Grain & Barrel Spirits Partners With Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – January 26, 2021 – ( Newswire.com )

Grain & Barrel Spiritstoday announces a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey, another Charleston-based craft spirit company. Virgil Kaine joins Grain & Barrel’s award-winning lineup – such as Dixie Vodka and Chicken Cock Whiskey – as well as the soon-to-be-released High Goal Gin.

Virgil Kaine was founded by Charleston-based chef David Szlam in 2011. He and his business partner chef Ryan Meany are driven by flavor, and their debut release was Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon, a Bourbon blended with ginger grown on a nearby sustainable farm, Spade & Clover Gardens (Johns Island, SC). The Bourbon’s nose of sorghum, orange, and oats is followed by a ginger palate balanced with dried apricot and sherry, finishing full with vanilla and light tannins. Virgin Kaine Ginger has become a bartender favorite along the east coast.

Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila says, “Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development. Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”

Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey founder and President David Szlam adds, “With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution, we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”

About Grain & Barrel Spirits

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. One of the company’s core brands is Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast and the Official Vodka of NASCAR; one of the fastest-growing craft brands in the United States, Dixie won prestigious 2019 and 2020“Rising Star” Growth Brands Award s from Beverage Dynamics magazine. Other brands in the Grain & Barrel portfolio include Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; and, coming to market in Q1 2021, High Goal, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston. Grain & Barrel has twice been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America and is a proud member of 1% For The Planet.

About Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

Founded in Charleston South Carolina, Virgil Kaine started with a simple idea: to use its founders’ culinary know-how to make great-tasting whiskey. Chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany source the best ingredients and apply the creativity yet scientific rigor of a professional kitchen to the art of whiskey making. Their aim is to create the most delicious whiskeys, no matter what the industry may expect. Receiving national recognition and numerous awards — including Gold Medals in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey is for the whiskey lover looking for something distinctive and above all – tasty.

Hi-res images, interviews, and media samples available upon request.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Contact: 
Christine Deussen 
Deussen Global Communications, Inc. 
cdeussen@deussenglobal.com
m. 917-545-1459

Related Links 

Matti Anttila | LinkedIn
Virgil Kaine Website

Charleston, S.C. Selected as Pilot Market for American Dream 2021: Showcase of Smart Homes

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House X provides “smart mortgage”, free air purification and free renewable energy for home buyers

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 26, 2021/PRNewswire/ — House X today announced Charleston, South Carolina as one of the 21 Pilot Cities to launch the American Dream 2021, expanding home ownership; featuring over 40,000 new, healthier, energy-efficient homes across the country valued at over $18 Billion with up to $364 million in stimulus by providing home buyers free renewable energy and a discounted mortgage.

The virtual home buying event is limited to selected markets in the United States–admission is free to consumers. Free stimulus incentives apply to all contracts executed from January 27-April 15, 2021 for registered home buyers.

The Charleston Pilot includes: 

  • Over 1,100 new homes in over 115 communities with 329 homes ready for quick move-in
  • Renewable electricity at zero cost to registered home buyers  
  • 1% discounted mortgage for the first 12 months, followed by either 14 or 29 years of fixed-rate record low mortgage rate on FDA conforming loans 
  • Local Impact:
    • Potential reduction in carbon emissions–equivalent of removing 2,420 gas-powered cars off the road per year 
    • Potential free stimulus for renewable energy= $7.7 milliongoing back into the local economy 

Experts Available for Interview:

  • House X: William Farrell, President 
  • Delos: Paul Scialla, CEO and Founder  
  • RESNET: Ryan Meres, Program Director
  • The MReport: Rachel Williams 

WHY: The purpose of the event is to expand home ownership by educating consumers on the advantages of smart, healthier, sustainable homes that are more efficient, lower carbon footprint and less expensive to own, operate, protect and maintain – lowering total cost of ownership. The home is more important than ever since the onset of the pandemic and the trend was a highlight at CES with smart home technology with a focus on hygiene, cleanliness, energy-efficiency and sustainability.

HOW:

  • The Smart Mortgage™: House X has partnered with a leading mortgage lender to create a special below-market mortgage; a one percent discounted mortgage for the first 12 months of a 15- or 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgage. 
  • The Healthier Home: In collaboration with Delos, every home buyer will receive a multi-room advanced air purification system for their new home upon move-in, helping reduce particles that carry airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens.
  • The Location Report™:  Nothing will impact the financial picture of a home as much as its location. With custom insights available nowhere else, the House X Location Report reveals 300+ insights about any address in America. It is free to registered home shoppers.
  • The RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. Similar to a MPG sticker for cars, except for new homes.

WHEN: American Dream 2021 Pilot Program will include free stimulus incentives on fully executed purchase contracts betweenJanuary 27 – April 15, 2021.

