Friday, May 26, 2023

A Personal Apology and Insight into My Absence

Dear Readers,

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility that I write this blog post today. I want to offer my sincerest apologies for my unexplained sporadic absences. As some of you may know, I have been battling several significant health challenges that have impacted my ability to continue posting regularly. Today, I wish to shed light on the reasons behind my absence and share my journey with you.

C-PTSD: A Silent Struggle:
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is an often-misunderstood condition that affects countless individuals worldwide. It stems from long-term exposure to traumatic events and is characterized by a complex array of symptoms, including severe anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. For me, C-PTSD has been an ongoing battle, one that has impacted my daily life and my ability to engage in activities I once enjoyed.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): An Invisible Challenge:
In addition to C-PTSD, I have also been grappling with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND is a condition where the nervous system malfunctions, resulting in a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms. These symptoms can be unpredictable and debilitating, affecting mobility, coordination, and cognition. Over time, FND has significantly impacted my energy levels, making it difficult to focus, create, and maintain consistent productivity.

Early Onset Dementia: The Unwelcome Intrusion:
As if C-PTSD and FND weren't challenging enough, I have also been diagnosed with early onset dementia. This diagnosis came as a shock, as I am still relatively young. Early onset dementia is a condition in which cognitive decline occurs earlier than typically expected. It has made it increasingly difficult for me to recall information, formulate thoughts, and communicate effectively. Each passing day brings a new hurdle to overcome, and unfortunately, it has hindered my ability to provide regular content for this blog.

The Impact on My Writing:
I want to assure you that sharing my experiences and insights through writing has always been a passion of mine. It has brought me immense joy and allowed me to connect with a supportive community of readers. However, as my health challenges intensified, my ability to focus, articulate my thoughts, and maintain a consistent schedule became increasingly strained. It became clear that I needed to prioritize my well-being and seek the necessary medical support to navigate these complex conditions.

A Renewed Commitment and Moving Forward:
Through therapy, medical interventions, and the support of loved ones, I am gradually finding ways to manage my health challenges and regain control over my life. While the road to recovery is long and uncertain, I remain determined to continue writing and sharing my journey with you. However, I must also be realistic and acknowledge that there may be periods when my posts are less frequent or more sporadic due to the unpredictable nature of my conditions.

Conclusion:
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your understanding and continued support. Your kind messages and unwavering encouragement have been a source of strength during this trying time. I hope that by sharing my personal struggles with C-PTSD, FND, and early onset dementia, I can raise awareness and foster empathy for those facing similar challenges.

I humbly ask for your patience as I navigate this tumultuous journey, and I promise to do my best to provide valuable content whenever possible. Together, let us embrace compassion and understanding, recognizing that our struggles do not define us but rather shape us into resilient individuals.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,
Walker

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Marianne Eaves Debuts Forbidden & James B. Beam Distilling Co. Introduces An American Single Malt Whiskey

Forbidden Bourbon by Master Distiller Marianne Eaves

Marianne Eaves, Kentucky's first female Master Distiller, has introduced Forbidden, the spirits industry's first white corn and white winter wheat expression of Kentucky bourbon. The bourbon is the result of nearly a decade of work by Eaves, who aimed to capture the essence of an elegant mature bourbon through nontraditional low-temperature fermentation. Forbidden Bourbon breaks new ground by using unconventional ingredients and techniques. The initial release is a small batch of 5-year-old bourbon with a sweet and smooth profile, featuring flavors of vanilla, caramel, citrus, and oak spice. It will be available in select states and online at a SRP of $129. The first release will include a highly allocated number of hand-blended bottles along with three single barrel cask strength expressions. Learn more at DrinkForbidden.com.

Clermont Steep™ American Single Malt Whiskey. Photo credit: Beam Suntory

In another development, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has entered the American Single Malt Whiskey category with the launch of Clermont SteepTM. Developed by Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Master Distiller, Clermont SteepTM is a five-year-old American Single Malt Whiskey distilled and aged in Clermont, Kentucky. Noe defined the guidelines for this emerging category, emphasizing the unique flavor of American malted barley. The whiskey showcases warm toffee sweetness and a bready taste. Clermont SteepTM marks a significant step for James B. Beam Distilling Co. as it explores this growing segment. The whiskey will be available in select states starting June 2023. Learn more HERE.

Monday, May 1, 2023

Latest Buzz in the World of Mead, Volume 02, Issue 05

This edition of Latest Buzz In The World Of Mead includes various events, releases, and announcements. Zen Meadery in Ohio is offering an "Alcoholchemy" event where guests can learn about the science behind mead-making, while the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library partnered with Tamarack Jack’s Honey and Meadery for an Earth Day event focused on beekeeping. The Cavern City Renaissance Festival in New Mexico will feature three meaderies, and The Brimming Horn Meadery in Delaware has reintroduced their popular mead called Hekate. Orpheus MeadFest 2023 is a unique event showcasing Colorado's finest meaderies, while Two Warriors Meadery in Louisiana announced the return of "Bobby's Bochet." Blisspoint Meadery in New England was selected to participate in the Sam Adams Brewing The American Dream Bootcamp, while Superstition Meadery in Arizona has announced new releases of their Super Station cider and Vanilla Blueberry Hex mead.


