Global Partners CEO urges Healey to reconsider Mass Pike contracts
Global Partners is still fighting for the contract to redo the Mass Pike's service plazas. Its CEO says the state is leaving "almost a billion dollars on the table" by picking an Irish firm over the Waltham company.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
4 hours ago
- National Geographic
Everything you need to know about Scottish whisky
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). These days, every nation is discovering whisky distillation, but the global superstars are without doubt the Scottish. With a production history dating back to the 15th century, the country has spent hundreds of years perfecting distillation and wood-ageing. Along with heritage, it's the variety that sets the Scots and their scotch apart from other whiskies worldwide. The spirit is produced in every corner of the country, and there are complex contrasts between, say, an eye-opening Islay whisky, something sweet from Speyside or the lighter lowland styles. Meanwhile, blended whisky takes the array of single malts and combines them with innovative results. The flavour spectrum runs from warm wood and smoke to cereals, biscuits, honey, fresh and spiced fruit and floral notes, so there's a prospect for every palate here. Strict legislation has also helped the industry deliver consistent quality, and while traditional techniques are at the artisan heart of scotch, there have been more recent sparks of innovation. Wood finishes have become more interesting, for example, where the whisky is rested for a final spell in different kinds of oak, with port, Maderia or Burgundy barrels being employed. Such experiments have elevated the spirit's profile again and can make it accessible for a broader spectrum of drinkers. Dram Bar in London pours up an almond and pineapple cocktail using the Craigellachie whisky with its cereal and meaty notes. What is single malt Scottish whisky? This simply means the whisky must be produced in a single distillery, and in the case of scotch, distilled from malted and then fermented barley. The difference between single malt and blended scotch is that the latter is combination of single malts from many distilleries. Rather than simply malted barley, it can also include a different grain distillate. In all cases, to be considered scotch it must be distilled and matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years and bottled there at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). How does it compare to other varieties around the world? The Japanese initially worshiped and indeed mimicked scotch, and while you'll find fresh, innovative voices there now, there are many similarities in flavours. But since the Scots came first, they have a few centuries on the Japanese whisky-makers, having learned from mistakes, and spent decades testing wood styles, learning about the nuances of ageing, advancing the science of distillation and judging the impact of still shape on distillation. The Irish triple distil and produce smoother styles — they invented whiskey and spell it with the 'e'. They were once the market leader but initially stuck with their pot stills and turned their back on the column still, a technology ushered in in the 19th century that distilled spirit quicker and cheaper. The Irish were concerned the lighter style of spirit it produced would put drinkers off, but the Scots embraced this technology (also known as the continuous still) for their blended whisky and it helped brands like Johnnie Walker become global powerhouses. However, the Irish industry has been flourishing recently, so keep an eye on whiskeys from the Emerald Isle. The Americans play with grains, and in the case of straight bourbon use corn as the dominant ingredient and age the spirit in new American oak. It's a much sweeter whisky, but there's variety here, too, including single malts and — something spicier — American straight rye. There's also an interesting movement in 'world whisky', with the Austalians, Germans, Scandinavians and even English enjoying plaudits from the purists. Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. Photograph by Glenmorangie Distillery What are some traditional names to look out for? Speyside is the heartland of Scotch, with a higher density of distilleries than anywhere else, and a water source that imparts a sweeter profile. Approachable crowd-pleasers like The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich or sherry-forward The Macallan will be familiar to most — but branch out to Glenfarclas to see a whisky maker take a sherry profile in a different direction or the complex Craigellachie for its cereal and meaty notes. In the Highlands, Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. The company has also been celebrated for innovation in wood finished spirits. For the more experienced palate, head to Islay where firing the malt in kilns fuelled with local peat bestows bold, smoky notes. Lagavulin is the ideal introduction with a slightly richer and sweeter smoke versus Laphroaig for the bigger iodine notes. