Blink-182 is back in Washington, DC with a visit at Capital One Arena May 23, 2023
Multi-platinum, award winning group blink-182 have announced their biggest tour ever, a colossal global outing with Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker reuniting for the first time in nearly 10 years.
Produced by Live Nation, the worldwide trek includes their first ever performances in Latin America along with stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand starting March 2023 through February 2024.
Blink-182 is back for their biggest tour ever
The band will also drop their new single “EDGING” Friday, October 14, marking the first time in a decade that Mark, Tom and Travis have been in the studio together.
Blink-182 at Capital One Arena May 23, 2023
Blink-182 tour features multiple festival appearances
he tour announcement also features multiple festival appearances in Latin America and the US, including Lollapalooza alongside co-headliners Billie Eilish & Drake and the 2023 edition of When We Were Young with Green Day among others.
A Rum So Good It Could Unify Congress? Big Papi’s Ozama Rum Hits D.C. With Dominican Pride and Premium Flavor
What do a Hall-of-Fame baseball legend, the Ozama River in the Dominican Republic, and your next favorite rum have in common? According to David “Big Papi” Ortiz, the answer is Ozama Rum—a brand-new ultra-premium Dominican spirit that’s already making waves from Dupont Circle to Georgetown’s waterfront bars.
Ortiz, the beloved former Red Sox slugger, has officially entered the world of high-end spirits. And no, this isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. This is a passion project with deep cultural roots, a social mission, and a flavor profile that’s already catching the attention of D.C.’s discerning drinkers and mixologists alike.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz said. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
Made in the Dominican Republic. Designed for D.C. Tastemakers.
Named after the Ozama River—where Ortiz spent his childhood swimming, fishing, and crabbing—Ozama Rum is a 100% Dominican-made product, bearing the official Ron Dominicano designation. From sugarcane fields to barrel aging and bottling, every drop is crafted on the island, offering a terroir-driven taste experience rooted in authenticity.
For a city like Washington, where policy powerhouses and cultural tastemakers collide, Ozama hits a sweet spot. It’s a spirit with heritage, depth, and—let’s be honest—genuine cool factor.
Ozama debuts in three expressions:
Ozama Blanco: Aged and platinum-clear, with bright citrus notes and a snap of white pepper. It’s the perfect base for elevated daiquiris at The Royal in Shaw or a late summer mojito at Rose’s Luxury.
Ozama Añejo: Copper-hued and complex, this expression builds on caramel, chocolate, and spice—ideal for sipping neat in a Logan Circle speakeasy or pairing with dessert in Old Town Alexandria.
Ozama Gran Añejo: The flagship sipper. Silky with notes of dates, raisins, vanilla, and fine wood. A slow, luxurious pour meant for top shelves in Georgetown or a fireside moment in Annapolis.
With suggested prices ranging from $25 to $40 per 700ml bottle, Ozama Rum offers rare quality at an accessible entry point. It’s luxury with heart—and it’s coming for D.C.’s cocktail culture.
A Rum with a Mission (and Momentum)
What sets Ozama apart—besides its flavor—is its purpose. Ortiz and his team, including Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, baked philanthropy into the business model from day one.
“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” Wolfe said.
Two percent of all profits from Ozama will be donated to cleanup efforts along the Ozama River and to support local communities in the Dominican Republic. In a city where social responsibility carries weight (just ask anyone on Capitol Hill), Ozama’s mission-driven model resonates deeply.
Rum’s Rising—and Washington’s Ready
The global rum market, valued at $11.77 billion in 2022, is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2030, according to Global View Research. As American consumers shift from mass-market brands toward artisanal, culturally grounded spirits, Ozama Rum is arriving at precisely the right time.
Washington’s cocktail culture—long dominated by bourbon, rye, and gin—is increasingly open to rum, especially when it’s this well-made and story-rich. Early tastings at venues in Penn Quarter and Adams Morgan suggest bartenders are eager to experiment with Ozama in classics like the El Presidente, the Jungle Bird, and yes—even a refined rum-based Old Fashioned.