WHERE: American Dream 2021 is limited to home purchases in selected pilot cities available on houseX.com. 

PILOT MARKETS:

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles/Riverside Area 

Orange County 

Sacramento

San Diego Area

San Francisco

FLORIDA

Jacksonville

Orlando

Naples

Sarasota

Tampa 

Miami

GEORGIA

Atlanta

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte

Raleigh/Durham

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia

TENNESSEE 

Nashville 

TEXAS

Austin

Dallas/Fort Worth

Houston

San Antonio

About House X:

House X World is a consumer-focused Smart Home Marketplace that empowers home enthusiasts with data and resources to make more informed decisions while making their home purchase and investing on the consumer’s behalf to make a home a smart home at zero cost to them.  HOUSE X companies are consumer advocates and licensed realty organizations that exclusively represent home shoppers and buyers – not home sellers.  The company serves as the primary manager of American Dream Pilot Project. The executives of House X have over 40 years of experience in representing builders, developers, Federal, State and local governments.

Attention Pug Owners: Mount Pleasant has a Pug Meetup Group

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Official Website to Learn More and Join

What they are about

Okay, so you’re owned by a pug – that goes without saying! I am too, as are many others. Why do we love these big-eyed, wrinkle-faced Pugsters so much? There are so many reasons & that’s reason enough to join the Charleston Area Pug Group! Our steadily-growing group of friendly Pugaholics & their Pugs meet for outings once a month to provide our furbabies and ourselves with some time for socialization and out-and-out fun! We encourage members to get involved, suggestions for outings and events are always welcome!

There are currently almost 500 members

The next event is Valentine’s Day!

Go for A Walk In The Parks to Raise Money for Charleston Parks

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Charleston Parks Conservancy hosts virtual marathon throughout February

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy is hosting A Walk In The Parks during the month of February. Complete 26.2 miles worth of exercise in 28 days while learning more about Charleston’s most beautiful parks.

For more than 13 years, the Conservancy has been working to create stunning public spaces and to connect people to their parks. 

From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, sign into your event registration account to record your walk, run or bike ride. Each time you record an activity, you will see your progress along the virtual route. Hit a milestone along the way to receive an email with additional information on a certain Charleston park. 

There is no limit to the number of activities you can record during February, and no limit to the miles that can be recorded. In fact, the participant who logs the most miles during the event will receive a special prize. 

Register at www.awalkintheparks.org for $35 per person. Participants are encouraged to create a customized peer-to-peer fundraising page and invite friends and family to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s work beautifying and maintaining parks in the City of Charleston. 

Participants can exercise anywhere they choose (gym, neighborhood, beach). Or, try some of these park routes: 

  • Cannon Park: 1 lap around the park = 0.2 miles
  • Colonial Lake: 1 lap around the park = 0.5 miles 
  • Hampton Park: 1 lap around the park = 1.5 miles 
  • Riley Waterfront Park: 1 lap around the park = 1 mile
  • West Ashley Greenway: 8 miles from end to end
  • West Ashley Bikeway: 2.5 miles from end to end

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Charleston Local Business and Activity Spotlight – Coastal Climbing Gym

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WE ARE A CLIMBING COMMUNITY

At Coastal Climbing Gym we believe that with hard work and dedication you can achieve any goal, but there’s no point of doing it without having fun.  Located in Charleston, SC, Coastal Climbing is dedicated to sharing, educating and encouraging people through the unique sport of indoor rock climbing.  Join us and be a part of a growing community.

Official Website

Hours

MTWT:   Noon to 9p

Friday: Noon to 8p

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 6p

What will you find

Indoor Rock Climbing

Weights

Yoga

Adjustable Training Platforms

Cafe / WiFi

Lounge

https://www.coastalclimbing.com/prices

The Ruins of Charleston – Original Poem

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By Mark A Leon

Fire in the sky as the sun sets over a skyline blessed by God 

A homeless man confesses being lost on a bible made of cardboard

Tears in his eyes 

A child lost behind the beard of intoxicated defeat  

In a city of color, we are divided in black and white 

Raise your glass from the rooftop

A toast to a town in the ruins of wealth 

A history of soul searching 

A future building to the clouds of an urban ladder to heaven 

Coastal cowboys and cowgirls in this new Southern frontier 

The new South rolling in the green grass of money from the bankers laughing at the shadows of the past 

Leaders lining their satin pants with the tickle of power celebrating on yachts and balconies high above the minions of despair.