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker remains the reliable stalwart of traditional blending, with master blender Emma Walker — a former pharmaceutical chemist who has no relation to the family-founded brand — is celebrated in the whisky world. What are the new-wave whiskies of note? There has been a raft of new Scottish distilleries opening in the past 20 years, and many are now producing stunning spirits. Torbhaig on the Isle of Skye was the first new distillery on the island for 190 years and the light, peaty and maritime whiskies from here are absolute belters. NcNean has pushed boundaries of sustainability with its Organic Single Malt, a lighter and spicier spirit that's been rested in red wine casks. And Highland newcomer Ardnamurchan is a true gem. Based on the Western edge of Scotland, it's been seriously impressing whisky fans since releasing its first bottle in 2020. And the one to watch? That would be Dalmunach, in Speyside. The distillery only opened in 2014, and is already turning out incredible whisky, including 2024's six-year-old releases. In the world of blended whisky, Compass Box deserves credit for shaking things up by being incredibly transparent about the types and ages of whisky it uses. And in terms of new kids on the block, try bottlings from both Turntable and Woven — both producers are proving truly innovative with their small-batch, blending approach. By focusing on limited editions rather than one style, they've explored a wide range of flavour profiles and are attracting a younger audience to the category. A variety of whiskies are offered at Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Does age matter? Yes. It determines the minimum amount of time a whisky spends in a barrel. And wood maturation is critical to aroma and flavour, so any decent single malt is likely to have spent more time in the barrel than the requisite three years. The longer whisky spends in the barrel, the more colour the whisky takes on and the more influence the wood has on aroma and flavour. But older isn't necessarily better. Too much time in wood can adulterate the house style of a new-make whisky distillate, so it's about balance. For example, the Dalmunach 6 Year Old is an example of something young that can impress. In more recent years, dwindling stocks of single malt have led to the emergence of No Age Statement whiskies, allowing a producer to blend different ages and styles but still deliver a tasty single malt. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker Blue includes 60-year-old whiskies in the blend, so it doesn't always follow that a number on the bottle is the entire story. What is the most authentic way to drink it? Whisky snobs are a dying breed, yet some will still tell you not to add anything to your whisky. But drink it any way you see fit — it's your whisky. However, neat and at room temperature is an essential starting point to understand the flavour. Adding a little water is accepted by the traditionalists and opens some more of the aroma and flavour — and it's also essential with a cask strength whisky at 57% abv. It's true that the chill from added ice will restrict and suppress some of the flavours, but if you like ice in a spirit, then add ice. And know that whisky makes fantastic cocktails, one of the best serves you can try is a highball: simply whisky over ice in a tall glass, topped with soda water. The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands is hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Where are the best places to try it? A distillery visit is essential to really getting to know the spirit — and falling for its charms. And many producers provide engaging experiences. Talisker in Skye offers some of the best tours and tastings, although its worth noting the tourist numbers are putting a strain on the island. Easily accessible, the Bow Bar in Edinburgh is an essential whisky pub experience, while the city's glitzier Johnnie Walker Princess Street experience is the Malt Disney of whisky tours. And you don't necessarily need to head north; most major cities now have a great whisky bar. Take The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands — a fantastic gem, hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Elsewhere, Dram, in London is an innovative spot that proves whisky cocktails deserve respect. The Thinking Drinkers are Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, award-winning alcohol experts who have recently embarked on The Great British Pub Ride, cycling 1,000 miles on a tandem, stopping only in pubs. Visit YouTube to see the journey. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Global Partners objects to Applegreen's Massachusetts project win