Where to Find Ozama Rum in D.C.
Ozama Rum is now available online at drinkozama.com and is rolling out in select Northeast markets, including the Washington metro area. Expect to see it appear soon on curated back bars and menus in cocktail-forward destinations like Columbia Room, Serenata, and Maketto. Retail expansion into D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia is expected by early summer.
Final Sip: From the DR to the DMV
Ozama Rum isn’t just another bottle. It’s an invitation—to taste, to connect, and to celebrate a Caribbean culture often underrepresented in the premium spirits space. In a city built on narrative, nuance, and legacy, Big Papi’s new venture is finding a natural home.
“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” Ortiz said. “But you can get close to it.”
And in Washington D.C., where compromise is rare and taste is everything—that’s a pretty strong pitch.
WWE Superstars Are Coming to D.C. Liquor Stores with Seagram Escapes Spiked — Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About It
From Capitol Hill to Capitol One Arena, wrestling fandom in D.C. runs deep—and now, it’s got a bold new drink to match. WWE has officially stepped into the ready-to-drink ring for the first time ever, and they’re doing it with Seagram’s Escapes Spiked, the flavored malt beverage brand known for pulling no punches when it comes to flavor.
This multi-year partnership marks a historic moment for WWE—its first-ever licensed alcoholic beverage—and it’s already turning heads across the District. Whether you’re a die-hard Attitude Era fan, a loyal member of the WWE Universe, or just someone who loves a cold can with big flavor, this collab is tailor-made for D.C.’s mix of culture, energy, and edge.
The new Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is already hitting shelves all over the DMV—from Columbia Heights liquor stores to Northeast corner shops and suburban carry-outs in Prince George’s County. And with summer heating up, this release couldn’t have better timing.
D.C. Wrestling Fans Get the First Pour
Washington, D.C. isn’t just about politics. It’s about passion—and anyone who’s been inside Capital One Arena on a WWE Monday Night Raw knows the city brings the noise. So it makes perfect sense for WWE and Seagram’s Spiked to roll out this fan-first collaboration in a city that knows how to bring the heat, whether it’s a rowdy crowd at Survivor Series or a packed watch party in U Street.
“Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships for TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “And D.C. fans bring intensity like no other—we’re excited to launch where the passion runs strong.”
Three Flavors That Hit Like a Superkick
The new Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series isn’t coming in quiet—it’s coming in like Roman Reigns on a title run. The lineup includes three flavor-heavy hitters, each built to satisfy the D.C. palate with serious fruit-forward force:
Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the iconic Jamaican Me Happy, this knockout mix of strawberry, lemon, watermelon, and guava is the perfect sip whether you’re chilling at a rooftop bar in Navy Yard or hosting a viewing party in Shaw.
Pineapple Powerhouse™ – Pineapple, cherry, and lime blend into a bold burst of sweet-and-sour flavor. This one belongs on ice at your next H Street block party or afterwork meetup on K Street.
Slammin’ Blueberry™ – Blueberry and lemon team up for a crisp, refreshing flavor profile that’s as smooth as a well-executed suplex—and perfect for cracking open during a Nationals tailgate or a Capitol Hill cookout.
Each can clocks in at 8% ABV, and they’re now available throughout D.C. and surrounding areas. No mixers. No nonsense. Just bold drinks with serious WWE energy.
Superstars Coming to the DMV
As part of the partnership, Seagram’s Spiked becomes an Official Partner of WWE, meaning you’ll start seeing the brand integrated across WWE Premium Live Events like Money in the Bank® (June 7), SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®. But that’s not all—WWE Superstars will also be making special appearances at local D.C.-area retailers throughout the year.
That’s right—your local beer distributor or convenience store might just become the site of a surprise meet-and-greet with one of your favorite Superstars. Expect exclusive photo ops, giveaways, and maybe even a few promos cut in the snack aisle.
