Latest news with #Jamaica
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Aged Rums, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
The Aged Rum Finalists From The 2025 SFWSC Five rums are finalists for the World's Best Aged Rum at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is one of the world's most prestigious spirit judging events, and both consumers and the beverage industry closely follow its results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists. Jamaica's Worthy Park Estate has been distilling rum since 1741 and is renowned for its molasses-based, 100% pot still rums. The Select Rum is a lightly aged expression, typically matured for 4–6 years in ex-bourbon barrels at the estate. It's a classic Jamaican pot still rum. The rum is bold and expressive on the nose, featuring ripe banana, molasses, baking spice, and a hint of funky overripe mango. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing layers of tropical fruit, vanilla, caramel, and charred oak, balanced by peppery spice and earthy undertones. The finish is long, fruity, and slightly dry, with lingering notes of banana bread, clove, and subtle smoke. Worthy Park's 109 Rum is a high-proof expression created as a modern take on overproof rum. It is a blend of pot-still rums aged 4 to 10 years. Its deep mahogany hue suggests significant oak influence. It's designed for bartenders and rum enthusiasts who crave intensity and depth in a rum. The rum is intensely aromatic on the nose, featuring pronounced notes of molasses, cola syrup, baking spice, dried pineapple, and classic, funky Jamaican ester aromas. It's full-bodied and robust on the palate, showcasing dark/burnt caramel, charred wood, grilled banana, and spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. The high proof adds structure and brings out the flavor components, without adding harshness. The finish is long, with lingering notes of nutmeg, black tea, and funky stone fruit. Worthy Park 109 is a high-impact rum that strikes a balance between power and polish, making it ideal for sipping with a splash of water. Fine Cuban cigars and glass of rum on wooden table Despite its clear appearance, Planas is an aged rum from Venezuela's Diplomático Distillery. It's matured for up to 6 years in ex-bourbon, ex-malt whisky, and ex-sherry casks, then charcoal-filtered for clarity. It blends column, batch kettle, and pot still rums, showcasing finesse and complexity. The rum is elegant and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of coconut cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and subtle almond and caramel undertones. It's creamy and smooth on the palate, exhibiting notes of white chocolate, toasted coconut, citrus peel, and a slight undertone of caramelized sugar. The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and subtle floral aromas. Kaniché Fiji is a Fijian molasses-based rum aged first in Fiji, typically in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in cognac casks in France by Maison Ferrand. This double cask maturation imparts both fruity tropical richness and a French oak polish. The rum is fruity and aromatic on the nose, featuring ripe banana, honeycomb, baking spices, and toasted coconut aromas. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with nuanced complexity showcasing notes of vanilla, caramelized pineapple, dark cocoa, wood spices, seasoned oak, and a subtle leather note. The finish is long, with lingering notes of fig, baking spices, and seasoned oak wood. Xaymaca, pronounced zay-muh-kah, the indigenous name for Jamaica, is Planteray's homage to 100% Jamaican pot still rum. It's a blend of distillates from Long Pond and Clarendon, which are either unaged or minimally aged. It is designed to showcase the funky, ester-rich character of classic Jamaican rum. The rum is aromatic and funky, featuring notes of green banana, grilled pineapple, fermented mango, and a touch of olive brine. It's dry and robust on the palate, showcasing notes of unripe banana, citrus pith, clove, burnt sugar, and leather, with a subtle earthy and slightly savory undertone. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of pepper, tropical fruit, allspice, and an ester-rich, funky character. These rums have all been aged five years or less; nonetheless, they showcase powerful, robust flavors and a pronounced cask wood influence. They will add character and depth to rum cocktails and can also be enjoyed straight up. From the classic aromas and flavors of funky Jamaican rums to the lighter, fruitier style of Venezuelan and Fijian rums, there's a rum here for every palate.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Moment 'mother and wannabe influencer daughter' are taken away by police after forcing UK flight to Jamaica to divert to Canada after parent 'shouted and swore at staff demanding to get off in mid-air'
A mother and her wannabe influencer daughter were taken away by police after they shouted and swore at airline staff during a UK flight to Jamaica which was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada. In a chaotic clip posted to TikTok, the duo of blonde women were filmed causing a scene while being led off a flight from Manchester to the Caribbean island on May 28. The camerawoman, named Mandy, told MailOnline that the flight was delayed over two hours from 9:15am to 11:40am, and while they had been waiting to board, the content creator began shouting at her mum. The furious passenger said the pair had been drinking before boarding the aircraft, and in a TikTok posted before the incident, the younger woman known as Angel, showed off a cooler full of wine and prosecco at a bar. Mandy said when they eventually boarded, she sat in her seat in row 13, with the mother and daughter sat around nine rows behind in row 22. The plane departed and everything appeared fine, until the pair allegedly began drinking from the plane's duty free. According to the Mandy, the content creating daughter quickly began swearing and shouting at staff saying she wanted to get off mid flight. 'The staff asked her politely God know how many times to calm down, and they made her sit down in her seat. 