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Last week, Applegreen received approval to rebuild and operate 18 travel plazas along major Massachusetts roads, including the state's main Turnpike, as part of the 35-year lease agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The MDT approved Applegreen's pitch to take over the plazas over the course of two meetings on June 11 and 18. In the first of those, Scott Bosworth, chief of transit with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, said that the MDT chose Applegreen's proposal over those from several other notable convenience retailers, including Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, 7-Eleven, RaceTrac and Energy North Group, which operates the Haffner's c-store banner on the East Coast. That list also included Waltham, Massachusetts-based Global Partners, which has publicly expressed its frustration with the MDT's decision in the days since it came down. Global Partners emphasized that its proposal was more cost-effective than Applegreen's and is pushing the MDT to keep the state's infrastructure local instead of working with a foreign company. Global Partners said in a June 13 announcement opposing the MDT's decision that its pitch for the travel plazas included over $1.5 billion in guaranteed rent and $650 million in capital improvements. While Applegreen's accepted pitch included $750 million in capital improvements, it is expected to bring in between $623 million and $994 million over the lifetime of the deal, according to the MDT's June 18 meeting. 'In a decision that defies logic and long-term fiscal responsibility, MassDOT recently awarded the 35-year MA Pike rest-stop lease to a bidder offering nearly $900 million LESS in rent than Global Partners' local offer,' Global Partners said in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday that has since been deleted. 'That's $900 million that could have helped offset budget gaps, fix roads and bridges, and spare taxpayers from looming toll hikes and excise increases.' Bosworth said in the June 18 meeting that Applegreen's pitch included three types of plaza designs: coastal, metro and western, all of which will be deployed depending on which part of the state each store is in. While each location will be slightly different, they'll all focus on creating more dwell time for consumers. Meanwhile, Global Partners' pitch included strategic partnerships with local food companies and regional QSRs, as well as an increased focus on 'guest experience, sustainability, and equity,' according to its June 14 announcement. It did not mention anything regarding store designs. 'Our proposal wasn't just financially stronger; it was built on our 90-year history of local investment, partnerships with homegrown businesses, and a vision for infrastructure that reflects the Commonwealth's identity,' Mark Romaine, chief operating officer for Global Partners, said in the June 14 announcement. 'This isn't just about who operates a travel plaza — it's about who we are as a state.' Global Partners is urging residents to contact Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and state legislators 'to demand transparency, accountability, and a deal that puts Massachusetts first' in an attempt to reverse the MDT's decision. 'This fight for Massachusetts is not over,' the company said in a June 18 statement. 'As MassDOT enters the next phase of the bid process, we hope they will truly consider what they're giving up for the Commonwealth and weigh the risks before signing a lease.' Recommended Reading Applegreen to spend $750M remodeling 18 Massachusetts travel plazas
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Deutrom to step down as Cricket Ireland CEO
Cricket Ireland has confirmed Warren Deutrom will step down as chief executive at the end of August after 19 years in the role. During the Englishman's time at the helm, Ireland were granted Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. Advertisement More recently, planning was lodged for a new 4,000-seater cricket stadium in Dublin to be built in time for Ireland co-hosting the 2030 T20 World Cup. With 30 years experience in cricket administration, Deutrom has previously worked for the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). "It's hard to explain my feelings since making this decision – the role of Cricket Ireland CEO has covered more than a third of my life and two-thirds of my professional career," said Deutrom. "It has felt more like a vocation and a true labour of love than a mere job." Deutrom added that Ireland being awarded Test status is "the most significant achievement I'll look back on with pride". Advertisement He added: "While the absolute highlights of the role are too numerous to mention, the most powerful memories I'll take with me are of our Irish cricket family – the good people, the kind people, the mentors, the taskmasters, the wonderful colleagues, and the countless friends I am privileged to have made along the way." Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice praised Deutrom's "skill, dedication, enthusiasm and selflessness". "He ends his tenure with not only a list of achievements, but several substantial projects in development – such as the stadium and co-hosting of the T20 World Cup - that suggest a bright future for Irish cricket. "On behalf of the Board and staff of Cricket Ireland, I thank Warren for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the role of CEO – and I wish Warren and his family all the best in the future." Cricket Ireland said it will begin a "comprehensive and thorough" recruitment process to select Deutrom's successor.