“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global audience—and D.C.’s incredibly passionate and loyal fanbase,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “This city knows how to show out, and we can’t wait to bring WWE energy directly to the fans.”
Belt-Worthy Sips for the District
From the Howard Theatre to the Wharf, D.C. is a city that lives big—and this drink is designed to match that pace. Whether you’re pregaming before a show, winding down on your porch in Petworth, or watching a Pay-Per-View with friends in Adams Morgan, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is the drink that’s made for wrestling fans who also know their way around a great party.
Because in D.C., we don’t just watch the main event—we are the main event.
Raise a can. Pop a crowd. And drink like a champion.
DC’s Own Taraji P. Henson Sets Sail with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
She grew up in the Nation’s Capital, earned her stripes at Howard University, and has since become a Hollywood powerhouse. Now, Taraji P. Henson is bringing a taste of her signature charm—and a glass of her delicious Seven Daughters Moscato—to the high seas with Princess Cruises.
That’s right, D.C.—one of our own is leveling up your next vacation. Princess Cruises has officially added Henson’s Seven Daughters Moscato to its exclusive Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, and it’s already giving first-class flavor with DMV soul.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson, who serves as Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator for the brand. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
With a lightly sweet profile, tropical fruit notes, and a touch of honeysuckle, Seven Daughters isn’t just a wine—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of drink you sip after a long week on the Hill, during a rooftop evening in Shaw, or while catching a sunset from a cruise deck after boarding in nearby Baltimore.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
For Henson, who’s always repped D.C. with pride, this partnership is more than a business move—it’s personal. A Howard Bison turned award-winning actor, Taraji’s journey from Southeast to stardom has always been powered by authenticity, hard work, and a whole lot of heart. And now, she’s bringing that same energy to your wine glass.
Seven Daughters Moscato joins a star-powered lineup in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, which features names like Jason Momoa (Meili Vodka), Matthew and Camila McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa wines), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé). But Taraji’s addition hits differently—especially here in the DMV.
Whether you’re relaxing in Rock Creek Park, brunching in Navy Yard, or headed down I-95 for a cruise getaway, this wine is made for real ones who know good taste and good vibes go hand in hand. And with cruises sailing from just up the road in Baltimore, getting on board with Taraji’s Moscato is as easy as booking a weekend away.
This is wine with character. Wine with elegance. Wine with roots. Just like Taraji. Just like D.C.
So go ahead, DMV—raise your glass. One of our own is bringing the flavor to the seas, and she’s making sure every sip feels like home.
Learn more about Princess Cruises and the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection at www.princess.com.
Bourbon Podcast announces 2023 Whiskey of the Year
“Big, bold, packed with flavor” – Bourbon Podcast announces 2023 Whiskey of the Year
After sampling over 100 whiskeys in 2023, Bourbon Podcast announced its 2023 Whiskey of the Year: Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon®.
The highly anticipated 2023 release of Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon® was limited to 9,600 bottles coming in at 140.9 proof.
Cowboy Bourbon® is bottled at cask strength, uncut and unfiltered, providing a unique flavor that is distinctly Garrison Brothers and unapologetically Texas.
“The 2023 release of Cowboy Bourbon® really stood out to us,”
Joe Nassif
co-host of Bourbon Podcast
“It is a big, bold, hazmat bourbon that is packed with flavor. It tastes like a dessert in a glass, with notes of brown sugar, chocolate, raisins, and cinnamon.”
Each barrel of Cowboy Bourbon® was hand-selected by Master Distiller Donnis Todd and stashed away in Garrison Brothers’ barrel barns for at least six years.
The process and high heat in Texas allows the bourbon to soak in even more flavor and texture, resulting in an incredible product. “Cowboy 2013, the first Cowboy ever released, put Garrison Brothers and Texas on the bourbon map,” said Donnis Todd, Master Distiller, Garrison Brothers Distillery. “It’s an honor a decade after the first release having the 2023 Cowboy named as the 2023 Whiskey of the Year,” Todd said.