Statues fall

Corruption watered down by craft beer 

How about an oyster for the erotic spirit of this vacation hideaway 

Let our butler take your bags 

Let your worries fade into the sparkling bubbles 

Steamy nights await

Welcome to Charleston 

Southern values on a Southern cross where all are welcome 

Always a smile y’all 

Always hospitable 

Kick back and let us wipe away those fears 

Step right up to the plush escape of jewel of the coast 


Garden of Dreams – Original Poem

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Each flower a symbol of life; a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery
As the sun rises on a new day, the shadow awakes to a new shade of color above
The sweet nectar of its protector spreading its wings in a tapestry of color and spectacle

Today, a chorus of roses, lilies, tulips, and daffodils with sing chants accompanied by harps and music from the clouds above. It is a theater of nature’s most talented creations.

Giving life to the ground once cold and frigid
Now, the flowers extend their hand in harmony and wrap themselves around each other in a warm embrace as love is defined for another season

As the cold winter packed its bags and departed, not to look back, the young offspring peaked above the shelter of the soil and slowly began to reach for the heavens and bless us with the smell of fragrant beauty

Now the journey has reached its pinnacle
Spring is here and the ambassadors have manned their posts
Observers to love; supporting players in the creation of memories

With each new kiss, a flower smiles
It is pure; it is magical; it is the virtual of the balance of life

Basking in the vehemence of the sun, this garden is a foundation of the truth in existence
It reinforces the meaning of life and gives explanation when doubt has clouded the mind

With each smell, a new flow of energy enters the body and rejuvenates

Alone a flower is fragile
Together, in a garden, it has the strength to overcome mountains

Now as I sit on this bench, an invited guest to the magical transformation of Earth’s wonders
I close my eyes and let my senses take over as the sun warms my soul and the flowers caress me with nature’s perfume

14 Projects Receive South Carolina Commerce Department Funding

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The S.C. Department of Commerce has awarded $670,000 in grants to support technological innovation in economic development throughout the state.

Fourteen projects, which will be implemented this year, received grants as part of the department’s Relentless Challenge program. Since 2013, the department’s Office of Innovation has awarded more than $7 million in local innovation projects to 41 organizations, according to a news release.

“The knowledge economy represents a vital part of South Carolina’s present and future,” S.C. Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said in the release. “To ensure our industry partners have access to cutting-edge technology and a high-tech workforce, the continued growth of innovation in S.C. is critical.”

Click HERE for a full list of recipients.

Source Link

Charleston-based Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina invites you to view “Calls to Greatness” (3 part video series)

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Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina is dedicated to creating educational, meaningful, and inspiring art. Though the pandemic has delayed live performance art, it has also welcomed the creative team an opportunity to bring you three new wonderful video pieces:

  • Calls to Greatness U.S. History
  • Calls to Greatness Literature
  • Calls to Greatness Excerpts from the Holy Scriptures

Enjoy the presentation

U.S. History
Literature
The Holy Scriptures

Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina Official Website

Daniel Island, SC’s JacksonBuilt Custom Homes Launches New Brand for 2021

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DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. — One of the Charleston area’s most recognized custom homebuilders has rebranded with a new logo and website. JacksonBuilt Custom Homes – known for uncompromising commitment to quality and service – spent the last several months working to elevate its overall look to more accurately reflect its unique style. 

“After a decade of building homes in the Lowcountry, it was time to give our logo and website a refresh,” said Richard Jackson, owner and president. “It’s important our brand be reflective of our high-quality work and dedication to detail. It’s exciting to share our new look as we move into our second decade of bringing clients’ visions to life.” 

View the new website at jacksonbuilthomes.com.

The company’s distinct focus on client satisfaction coupled with attention to detail, inspired designs, exceptional quality and flawless execution has made JacksonBuilt one of the area’s most respected homebuilders. 

Since its founding in 2008, JacksonBuilt has created more than 50 homes in the Lowcountry. Richard Jackson, owner and president, approaches each project with a fresh perspective and dedication to create a home that represents the unique needs and personality of each client. His team is equally dedicated to a high level of craftsmanship. 

Over the years, JacksonBuilt has received multiple PRISM Awards from the Charleston Home Builders Association, including the coveted Customer Service Award based on online reviews from customers posted on sites like Houzz, Google and GuildQuality.  

JacksonBuilt is also part of a select group of builders in Kiawah River, a waterfront village 20 miles from Charleston. Waterfront and village home sites are situated on 2,000 acres just across the river from Kiawah Island. 

About JacksonBuilt Custom Homes
JacksonBuilt Custom Homes is an award-winning home builder with a portfolio of more than 50 homes throughout the Lowcountry. With more than 25 years of homebuilding experience, each JacksonBuilt home is crafted with an inspired design vision, distinctive style, and uncompromised quality. Exceptional customer service, dedication to detail, and flawless execution is the JacksonBuilt standard. Learn more at jacksonbuilthomes.com.