Joseph V. Micallef

Henderson

International Editor at Irish Whiskey Magazine

Contributor at Forbes

Joseph V. Micallef is a keynote speaker on world politics, best-selling author, and a commentator on military and international affairs for CNN and Fox News.

Articles

The Top International Gin, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

1 week ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

Six international gin brands were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Gin Judging. Ramsbury Single Estate Gin from England was the top-ranked international gin. As with the US gin judging, the Gold Medal winners were dominated by craft brands. Below are the official tasting notes on BevTest’s Top International Gins. Ramsbury Single Estate Gin, 40% ABV, 750 ml.
The World’s Best Gin, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

1 week ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

An American gin brand was judged the World’s Best Gin at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Gin Judging. Thirteen other American gins took Gold Medals. The Gold Medal winners were dominated by craft brands, each with its unique story and flavor profile, including Costco’s proprietary gin brand, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin. Below are the official tasting notes on BevTest’s Top American Gins. Conniption Navy Strength Gin, 57% ABV, 750 ml.
The World’s Best Gin, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Joseph V. Micallef

This Forgotten Gin Classic Is “Silky as Hell”Every day at Whoopsie’s in Atlanta, the bartender on duty makes a selection from the annals of cocktail history to serve as the drink of the day. …
Is The Tequila Boom Over? Not Exactly, But It’s Complicated

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

A recent spate of newspaper articles has concluded that the Tequila industry is sitting on a massive surplus of Tequila. Has the Tequila boom gone bust? Are we facing a Tequila lake? In an exclusive interview, I recently spoke to the Consejo Regulador de Tequila (CRT), the industry’s regulatory authority, to get their take on the state of the Tequila industry. As is invariably the case, the facts are somewhat more nuanced, and the reality a little more complicated than the media accounts.
Six Top Rated Irish Whiskeys, According To The Whiskey Exchange

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Joseph V. Micallef

Method in Trump’s madness? What economic theory teaches us about tariffsTrump’s tariffs have sent the world into a frenzy but there could be method yet. Economic theory shows that tariffs can in some cases reduce prices, …
Six Top Rated Irish Whiskeys, According To The Whiskey Exchange

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing whiskey category in the world over the past decade. Ireland has over 45 whiskey distilleries, up from just 3 in 1990. Recently, I spoke with Dawn Davies, head buyer at The Whiskey Exchange, the world’s largest online whisky vendor, about her top Irish whiskey recommendations. Here are brief descriptions and tasting notes on her six top choices. Boann Distillery Marsala Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml.
Six New Gins You Must Try, According To The Whisky Exchange

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

Gin has undergone a renaissance over the last several decades, with an unprecedented increase in aroma and taste profiles. At last count, there were over 6,000 gins available worldwide. Recently, I spoke with Dawn Davies, head buyer at The Whiskey Exchange, the world’s largest online spirits vendor, about her best new gin selections. Here are brief descriptions and tasting notes on her top six recommendations. Bordeaux Distilling Co. Botrytis Old Tom Gin, 42% ABV, 700 ml.
Meet the women shaking up Australia’s rum industry

2 weeks ago | forbes.com.au | Mark Whittaker |Kristin Stoller |Joseph V. Micallef

Published on April 8, 2025 Chanel Melani and her partner Sally Carter had allowed themselves to dream of moving up the coast and starting a distillery. It was 2015 and gin was the hot new craft beverage. Their distillery would have to be rum, though – that being “their” spirit. Carter was a country girl and had spent years in the army.
The Best Blanco Tequila According To Some Of America’s Top Bartenders

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Joseph V. Micallef

Blanco Tequilas, the largest Tequila category, have been thoroughly explored by America's top bartenders. With the assistance of Bartender Magazine, our survey of these experts’ Blanco Tequila picks has produced surprising results and a remarkable consensus on the best available Blanco Tequila. According to Raymond Tremblay, Director of Beverage at Coje Management, Lalo Tequila was the current best Blanco Tequila in the US.
Wild Turkey Releases Its Legendary 8 YO Bourbon In The US

3 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Joseph V. Micallef

2 hours ago"You should be wearing makeup for the customers." Recently, we wrote about people's worst experiences with entitled and rude customers, and now we're back for more. Here are 28 truly terrible customers who should be banned from these establishments for life. 1. "I'm a vet tech and we were treating a …