Mead, Trendy Again, Can Help Save Honey Bees

Mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink, is gaining in popularity among young consumers looking for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options. Its production requires about three pounds of honey per gallon, making it labor-intensive, but it also supports the cultivation and preservation of endangered honey bee colonies. Independent beekeepers and private companies are crucial in defending honey bees from threats such as climate change and pesticides, and ordinary people can get involved by supporting local beekeepers or meaderies. The expected growth in the global mead market is over 18% in the next five years. For the full article, click HERE.


Alcoholchemy: Exploring The Science Of Mead

Zen Meadery in Worthington, Ohio is offering an "Alcoholchemy" event where guests can learn about the science behind the brewing process of mead, take a tour of the meadery, and taste their finest meads. The event costs $20 for preregistration, and each guest will receive a special gift. The event is suitable for both mead enthusiasts and those interested in the science of alcohol. The venue has a free parking lot with plenty of spaces. Registration can be found HERE.


Sylvan Lake’s Library Was Buzzing With Information For Earth Day

It's great to hear that the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library had a successful beekeeping session in partnership with Tamarack Jack’s Honey and Meadery for Earth Day. The event provided an opportunity for the library to connect with the community and educate them on the hard work bees do to gather pollen and create honey. The event was attended by 40 people, including kids who loved sampling the honey from Tamarack Jack’s and learning about bee-themed crafts and coloring pages. Participants also got to learn many facts about bees, including how they "winter" in beehives and how to protect and bolster the bee population. It's encouraging to hear that the event has inspired some participants to start their own beehives in the future. Click HERE for the complete article.


Cavern City Renaissance Festival Announces Three Meaderies At The Festival

Photo: Dark Stranger Meadery
The Cavern City Renaissance Festival in Carlsbad, New Mexico will have three meaderies serving a range of meads made from honey and infused with unique flavors. The meaderies include Dark Stranger Meadery, Pixie Mead, and Mystic Ambrosia Mead. Mead is considered the oldest alcoholic beverage dating back to 7000 BC and is the only alcohol that benefits the ecosystem it was harvested from through honey bees pollination and fertilization of flowers. The festival encourages visitors to celebrate history and try mead from these three meaderies at the Cavern City Renaissance Festival on Friday September 29th & Saturday September 30th!


The Brimming Horn Meadery Brings Back A Popular Fav

Milton, Delaware’s The Brimming Horn Meadery has reintroduced their popular mead called Hekate, which is a blend of honey, orange, rose petals, ginger, and black tea. It is described as delicately balanced and perfect for the spring season. The mead is available for purchase online or in-house. For more information, click HERE.


Orpheus MeadFest 2023

Photo: Orpheus MeadFest Facebook
The 2023 Orpheus MeadFest is a unique event that showcases Colorado's finest meaderies and their award-winning meads. Participants can taste a wide variety of mead, purchase their favorite ones directly from the meaderies, and enjoy appetizers to cleanse their palate between tastings. The event also includes a performance by the Orpheus PCC and a private club area for members of the Orpheus Homebrew Club to sample the home-brew entries from the Orpheus MeadFest Competition. The event takes place on July 22 from 4-7 PM at the spacious grounds of Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, CO. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two and can be purchased online. The event is 21+ only.


“Bobby’s Bochet” Returning?

Photo: Two Warriors Meadery
West Monroe, Louisiana’s Two Warriors Meadery posted on their social media that they bottled their first batch of "Bobby's Bochet" seven years ago. They are happy to announce that Bobby's will be back in production soon for fall. For more information, click HERE.


Blisspoint Meadery Chosen To Participate In Sam Adams BTAD Bootcamp

Photo: Blisspoint Meadery Facebook
Blisspoint Meadery has been selected to participate in the Sam Adams Brewing The American Dream (BTAD) Bootcamp, along with 23 other small businesses in New England. The program offers expert advice, networking opportunities, and business capital to help small businesses take their operations to the next level. Sam Adams has a history of philanthropic endeavors, including donating and lending millions of dollars to support craft food and beverage businesses and providing business coaching to small businesses. Blisspoint Meadery aims to use this opportunity to make more mead, bring it to more places, and help more people discover their Beverage Blisspoint with mead.


Superstition Meadery Announce New Releases

Photo: Superstition Meadery
Superstition Meadery, an Arizona craft meadery, have announced the availability of their Super Station cider in 12oz cans, which is a tart cherry-ginger-lime cider with 5.5% ABV. The cider is sold in a four-pack for $14. Additionally, they are releasing a new variant of their Blueberry Hex mead called Vanilla Blueberry Hex. This mead has a 14% ABV and is aged in bourbon barrels with added vanilla for a smooth finish. The mead is available in a 375ml bottle for $36. Both the Super Station cans and Vanilla Blueberry Hex are available in Superstition Mead's Prescott Tasting Room and Downtown Phoenix restaurant now, and on their WebStore on May 2nd.


There you have it, some exciting updates and events in the world of mead! From exploring the science of mead to beekeeping sessions, mead festivals, and new releases, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mead enthusiasts and those new to the world of mead can explore the various meaderies and events to expand their knowledge and palate. It's great to see the growth of mead and the efforts to educate and promote sustainable practices such as supporting bee populations. Cheers to the world of mead!