Founded in 2005, Garrison Brothers Distillery is located in Hye, Texas. In 2006, the distillery was granted the first stiller’s permit for bourbon outside of Kentucky and Tennessee, which makes it the oldest legal bourbon distillery in Texas.
In addition to 2023 Whiskey of the Year, Bourbon Podcast announced the following 2023 Honorable Mention Whiskeys:
2XO Gem of Kentucky, 108 Proof, MSRP $199 Old Forester The President’s Choice, Barrel #30, 117 Proof, MSRP $189 Russell Reserve 13, Batch 4, 114.8 Proof, MSRP $150 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 10 year (Spring 2023), 100 Proof, MSRP $140 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Rye, 114.4 Proof, MSRP $270 Elijah Craig Barrel Strength (C923), 133 Proof, MSRP $70 Elijah Craig Barrel Strength (B523), 124.2 Proof, MSRP $70 Garrison Brothers Balmorhea, 115 Proof, MSRP $180 Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel #23G2651, 94.4 Proof, $185 MSRP George T. Stagg, 135 Proof, MSRP: $125
Bourbon Podcast is the premier podcast for whiskey enthusiasts, consistently ranking in the Top 10 of Apple Podcasts in the United States in the hobbies category. Bourbon Podcast has thousands of weekly subscribers made up of whiskey enthusiasts and industry insiders. With over 60,000 followers on social media, Bourbon Podcast has distinguished itself as one of the top sources for news and reviews of whiskey in the United States.
Mary J. Blige: Good Morning Gorgeous Tour DC at Capital One Arena on September 17
One of Time magazine’s icons listed in “The 100 Most Influential People of 2022” and the recipient of the 2022 “Billboard ICON Award,” the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, announces her
Good Morning Gorgeous tour
presented by Hologic in partnership with The Black Promoters Collective (BPC).
GRAMMY Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Blige will perform in 23 cities with special guests, platinum-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Ella Mai and platinum-selling rising star Queen Naija beginning on Saturday, September 17, in Greensboro, NC, and ending on Saturday, October 29 in Atlantic City, NJ.
The tour also stops in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta.
“Mary J. Blige has been one of a select handful of artists
at the top of our desired list to partner with
since the initial construction of The BPC.
Having her support in our mission so early in the process is a testament to the hard work
we have put in to bring superior cultural experiences
powered by black business
to the masses.
We firmly believe this is a match made in heaven and are honored to partner with the Queen,”
states The BPC Co-Founder and President
Shelby Joyner.
the tour follows Mary J. Blige’searly 2022 album release ofGood Morning Gorgeous. The album was released leading into her energetic Super Bowl Halftime performance.
The title track rose to #1 at R&B radio for 9 weeks andthe song became a viral backdrop for many expressing self-love, with over 40,000 users creating videos using the song on TikTok.
A deluxe version was dropped just ahead of her wildly successful “Strength of a Woman” festival that took place last month in Atlanta.
Locations, venues & dates for the Good Morning Gorgeous tour presented by Hologic can be found below:
NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker shares his dinner party secrets, favorite french summer escapes and the future of the Rose’ Revolution.
In his incredible basketball career, Tony Parker earned four NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs, was selected for six All-Star teams and named MVP of the 2007 Finals.
But these days, his passion for food and wine is keeping him even more inspired.
Starting as a boy growing up in France, the memorable dinner parties he hosted during his NBA days, his summer escapes to French Vineyards during the off-season.
It’s no surprise that now he diving into the French wine world, buying Château La Mascaronne in Provence with legendary business partner Michel Reybier.
A magnificent adventure for the next vintage of his life’s journey.
Château La Mascaronne Rose’ COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
Today I sat down with Tony Parker (over audio-only speakerphone) for a conversation about dinner parties, french vacation, getting busy in vineyards, and the future of Rose’ wine.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The full conversation can be found on our YouTube channel.