'They started to carry on again and the airline made her sit back down again and the captain announced that due to reckless behaviour there will be a delay in Jamaica as she will be arrested,' she said. Mandy said the airline staff managed to calm down the rowdy pair for a moment but they quickly started causing chaos again. 'They then put Angel to the back of the rows, strapped her in the seat,' the infuriated woman said, before an announcement was made over the PA system that the flight would be making an emergency landing in Canada. Once they hand landed, police officers boarded the plane and arrested the mother first after she allegedly kicked the cops. 'They cuffed her and then the famous TikTok woman, Angel, I believe, got arrested,' she said. Following the commotion, Mandy said they eventually arrived in Jamaica at 7:30pm, over six hours later than the original landing time of 12.40pm. In her footage of the incident, dozens of passengers can be seen clapping and cheering as uniformed cops make their way down the aisle to the rear end of the plane where the women were sitting. 'She's not messing about now is she?' says the woman filming the incident unfolded. As the drama continues at the back of the aircraft, nearby passengers can be heard talking about how 'the children must be petrified' amid the unrest. Two officers are seen surrounding the TikToker who is raised from her seat before the camera pans to the mother being led down the aisle by officers. 'That's the mother,' Mandy says. 'Go on, go in cuffs,' she adds. The mother being removed by the cop begins shouting down the plane to her daughter. She is seen turning around dramatically as the officer attempts to move her down the aisle to the front of the plane but she does not give in. The mother begins shouting in the face of the policeman who takes no notice and continues guiding her while her hands are restrained behind her back. When she is out of sight, the camera pans back to the rear end of the plane where the daughter remains cornered in her seat by two other officers. Even out of the aircraft's aisle, the mother can be heard screaming 'let me go' while passengers on board start booing the loud flyer. A stewardess blocks the aisle passage, assisting the officer to keep her contained as baffled onlookers try to peer into the secluded area to catch a glimpse of the rowdy passenger. When she stops yelling, several flyers begin to clap again and the women are guided off the plane by the officers. Angel can be seen smiling and telling the other passengers 'bye' as she is led off the aircraft in handcuffs. 'Aww no flying for two years,' says Mandy. 'Journey home, enjoy Canada,' she adds. As the pair are fully removed, the plane begin to cheer and clap once again and the chaotic clip comes to an end. Several viewers left comments beneath the post describing their shock and horror at the incident. One said: 'Omg what a shown up for them, I'd be mortified if this was my family, why cant people just sit and enjoy their flight instead of causing drama and delaying planes and people'. Another added their own experience: 'On a recent flight to Egypt a man was kicking off at the cabin crew for not selling him more alcohol, he was warned multiple times but he carried on, police were waiting for him when we landed'.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch Jamaica vs Nigeria: TV channel and live stream for Unity Cup final today
Jamaica and Nigeria clash in the Unity Cup final at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium this afternoon. The two nations are the original founders of this international football tournament, so it's quite fitting they meet in the final as the Super Eagles look to defend the crown they last won over two decades ago. Advertisement Eric Challe's side overcame rivals Ghana on Wednesday night in a game of two halves. Cyriel Dessers and an own goal from Razak Simpson had Nigeria in dreamland going into the break, but the performance level dropped significantly in the second half. After conceding to Brandon Thomas-Asante's close range strike, if not for a brilliant injury time save from Stanley Nwabali then the tie would have been settled via a penalty shootout. Jamaica - now managed by Steve McClaren - did let a 2-0 lead slip against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday but came out on top in a five-goal thriller thanks to an injury time penalty from Richard King. It's all set up for a classic final in west London and here is everything you need to know about how to watch the showdown... How to watch Jamaica vs Nigeria TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be broadcast on TV. Advertisement Live stream: However, Premier Sports subscribers will be able to watch a live stream via the Premier Sports website or the Premier Sports Player app. Coverage starts at 4.55pm BST ahead of a 5pm kick-off. Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
Unity Cup final offers identity and bragging rights to London's diaspora
Where are you from? This simple question can be a minefield for anyone with a hyphenated identity. Depending on who is asking, I could be British, Nigerian or Jamaican. In Britain I'm black. In Nigeria I'm an innit innit boy. In Jamaica I'm foreign. I'm from here but I'm not from here. Each layer of my cultural backdrop explains so much and complicates even more. The Unity Cup validates the experiences of many people like me who are a part of London's diaspora communities. The friendly football tournament brings together Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago across five days to compete for nothing more than the love of game, the celebration of culture and the chance to earn unassailable bragging rights. It's a sequel to the 2004 Unity Cup that hosted Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Ireland at the Valley in Charlton. Nigeria won the round-robin competition 21 years ago and they will face Jamaica in the final of this year's single-elimination tournament at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium after Jamaica beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday and Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 on Wednesday at the same venue. Former Wimbledon, Watford and Brentford striker Marcus Gayle was at the 2004 edition of the Unity Cup as a commentator after ending his international career with Jamaica two years after the Reggae Boyz reached the 1998 World Cup. For Gayle, now an ambassador for Brentford, the competition is as much about bringing people together as it is about the results on the pitch. 