Latest news with #PappyVanWinkle
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Crypto-bro ‘kidnappers' ordered thousands of dollars of fancy food a day — and sometimes couldn't even be bothered to bring it inside
Accused kidnappers William Duplessie and John Woeltz lived a party-bro lifestyle at the Soho townhouse where they allegedly tortured an Italian tourist — sometimes ordering so much fancy food they didn't even bother to bring it inside. 'Will and John would order about $1,500, $2,000 in food every day, literally from the best restaurants. They would get delivery food from Nobu, Cipriani, Blue Ribbon, you name it,' one visitor to the house told The Post Wednesday. 'There was one time I came in and it was the funniest thing — they had $600 of Blue Ribbon [delivery] sitting outside that nobody even got.' Duplessie, 33, and his 37-year-old pal Woeltz — who reportedly calls himself the 'Crypto King of Kentucky' and has boasted of holding $100 million in digital currency — have been arrested on charges including the kidnapping and assault of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. Advertisement 13 John Woeltz — seen here after being arrested at his rented Soho townhouse — reportedly would 'order about $1,500, $2,000 in food every day, literally from the best restaurants.' Obtained by NY Post 13 Woeltz was arrested in Manhattan Saturday on charges including kidnapping and assault. He is being held without bail. David Burns The Italian national claims he was held against his will for 17 days, from May 6 to 23, and allegedly tortured for the password to his $30 million Bitcoin wallet. Advertisement 13 William Duplessie, who was apparently staying at the townhouse with Woeltz, was also arrested on similar charges. Steven Hirsch The visitor to Woeltz's rented townhouse described a lavish scene at the property, where police reportedly found Polaroid photos of Carturan with a gun to his head, as well as firearms and ammunition, night vision goggles, a ballistic vest and traces of blood. 'They had every type of liquor, thousand dollar bottles of wine, $20K of liquor including Pappy Van Winkle,' said the visitor. 'They were always smoking weed at the house' — to the point that they 'set off the smoke detector.' The scene lined up with one crypto insider's description of Duplessie, who is from Miami but also said to have ties to Switzerland. Advertisement 13 Duplessie (left, with Woeltz) has a reputation as 'quite the partier,' a source said. TMZ / BACKGRID 13 Video obtained by TMZ shows Duplessie dancing shirtless in a club with a woman on his shoulders — revealing tattoos of leopards, the seal of Kentucky and the coiled 'Don't Tread on Me' rattlesnake of the Gadsden Flag. TMZ / BACKGRID He turned himself in Tuesday after reportedly partying hard in the Hamptons over Memorial Day weekend, according to sources. 'I saw him at parties. He was quite the partier,' said the insider, who recalled 'douchey' Duplessie's days in Miami, including at the Fontainebleu Hotel. 'He struck me as a little 'Wolf of Wall Street,' I think would be the right way to phrase it. Like if you gave a frat guy $100 million. Advertisement 'He drank a lot. He was hitting on girls a lot, sometimes obnoxiously and in a rude sense.' 13 One visitor to the house said Woeltz'had every type of liquor, thousand dollar bottles of wine, $20K of liquor including Pappy Van Winkle.' Paul Martinka 13 'They were always smoking weed at the house' — to the point that they 'set off the smoke detector,' the visitor said of Woeltz and Duplessie. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post According to TMZ, the pair 'partied like every day was their last.' And a source previously told The Post that the Soho townhouse, which Woeltz was allegedly renting for roughly $30,000- to $40,000-a-month, saw plenty of people coming in and out — including some well-known socialites. A video obtained by TMZ shows Duplessie dancing shirtless in a club with a woman on his shoulders — revealing tattoos of leopards, the seal of Kentucky and the coiled 'Don't Tread on Me' rattlesnake of the Gadsden Flag, which is today associated with rebellion and distrust of government. Duplessie and Woeltz are also pictured partying at The Box, an exclusive erotic nightclub in Manhattan, where they would reportedly drop up to $100,000 in a single night before inviting girls back to the Prince Street townhouse. 13 Alleged victim Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan fled the townhouse without shoes. WNBC 13 Carturan was allegedly held against his will for 17 days. WNBC Advertisement Another alleged guest was Charlie Zakkour — a club kid turned crypto trader who is one of the stars of a new Bravo reality show. A video from Woeltz's arrest Friday shows a blond man looking concerned as cops led Carturan away from the Soho townhouse. Page Six reported the man is Zakkour, whose show, 'Next Gen NYC,' premieres June 3. The series, according to Bravo's website, 'follows a tangled web of friends raised in the spotlight — or at least close enough for good lighting — as they stumble into adulthood one brunch, breakup and spontaneous decision at a time.' 13 Charlie Zakkour, a co-star of the new Bravo reality series 'Next Gen NYC,' was seen outside the house at the time of Woeltz's arrest and is reportedly a friend of the accused. Bronson Farr/Bravo via Getty Images Advertisement 13 Zakkour, seen here with Evans Rhett at a 2025 Met Gala after party, is said to be a Manhattan club kid turned crypto trader. Getty Images for Raising Cane's The cast includes Gia Giudice, whose mom, Teresa Giudice, is a longtime fixture on 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'; Ariana Biermann, daughter of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kim Zolciak-Biermann; Ava Dash, the daughter of Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash and fashion designer Rachel Roy; and Riley Burruss, whose mom, Kandi Burruss, formerly of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' While Zakkour isn't a reality show nepo baby, he does come from enormous privilege. Mom Elizabeth Williams is an art collector in Palm Beach and dad Anwar Zakkour, who has an address in Manhattan, is a private investor who has held high-profile roles at JP Morgan, CitiBank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he was the Global ead of Technology, Media and Telecommunications Investment Banking. 