Also, the podcast version is here:
You’ve been diving into the world of winemaking with Michel Reybier and his team. Can you talk a little bit about the adventure, any surprises or lessons?
It’s been amazing. I always wanted to invest in a project like that. The first time I tried wine was when I was 17 years old. I wanted to keep learning about it and get my knowledge better around the wine world. And so when I was 19, I finally made enough money to afford all those great wines.
I was lucky enough to play for a coach who loved wine, had a huge collection, was reading wine magazines every trip. And so that’s how we bonded. As I got better, in my knowledge of wine, I started to invite all the best [people] in San Antonio to come to do a nice dinner at my house with Coach Popovich, and then the next day I would invite them to a Spurs game.
Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
Then during the summer I started making trips to the vineyard. I started to know them better. Because in the wine world, obviously, you have great families. They’re super passionate. And that’s how I started; working on my allocation and the good bottles, the Reserves.
Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL
When I retired I wanted to be more involved. But it’s very hard to invest in the wine business because it’s either in the family for generations and generations. Those big companies buy everything. And so I was very lucky, through mutual friends I met Mr. Reybier and after talking for six or eight months, we decided to become partners. Now I’m a proud Owner / Ambassador / Everything.
You mentioned the wine dinners you had in San Antonio. Just for us massive foodies, can you help us fantasize for a moment?
What kind of food was served? What kind of wines were poured? Can you take us back to those nights?
I had a private chef. My private chef would work with the vineyard. We tell them who’s coming, how many people, which bottles and what year they will send us.
Then they will work with my staff to make sure we make a menu accordingly, to make sure that everything is matched with what we are drinking.
So when the [dinner party] came to my house, we tried [the vintages] 1969, 1982, 2000 and 2009. It was unbelievable. Great bottles, great vintages.
And for me, I’m very lucky too because I’m born in 1982 and it’s one of the best years for wine, especially in Bordeaux. So every time I visit a castle in Bordeaux, the employees are always super happy because it’s a good opportunity for them, as the owner, to open an ‘82 [vintage].
Most of the time, they’ll come and say thank you to me, saying it’s [their] first time trying an ‘82 [vintage]. Because nowadays, they don’t open those 82’s a lot.
You’ve hinted at your sports background, obviously you have become a master. Is there any lesson that you mastered in sports that you’ve brought into the wine world with you?
The passion and the work ethic. Obviously in the wine world I will never try to be and talk like a Sommelier, they studied for that. Even if I have good knowledge and I’ve been working with vineyards. And I’m learning all the time, especially since I’ve been owning vineyards. I did Harvest. I did the assemblage. Which is when you try all the possible [options], and you decide what the wine is going to be.
Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL
I’ve been working with great directors. Our director is unbelievable. The director at La Mascaronne, she’s great too. And so for me, it’s been great knowledge, and a great learning process to learn even more about wine.
What inspired you to choose the partner with Chateau La Mascaronne?
When I met him, I knew he was huge in the wine business and obviously it brings a lot of credibility when you work with somebody like Michel Reybier because he’s been at this for so long and he’s the owner of one of the best wines in the world with Château Cos d’Estournel.
That’s how I knew him and that was big time. When he talked about La Mascaronne, he bought it from Tom Bove.
Back in 2006, when I started going on vacation every summer, I started drinking Rose’ with my brothers and my friends. We love rose’ in the summer.
That’s when Miraval took off. Brad Pitt bought it with Angelina [Jolie]. He bought Miraval from Tom Bove.
Tony Parker at Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
So [I thought] if Tom Bove hit that property perfectly with Miraval, for sure [it can happen] with La Mascaronne, it’s just a matter of time before we can do something amazing.
What’s next for you as far as the wine world goes?
Our premium rosé just came out from La Mascaronne. Only 3,000 bottles.
We’re working on more premium one’s now. I think that’s where things are going with rose’s. All these big companies and all the knowledge that they get from the red wines is coming into the Rosé world, where the Rosé is going to get better and better.
For more information on Tony Parker and La Mascaronne:
