matt Schibanoff’s Post

All aspects of Modern Caribbean Rum is a must read. https://lnkd.in/g-cbGUcQ

Quote: "In the late 1990s, distillers crept back into the market. And, when smaller stills were once again permitted in 2009, it fuelled an explosion in artisanal activity." Wrong. HMCE/HMRC had no power to refuse a rectifier's licence on application and only had the discretion to refuse a distiller's licence where the largest still would be less than 18 hl. HMCE's policy had been to refuse such licence. Such an absolute restriction was unreasonable under public law principles, so I changed the law/policy in 1996 such that a credible application for a distiller's licence with a sound business plan would be given fair consideration by HMCE regardless of still size. A rectifier's licence (such as per the Sipsmith enduring myth) should have just been issued on application. After I left, HMCE staff apparently couldn't read the law or apply their own policy written in the internal manual (originally written by me in book X-1 - Spirits production). Shambles. #HMRC #licence #whisky #gin #excise

How To Toast Pecans: ICYMI:  Learn how to toast pecans in oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop to get deliciously crunchy pecans perfect for cooking, baking, and any time snacking! Continue reading How To Toast Pecans at Recipes From A Pantry.http://dlvr.it/T2lBy2

The "Patty Wars" of 1985 in Toronto represent a fascinating yet relatively unknown chapter in Canadian history, especially for many Jamaican-Canadians. This particular event sheds light on the cultural heritage and culinary legacy within the Jamaican diaspora, and how government led, institutionalized racism can lead to the erasure of one’s culture within the melting-pot called Canada. For many Jamaicans, myself included, who call Canada home, this narrative provides a captivating insight into the interwoven tapestry of cultures that shape the country's identity. The dispute over the use of the word “patty” in advertising a Jamaican culinary staple, in Canada, highlights the significance of culinary traditions in preserving cultural heritage within immigrant communities. The documentary "Patty vs Patty," produced by CBC, serves as a valuable resource, exploring not just the rivalry between the Jamaican Diaspora and the Canadian government but also the broader implications regarding cultural ownership, identity, and the immigrant experience in Canada. By delving into this historical incident, it illuminates a piece of Canadian multiculturalism that resonates deeply with the diverse population and showcases the richness of cultural exchange within the country. For many Jamaican-Canadians unaware of this specific historical event, discovering the "Patty Wars" becomes a gateway to understanding the complexities and nuances of cultural integration and preservation in Canada. It's a story that intertwines food, identity, and the immigrant experience, offering a unique perspective on the multifaceted nature of Canadian society. https://lnkd.in/g8FBbY6n

It’s time to rethink the entire food supply chain. #foodandbeverageindustry #foodforthought #foodandbeverage #foodie #foodserviceindustry #foodsupplychain

!JuneShine Acquiring Flying Embers! *Breaking this a.m. in Craft Business Daily*: A pair of budding beyond beer brands are coming together, as JuneShine has announced the acquisition of Flying Embers. The purchase, which is set to close in coming days, is “an all-stock transaction” and is exclusive to the Flying Embers brand, trademarks and distribution rights. The combination of portfolios makes for a dominant player in the hard kombucha category and beyond beer: The two brands together will now represent “63% of all hard kombucha sold” in total U.S., “the 14th largest beyond beer & spirit based RTD brand family” across the States, and the “6th” biggest beyond beer & spirit based RTD brand fam in California, per announcement this morning. All in, JuneShine will now be about a 116,000-barrel or 1.6 million case supplier. Three interesting points from the article: 1.    The deal is for Flying Embers brand, trademark, and distro rights, not the FE brewery. This is about consolidation for efficiencies, scale, profitability “Our brewery’s not as nice as theirs,” Greg said. “They have a Ferrari, we have an old Tacoma,” he quipped, but the old Tacoma “gets the job done and it can make [Flying Embers] product” in a “very efficient” manner. After the deal, “we’ll probably be at about 75% capacity,” Greg said of their production facility in Scripps Ranch. “I think there’s some levers we can pull to increase our capacity, but yeah, we’re starting to fill the space out.”   2.    They don’t plan to immediately align wholesaler footprints. Flying Embers in in more states than JuneShine, but in common markets, they have “pretty good wholesaler overlap,” say Greg and Forrest.  “I don’t anticipate making any immediate changes to that,” said Greg, as they find it “disruptive.”   3.    Flying Embers founder Bill Moses (who also co-founded probiotic beverage co. Kevita and sold to PepsiCo in 2016) will be part of a newly created board of directors, along with co-founders Forrest Dein and Greg Serrao. But what about Beam Suntory’s previous funding in Flying Embers? It appears that investment will simply carry over. Bill Moses tells CBD in a statement that “Beam Suntory is a shareholder in Flying Embers and will therefore have an interest in JS Brands.”   Here’s a couple throwbacks (!!) to our Beernet Radio pods with both companies: JS with Greg Serrao and Forrest Dein, and FE with Bill Moses and Liz Tomic, both episodes two years old. Here's to the future. https://lnkd.in/gcUEceus https://lnkd.in/gY7Pr8Ze

This Is The Easiest Way To Prepare Asparagus https://lnkd.in/eyyKawaA

Eastern Europe is making waves as a go-to destination for cost-effective alternatives.

Interesting article about the changing winds in Sherry production.

I spend a lot of time writing and speaking on behalf of restaurant employees because I believe we did things wrong for so long in regards to taking care of our people. But, where is the balance of what the employer should expect in exchange? Read the most recent article of my Shift Happens Column in FSR magazine to find out what the employee’s responsibility is in creating symbiotic relationships. Whether you are an owner, executive, or hourly employee this column is for you. If you are a restaurant owner and your people aren’t doing what you need book a FREE call with me to see how I can help by clicking the link below https://lnkd.in/gX2CAgPN #restaurateur #restsurantsuccess #restaurantowner #restaurantsuccess