13 The Soho townhouse where the crime allegedly took place is said to rent for $30,000-$40,000 a month. TMZ / BACKGRID Advertisement 13 Photos of the home show a trash-strewn kitchen. TMZ / BACKGRID Page Six previously reported that Zakkour, who is not implicated in the alleged crimes, would sometimes 'crash' at Woeltz's luxurious Prince Street pad. On Wednesday, a source said that Zakkour is known as the 'Chuck Bass' of 'Next Gen NYC' — a reference to Ed Westwick's bad-boy character from 'Gossip Girl.' 'We don't see him at his job on the show. He's just a kid making it in Manhattan like the other kids,' the source said, adding that filming 'has been done for a long time' and 'I don't think anyone [on the show] has spoken to him' since it wrapped. Advertisement Another source told The Post that Zakkour knew the accused through the crypto world. The crypto insider said that Duplessie 'was known, at least, to be a successful person in the space' — but admitted that 'a lot of crypto people are a little obnoxious, and I think [Duplessie] had that reputation.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission director hired to clean up bourbon-hoarding scandal to retire
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission oversees the state's liquor stores. (Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission/Flickr) The state administrator Gov. Tina Kotek picked to stabilize the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission in the wake of a bourbon-hoarding scandal announced his retirement Thursday. Craig Prins will leave the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission effective July 1, he said during the commission's Thursday meeting. Kotek urged commissioners to hire Prins, formerly the state prison system's internal watchdog, in February 2023 to correct the commission's course after she requested the resignation of its former director, one of six high-level employees implicated in diverting rare bottles of bourbon for personal use. Prins described his decision to retire as difficult but right in a statement to commissioners. 'We have reached major milestones in modernizing the OLCC's operations and rebuilding the public's confidence in our mission,' he said. 'Having had the honor to work with this organization's dedicated public servants, I have complete faith in their ability to build on this progress.' Commissioners appointed current deputy director Tara Wasiak to replace Prins beginning July 1. Before joining OLCC, Wasiak was the interim director of the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Kotek press secretary Roxy Mayer said the governor wished Prins the best and knows Wasiak will follow his example of leading the commission with integrity and accountability. 'Executive Director Craig Prins jumped into the leadership role at OLCC at a time of tumult for the commission,' Mayer said in an email. 'He delivered exactly what Oregon needed: stability, consistency and a dedication to excellent customer service.' Before Prins took over, the commission was reeling from revelations that six top-level employees, including then-director Steve Marks, had used their positions to obtain rare, expensive bottles of bourbon for their own use. Oregon is one of 17 'control states,' where state agencies regulate where and how liquor can be sold. Wine and beer are available in grocery stores, but hard liquor is kept in state warehouses and distributed to local liquor stores. The state also sets liquor prices. And opportunities to buy rare bottles of liquor, such as Pappy Van Winkle, are supposed to be distributed in quarterly lotteries. Instead, investigators found that OLCC employees abused their positions by ordering rare bottles be sent to specific stores where they or their representatives could purchase them. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission settled cases with two former OLCC employees in April, fining them each $500. The ethics commission last week rejected a proposed $500 settlement with Marks, saying he should face a higher penalty as the former director. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rare Pappy Van Winkle up for grabs to support Habitat for Humanity Lexington
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Habitat for Humanity is still offering a bourbon raffle with multiple bottles of Pappy Van Winkle up for grabs. Rare Pappy Van Winkle up for grabs to support Habitat for Humanity Lexington Owensboro father arrested after police find fentanyl pills near 1-year-old Man arrested for DUI while child in vehicle in Christian County The Lexington branch said there is less than a month left to enter to win six bottles of the Pappy, all while supporting its mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. The grand prize winner will net a variety of bottles, including: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year A runner-up prize is also available, featuring other prizes for bourbon collectors and experiences, including: Weller Full Proof Stagg KY Straight Bourbon Blanton's Original Single Barrel (we have 2 bottles, so there will be 2 winners) TKC Single Barrel Straight Bourbon, signed by Wes Henderson Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch 121.2 Proof True Story Finished Bourbon and True Story Rye, signed by founder Wes Henderson Knob Creek 12 Year and McAfee's Benchmark No 8 Wildcask Bourbon, signed bottle, and private tour of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky Justin's House of Bourbon Rare Bourbon Tasting To enter the raffle, visit the Pappy with a Purpose 2025 website and purchase a $100 ticket. Drug overdoses see major decline: How Kentucky measures up UFO sightings in Kentucky: A look back on past 30 years List: 5 Big Lots stores in Kentucky reopening this week A notice on the website warns that the IRS has taken the position that amounts paid for chances in raffles, lotteries, or similar drawings for valuable prizes are not gifts and do not qualify as deductible charitable contributions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ethics commission considers higher fine for former OLCC leader involved in bourbon scandal
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Government watchdogs are debating the appropriate penalty for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission's previous leader's role in a rare alcohol scandal. With a 7-1 vote on Friday, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission rejected the $500 penalty proposed for former OLCC Executive Director Steve Marks. Portland Trail Blazers franchise being sold, Paul Allen estate announces In 2023, an that Marks and five other agency leaders diverted bottles of exclusive bourbon — like the highly-sought after Pappy Van Winkle 23. While records show the leaders paid for the liquor, OGEC Executive Director Susan Myer noted that the act violates Oregon laws prohibiting public officials from using confidential information for personal gain and requiring them to report potential conflicts of interest. According to the , Marks purchased one bottle for its listed price of $329.99. Myer noted that the proposed $500 fine stems from the ethics commission's penalty matrix, which suggests a fine between 1% and 20% of the maximum penalty for such a violation. OGEC's executive director noted that she also considered the similar fines imposed for other agency officials. But other members argued that the penalty should be increased for higher-ranking leaders. Adam Sandler gives shoutout to Portland park celebration he inspired 'I think another issue is if you're a top official, you should probably pay a top penalty…' Commissioner Daniel Mason said. 'When you refer to the public interest, if it's known that the head of an agency is getting a financial benefit that potential is greater than the value, then I think it hurts the ethics commission by going with a stipulated agreement that is less.' The agency's records show Pappy Van Winkle bottles cost up to $6,500 on online marketplaces from other states, although Marks paid OLCC's listed price which was just a fraction of that. His attorney, Bob Steringer, asked commissioners to consider the same fine that was enforced for other public officials. He also noted that diversion of rare liquor began before Marks' tenure, and claimed the executive director was the first to change that practice when he realized it could spur ethics concerns. Kotek signs bill for anonymous Oregon lottery winners, bans discounting 'Our mission is primarily to educate, not to punish,' Commissioner Richard Burke later added. 'There needs to be a penalty in a case like this. I think the $500 penalty is reasonable. I also think that part of the penalty is the fact that Mr. Marks — you know he's had his name in the press regarding this and it's a political embarrassment. I think he's been duly educated..' OGEC will continue to negotiate the fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
10 Underrated Bourbon Brands You Should Be Drinking
Scotch whiskey glass and old wooden barrel. With copy space Bourbon has never been more popular, and with that popularity comes a lot of hype. Bottles sell out in minutes, secondary market prices skyrocket, and suddenly, it feels like you need a treasure map (or a really good liquor store connection) just to get your hands on the so-called 'best' bourbons. But here's the thing—some of the best bottles aren't the ones people are camping out for. They're the ones quietly waiting on the shelf, overlooked by the masses but beloved by those in the know. While brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, and Blanton's get all the attention, there's a whole world of underrated bourbons that offer incredible flavor without the impossible hunt or inflated price tag. These are the bottles you can actually find, actually afford, and—most importantly—actually enjoy without feeling guilty for opening them. From high-proof powerhouses to smooth, easy sippers, this list highlights ten bourbons that deserve more love. Some are longtime staples that have been overshadowed by new trends, while others are up-and-coming distilleries proving they can compete with the big names. But they all have one thing in common: they're absolutely worth drinking. So, if you're looking to expand your bourbon horizons and add a few new favorites to your rotation, here are ten underrated bourbons that should be on your radar. Old Grand Dad 114 If you think Old Grand-Dad is just a bottom-shelf relic, think again. The 114-proof version is a hidden gem that delivers serious flavor at a wallet-friendly price. Don't let the old-school name fool you—this bourbon punches well above its weight class. Why It's Underrated: The name might not scream sophistication, but this high-proof bourbon is a fantastic bang for your buck. It's got history, character, and enough kick to make you double-check the label. Tasting Notes: Rich caramel and vanilla up front, followed by baking spices, toasted oak, and a warming cinnamon finish. Strong but surprisingly smooth. Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond Despite winning top whiskey honors, Henry McKenna 10-Year still manages to fly under the radar. Aged for a full decade and bottled-in-bond, this bourbon is rich, complex, and proof that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait. Why It's Underrated: It won Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but it still flies under the radar compared to other premium-aged bourbons. Tasting Notes: Deep vanilla, toasted oak, and honey, with a touch of black pepper and dried fruit on the finish. A solid balance of sweet and spice. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Old Forester might not always get the same fanfare as some of its Brown-Forman siblings, but the 1920 Prohibition Style expression is an absolute powerhouse. If you like high-proof, full-bodied bourbons with a bit of history, this one's for you. Why It's Underrated: Old Forester is often overshadowed by its fancier cousins in the Brown-Forman family (hello, Woodford Reserve), but this Prohibition-era tribute is a powerhouse. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, caramelized sugar, cocoa, and a hint of leather. A warm, long finish with plenty of oak and spice. Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Wilderness Trail is a small but mighty Kentucky distillery that's making waves with its commitment to traditional bourbon-making. This bottled-in-bond expression showcases their dedication to quality, with rich flavors and a perfectly balanced profile. Why It's Underrated: A small Kentucky distillery making a name for itself with traditional methods and a focus on grain-to-glass transparency. Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, honey, and citrus zest up front, balanced with rich oak and nutmeg. Creamy mouthfeel with a long, dry finish. New Riff Bottled-in-Bond New Riff may be a newcomer in the bourbon world, but they're already proving they can hang with the best. Their bottled-in-bond release is a fantastic example of what careful craftsmanship and patience can produce. Why It's Underrated: New Riff is one of the newer kids on the block, but they're doing things the right way—100% Kentucky-made with no shortcuts. Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, vanilla bean, and a little herbal spice. The rye in the mash bill gives it a peppery kick on the finish. 1792 Full Proof If you're after a high-proof bourbon that delivers bold flavors without the insane secondary market prices, 1792 Full Proof is a winner. It's a well-balanced, rich, and deeply satisfying pour that deserves more attention. Why It's Underrated: This high-proof bourbon delivers a big, bold flavor without the collector's price tag. It's not as flashy as some barrel-proof offerings, but it holds its own. Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, caramelized banana, cinnamon, and oak. The heat is there, but it mellows out nicely. Elijah Craig Small Batch Elijah Craig Barrel Proof gets all the glory, but don't sleep on the Small Batch. It's an excellent everyday bourbon with a depth of flavor that makes it a go-to for both sipping and cocktails. Why It's Underrated: It's often overlooked in favor of its barrel-proof sibling, but this is a solid everyday bourbon with plenty of depth. Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a hint of orange peel. Classic bourbon flavors, well-balanced and easy to sip. Four Roses Single Barrel Four Roses is well-known, but its Single Barrel offering is often overshadowed by more hyped bourbons. With a unique high-rye mash bill and hand-selected barrels, this is a beautifully balanced and flavorful bourbon. Why It's Underrated: Four Roses gets respect, but it's still not as widely adored as some other Kentucky classics. The Single Barrel expression is one of the best values in bourbon. Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, caramel, spice, and a floral undertone. The finish is long with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Barrel Craft Spirits Bourbon Barrell Craft Spirits is known for sourcing and blending exceptional whiskeys, but they don't always get the love they deserve. Their bourbon releases are bold, complex, and a fantastic option for those who love cask-strength pours. Why It's Underrated: It's a non-distilling producer (NDP), which means they source their whiskey—but they do it exceptionally well, blending barrels from multiple states for unique flavor profiles. Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, dark chocolate, dried cherries, and a touch of espresso. Bold, complex, and worth every penny. Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Tennessee bourbon often gets overlooked, but Chattanooga Whiskey is changing the game. Their 111-proof expression is a bold, flavorful sip that proves great whiskey exists outside of Kentucky. Why It's Underrated: Tennessee bourbon gets overshadowed by Kentucky, but Chattanooga Whiskey is proof that great whiskey doesn't stop at the state line. Tasting Notes: Molasses, toasted coconut, dark fruit, and warm baking spices. A rich, full-bodied pour with a long, satisfying finish. Bourbon lovers tend to chase the bottles that everyone's talking about, but there's plenty of great whiskey outside the spotlight. Next time you're looking to try something new, skip the long lines and secondary market prices—one of these bourbons might just become your new favorite. Have your own favorite underrated bourbon? Tell us why you like it in the comments!