'The last time this happened was 21 years ago, so there are many fans that were not even born [then] who can witness this event and I think that's a healthy thing' he says. 'They can see what their nations can produce [while staying] in their local area.' Gayle was born in Hammersmith to a Barbadian mother and Jamaican father. Despite representing England at youth level, he ultimately decided to play for Jamaica at senior level. It was a decision that was not taken lightly. 'I had to go through some politics at the time,' Gayle remarks. The 54-year-old's response alludes to debates about English-born players with heritage elsewhere playing for England or for their country of origin. 'It's about what's prestigious' says Gayle, referring to England's chances at a major tournament compared to Jamaica's, and the calibre of players in the respective national setups. 'There also should be a sense of pride in who you are, your identity and what makes you.' Once Gayle joined Jamaica's national setup with fellow English-born players such as Fitzroy Simpson, Deon Burton and Paul Hall, he immediately felt at home. 'It was like my DNA connected to the soil,' he says. We felt integrated. There were stories that we all had [in common], but it was just 4,000 miles apart.' He also found himself learning from the homegrown players. Used to the strict nutritional regimen of the Premier League, Gayle ate small portions of pre-match staples such as porridge and a banana while his teammates piled their plates before games. He would ask them: 'How are you going to eat that and then still run around?' Little did he know that the hot conditions would force him to match his teammates with plates full of hard food. 'I was underfueling myself because of how I was brought up in football,' Gayle says. 'I was burning calories galore so I had to adapt. I had to entwine with the culture, which is beautiful.' For Gayle, the Unity Cup is an opportunity for others to connect with their culture in a similar way. 'I hope it will encourage the younger generations to look at representing their countries with pride and dignity,' he says. This sense of pride and dignity has trickled down to the fans who enjoyed a jovial atmosphere at the semi-finals. Jamaica versus Trinidad & Tobago felt more like a carnival than a football game and, if social media is anything to go by, the 'Jollof derby' was just as joyous. Jamaica versus Nigeria is a fitting final as both countries given how much both nations have shaped Britain and its culture, albeit the match represents something of a personal dilemma. Regardless of the score on Saturday, the Unity Cup is fostering a sense of pride among the respective countries and their communities at home and abroad.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Tragedy as mum, 53, killed in horror motorbike crash on holiday
A British mum has died in a horror motorbike crash while on a couple's holiday in Jamaica. Lisa Ball, 53, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was on-board a rented scooter when a pick-up truck smashed into the bike and sent her flying over 18 metres across the road. Lisa was on a dream holiday to the Caribbean with her partner Anthony Hurt as the pair celebrated their anniversary. Anthony is thought to have been driving the scooter with Lisa sat as a passenger when the truck pulled out from a restaurant car park on the island's tourist trail near to Montego Bay. Both were dramatically thrown from the Honda scooter along the North Coast Highway, according to horrified witnesses. The tragic accident took place around 7.40pm on May 19. Lisa tragically suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital. Anthony reportedly escaped with just minor injuries to his feet. A shocked eyewitness who stopped at the scene to help Lisa described the tragedy. 'I am still reeling from the shock of the incident, which made for a sleepless night,' Kacia Campbell-Jones said. She also revealed that the fatal crash took place as the couple were celebrating their anniversary as well as Lisa's birthday. Lisa, who was also known on social media as Jo-Ann Pickles, was reportedly staying at a resort near the coastal town of Lucea. Tributes have poured in for the beloved family woman since her death was confirmed by Jamaican police. Her heartbroken daughter Chloe Watson left a heart-aching message on social media saying: 'Love you mum.' She added: 'She was a much-loved mum and nana of Olivia, Daisy, Lyla, Lillie and Madelyn.' Close friend Fiona Ward said: 'This beautiful lady is one of my closest friends, she came to Jamaica for a holiday with her partner they were having the best time until this tragic accident.' 'This is such devastating news for her family and friends. Everyone who loved Jo is grieving.' Lisa was also labelled as a 'gentle soul, kind and caring' by Claire Ettenfield, a salon owner in her hometown of Keighley. The driver of the pick-up truck involved in the crash has been taken into custody by Jamaican police for questioning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told The Sun: 'We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities.' Lisa's death is the latest fatal tourist road accident in Jamaica in recent months. In February, a Canadian holiday-maker lost her life on the same highway just hours after she arrived at the island's airport. The British Foreign Office has guidance online for tourists warning them to be aware of the dangers of road accidents in the Caribbean. It states: 'Many roads are badly maintained with poor signage. In some locations a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.' 'Road accidents and fatalities are common. Roads in rural areas are often narrow and winding and poorly lit at night. 'Weather conditions can exacerbate poor driving conditions. 'Driving standards vary. Lane discipline is poor. Speeding and drink-driving is common. Many drivers do not have car insurance.'
