With a touch to the tropics, Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company has released a Vincy Brew ginger beer, Smoked Pineapple with Star Anise and Thyme. It is made with pimento wood-smoked pineapple juice and finished with the popular Caribbean spices star anise and thyme. It was unveiled at the Tales of the Cocktail “Meet The Distillers” event in New Orleans in July.
Pimento wood, originating from the Allspice tree (which is native to the Caribbean), is traditionally used in grilling jerk foods, giving the beverage a distinctly Caribbean flavor. Smoked Pineapple with Star Anise and Thymeis the third in Uncle Waithley’s line of mixologist-crafted, Caribbean-flavored beverages honoring founder Karl Franz Williams’ grandfather, St. Vincent ginger farmer Uncle Waithley.
A non-alcoholic small batch ginger beer, Uncle Waithley’s is a drink on its own, or a mixer to add great flavor to cocktails. Rum is especially good with it.
“We’re committed to celebrating Caribbean culture and tradition with bold flavors,” said Williams, who is also the founder of Harlem speakeasy 67 Orange Street. “We brew all our beverages with fresh, flavorful, all-natural ingredients. Never extracts. You can taste the authenticity.”
Earlier in 2024, Uncle Waithley’s released Caribbean Sorrel. The ruby red beverage derives its flavor from steeped Hibiscus. The flavor is tart with bright berry (similar to cranberry) and citrus notes, rounded out the flavors of allspice, West Indian bay leaf, ceylon, nutmeg, clove, dried orange peel and cardamom.
Website: Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company